Testimony: Vol 1, Life & Relationship
(Island)
The title suggests a rather pretentious, cod-spiritual journey through neo-soul. And so it proves, as Irie’s third album turns out to be a voyage through clichéd philosophical waters as she ruminates variously on hope, forgiveness and femininity.
When the music is rich enough to support the proselytising, as it is with the swelling gospel chord pattern of The Heart of the Matter and the mellow sadness of Good Mourning, Testimony is genuinely affecting but too often it falls the wrong side of bland, while the story of the blind Brazilian singer on There’s Hope is pure daytime TV. No wonder Oprah is such a big fan.
MIKE PATTENDEN