We Plug 2 Y.O.U... Joy Ike - Rumors

Hello, ladies and gentleman. How are you all doing? So its my birthday next week and i'm not excited at all, growing older is such a bore. I am however excited about the artist I am about to introduce you. This is why I do this by the way, ensuring that you don't miss out on some truly exceptional artists.

Joy Ike is a sensational soul singer/songwriter based out of Pittsburgh with Nigerian origins. The boss came upon her some weeks back and was really enamored with her and I can't blame him, she sings so beautifully and there is a certain grace about her that you can sense through her music. Her fans have compared her vocally to Corrine Bailey Rae and Norah Jones with an ambiance that is much like that of India Arie and Lizz Wright. Joy Ike released her second album "Rumors" in May 2010 with great reception from all; with The Times, Tribune and Examiner, to name a few, giving her rave reviews.

Despite the stellar comparisons mentioned above, Joy credits much of her musical influence to more modern acts like Sara Groves and Broke Waggoner as well as independent artists like Death Cab for Cutie, Sufjan Stevens and Aqualang. "I really just love soul music and I think soul music has less to do with how a song sounds and more to do with the emotion behind it. I think that’s why these artists mean so much to me.” She says...

She is being honest because with every song, I relate to the emotion the song emits. In her Song "Pain" she talks about a guy who backtracks on his feelings for his lover because he has plans he thinks does not include her. I think every human has this one relationship, your paths just don't seem to be aligned in the same direction.

“Don’t change you plans for me.. I hope you’ll always be someone who sees past the borders in life... Just know that I exist and opportunities missed make for regrets in life”

I'm really impressed with Joy's lyrics. I often wonder how people connect so deeply to their emotion to be able to write songs such as her next song "Rumors". Joy's music has continually been noted for its lyrical depth addressing the human condition, thoughts on Love and the search for God in a tangible way.

"The world has fed us rumors that we cannot be one... And we have gone consumed them. Now we are undone... If two can stay together even in the fire... If two can brave the weather and couple their desire... Then all the world has told us simply stays a lie... And all that God has promised simply comes to life."

My favorite song on this album, that you ought to absolutely have in your collection is called "Nomad". Maybe because I can totally relate, word for word. But I have talked about the songwriting skills, and about this two time Pittsburgh City Paper's best solo artist Joy, but I haven't talked about the music. The beauty about soul music is that from the first strings of the guitar, or the first sounds of the piano, it resonates. As such the artist is only lending his or her voice to the music. Melody like no other and highly orgasmic in its nature.

"I have a thick skin and it's thicker than people seem to think... I have, I have been waiting on the edge for something new... No more, no more. I'll create it, you can join me if you choose."

Certified Good Music, I really encourage you to get this on to your playlist. Its one of the best i have heard this year. She definitely deserves to be a Mainstream artist, so help support her and spreading the word out there to your family and friends by purchasing down below.

Purchase: Joy Ike - Rumors

Till Next Time

Peace, Love and Good Music

Neefemi