Kylee Coney gives Marsha Ambrosius’ mixtape, Yours Sincerely a first listen.
Words by Kylee Coney
Her voice is unforgettable. Once you hear the way she effortlessly runs through octaves with her signature tone, you automatically recognize Marsha Ambrosius. Ambrosius became famously known as the songstress of the popular R&B duo Floetry. Floetry’s debut album Floetic released in 2002, with songs “Say Yes” and “Getting Late.” As a solo artist, Ambrosius has collaborated with artists such as Nas, The Game, Jamie Foxx, Busta Rhymes and Wale. She has recently signed with Sony/BMG distributed label J Records. On February 20, 2010 Marsha Ambrosius dropped her eight-track long mixtape Yours Sincerely that showcased her femininity, sensuality, and her walk with love. Her first solo album is expected to be released June 2010.
1) “Intro”- “How do I get through to you? I don’t know what to say to make you see how much I want you.” Ambrosius starts the mixtape off bold, proclaiming her heated and strong desire for her lover with strong vocals and a slow rhythmic ballad.
2) “Let Me Go”- Two words: control freak-literally. Ambrosius sings of her vulnerability and compassion for this one guy.
3) “Put it on Repeat”- “You’re like a ski-ski-skipping record, stay on repeat, can’t get you out my head.” She reveals how she is uncontrollably in love and wants to replay pieces of their relationship over and over again. The animated up-beat tempo makes you want to sing along, and Ambrosius’ playful tone towards the end of the song is contagious (“…my name is Marsha Ambrosius, I’m supercalifragilisticexpialidocious”).
4) “She Don’t Matter”- This is a song that tells of the irrelevance of the “other girl.” Ambrosius pleads with her lover to let the other woman go, telling him that she could never love him as much as she does.
5) “This Love”- Ambrosius collaborates with Glenn Lewis for a duet that reminisces on a love that is no more. The song resonates sadness from both singers who seem to be in a confusing relationship- caught between the greatness of the past and the broken state of their present. Ambrosius’ soprano voice and Lewis’ mellow high-tenor voice create a captivating combination for listeners.
6) “Storm”- Maybe we all think we’re tougher than what we really are. Ambrosius admits that she talks a good talk but is not strong enough to survive if her lover left her. “No shelter is big enough to protect my broken heart, please don’t leave me in this storm”.
7) “Glass”- This song expresses the hurt that she has been through in all her relationships. She exposes a different perspective of herself, insisting she is more fragile than most may believe. Ambrosius sings “I’m like glass” accompanied with harmonious guitar and piano instrumentals that add to the song’s intensity and sensitivity.
8) “Take Care”- Ambrosius is obviously anxious to see that special someone. She sings of how she wants her lover to hurry up and get home so he can take care of her. Ahhh, selfless love.
