- Beats
- Vocals
- Concepts
Let’s play a little word association game. We’re going to say the name of a genre of music and you just say the first city that pops into your head. If we were to say “Hip-Hop”, you will most likely say “New York”. If we were to say “Country”, you will most likely say “Nashville”. And if we were to say “Neo-Soul” you will most likely say “Göteborg”. Okay, we’re guessing that your mind just did a hiccup at that last sentence, so brace yourself because here comes another sentence you probably weren’t expecting to read: This incredible Neo-Soul singer is from Sweden. No joke. Go to http://www.myspace.com/stinaisraelsson and hear proof that as our world gets smaller and smaller and that talent can come from the most unexpected places in the most sundry of areas. Although there are only four songs in her MySpace player, this small collection succeeds in proving to us that Stina is an incredible vocal talent that will be held back by nothing.
From the very first song, “Goldmine”, any pressure that you are experiencing at that moment in your life will melt away into the groove. “What you feel don’t always reflect what’s real,” she croons. Well, one thing that you will be feeling is that this song is awesome. That feeling is very much a reflection of what is real. With it’s upbeat lyrics, infectious hook, and solid vocals, “Goldmine” is a treasure.
That feeling of awesomeness will only continue as Stina manages to out-soul The Brand New Heavies on an amazing cover of their song “Sometimes” which showcases the dexterity of her voice and carries a groove that only the dead will stand still for. Stina then slows it down a little bit in the sentimental and relaxing “Saved me” asking some lucky man to “hold me in your arms again”. The collection is then rounded off with a gospel track – the gentle-funk laced “Heavenly Protection”. If there is anything negative to say about these songs, it is the predictability of the instrumentation, however, Stina’s vocals make up for this sevenfold.
There is not one song on that we can say is our favorite because each and every track on her MySpace page is a feast for the ears and a delight to the soul. Again we are reminded of why we keep our site going – so that you, the listener and reader can hear and read about the fantastic music that is being produced in this world. Do yourself a favor and give these four songs a listen, and when you’re done, join us in begging Stina to put up more.
Mick Leach
