We first met Shannon Holt, up and coming recording artist, at the State of The Black Student Summit last month where she shared her views on higher education, women, the black race and politics as she sang “One Nation Under,” which she co-wrote and produced.
On her album entitled “The Shannon Holt EP,” she invites the listener to get to know her on a more intimate level; a level that only close friends attain, and at the end of the album, you feel as if you are one of her close friends.
Holt shares a tough break-up as a result of irreconcilable differences on track 2, “Manny,” and tells her beloved Manny, I will always love you/ Manny I will always miss you/ Manny I will always feel you/ Manny I have to go on with out you.
Holt also touches on the “taboo” topic of rape in “NO!” where she explains the aftermath feelings of one who has been raped questions her assailant repeating I thought I told you no/ I thought my body told no/ I thought my body told you no/ I thought my screams told you no/ so why did you do me just like so.
Holt satisfies those who are in love and are proud of it. In “Infinite Love” she professes the eternal love that was heaven ordained and how it brings so much joy to her life with an island rhythm.
Holt, in utter desire to keep this love alive prays God bless this love may it come whatever/ Give me that love from a higher level/ If anything’s change let me never settle/ You I wanna love and goes on to tell her beau You are my destiny/ My purpose is to be your infinitely.
The album has tracks that can go in almost every genre- neo-soul, R&B, pop, reggae and hip-hop, something for everybody. It takes you a wonderful journey of love, pain, history and just fun where you don’t have skip tracks to get to your destination.
The most important element of this album and Shannon Holt as an artist is that although she may be classified in the neo-soul genre, when you listen to the words of her songs and the extension of her vocal capabilities, no other neo-soul artist come to mind, she is virtually incomparable.
The album ends with a recorded interview with BET Nightly News anchor Jackie Reid in which Holt explains that until she makes it she will continue to work her 9-to-5 to pay the bills and her student loans.
The album was great to say the least, but it was just too short. With only 7 tracks it was a great journey just a short one that leaves you wanting more and disappointed when you realize “that’s all folks.” Because of that, I give the album B+.
Contact Tenikca Morning at famuanlifestyles@hotmail.com