The current rage in the industry seems to be the retro-soul movement, with artists like Amy Winehouse, Duffy, and Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, to name a few. I enjoy the music because it offers a refreshing alternative to the stuff being labeled as "soul" and "R&B" these days. I don't know who encouraged Solange Knowles to go in this direction musically, but no better decision could have been made for her. I never thought I would like - much less buy - anything by Solange, but I was pleasantly surprized at just how GOOD this is! With this CD, I feel that she has found her niche in the music world - a retro-soul diva-in-training. I'm glad she took this route and did something completely dissimilar from what most current R&B females are into. If she had recorded yet just another standard urban contemporary CD, she would have gotten lost in the sauce with all these other R&B chicks, along with still having to endure constant comparisons to her older, more famous and commercial sister. God knows that is annoying for anyone, always being compared to a more popular sibling when you yourself are an individual and not just so-and-so's brother or sister. I've been there, so I know how that feels.

Instead, Solange hooked up with some excellent writers and producers to create something that was fresh and new, but at the same time, enveloped an old-school vibe. The result was SOL-ANGEL AND THE HADLEY ST. DREAMS, a wonderfully tight musical affair that celebrates the music of the '60s, '70s and '80s. If you're fully into today's contemporary R&B sound and looking for Beyonce-like tracks, you won't find them here. Also if you don't care for old school music or the retro sound, then you probably won't like this, either. But for what Amazon is currently offering for this CD ($6.99), consider giving it a chance. Fans of classic soul and R&B, Motown, disco, and electronica, this is something you should pick up and give a serious listen to. I certainly hope that this eclectic mix is actually music that Solange loves, because she really excels in this area.

A lot of the material truly sounds like something I listened to growing up as a child in the late '60s and '70s - you can thank Solange's producers for that. The lyrics (some which do include some profanity, but not much) are insightful, clever and shows Solange to be pretty prolific as a songwriter.

The tracks:

"God-Given Name" is smooth and mellow, with Solange asking you to accept her for who she is. "I'm not her, and I never will be", she sings, in response to those out there who will not put away the comparisons between her and Beyonce.

"T.O.N.Y." (which stands for "The Other Night, Y?"), a song about a one night stand that has echoes of Barry White's Love Unlimited Orchestra, and the bridge sounds very much like the beginning of Marvin Gaye's "Mercy Mercy Me". An exceptional cut.

"Dancing In The Dark" REALLY has a '60s sound to it. The horn section is so on point, you'd swear it was Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass on this track, honestly! (Actually the song uses a sample called "Feeling Young" from a German classical/easy listening genre composer named Heinz Kiessling.) Very cool and quickly becoming one of my favorites.

"Would've Been The One" is a take on Diana Ross and the Supremes, and a pretty good one at that. Solange uses the exact type of phrasing and intonation that Ross utilized on those old Holland-Dozier-Holland songs. Although there are parts of the tune where she sounds like she's straining, she manages to capture Ross' back-in-the-day vocal delivery.

"Sandcastle Disco" is not really disco, but it is an upbeat and infectious dance number that will make you feel good all over. I only wish it were longer. It was an excellent choice as the CD's second single and a song I am totally feeling! I play it over and over.

"I Decided Pt. 1", well, what more can be said about this song? Pure '60s Motown and catchy as hell. The opening immediately reminds you of the Supremes' "Where Did Our Love Go" and "Baby Love". This was Solange's first hit and one that she should be proud of.

"Valentine's Day" has some nice harmonies, cool lyrics and a soulful '70s vibe, kind of like The Emotions meet Erykah Badu.

"6 O'Clock Blues" uses a Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings' sample ("Soul Racket") to build upon, and gives Solange an earthy Memphis sound. This was produced by Mark Ronson, the current Svengali of the retro-soul movement who also worked with both Amy Winehouse and Sharon Jones. One of the best tunes on the CD.

"Ode To Marvin", a tribute to Marvin Gaye, has a "What's Going On" feel.

"I Told You So" is a neo-soul jam with a hypnotic beat and features Solange doing some mean lyrical gymnastics.

"Cosmic Journey" features R&B singer Bilal (although Solange really didn't need him on it). It is a trippy, eclectic number that brings to mind disco queen Donna Summer's work from 1976-'78. It starts off dreamy, like you're floating through space with a light, steady beat and Solange's gossamer vocals fit this perfectly - then later it goes into a fast-paced techno-pop tempo. Definitely one of the more adventurous tracks on the CD and one of my favorites.

"This Bird", a song with layered vocal techniques at work, again expresses Solange's desire to recognized as an individual and no matter what comes her way or what people say, she's going to keep doing what she's doing. I didn't catch it the first time, but upon listening to it a few times more I noticed that she actually sings to those who are hating on her to "shut the f**k up". Okay, I didn't have a problem with that, because I'm not hating on her. However, the song itself seems a bit disjointed and it's probably the only track on the CD that I don't love.

"I Decided Pt. 2" is basically a remix of the hit single with an '80s pop feel to it.

Vocally, Solange is no Aretha, Patti, Gladys, Whitney, or a Mary J., but she certainly can hold her own up against any of the current crop of R&B divas (yes, that includes Beyonce) and this CD proves it! Those who continue to bash this sister, think about this: If this were a CD by Beyonce, you'd all be falling all over yourselves, saying what a masterpiece it was and how ingenious it was of her to go off the beaten path with something like this. But because it's by Solange, all yall can do is criticize. Get over it!

This CD is really enjoyable. I'm glad I purchased it. It makes you wonder just where did music like this go, and why have we settled for the trash that is called R&B today when we have THIS? Get SOL-ANGEL AND THE HADLEY ST. DREAMS right now - that's why you're reading these reviews, right?

Rating: 4 1/2 stars

Admittedly, I was not amused when I first found out that Solange was going to make a 60's and 70's soul inspired album. Quite frankly, by the time news spread I had already grown tired of this trend brought to the mainstream by the likes of Amy Winehouse and Duffy. However, this album is superb and it is far more different, unique, innovative, creative, and exploring than the efforts of the afforementioned artists. Here, Solange does enough to set herself apart and provides refreshing modern touches to the otherwise trite throwback trend, including two out-there electro-pop tunes: "Cosmic Journey" and "This Bird." The latter is, in my opinion, the only misstep on the entire disc. The trippy and spacy "Cosmic Journey," however, is a success and one of my

absolute favorites. "God Given Name" is an extremely blunt introduction to the disc where the artist insists that she be respected in her own right for who she is. "Would've Been The One," which seems to be about a love triangle... or maybe rectangle, is the standout track, for me. The production is flawless and Solange's vocals are on point, especially at the breakdown. Even after months (and I mean months) of listening to both catchy versions of "I Decided," their charm still remains unadulterated. The genius third single, "T.O.N.Y. (The Other Night, Why?)", which was written by Cee-Lo, is a clever regretful tell after a one-night stand. "Sandcastle Disco" is a light, pop record that was a very good single choice. I love the analogy between a woman being fragile post-breakup (or in Solange's case, a divorce) and a sandcastle, which might be blown away. The production on "Valentines Day" is great and the chorus is very reminiscent of the Neptunes, even though this specific track is produced by Music World's own Bama Boyz. The Sharon Jones-sampling "6 O'Clock Blues" is beautifully composed and full of love and, of course, the blues. "Ode To Marvin" is a throwback to Mr. Gaye is his What's Going On days and "I Told You So" is a clever song in which Solange predicts a breakup practically before a relationship starts so she won't look stupid and vulnerable when she and her lover split later on. I am extremely impressed with Solange's sophomore album; it is funky and fresh and everything modern music should be. Honestly, "This Bird" is the only track on the entire near-flawless album that I am not in love with. Twelve out of thirteen ain't bad at all. Hopefully Solange will get the respect she deserves for this album.

Solange made a very smart decision to record an album that was completely different from her more popular, commercial sister Beyonce. On SOL-ANGEL AND THE HADLEY ST. DREAMS, Solange proves to all haters that she has as much vocal chops as her sister. Sure, Beyonce will always be the star, but Solange is certainly no downgrade, as she showcases on this exceptional neo-soul set. Sure, Beyonce hinted at neo-soul on her last album B'DAY, with the soulful laced production "Resentment", but not like Solange on SOL-ANGEL. Here, Solange feels like she could've been singing in the 1970s as opposed to 2008. It's not perfect and like many neo-soul artists, Solange has her over-indulgent moments with a few too many soul-cues and not enough substance, but overall SOL-ANGEL is top-notch.

The album opens with the soulful "God Given Name", which isn't a favorite, but solid nonetheless. "Tony" redirects the energy, though it is the truly captivating "Dancing in the Dark" that sounds like we are living in the golden age of the 70s. The production is retro, but not anachronistic; it feels like and updated 1970s sound, neo-soul style. Solange sounds particularly exceptional on "Dancing in the Dark", my favorite only to "I Decided". Here Solange embarks on some of the loveliest falsetto by a female. Think ala Whitney Houston. "Would've Been The One" and "Sandcastle Disco" are equally as alluring and soulful as "Dancing in the Dark", but "I Decided -Pt. 1" (and even the updated production-work on Pt. 2) steals the show. The simple, yet addictive production work and phenomenal vocals on Solange's part make one of the best soul tracks and one of the best tracks overall of 2008. There is something just genuine about "I Decided" that has been missing from R&B. Solange captures that essence perfectly. Sure, "I Decided" never captivated pop charts, but neo-soul tracks like "I Decided" rarely do. However, true neo-soul fans will never forget the passion that captivates them via the Neptunes's conservative yet "banging" track.

"Valentine's Day" keeps up the pace with slow, yet soulful production and sweet vocals from Solange. "6 O'clock Blues" lifts off the same sample Joss Stone jacked for her 2004 song "Dontcha Wanna Ride" ("Soulful Strut") and once again, the sample gets a top-notch revitalization. "Ode To Marvin", which hints at "What's Goin' On" both via songwriting and sound is another lovely piece to SOL-ANGEL, proving Solange has some serious chops both as songwriter and singer. "I Told You So" keeps up the pace, while the mystical, harmonious "Cosmic Journey" featuring Bilal channels none other than mystic Erykah Badu. It drags on a bit long for my tastes, just like the odder moments of Erykah Badu's NEW AMERYKAH does, but it is an overall enjoyable listen nonetheless. "The Bird" which is similarly lengthy is a bit more enjoyable in my eyes. A souped-up reprise of "I Decided" closes this exceptional album.

If you love good soul music, I highly recommend SOL-ANGEL AND THE HADEY ST. DREAMS to you. It is an enjoyable listen, start to finish, even in its flatter moments. 4 stars in my eyes. It was worth every bit of the $6.99 I paid for it and much more!

Beginning with the graphics, Solange has created an environment for her audience. The videos for I DECIDED and SANDCASTLE DISCO are more than just promotional tools. They are intertwined with the theme of the album. What I am trying to say is that Solange is not some one-hit-wonder. She is an artist who creates a work of art with her music and graphics. The music does incorporate elements of music styles from the 1960-1970's, but not in a 'trendy' way. This is an album I can listen to from start to finish without the urge to skip songs. Solange has created something fresh and original...enjoy!

Ignore the negative comment left for this album as the reviewer obviously doesn't know a great work when he hears it. This album is a great collage of tributes to old 60's Motown with a more modern twist. As someone has said here Solange could have easily done another typical R&B studio album similar to her previous work but she comes out of left field with a great new sound! The tunes are infectious and are a great showcase of her writing and producing talent! Some personal favorite tracks include, Sandcastle Disco, I Decided Pt.1, Cosmic Journey and Would've Been The One. Give it a whirl you won't be disappointed! The retro swing is a welcome direction! Here's looking foward to more unique efforts from Solange in the future!