Album Review: Algebra Blessett, Recovery

Algebra Blessett 

Recovery (released Jan. 28, 2014)

You know what they say about first impressions. And that statement is even more critical for emerging artists.

Most times, they only have one shot to make their mark. If they fail, they could turn away a listener for good. But if they succeed, they could have a fan for life.

Way back in 2008, Algebra Blessett had one shot to win me over. And she succeeded.

While lounging around watching “Soul Sessions” on the Centric network, I stumbled upon her single “Run and Hide.” It made an impression. After the video aired, the melodies were stuck in my head.

I picked up her debut album, Purpose, and it blew me away.

She had a fan for life.

Four years later, Algebra is back to make another impression on audiences with Recovery. While the album’s message of perseverance is strong, it’s the delivery of that message that could use some fine tuning.

“Everybody won’t understand my journey/everybody won’t know how to heal what hurts me,” she plainly states on the first single “Nobody But You.”  Recovery is the journey of a woman trying to find herself. “Just because they want me don’t mean they’re ready for me,” she says of her suitors. It’s a message most can relate to.

But unfortunately, the first half of the album proves to be pretty uneven. The good news is that Algebra’s vocals are as alluring as they were when they first graced our ears. She sounds great on the title track, but they lyrics don’t break new ground. That’s also the case for “Forever,” which basically goes “I’ll love you forever and ever.” Yeah.

I was really looking forward to “Struggle to Be,” her duet with Q Parker, but despite the lyrics that portray a torrid affair, there’s absolutely no spark.

Thankfully, things heat up during the second half of the album.

“Paper Heart” is a conceptual victory, putting a different spin on the old tale of the broken heart. And the energy finally picks up with “Danger Zone,” featuring instrumentation that carries the energy of a live performance. Algebra finally is able to cut loose a bit.

Speaking of cutting lose, she goes all out on “Better for Me,” where she vows to drop the baggage that’s hindering her happiness. It’s the most personal and authentic-sounding track on the album – definitely a throwback to some of Algebra’s best work on her debut.

You know what they say about first impressions, so I hate that it takes so long for <em>Recovery</em> to kick into high gear. Once it gets going, though, it becomes a pretty solid outing for my favorite Centric star.

Best tracks: “Better For Me,” “Paper Heart,” “Danger Zone”

3.5 stars out of 5