★★★★★
Time takes on new meaning in the furious and frenetic world of entertainment, and a performer electing to take years away from the spotlight can risk losing her edge and her audience. The trend-driven nature of the beast causes many artists to adopt a 'can't stop, won't stop' mentality, so it's hard not to take notice of others confident enough to do the opposite, such as Goapele Mohlabane...
- www.soultracks.com
2012-01-05
★★★★★
Thoughts of Oakland-based singer-songwriter Goapele are inextricably linked to the early 2000 neo-soul movement, with 2001's hit favourite "Closer" and its endless remixes. Despite following up with two major label records ? Closer (2002) and Change It All (2005) ? the Bay Area songstress has been known more by casual listeners for the eponymous track and the many singles that followed. Break of Dawn aims to change that...
- exclaim.ca
2011-10-27
★★★★★
Goapele largely eschews the rugged hip-hop beats that markedher debut album for jazz-funk fare that veers dangerously close todentist-office drool on Change It All. Her flower child idealism is still present,though, as are her amiable vocals that recall lite versions of Mary J.Blige and Sade. But there's no excuse for "Darker Side of the Moon," atreacly retread of Xtina's "Beautiful" from producer Linda Perry. Changecan be overrated.
- ew.com
2009-06-12
★★★★★
Already endorsed by Prince and Stevie Wonder, this Bay Area chanteuse shows impressive neo-soul command and appealing singer-songwriterly eccentricities on her major-label debut. Change It All is long on pop-wise plushness, with Goapele's rich croon bouncing between lovely melodic figures and cascading choruses on pieces of laid-back spiritual uplift like the title track and charming love odes such as "Fly Away."
- www.rollingstone.com
2009-06-08
★★★★★
Bay Area songstress Goapele (which means "to move forward" in the South African language of Sitswana) has built up quite a following over the past few years through sold-out shows and eclectic collaborations with artists such as Zion I and labels such as Om Records. With her sophomore set, Change It All, the singer hopes to solidify her place in the neo-soul lexicon. With a title like this, the album is definitely light on provocative material...
- www.prefixmag.com
2009-06-08
★★★★★
Even Closer is a showcase for Bay Area singer Goapele Mohlabane's distinct vocal sensibility: a balance of steamrolling Chaka Khan power and yoga-girl suppleness that's full of promise. Highlights: the intense "Catch 22," and "Romantic," a searing song where she sings, "You're so fucking romantic," again and again over a minimalist funk rhythm provided by groove jazzers Soulive.
TOM MOON
- www.rollingstone.com
2009-06-08
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