Song Reviews: Hailee Araya

Hailee Araya
Self-Release

This is a review of three new songs from Sweden's Ethiopian (and now Miami-based) singer, Hailee Araya. The first song available as a download is "Diaspora." This is an English-lyric song with a nod to the African continent. The contemporary dance elements are evident, but the music is relatively relaxed and R&B-focused. A piano melody, ululating background vocals, and light percussion marks the song's most poignant moments. Hailee's young voice breathes life into the song without sounding weak or overwhelming. "Show You Love" contains a reggae beat with keyboards, funky percussion, and Hailee's sweet voice that echoes with love and delight throughout. The music sounds a bit like modern Ethiopian tunes, but it is still uniquely Araya-esque. The ambulating percussion and melody is good overall. The final track, which is unnamed, contains Beniton the Menace and Hailee on vocals. The urban beat is more North American in delivery, but it still retains a degree of reggae and Ethiopan ambiance. It will be exciting to hear more from Hailee in the future. Keep your ears tuned! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Contemporary Kirtan Music with Lokah

Lokah

The Ivy Ceiling

Ma Bhakti Yoga LLC

The growing trend of contemporary rock/pop kirtan music performances is not only steadily increasing among members of yoga centers and Tantric communities, but it is also reaching a broader audience. Miami-based Lokah is group that makes kirtan (Indian devotional/chant music) shimmer with electronic arrangements, a contemporary rock/pop beat, and soaring male and female vocals. The "Introduction by Russell Simmons" is a short prelude to the album with a spoken word segment about worldly happiness and yoga. "Ma Durga" includes Sting on some vocals. The overall beat of the song resembles a yoga rock anthem. The Sanskrit lyrics are included on every track, except the English-narrative, "Introduction by Russell Simmons". The contemporary feel of the album tosses and turns with sounds led by keyboards, mandolin, organ, strings, percussion, and bass. The lush sounds and vocals resemble some of the popular music from the Middle East or North Africa. However, The Ivy Ceiling is a great album steeped in a veil of Eastern mysticism with Western arrangements. ~ Matthew Forss