Surrender To Love

Kindred's positive soul influence began to gain momentum a few years ago when the an EP of unfinished, yet brilliant collection leaked to a ravenous and growing NeoSoul audience. The 11 track masterpiece is 'a must have' bootleg however, along with raising a family and constant touring, this forced the group back into the studio, and out of the limelight for a while to re-cut and polish an already perfect sonic gem. So how can you improve on genius? By sticking to the winning formula and delivering top-notch performances (lyrical content and delivery are exceptional) on every track; Hidden Beach has yet another classic release to add to their list of accomplishments, and this album should do as well as, or even better than labelmate Jill Scott's debut.

Surrender to Love is a well-balanced concept, from honey sweet ballads to upbeat jams that get your head noddin' and feet tappin'. The first track is an introduction of the duo by the ubiquitous host of the Black Lily in Philly, Ryva. The title track 'Surrender to Love' comes in with a smooth, head noddin' track where they tell you that if you 'surrender to love, it'll get you through these days', truly uplifting and inspiring track. 'Rhythm of Life' is a beautiful ode to the connection of lovers, a heavenly track with jaw-dropping lyrics and a monster of a beat that you never want to end, seriously. 'Far Away' tells it like it is, sometimes you just want to 'do the things we used to do, say what we used to say' and be with no one else but your true love 'far away from here' but not without this CD.

'Weather The Storm', a ballad about life's challenges to love and commitment, tells you that love is in your corner even if you can't be there, a smooth and heartbreaking reality. You don't know the talent of the mighty Ursula Rucker? Well, get ready, she gives it to you raw on 'We', with Kindred chasing the hook into that awesome, yet suave beat. Spoken word, well placed and exceptionally done. Fatin and Aja bring love to life with 'Stars'. I'm not kidding. This song is the pledge, rather the oath of the album; it will grow into a pure, stand-the-test-of-time soul classic. 'I Am' is Aja's proud decree of divine womanhood and self-love. Sisters, take note- this song will be the soundtrack to those special moments you and your best friends, sisters and mothers celebrate that unique womanly bond. The 'Family Song' is an interlude, but a necessary one, we've gone through a lot of emotions and a minute and a half to reflect on it is welcome.

'What Happens Now' is a reflection on the wisdom arising from conquering experiences many try to avoid. Destiny has a plan, accepting it grants wisdom, the freedom from worry. Kindred brings the horns out and gets a little upbeat with "Meant To Be', a self-explanatory tale of their paths to love. On 'Contentment' Aja sweetly croons over guitar strings and light snare and muses over the gifts of love and family she has found in Fatin. Somewhere between the lyrical delivery of Angela Winbush, and the arrangements of Angela Bofil, is where this song is at home. 'Spread The Word' comes in with the power of any of the best of Gil Scott-Heron (think 'New York City' or 'Possum Slim') and WAR- but as smooth as Bobbi Humphrey (think 'Blacks and Blues').

'If I' is a beautiful musical hybrid of broken-beat drum style with tender horn and piano arrangements. The flute punctuates the staccato rhythm nicely. Lyrically, the song is everything you wish you could say before, during and after the most passionate and intimate moments any couple could ever share. After a very short interlude with the couple's daughter, Fatin comes in with that signature voice and proclaims 'Don't Wanna Suffer' with Aja backing him up all the way. This is the funkiest of all the tracks on the album.

'Party's Over' introduces the world to another Black Lily standout Flo Brown and former Roots member Malik B. This is the only unnecessary addition to this album; I would've preferred not to hear one iota of rap on this project. Flo delivers like Jaguar Wright (at a live show), and that's not a bad thing, it's just no good for this project and Malik B doesn't do much lyrically here. 'Freedom' is short montages of interludes, leading to the underground house-style remix of 'Rhythm of Life' by King Britt. A great track that is incredibly upbeat and seems out of place after everything. Thankfully, it's a hidden track set into the end of the CD.

I rate this album a 4 1/2 only because of 'Party's Over'. This will be a hard album to top this year. If you were holding on to your bootleg of the 'original' you can put it down, buy this album and breathe a sigh of relief. Kindred has truly, and finally, arrived.