Let the Truth Be Told

iTunes Review

Anyone who has ever adhered to the Bob Seger credo that “…today’s music ain’t got the same soul” might change their tune after hearing Laura Izibor’s debut. Let The Truth Be Told grooves on bygone tones stewed in the roux of yesteryear’s Motown sound — but the tastefully modern production nurtures an overall relevance that keeps things fresh during those timeless moments. The first cut “Shine” opens with Izibor inflecting soulful harmonies over staccato piano notes before a deeply resonating bass and an up-front dance beat step in, authoritatively reminding us that 21st century soul can confidently strut with one foot in the past (dig that brazen horn section and grinding Hammond organ) and the other in the now of studio innovation. The Nigerian-Irish singer/songwriter took four years getting her first long-player to sound right and it shows, especially with the near perfect “From My Heart To Yours,” a truly fetching hit which has been featured on Grey’s Anatomy and VH1’s Tough Love. The soaring ballad “I Don’t Want You Back” is an instant classic, but it’s “Mmm…” that plays heaviest on the heartstrings.