7/10 MELANIE FIONA  –  THE MF (UNIVERSAL)

Nay- sayers and those in doubt were worried how she would fare on her own, but she has emphatically answered them with this album. Although the R&B genre has faded in terms of popular appeal with vocalists replaced by ready-made packages, Fiona stands at one of the last outposts for her and her ilk. As a compromise, she does feature J Cole, a new kid on the block (signed with Jay-Z’s record label).

Fiona’s lyrics are well-written and her songs heartfelt. She compels the listener to come with her on her journey, even on the made-for-radio ballads.

On Wrong Side Of A Love Song, Fiona traces back the genre’s roots in terms of sound and explores the less documented part of how love songs are put together.

 It is a plea filled with an honesty that sets Fiona apart from the rest. She stretches her vocal chords in small doses throughout the album, giving each song the treatment that it deserves. –  KN