Rap-Up.com || Review Roundup: Solange – ‘SoL-AngeL and The Hadley St. Dreams’

Solange’s sophomore album SoL-AngeL and The Hadley St. Dreams arrives in stores today. Here’s what the critics are saying…

The New York Times: This is a peppy album, rich with thumping horns, crisp percussion and light piano melodies. As homage, it’s impressive. But Solange can’t quite keep up. Her voice lacks texture and depth, making her frustrations almost indistinguishable from her celebrations.

Rolling Stone: Solange simply doesn’t have the pipes to pull off [Beyoncé's] songs, and her attempts at “mystical” psychedelic-soul (the six-minute-plus opus “Cosmic Journey”) are embarrassing. 2 1/2 out of 5

Billboard: On her sophomore set, Solange not only takes on a sound that differs from her pop-driven 2002 debut, but she demonstrates that, unlike her sister Beyoncé, she has no reservations about sharing personal experiences.

Chicago Tribune: The vocal arrangements are impressive throughout, especially on “Dancing In the Dark” and the first single, “I Decided.” On some songs, you can hear the similarities in her and Beyoncé’s voices. But SoL-AngeL proves that Solange has true star quality on her own.

Us Weekly: Despite lacking B’s pizzazz and making a few missteps (the contrived “This Bird”), the singer, 22, holds her own when sticking to classic R&B like the spicy rejection tale “T.O.N.Y.” 3 out of 4

Make sure you pick up Rap-Up’s Summer 2008 issue starring Solange, Keri Hilson, and Teyana Taylor. Watch our interview with Solange on Rap-Up TV below.

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9 Comments

DOC
August 26th, 2008 at 8:19 am
I brought Solange’s album today and it’s FIRE!! And I can’t even take Rolling Stone magazine serious with reviews now after they gave the Jonas Brothers 4 stars for their new cd.
Boyfalana
August 26th, 2008 at 8:24 am
fire!!!!!!!!!!!! better than any Bee (opps) Cd Ive herd….lol
djlissamonet
August 26th, 2008 at 10:16 am
to compare the two is silly but expect them to do it anyway right?
grabbing my copy today,
~lissa
Josh Hurt
August 26th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
This album is GREAT!!!! I love it… I will ALWAYS love Solange! I can’t believe this day is actually here where I’m hearing her cd!

Please visit my YouTube Channel for Solange live performances!

http://www.youtube.com/MaximumBee
ThafutureakaDJTriumph
August 26th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
love her music.
BASS_MAN
August 26th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
BUYING IT. DEFINITELY.
rubyspirit
August 26th, 2008 at 7:00 pm
Nice CD and yes, I bought it! Support your favorite artists!!!!!!!!!! and BUY their music.
Julio
August 27th, 2008 at 9:37 am
this is a GREAT album, something different that you havent heard before. very throwback, retro love music here.i LOVE cosmic journey! wtf is rolling stone talking about?
Alexander
August 31st, 2008 at 3:36 pm
I just loved Solange\’s nu album!
I\’m sure it will take a lil longer to get it here in Brazil, but it\’s surely a must-have.

Solo, you\’re a true star. Keep on doing your thing girl! I love your music.