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.