Soldier of Love

The past few months I haven't felt like writing one bit. Today it has fully dawned on me that my relationship is over. The person that I've been with for the past twelve years is ready to move on, and believes happiness can be found out in the world without me. For reasons both known and unknown, I admit that I understand the decision. Do I agree with it? Yes and no, but I know it's the right thing to do; yet the most painful thing I've experienced is realizing that the person I love is dead, and in his place is someone I don't recognize.

Since everything happens for a reason, I am encouraged that I will find a meaningful and true relationship where I can be my true self, and not have to hide behind the guise of putting someone else's accomplishments and dreams before my own. I am slowly learning what my dreams are again; and for that, I am grateful.

Some days are easier to get through than others, but I'm "still waiting for love to come/turn it all around..."

Underrated Artists, Part 1

I was looking through my ipod for something I haven't heard in awhile, and I came across a few artists that I really think should get more airplay/props. Now I'm not talking about one hit wonders like Johnny Kemp aka Mr. "Just Got Paid, It's Friday Night" (although that's a great song to listen to on the drive home on Friday...or maybe that's just me). I'm talking about substanative artists that are truly talented that just don't seem to hit the mainstream airwaves for one reason or another. Without further ado, here's my list...

Daris Rucker-Back to Now

This album came out after Hootie and the Blowfish really blew up, and of course, Hootie's huge success pretty much solidified that listeners would automatically think any solo stuff would be of VH1 fodder. Since the album was released on Hidden Beach, it should tell you what kind of sound it is...it's definitely a neo-soul effort, and there are some standout tracks on it that should be worth your time/download. One of the best has got to be "Exodus"...


Dionne Farris- Wild Seed-Wild Flower

Remember Arrested Development (not the amazing show on Fox, but the group that came out in the 90s that had everyone wanting to play a game of horseshoes?) Anyway, Dionne left singing lead for that group, had a hit from the Love Jones soundtrack ("Hopeless"), and then released a solo album that spanned a minor hit "I Know", which was perfect for repeated VH1 viewings. The album is definitely a good one, but the standout is "Passion", a midtempo rock song with a great bassline. This is one of those songs that takes serious pipes to sing, and I think it was really ahead of its time...it's got an Evanescence vibe, but Dionne's strong, controlled alto gives it a sultry feeling that you usually don't hear these days.



Glenn Lewis-World Outside My Window

Why this guy didn't become a huge superstar is truly beyond me. Good looking, great lyrics, fabulous voice reminiscent of Stevie Wonder, and yet his second album was never released. I can't explain how good this album is...you'll just have to take a listen for yourself.