Asa

In amongst the production line of copycat female singers over the last two or three years there are some that warrant a little more attention, as they stray for the formulaic model for whatever is popular at the time. Paris-born Asa (pronounced Asha) is one of those with more to offer, but she may find it hard to pin her blend of pop and soul to a particular audience.

Best described as falling somewhere between Neneh Cherry and a poppier Sade, Asa’s second album takes its time getting going. The opening three tracks (including the catchy single Be My Man) are pretty enough but rather generic. But the songs don’t make an impression, unlike Preacher Man, which is when things start getting interesting. The song better demonstrates Asa’s impressive vocal, and the confessional pleading tone is striking, as she sings of “reaching out” and “being ready to change”.

The Way I Feel and Ok Ok follow a similar path, with soothing rhythms and classy production, that never over polishes. Growing up in Nigeria has obviously influenced Asa’s music, and there are tracks here in her native Yoruba, including Bimpe and Broda Ole, the latter more heavily influenced by traditional music.

Across the album there are reggae influences, but less than might be expected with someone so in awe of Bob Marley, but the pop-soul combination dominates and while Baby Gone, with its tender strings and the stirring Questions, demonstrate a tender side Beautiful Imperfection lacks that killer track.