Laura Izibor Lets the Truth be Told

Laura Izibor Lets the truth be Told
By
Jessica Rathwell

If you don’t already recognize the name Laura Izibor, it won’t be long before you do. At only 22-years-old, the Irish soul singer has opened for the Queen of Soul Miss Aretha Franklin and most recently, for India.Arie on her “Soulbird” tour.
Izibor’s debut album, “Let the Truth be Told,” dropped in the U.S and Canada yesterday. Its sound is modern, mixing elements of R&B/soul with small influences of Rock, Pop and Blues. Izibor’s voice is heavily textured. It rasps and grits, soars and croons, showing a soul far beyond her years. Emotion pours out of the lyrics and hits you where it counts.
The album opens with “Shine,” a funky positive number with an infectious beat. “Well let the sun shine on your face, don’t let your life go to waste. Now is the time got to make up your mind, let it shine on you, let it shine on you,” Izibor sings on the chorus.
“From My Heart to Yours,” the album’s first single, is a similarly catchy pop tune. The lyrics are a bit predictable and there isn’t anything truly earth shattering about the track, but it’s innocent and fun, a break from today’s provocative, autotune filled music.
Izibor shows stunning maturity on “Mmm,” a gospel influenced track that is probably the highlight of the album. Although the chorus only consists of one word, “mmm,” its tender delivery is drenched with soul. It’s the kind of song that screams “repeat me” and you’ll be humming it long after it’s over.
“Don’t Stay” is another standout. A bluesy-rock instrumental backs Izibor’s soulful statement that she will be okay whether or not he stays. It’s relatable and mature and brilliant.
Overall I give this album 4/5. A few of the songs: “Yes, I’ll be Your Baby” and “What Would You Do?” are predictable and skippable but the majority of it is solid. I’d definitely recommend grabbing a copy and keeping your ears open for more from the latest U.K. soul sensation, Laura Izibor!