Album: Creolepatra / Artist: Nikkole / 17 tracks / Urban and R&B
Reviewed by Milena Brown
Singer/Songwriter/Producer
Nikkole exemplifies the definition of the independent woman, but it is her
role as an independent artist coupled with her passion and drive that has
garnered attention from the Grammy’s, a feat that most musicians strive
for. Nikkole sets herself apart from the majority of artists by assuming
responsibility for her own music, and creating songs that she believes in.
Throughout her third album Creolepatra, it is evident that Nikkole
has been influenced by soul music, particularly through past collaborations
with The Emotions of “Best Of My Love,” fame. Nikkole’s Creole ancestry
joined with the Cleopatra themed alter ego to create a mix of easy listening
R&B with a sensuous undertone.
The album’s lead song “Exotic,” and the song “Are You Satisfied?” are similar to the eighties and the nineties, R&B that made Pebbles, Jody Watley and Karyn White superstars in their own right. “I Really Need You,” an intense love ballad, and the beautiful “STOP,” showcase Nikkole’s amazing voice, while “Even On A Day Like This,” boasts an octave range that is higher than the ranges of Minnie Ripperton and Deniece Williams.
“Where I Was Meant to Be,” is bluesy with a trace of Al Green’s “Love & Happiness,” and Creolepatra has a dose of Hip Hop with “Wach-U-No,” a sexy, upbeat track which features a minor rap solo from Nikkole. Nikkole also shares the spotlight with Hip Hop artist, August, for the song “Now Or Later.”
It is however, the second single from the album “Love Was Made In Heaven,” which is the strongest of all the songs, and it is very reminiscent of the classics from the sixties and the seventies. The song is both laidback and romantic and holds a universal appeal to younger and older listeners. This track can be listened to from inside a 1965 drop-top to a romantic candlelight dinner.
Soulful and intimate, Creolepatra is an album where old school meets new, and the influences range from soulful sixties to the hip hop beats of the mid-nineties. Nikkole may be an indie artist, but she has definitely mastered the music industry.
Click here for printer friendly article
Reviewed May 2009
About Milena Brown:
Milena Brown is a Publicist and Writer based in New York City. She is also the Founder of PRessure PR, a public relations company specializing in Lifestyle and Entertainment. Milena’s experience includes working on various campaigns such as Ice Cube, Danity Kane, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, Oxygen Network and even non-profit organizations, JumpStart and The Mentor Foundation. Milena Brown is originally from Southern California where she graduated with a degree in journalism at California State University, Northridge. You can email Milena Brown here info@PRessurePR.net
