Meshell Ndegeocello’s upcoming album, Synonym, showcases her unique artistry by featuring a star-studded roster of duet partners, including Chaka Khan, Bill Callahan, and Cynthia Erivo. Set for release on November 10, 2023, this collection of covers spans a diverse range of genres and influences, from Cher to the Human League.
Ndegeocello has long defied categorization. Since her 1993 debut, Plantation Lullabies, she has explored the intersections of jazz, R&B, alternative rock, reggae, fusion, and gospel. Her previous album, No More Water: The Gospel of James Baldwin, won a Grammy for Best Alternative Jazz Album, reflecting her eclectic approach and the challenges of classification within the music industry.
Synonym continues this trend, presenting a restless exploration of sound and collaboration. The album includes covers of songs from artists like Bob Dylan and Barbra Streisand, as well as tracks from Jennifer Lopez and Chris Cornell's Temple of the Dog. Each song features a different artist, presenting a wide array of musical styles and interpretations.
Ndegeocello's collaborators are luminaries in their own right. Chaka Khan brings her legendary vocal prowess, while Bill Callahan's distinctive voice adds a different texture to the mix. Cynthia Erivo, known for her work in both music and film, contributes her powerful presence to the project. Jazz pianist Robert Glasper also lends his talents, further enriching the album's sound.
The album, described by Ndegeocello as an “expression of queer liberation,” highlights her commitment to pushing boundaries within her art. This theme resonates deeply throughout the project, with each duet presenting a fresh take on the source material.
In a time when the music industry often favors conformity, Ndegeocello's refusal to adhere to a single genre or style becomes a statement in itself. Her career reflects a dedication to exploration and experimentation, which is evident in the varied arrangements and interpretations found on Synonym.
Fans of Ndegeocello can expect a listening experience that challenges preconceived notions of genre and collaboration. The album promises to deliver a mix of familiar and unexpected sounds, inviting listeners to engage with the music on multiple levels.
As the release date approaches, anticipation builds for what Ndegeocello will unveil. The combination of her artistry and the talents of her collaborators sets the stage for an album that defies easy categorization, much like the artist herself. In a landscape often defined by trends and formulas, Synonym emerges as a bold statement of individuality and creativity.
According to The Guardian.
