naRa (meaning fire in her native Arabic tongue) is about to release her debut album. This follows singles 'Rhythm' and 'Serenity'. Her sound is quite hard to describe; primarily late 80's / early 90's house seems to influence the musical backdrop - think elements of piano house, Stereo MCs, a bit of Soul II Soul or Inner City. Then vocally a commercial, slightly husky, pop sound sits over the top.
It's all quite well produced and delivered, with small elements of the Arabic influence coming through, especially on 'Oriental Funk', but you keep thinking has this come out 10 year or more too late, or is this ahead of the game in terms of a revival??
Closing track 'Patience' is a welcome change with a mellower, slowed down track where the vocals are softer and showing more warmth.
It's an intriguing debut, I'm not convinced yet; perhaps I need a few more listens?