Floetry - Floetic (16 tracks) +Album Reviews

R&B Album Of The Year 2002

T.K. | Washington, DC | 10/01/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have had an advance of this album for several months, and I think this is one of the most BRILLIANT debuts I have heard in a while. Floetry is the London-bred duo of Marsha Ambrosius "The Songstress" and Natalie Stewart "The Floacist" (the songwriters responsible for Michael Jackson's "Butterflies", the only hit that came from his "Invincible" album). Together they deliver a soulful fusion of Soul and Poetry. Floetry blends Marsha's soulful voice with Natalie's thought provoking words and the product is a success that deserves to be heard by anyone who truly appreciates good music. From the hip-hop intro of "Big Ben" to the sure fire dance floor hit "Mr Messed Up",and everything in between, Floetry brings much needed soul to the airwaves. The lead single/video "Floetic" is already a buzzclip on MTV and in constant rotation. Other highlights on the album are the poignant "Ms. Stress" and the soulful "Sunshine," "Say Yes," and "Hello". EVERYONE I have played this CD for has loved it. This is one of those albums where you will play it from start to finish and want to press repeat. Floetry is to 2002 what Jill Scott was to 2000. I can not recommend this CD enough. GET THIS CD, you won't be disappointed"

Jus Floetic...

Andrew Jacob | Brooklyn, New York | 02/11/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"(keep in mind that there were a lot of versions of the album "Floetic". One version didn't have the song "Possibilities", another version didnt have the song "Subliminal", and another didnt have the bonus tracks "Butterflies" & "Now You're Gone". So i've just included all the songs.)I thank curiousity. Why? Without curiousty, i would've never had the strength to pick up this album in the store with all the over hyped [junk] the music industry attempts throwing at you these days. Floetry, Marsha Ambrosius (the songstress) & Natalie Stewart (the "floacist") makes an intelligent and beautiful debut album "Floetic". While it's obvious that Natalie isn't the best emcee with the accent; at best mediocre, Marsha's soulful voice blends everything with an incredible and seductive "flow" (Natalie can be described better as a "story teller" rather than emcee). The intro "Big Ben" it's self almost immediately grabs you with a sharp beat and meaningful lyrics. "Floetic", Floetry's anthem if you will, has a soul-funk beat with "we're here to conquer"-verses. "Ms. Stress" is a ballad talking about a relationship with your classic love conflict. I also think there's a hidden definition in the song (Ms. Stress - Mistress? Maybe?). "Sunshine" is a song describing fantasy from reality, a conflict imbrued with love. "Getting Late" is an obvious self explanatory song. The atmosphere has shifted from pain and hate to bliss & love to a point where it's overboard. It's a very sexy song; a song you should be listening to when your about to be laid."Fun" is an unbeat & funky song about a relationship where the two lovers are never together. Also, it also seems like the guy in the relationship is blaming the girl since the chorus preaches the line "this isn't my idea of fun". "Mr. Messed Up" is a good followup of "Fun", where the woman dumps her lover & realizes that she was changing herself as a person for a guy; Shifting from ignorant to filled with knowledge of the facts. "Say Yes" is yet another seductive love song where the woman is eager for sex from her lover. "Hello" can be a follow up of "say yes" since the song's verses seem to come from a "next day phone call". "Headache" is another song of love conflicts. It talks about a relationship where one doesn't listen to another. "Possibilities" is an uplifting & empowering song they speak in general, to not give up. I especially like the part where Natalie says "who was there that could've stopped me from decomposing & rotting? For putting a permanant solution to a temporary problem?"...strong words. "Hey You" is sort of the positive version of "Fun", where they describe the woman hoping and yearning to see her lover. "If I Was A Bird" is a song is about over coming pain after a serious relationship. "Opera" is an oddly addictive song about a guy that pleases Natalie so much, it made her hit high notes. "Subliminal" is a song about conscious perception...in a general state of mind. The song is sort of deals with peace & just random thoughts. "Butterflies" is an incredible song originally written for Michael Jackson, but Floetry felt that they should've gave it their signature "flow"...since they wrote it. It talks about a woman getting butterflies because she misses her lover. The last song "Now Your Gone" is originally by Sebastian Rogers. Well, it doesn't seem so at first, since he is literally overshadowed by Marsha's vocals. It's like the aftermath of a just-broken relationship.These days, it seems that appearance seems the key to a succesful career, rather than quality. It's sad that Floetry is completely slept on and is only known by true music listeners. While the first look of the album cover won't grab you in instantly, a quick listen to a random song will. With Natalie's upbeat flowing rhymes & Marsha's incredibly beautiful voice, it's a mystery why they're still waiting at a bus stop.[Beats 80/100]~*~ The rhythm of music
[Lyrics 85/100]~*~ Words of song
[Flow 90/100]~*~ Appeal of beats & music
[Originality 80/100]~*~ How divine is the song
[Overall 90/100 (4 stars)]~*~ Not average, but the album in general"

Positive Lyrics & Uplifting Messages Welcomed

Anthony Humphrey | Manhattan | 10/06/2002

(3 out of 5 stars)

"The Philly females that make up Neo-Soul RnB/Rap group Floetry are very talented women, women who still have positive insights on political issues, love & the world. If you pop this into your cd player, you won't hear no drug dealing, no sexual encounters, and absolutely no bullets flying through the air. Just inspirational lyrics over smooth instrumentals that would be right at home in smokey underground jazz clubs that open their doors at midnight. As usual though, the true musicians in the industry today will be overlooked for artists that sell strictly on their look alone, and its a shame, for this album should not be slept on.The ground-breaking special effects in the video for the album's first single "Floetic" was a very smart move. Without these, the video most likely would not even get noticed, because the women that make up Floetry actually keep their clothes on in the video, something rare in the world today. The album is very diverse, the topics range from many different issues, however songs are still enjoyable instead of feeling like your in school. Tracks like "Fun", "Sunshine", "Headache" & "Possibilites" are all hot as hell and will definetly keep the attention of fans of Erykah Badu or D'Angelo.The album is also laced with gorgeous ballads such as "Say Yes", "Hey You" & "If I Was a Bird". Fans who don't understand the metaphors & poetic invisions imbedded in the Neo-Soul music will think these girls are insane and speaking some form of gibberish, but for those who can, they will find themselves agreeing with their opinions & spiritual offerings. The debut album from these women is very impressive and I hope to hear a great deal more from them in the future. Its rare today in this industry to find artists that can keep it real, by speaking of topics that affect everyone's lives. No matter what age you are, listening to this album will benefit you. These soul sistas are doing something truly amazing and I can't wait for them to hit us hard again. Keep an eye on Floetry because they are doing their thing, while also advancing the Neo-Soul movement."

Best debut I've ever heard!

datgyrlari | Georgia, USA | 05/29/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I must say I was very impressed wit this album from the very talented Floetry - quite frankly I was blown away, even after I dismissed the first single "Floetic". Every track is brilliantly prepared, and the 2 bonus tracks (Butterflies demo and Now You're Gone) are excellent. Even if you are not a fan of Natalie's spoken flows (which are very good), Marsha's voice is enough to keep anyone listening, Here is my analysis on each song:1. Big Ben - hypnotic intro, but you'd prefer to skip it after the first few listens
2. Floetic - i was NOT feeling this song. i do not like it at all. its sound is not very catching, especially for a 1st single
3. Ms. Stress - wonderful! nat and marsha work very well 2gether on this song.
4. Fun - upbeat, nice song. it doesnt knock you off ur feet but still a nice song
5. Sunshine - this song makes you think. very relaxing
6. Headache - also very good. not too mch to say about this record, but its good
7. Possibilities - kinda like the intro, you'd prefer 2 skip it over after the first few listens. not that its a bad song, yo'd just be in a hurry 2 hear the better songs after it. emotional song, inspiring
8. Say Yes - hypnotic! this should've been the 1st single. very sexy song and its a definite "cut jam"
9. Hello - not much 2 say about this song. its wonderful tho
10. Getting Late - another cut jam... its got a innocence to it. very pure, but still sexy
11. Hey You - everyone can relate to this song. its another floetry slow jam, and its wonderful
12. If I Was A Bird - very pretty. almost predictable lyrics, but the way marsha sings makes it seem all brand new
13. Opera - ok song... u have to be in the mood for it, but if u are then its grade a quality
14. Mr. Messed Up - faster song where marsha takes the lead. nice song
15. Butterflies (bonus track, demo version) - if u heard the micheal jackson version, you heard this. they sung the hook on mj's version and aside from a lil difference in the vocals. still good tho
16. Now You're Gone (bonus track) - one of the best songs on the album. THERE IS SO MUCH EMOTION IN THIS SONG! Its my personal favorite. i cried the first tyme I heard itGO GET THIS ALBUM! ANYONE WHO KNOWS GOOOOOD MUSIC WILL APPRECIATE IT! ITS ONE OF MY PERSONAL FAVORITES OF 2003"

FLOETRY IN MOTION!

Paul O | London, United Kingdom | 10/15/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Pure floetry in motion is how to describe this brilliant debut from Floacist and Songtress. The unique mixture of rap/poetry, soulful singing, and skillful production from the A Touch Of Jazz boys have produced my favourite album release of the year so far. The Floetic single alerted me to Floetry a while back with a fresh non-artificial sound, so when I saw the album in a Soho CD store a couple of weeks ago I took a chance and bought it. It hasn't been out of my player since.All cuts are killers, but my standouts include 'Getting Late' 'Say Yes' 'Hey You', ultra sensual, sexy tracks that caress your feelings, and 'Mr. Messed Up' a potential single that will get you moving. Other favorites include 'Ms. Stressed' 'Sunshine' and 'Hello'.Both Floacist and Songstress's vocals are top draw, easily eclipsing the majority of manufactured so called R&B artists out there (who are boring me). They prove that strong songs and vocals are sexier to me than the latest skimpy outfit. They are backed up superbly by A Touch Of Jazz, who are responsible for my other favorite artists like Jill Scott and Glenn Lewis (who I just found out Floetry also penned songs for).Sweet, sensual, sexy, soul is what this album is all about, all done with a native London accent (I'm not biased honestly). Perfect music to chill out after a hard day!"

Search - Floetry :: Floetic

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