When I first heard Carmen Liana’s debut project, Who I Am (Lotus Records), I absorbed a unique blend of Jill Scott, India Arie, Fantasia, Beyoncé and Prince protégé Tamar. Although their voices crossed my mind (and ears), they didn’t stay for long because I became enveloped in Liana’s own brand of charm and creativity. Her classic-contemporary sound of music is quite refreshing and, in some spots, even comically entertaining.
Liana, who either wrote or co-wrote eight of the 10 songs on the project, said, “The music on this album represents who I am as an artist, a woman and a person … someone who’s confident and powerful, but also humble.”
From the funky, upbeat title cut “Who I Am,” in which she claims her self, to “It’s Yours,” a rapturous duet with Carl Days that men are sure to enjoy, to the Billboard-chart-topping “Taking Applications,” a favorite even in Japan where various producers remixed it seven times, to my personal favorite, “I Hate My Job,” a catchy tune featuring an unhappy cashier who just wants to go home to her comfortable bed, each song on the album reels you in.
I so appreciate artists who give listeners unexpected treats like “I Hate My Job,” much like Erykah Badu did with “Call Tyrone” or Fantasia has with “Collard Greens & Corn Bread.” Although many artists today are obsessed with sex, money and fame, people want to experience something fresh and unusual and real.
“I like songs where women put their all into them … that raw feeling,” Liana said. “I’m singing about real life from my point of view, beyond the typical ‘I love you’ and ‘You make me feel good.’”
Georgia born, raised and college-educated, Liana touts a varied and impressive portfolio. She is a flutist, guitarist and paint artist; has penned songs for singers like Lloyd, B5, 3LW and Taralyn Ramsey; is a former backup singer for Chaka Khan and Monica; was a singer in two bands, C.O.M. Unit and Mizchief; was the singer for a Greyhound radio advertising campaign; and, now, she can add “recording artist” to her mounting credentials.
“Carmen possesses a beautiful and distinctive voice,” said producer Wirlie Morris, who worked with her on the album. “She doesn’t sound like everything else that’s out there.”
And to hear that is a compliment of the highest level for any artist, and it is well deserved. –arnell pharr
