India Arie may look like just another American hippy folk chick but to underestimate her would clearly be a mistake; in her home country she's hotly tipped to be the next big sensation on the Rn'B scene. Her soul singing is reminiscent of the young Stevie Wonder and this debut album skilfully blends hip-hop, blues and jazz with clever, narrative lyrics. Comparisons with Macy Gray are inevitable but if anything Arie sounds even more funky and authentic; she's clearly an artist with far more depth than her image might lead you to believe.
