Although Joy Ike may not be looking to pursue the Presidency anytime soon, Ike’s latest release, Good Morning, is running a good race. Ike’s soulful voice is like jazz cream in freshly brewed coffee; waking you up with aromas unseen but sense coming. With a musical career spanning only three years, Joy has a lot of time to grow, and her potential is certainly not lacking. Maybe she just might be able to wake us all up.
Strengths:
Ike’s vocals can be some of the strongest parts of Good Morning. Joy’s music has been described as “an alluring and rhythmic blend of soul, jazz and pop” (Allegahny Times). The blend of her voice and piano create powerful and passionate music. The vocal talent she displays in the album shows glimpses of her true potential as a vocal artist; soulful, smooth, and colorful. With a little more work and practice as a singer-songwriter, I think her vocals could carry her a long way.
Standing out as another positive aspect of Good Morning is the originality of Ike’s songs. Jazz, soul, and pop are not commonly combined to form one musical style, but she does it very well with the vocals fitting like interlocking puzzle pieces to the style of music produced. It’s good to hear music with flare.
Weaknesses:
Joy is still young in her musical career. Although Joy’s sound is captured well and beautifully, I think Joy has a way to go with maturity in both her musical style and her voice. At times the album can sound empty or too full – sometimes you can’t really tell. It is this type of musical uncertainty the listener picks up on that can detract from the overall concentration and focus on the music. I found this a problem with only a few songs and at certain points. It would help if Joy adds more sustained controlled notes within her music – both vocally and instrumentally. I did not find this so in many of her songs, however. Songs such as “The Least of These” and “Remember” are a clearer example of Ike’s music without this aspect.
I also think Joy could benefit from creating and even more diverse album. There is piano within almost every song of the album. I would love to hear an acoustic track or just one that is dominantly jazz. The color this would show could really bring out her potential.
Aesthetic Appeal:
The appeal of this music is more objective than subjective. There is a wide variety of piano styles and drums, and this can certainly excite some people. The appeal is certainly positive, but it may not be for everyone. I do approve of the bells, strings, and drums, and would like to see more of those in future albums. They add a nice ambiance to her voice.
Ike’s vocals make the lyrics very interesting to listen to due to the passion behind them. It is clear that many of her songs have a strong lyrical beauty that adds the garnish on the steak, and the rhythms and beats Ike uses are also commendable. Many are strong and well played and have the ability to entice. I think this type of music would be even better played live due to the true sounds and tones produced by a truly present instrument.
Spirituality:
Ike wants to save the world (so she says) and I believe she may just do it. it only takes one drop to create a ripple, doesn’t it? Although literally saving the world may not be her goal, the depth and honesty found in Ike’s lyrics can be inspiring and hopeful. They have the potential to bless others and bring them some comfort in times of need.
One is able to tell that Joy has a connection to the Creator through her songs, and the situations she sings about do not shy away from awkward subjects. She’s real, and that takes a lot of bravery. Her spiritual side is surely in tune and materialistic vibes are not what I get from her when listening to her music.
Standout Tracks:
Strongman
Remember
The Least of These
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Overall, Joy has gotten a great start and has created an album worth listening to. her vocal and musical talent have brought her this far, but I know they can bring her further. Let’s see what she does over the next few years and where she might just end up. One hit song and she may just wake us up sooner than we thought.
One Comment
we *like* ike? psssh. we LOVE her!!