Ivy Levan will release her debut album, No Good,on August 7th via Cherrytree/Interscope Records. The album builds on the bold and brash swamp pop sound Levan first revealed on her 2013 EP Introducing the Dame, which sparked buzz from many major media outlets, including Billboard, who called her an entrancing pop singer with uninhibited soul-infused stylings, Allure, who noted that her music is powerful and dark, but also a bit playful, and The Huffington Post, which praised her vocal virtuosity. Levan has also hit No. 1 on Billboard s Next Big Sound chart and won MTVU's The Freshman twice.
M**L
One of the best albums I've come across in a long time.
Never wrote a review for music before so here it goes:One of the best albums I've come across in a long time.I didn't know anything about the artist but ran across the 'Biscuit' song on youtube and found it catchy.About 3/4 the album is of a similar vibe - excuse my amateur music descriptors - R&B-like, heavy 'slow jam' base line, some brass, with a great hook and chorus. Not typically the style of music that I gravitate to.The balance of the album are ballads which are of equal quality but I tend to gravitate to the upbeat stuff.Lots of earworms - I found myself listening to the same song over and over.The lyrics are very good save for a rap-like verse in one of the better songs that doesn't flow very well in my opinion.Themes of the songs aren't very 'happy' per se but self-empowering or 'I'm not taking it anymore' and could be construed as 'demeaning'; think 'I'm better than you'.Even though her prior recordings were of a different style, that I don't care for as much, I'm very much looking forward to her next.
M**L
Ivy, you may say you are no good but you are REALLY GOOD!!
For an old coot like me that likes to find new music i can "rock out to" it's always such a pleasure to come across a new person/band that knows how to do so. Ivy's sound is superb and i have listened and listened to this cd. I will leave it to the nerds (bless their hearts) to break down every little aspect of her sound (as so many i think in these reviews are likely paid to do) but i am "old school" and can tell you that she rocks, give her a try.
J**R
Strong voice and upbeat tracks, if less distinctive than her prior single
Less up than her single (Introducing The Dame) but fun nonetheless - I really enjoy her voice & it's one that can really stand up to plenty of instrumentation. Her choice of perky, jazzy, old school tunes is great and allows her to shine as different from most other people in the market. While "Biscuit" is a bit over the top, it's still fun to listen to. Torch songs like "It Ain't Easy" let her stretch her vocal skills a bit more. A guest spot by Sting is especially enjoyable.
H**Y
Big new talent.
I have listened to "Introducing the Dame" and loved it . Ivy has a great vocal range and she can pull of most any kind of song . It's hard to believe that the same girl is singing all of the songs I have heard on her cds . The kicker is listening to her sing the theme song on the Spy soundtrack . She really belts it out .I like " different ",and that is Ivy Levan . Thank You Ivy !!!!!
T**O
Beautiful, Dark and Catchy
Ivy Levan's sophomore album is a soulful "dark" pop ,R&B, hip hop collision. Her voice is distinct, being smoky yet light. Her sound has a Pop/Hip hop/Jazz feel, which is pleasantly refreshing. The dark tone of the album is very intriguing, distinguishing her from other pop artists. My favorite tracks include: 27 Club, Champagne Taste, No Good, Best Damn thing, Biscuit, and Killing You.
S**E
Great to be able to get a proper cd version ...
Fabulous. The whole thing has been on repeat for a couple days now. Great to be able to get a proper cd version as well rather than mp3s.My wife and I both love Ivy. Stumbled across her at Cherry Tree records and on Perez and have been fans ever since. As a bonus pitch for her, do yourself a favor and watch 'The Dame Says' video; oh my, a masterpiece. Mesmerizing. Thanks Ivy!
J**M
Current Favorite
Current favorite along with Introducing the Dame. Some nice Strong songs like It Ain't Easy (sounds like Houston) then Biscuit (sure not Houston). If you like Biscuit and the others like it you should look at Introducing the Dame. Hoping for more from her.
D**9
Every song is a +
Very awesome artist! Wish I could gave been able to buy a cd. I am ol'school.
M**H
Love this woman's voice!
Ivy Levan is amazing. Remember her name! She's going to be huge. This CD didn't disappoint. I can't stop listening to it.
A**I
Four Stars
Glad I bought it.good pleasant to listen to
N**U
Ivy Levan
Was für ein Sex-Appeal! Was für eine Stimme! Ivy Levan (sehenswert auch in "The Rocky Horror Picture Show") braucht sich hinter Größen wie Adele, Christina Aguilera und anderen weiß Gott nicht zu verstecken. Aus irgendeinem Grunde (schlechtes Management?) ist Levan trotz mehrerer erstklassiger CDs immer noch ein Geheimtipp. Das sollte sich ändern. "No Good", "Biscuit" und das Sting-Duett "Killing You" böten 1A-Hitmaterial, wenn sie denn etwas mehr Airplay im Radio kriegten. Die CD sei allen ans Herz gelegt, die stilvollen, eingängigen Pop mit starker Stimme und geilen Texten lieben.
L**I
Da non perdere
Un gran disco d'esordio, Ivy è bravissima, una gran voce, bellissimo il duetto insieme a Sting e la hit Biscuit. Sicuramente merita molto più successo di tante altre artiste molto più blasonate, ma sicuramente inferiori dal punto di vista vocale. Da non perdere!
J**L
Explicit?
Is it REALLY the explicit version? I hear a lot of censored swears.
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