| India.Arie | Primary Artist, Acoustic Guitar, Vocals |
| Larry Goldings | Organ, Wurlitzer |
| Steve Grossman | Percussion, Drums |
| Bashiri Johnson | Percussion |
| John Catchings | Cello |
| Tony Harrell | Keyboards |
| Bob Power | Bass, Guitar, Conductor |
| Ralph Rolle | Drums |
| Laurnea Wilkerson | Background Vocals |
| Mark Batson | Organ, Synthesizer, Bass, Percussion, Drums, Keyboards, Mellotron, fender rhodes |
| Doug Kahan | Bass |
| Avery Johnson | Bass |
| Terry MacMillan | Percussion |
| Blue Miller | Acoustic Guitar, Guitar, Electric Guitar, Vocals, Background Vocals |
| Joyce Simpson | Background Vocals |
| David Spak | Percussion |
| Nioka Workman | Cello |
| Judeth Insel | Viola |
| Marlene Rice | Violin |
| Kerisha Hicks | Background Vocals |
| Duane Covert | Background Vocals |
| Larry Goldings | String Contractor |
| Kedar Massenburg | Executive Producer |
| Bob Power | Programming, Producer, Engineer |
| Lovis Scalise | Engineer |
| Mark Batson | Programming, Producer, String Arrangements |
| Avery Johnson | Engineer |
| Annalee Valencia | Art Direction |
| Carlos "6 July" Broady | Programming, Producer |
| Chris Athens | Mastering |
| Blue Miller | Programming, Producer, Engineer |
| Kevin Haywood | Engineer |
| Jim Lightman | Engineer |
| Mike Tocci | Engineer |
| Mark Niemiec | Engineer |
OrlandoCrone
Posted October 1, 2010
Aside from the fact that India Arie's voice is excellent, the lyrics and messages contained in the lyrics gives the listener a sense of her soul. Consequently, the title is extremely apropos. The music, itself, reflects the talent of her musicians, and they are so gifted that I sometimes find myself missing the lyrics while I am concentrating of the sounds of the variious instruments. The CD is a perfect blend of soul, instruments and provides the listener with a great display of her talent. I would strongly recommend Acoustic Soul to anyone who appreciates music with a message, or for that matter, for anyone who appreciates a talented artist, her words, her voice and the musicians who accompany her.
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Posted October 1, 2010
India Arie is a great musician. Her lyrics are deep, her melodies are beautiful, and you will feel a range of emotions while listening to her album. She empowers women to value their intelligence and strength more than their outward appearance. You won't be disappointed if you buy this album!
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Posted October 1, 2010
This girl is the Bomb. She's so humble and meek. She deserves much more credit than she gets. She' saved, she's beautiful, and he can sing. You go Girl!
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Posted October 1, 2010
India Arie rocks this world. She is one of the best. acoustic soul is a great CD featuring some of her best songs ever, especially VIDEO. If you enjoy India Arie I suggest that you listen to BOB MARLEY.
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Posted October 1, 2010
I bought India's cd based on the first single. I hoped it wasn't a fluke. I did the same for another new female artist due to the hype of her cd and was thoroughly disappointed. Accoustic Soul has just that....soul! There became a point in music that if you wanted good meaningful lyrics you had to turn to alternative for the most part. India brings back the balladeer. She's got staying power.
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Posted October 1, 2010
its so moving at so many levels, everyone should have this cd. india. arie is the bomb!(excuse my old school) her music is very moving and captivating, it has a very special move to it that is uplifting and special and makes me proud that i am a woman.
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Posted October 1, 2010
India's debut album is absolutely amazing and she sounds like she's been doing this her whole life. Her voice is exceptional and her musical talent is unparalleled. I love this album and I would recommend it to everyone ... India's album is incredible!
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Posted October 1, 2010
Great album all throughout! It's nice to see real talent for a change. (Most of the ''R&B soul'' from the 90's was such a disappointment.) This songstress is such a breath of fresh air!
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Posted October 1, 2010
India Arie¿s debut album Acoustic Soul is one of the most soulful combinations of harmony and truthfulness. India¿s melodies speak of truth and honesty and give us the encouragement that we all need. She truly has of one the most powerful voices and her uplifting lyrics are purely unique. ¿Part of my Life¿ is one track that is constantly in my player! I can¿t help but feel the acoustic beats on her guitar and soulful rhythm of her beautiful voice. India is definitely one of the most soulful divas out there! For all us ladies who are in need of a little encouragement, ¿Strength, Courage, and Wisdom¿ is the track that can sooth any soul. It is a song about finding those qualities that are within each of us; India just helps us find that strength in a way that heals your heart. I am definitely feelin¿ ¿Nature¿; it is a romantic story of love and letting go of all the worries and letting love take over. With Acoustic Soul, India speaks of staying true to yourself and being strong within yourself. This message is India¿s gift to us and her powerful rhythm is addicting.
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Posted October 1, 2010
Acoustic Soul was a breath of fresh air amidst degrading, profane lyrics and a onslaught of music ''borrowed'' from artist of the past. Each song's lyrics on Indy's breakout debut, tell stories of feelings and relationships everyone can or has related to at one point in their lives. ''Promises'' is the tale of simply that...keeping your word and for that you will be loved. ''Ready for love'' especially touched me with lyrics like ''I am ready for love, why are you hiding from me?'' We've all been there, haven't we? And, then there's ''Simple''. The confessions of someone in love to their partner. For those who truly respect artistry, this is the CD for you. India wrote or co-wrote every song on it! And, you have to love the tribute to Stevie Wonder titled ''Wonderful''... Get out there and buy it today. India.Arie is a new, soulful, eclectic and honorable artist to pay attention to.
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Posted October 1, 2010
i think india's album, acoustic soul, is one the most lyrically strong albums out now. she's got a style all her own, you go girl!!!
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Posted October 1, 2010
India.Arie is definitely a breath of fresh air for those of us who crave color, creativity, and true artistry in our music. ¿Acoustic Soul¿ is just that, a breath of fresh air. Arie¿s album is a break from the monotony of today¿s mainstream music. India.Arie is truly a skillful singer/songwriter. She plays the guitar as though it is a part of her. Like she was destined to shake the foundation of the music world. ¿Acoustic Soul¿ is a wonderful album through and through. Some of my favorite tracks are ¿Simple¿ and ¿Ready for Love¿, two beautiful love songs that are more than just pleasing to the ear. Her music just gets into the listeners¿ heads and won¿t leave. This is the kind of music that makes you want to light a candle and some incense, and turn off the lights and just groove to the subtle melodies. The more radio worthy tracks like ¿Video¿ and ¿Brown Skin¿ bring light to the lost and forgotten in all of us. They make us forget about our insecurities and just let go. ¿Acoustic Soul¿ is definitely a collector¿s item for a lover of soul music, music period.
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Posted October 1, 2010
I RECEIVED THIS ALBUM OF MUSCIAL HEALING FOR CHRISTMAS. MISS INDIA HAS A VOICE OF LIQUID GOLD. HER MUSIC WASHES OVER MY WEARY SPIRIT. I ESPECIALLY LIKE VIDEO, I AM READY FOR LOVE, AND BROWN SKIN. SHE SPEAKS TO THE HEART AND SOUL OF LIFE CIRCUMSTANCES. I AM IN MY LATE 40S AND I MUST SAY EVEN I CAN RELATE TO THIS YOUNG WOMAN'S MUSIC.
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Posted October 1, 2010
I think that this is a beautiful album. I listen to it so much, i know it word for word. I think that this is a ablum, that will people will forever remember. If they don't, I will. MUCH LOVE TO INDIA.ARIE
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Posted October 1, 2010
i just saw india.arie in concert at my school (mount holyoke college) and all i can say is wow!!! she is beautiful and has the most amazing voice. she sends chills down your spine. this cd is a must.
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Posted October 1, 2010
I absolutely love this CD. Every song uplifts and sooths the listener with it's lyrics and tunes. India Arie sends the message that she proudly stands as an individual. The CD compiles slow, comforting songs that deal with love and faith with upbeat songs that promote self-confidence. The wholesome melodies blend Arie's rich vocal talents and skills as a guitarist. Even though all the songs share many similarities, each is unique and special. I highly recommend buying this CD. Everyone should discover India Arie as she progresses in her musical career and provides listeners with exceptional songs.
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Posted October 1, 2010
India.Arie is definitely talented. She has a great, calming voice that's full of feeling- now this is the R&B I'm looking for. India and Alicia Keys are definitely shining through with their extreme talent and originality. Finally, music worth buying.
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Posted October 1, 2010
When India.Arie first debuted with ''Video'' I thought to myself 'Oh, here goes another Erykah (Badu) or Jill (Scott); but actually she is the combo of both these powerful ladies but her voice is the type that makes you stand up and take notice. She is the most powerful female artist so far . . .
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Posted October 1, 2010
India. Arie is one of the best things happening in the year 2001. One of the latest stars to bring back R&B (along with Jill Scott, Erykah Badu), India. has captured my heart through her voice as well as the music she plays. If you liked ''Video'', then there's more where that came from. Song's like ''Brown Skin'' make you feel ready for love, while she can also find time to show respect to the great Steive Wonder, like in ''Wonderful....''. If you are a Lauryn Hill fan, then you have to love India. Once I saw her on 106 and Park and played a piece of ''I See God In You'', I was in awe (now I'm about to purchase me a guitar). But, what I'm trying to say is, BUY THE ALBUM!!!! You won't know what you are missing if you don't buy this wonderful masterpiece entitled ''Acoustic Soul''.
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Posted October 1, 2010
With her first song, Video, India.Aire has cemented her position among the new breed of R&B divas, like Erykah Badu and Jill Scott. <p> Her music is deep and introspective. She relies on themes of God, strength, inner-beauty, courage, and love. You can tell she has practiced her craft for quite some time. Her vibe is very uplifting and inspiring. It fosters thoughts of understanding, love, and caring, which fosters productive relationships between brothas and sistas. This is refreshing in today¿s music environment, where the music buying masses are fed a diet of divisive mantras and chants, by the week, which keep men and women from achieving the true higher heights God intended for us to achieve together. India appears to be in it to win it and she will not be a one-shot wonder. <p> Her tracks are banging, especially the catchy Video. For those with hip-hop roots, you¿ll remember that beat as being used on an underground hip-hop classic that was very derogatory towards women. It is great that she flipped this beat and used it as song to uplift women from the materialistic, Cristal popping, luciano world of today¿s music. She definitely is a Queen. <p> ¿I See God In You¿ is another slamming track where she¿s explaining to brotha, the highest qualities she sees in him. The beat on this track is flipped from the ¿Rockafella¿ remix by Redman. It¿s a definite hit. Other standouts include ¿Promises,¿ ¿Strength, Courage, Wisdom,¿ ¿Back to the Middle,¿ and ¿Simple.¿ <p> Everyone who likes uplifting, introspective, finger-popping R&B should check this album out. <p> -djstyles2000@yahoo.com
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Editorial Reviews
Barnes & Noble - Tracy E. Hopkins
If Donny Hathaway and Roberta Flack had created a musical love child, she would sound something like vocalist and guitarist India Arie. On her breathtaking, poetic debut, Acoustic Soul, the ethereal Arie not only sings with the grace and passion of those aforementioned soul pioneers most noticeably on the yearning ballad "Ready for Love", but on two unplugged interludes she sings the names of her music idols, including Hathaway, Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye, Bessie Smith, Karen Carpenter, and Sarah Vaughan. Like her thoughtful singer-songwriter contemporaries Me'Shell NdegéOcello, Alana Davis, and Dionne Farris, Arie practices what she preaches. In the self-affirming ...