TESTIMONY:VOL. 2,LOV

LOVE & POLITICS bears close resemblance, both stylistically and thematically, to its illustrious predecessor. Like TESTIMONY VOL. 1, LOVE & POLITICS impresses with the professionalism of its production, with meticulously interwoven layers of backing vocals that recall the most sumptuous soul productions of the mid '70s. The productions of Stevie Wonder and Gamble & Huff are obvious touchstones for the tasteful strings and subdued Fender Rhodes work of lead single "Chocolate High," which features vocal contributions from Musiq Soulchild. Though LOVE & POLITICS doesn't represent a significant departure from the thoughtful, easygoing soul with which Arie has made her name, it includes a few nods to trends in contemporary R&B, most notably the sprightly "Therapy," which splices Arie's breezy vocals and gentle fingerpicking on to a propulsive, club-ready beat.

• Genre: Pop
• Format: Vinyl
• Released: 12/10/2013