After an eighteen year hiatus, although a journey of self-discovery might be a better phrase, Nicole Wray, now under the moniker Lady Wray has created an album filled with soul and R&B, that is unique to her story. Getting her start in the industry happened to be somewhat of a whirlwind of action. As the first artist signed to Missy Elliot’s label, Nicole Wray was immediately placed under the creative control of Elliott herself which proved to be a problem in the long-term for the future of her career.
Though her next two planned albums after her debut happened to be shelved, Queen Alone is worth the wait, and definitely embodies the feeling of any musician who finally seems to have a grasp on their music career. The first track on the record “It’s Been A Long Time” can be taken literally in the sense that it has been eighteen years since her last solo release; however, this track acts as a key introduction to the tone and direction of not only Queen Alone, but where Lady Wray’s musical style is headed. She explores her bluesy vocal abilities in tracks like “Guilty” and “Make Me Over” while producing an edgier sound to the soul genre on the track “Underneath My Feet.” Mastering the art of confidence, living in your truth, being there for yourself, and empowerment. This is what Queen Alone is all about. Queen Alone is a powerful autobiographical album that masterfully ties in the struggles of Nicole Wray’s personal life with her newly developed sound that oozes a sense of true freedom and a fresh take on soul.
Recommended If You Like: Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Kendra Morris
Recommended Tracks: 1 (It’s Been a Long Time), 2 (Do It Again), 3 (Smiling), 8 (Underneath My Feet)
Do Not Play: None
Written by Andrew Chavez on 10/27/2016