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Ndegeocello conjures brooding' Weather'

Meshell Ndegeocello, “Weather” (Naïve)

With singer/songwriter Meshell Ndegeocello's signature smoky voice, and instrumentation that feels lush even at its most spare, the aptly named “Weather” is a brooding, atmospheric album perfect for a lazy late fall afternoon.

“Weather” is the versatile Ndegeocello's ninth release in 20 years, a body of work punctuated by her unmistakable bass playing, smooth voice and lyrics that range from uplifting to heart-wrenching.

“Weather” is an unpredictable blend of beautifully melancholy meanderings like “Feeling for the Wall,” “Oysters” and “Don't Take My Kindness for Weakness,” and smart bouncy tunes like “Chance” and “Rapid Fire.”

On tracks like the deliciously moody “Crazy and Wild,” Ndegeocello uses sparse but powerful vocals, piano and drums to evoke the rawest of emotions, producing songs you both hear and feel.

Check this out: “Dirty World” brings the bass in a way only Ndegeocello can — funky, pointed and urgent — with just the right amount of in-your-face bravado: “Dirty World/kick and scream/and watch it burn.” Even at her warmest, she still manages to be cool.

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