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Grenique
Black Butterfly
By Steven Fullwood
The only problem with Grenique's fantastic debut Black Butterfly is timing. Had
Erykah Badu waited to drop Baduizm, critics wouldn't be so indolent in reviewing
"Black Butterfly," by comparing the two. That said, exit Ms Badu -- on with Ms
Grenique.
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Black Butterfly showcases Grenique's melodious voice,
which is smooth and aggressive. On the title song "Black Butterfly," she serves
you warm vocals supported by a funky guitar. "Now it's time to let go," Grenique
convincingly sings on "Let Go," the second cut. Grenique riffs over a thumping,
mid-tempo bass and solid Chaka Khan-esque background vocals.
Perhaps the most attractive feature about Black Butterfly is Grenique's use of her lovely,
malleable voice. She approaches each song carefully, thinking how best to express it. On
the bluesy "Should I" she relates her love dilemma to the sisters. "Should
I" is the album's best cut and sets the tone for how "Black Butterfly"
should be consumed--slow and delicately.
Other standout songs include "Love Within," "Disco," and "Star of
the Story," co-produced by labelmate Chico Debarge. "Love Within"
co-written by Grenique is a paean to self-love. On "Disco," she sings
delightfully about having to "pick out her afro/put on her high heel shoes,"
eventually heading out to the disco. Grenique's cover of Heatwave's "Star of the
Story" is the most celestial of the collection. Though you get the feeling this
sister could really show out if she wanted, there's no need to. Indeed, Grenique is a
songstress, not a diva. M
January 2000
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