Toby Lightman's most complete album to date - go get it!

If you are in the mood to relax, detox and chill, then it is time to put on Toby Lightman’s album Let Go. Her third record release, and first from her own label T Killa records, will definitely broaden the appeal of this immensely talented singer-songwriter. She has already made waves on tour with Prince, OAR, Marc Broussard, and most recently for her opening theme song for the Daytona 500. This album showcases exactly why her star is on the rise.

In Let Go, Toby mixes soul and gospel with a little bit of rock sensibilities. Her vocals will knock your socks off while retaining a down-home essence. On the opener “So Natural”, she manages to sound incredibly familiar without sounding boring in the least. It is actually quite difficult not to put this song on repeat.

The second track, “Let Go”, totally got me finger-snapping the first time I heard it. Upbeat and sassy, it is one of the best songs on the album and was featured on the show Brothers and Sisters. After hearing this song you will be surprised to hear that Toby grew up in southern New Jersey instead of crawfish territory. Next, Toby’s magnetic voice carries you over to “Fairweather Boyfriend”. It is beautifully crafted and lyrically moving with “Am I just a flame in your fire that only keeps you warm when you desire…”. Toby’s lyrics are simple but always sound like they are coming from a true friend touching upon experiences of the mind and soul.

“Lazy” starts off sounding a bit like Peggy Lee’s “Fever” with a smooth, jazz influenced sound. Her voice, immensely soulful, is highlighted by sweeping violins. Next, “Milk and Honey” is a song that stands out above the rest. Toby’s rich voice alongside a funky groove glides into a sexy sound this is simply enchanting. She does not just sing to you; she gets inside you – in a non-scary way of course.

Toby explores a more gospel/ story- telling genre with track six, “I’m Gonna Break his Heart”. Personally, I think Toby lapses a bit with this one, and even her vocals seem a bit stretched in a few parts. Repetitive, and a bit trite, I vote to skip this song.

“Take My Hand” has depth and showcases a soul-baring element that Toby has mastered so well. I really like the background vocals in this song and feel like they play off each other beautifully. “One Day” is inspirational, making that far-flung notion of happiness seem real close. I can not believe actually I just wrote that, but it is true. Lastly, we have “Love is all Around”, which is a pretty tune but it does not have the same depth that the other songs carried.

It is apparent that Toby Lightman really and truly has the ability for you to feel her music with more than just emotive phrasing but with old- soul sensibility as well. She unearths a variety of genres that take extreme talent to make work harmoniously. Not only does she have a voice, but her compositions make her such a force to be reckoned. I give Toby a 4 out 5.

Since Toby is an independent artist, she is trying new ways to get heard. Check out her website to purchase her CD, take a look at her tour schedule, and more.

Also, in case you didn’t watch the Daytona 500 races this year (yeah me neither…) you can see her doing the opening theme on youtube.

Rated 4/5