Album Review: Mio Soul – In My Skin EP3
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Singer, songwriter, and producer Mio Soul bursts onto the NYC music scene with her debut EP In My Skin. Covering all of the bases, there’s something for every musical taste. From R&B, Pop and Dance to Soul, Hip Hop and Funk, In My Skin showcases the limitless talents of the chanteuse effortlessly. Set for official release November 1, 2011, Mio was kind enough to send of an advanced copy for CrayonBeats to review, so let’s do this shall we?
01. Intro: I remember Mio performing this as a part of her set for the Domo Arigatou Japan benefit concert and I loved it. I also remember wanting to hear more of it, so as soon as it began playing I lit up! On some real sensual groove, this is definitely a beautiful intro. At a little under two minutes it’s long enough to enjoy AND leave you wanting for it to be a full song. I love the intimate atmosphere Mio paints: It was you who decided to leave there, and it was me who decided to stay here. Now we’re here sharing this room, sharing this happiness. [5/5]
02. I Wish: As the lead single from the EP, I immediately flashed back to its tongue-in-cheek “vampire/horror” video. My feelings are the same about the song now as they were back when the video dropped: I really like this track. I like Mio singing mainly in her lower register for most of the song, even though she’s fully capable of hitting those higher notes. It just gives me warm fuzzies; I feel like walking through autumn leaves in the park when I hear this song. [4.5/5]
03. Let’s Party: HAHAAA! This is my new jam/theme song for the weekend! Mio KILLED this live at the DAJ benefit, and I’m soooo pumped that it’s included in the EP. Every album needs a good dance track and I bet you anything if this were played in the clubs, people would lose their minds. I freakin’ love her rap break! This is definitely one of my favorite tracks on the EP. The lyrics are straightforward and simple, but let’s be honest here: Mio knows exactly what we’re tryna do, and that’s get our groove on. So what does she do? She gives you what you want: an addictive dance track. [5/5]
04. The Past: I like this track, but it took a few moments to really get into it. Not because it’s not good music, but because I was still bouncing around from having Let’s Party on repeat for about 10 minutes. In “The Past”, Mio explores that path we’re always wondering if we should go down again with an ex: “I know it ain’t right for me to say, waiting for you to come back to me”. Yeah girl. We’ve all been down that road before. Again Mio sings in her lower registry, but instead of getting that sensual vibe that “I Wish” gives me, her voice really emotes an almost anticipated sadness. It’s hard to explain. I just know that you can really hear emotion in Mio’s voice and know that she’s singing from true experience and not just singing the words. Ya know? [4/5]
05. Promise: WOO, this is tough. The heavy base combined with Mio Soul’s sweet voice singing about having that self confidence to chase her dreams makes this track crazy dope. Personally the lyrics of this track really touched me. Everyone goes through a phase where they’re second guessing what they want to do/are doing and combined with outside influences telling what you should/n’t do, it can really wear someone down. I remember briefly asking Mio about what prompted her to start singing (after she’d told me that she started at a late age) and she just said that it was something she wanted…no, needed to do. At that time I really felt her positive energy and determination; this song just puts into music what she evokes in person. [5/5]
06. Out Of My Life: FAVORITE TRACK. Y’all should already know how I feel about guitars, and the guitar in this track totally stole my heart. There’s a Wild West element to the beat that I fucking die for, and Mio Soul gets real on this track, and talks to you. Best break up track EVER. “WHO THE HELL ASKED YOU TO BE WITH ME?!” Hahaha Yes, Mio. YES! Again, there’s so much emotion in Mio’s voice that I almost feel bad for the sucker who crossed her. Vocally, I would say this track is the best showcase of Mio’s voice, and just how dope she really is. I can see where people got the comparison of the “Japanese Alicia Keys” from, but in all honesty she stands on her own without having that title, in my opinion. [5/5]
Purchase the album: iTunes | Amazon | Bandcamp | Mio Soul Official Store
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Overall, this is an phenomenal EP. Lyrically, everything is simple and to the point. A rarity nowadays when people always feel the need to be extra with metaphors, punch lines, and other unnecessary garnishes. Mio’s writing style comes off as refreshing in its minimalistic style. In My Skin is definitely a say-it-like-it-is presentation of emotion, love, and life. If this is just her first EP, everyone needs to be on the lookout for when her album drops. Mio Soul is dope. No other words.
IMAGE CREDITS: IAMMIOSOUL.COM
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such a great review! thank you ladies!
awesome awesome rev!!thank u so much tiffnyx2!