Regular Columnists

Artist: Lina
Album: Morning Star
Label: Mood Star Recordings
Website: http://www.myspace.com/linamusic
Genre: Alternative R&B
Sounds Like: Blu Cantrell
Technical Grade: 9/10
Production/Musicianship Grade: 9/10
Commercial Value: 8/10
Overall Talent Level: 9/10
Songwriting Skills: 10/10
Performance Skill: 9/10
Best Songs: Good Day, Between Us, Everyday, Get It Right, I'll Stick Around, Joy, Feel The Love
Weakness: Too Many Songs
CD Review:

Lina, an LA based songstress, issues a wake-up call with her new project which starts…Wake up, my love, your day is calling you...don't miss the sun... That's prophetic and poetic. That's Lina.

Her latest project is a mosaic of neo-soul, alternative R&B, and retro jazz flavored tunes that urban music lovers with a predilection for lyrical content, strong hooks, and pleasing vocal arrangements will celebrate. "Feel The Love" instantly recalls R. Kelly's Step In The Name Of Love and should become a dance-floor and radio favorite, but it only scratches the depth of Lina's artistry. 

The sweet and tender, "I'll Stick Around," the funky and easily accessible "Between Us," the ballad about unconditional love, "Get It Right," and the most commercial track on the project, "Everyday,” are all gems with radio potential.

Midway through the project, Lina changes gears and performs her material as though it were the second act of a play - for a different audience with "Through The Fire," a dramatic, Prince-esque track that's perfect for licensing, and “Glory,” a gospel duet with Dave Hollister which shows that Lina can sing like a church girl.

Then we arrive at the best song on the CD: the Sade-esque "Good Day." It's a haunting, post break-up song that starts with: I hope it rains today, and wash away all of your problems...which immediately captures and holds your attention. It displays Lina at her best; showcasing her vocal agility in a subtle, yet effective display of emotion while bringing closure to a relationship that ended on a bad note. It's simply brilliant, and it’s her key to AC cross-over success.

It's always nice to get a wake-up call by a Morning Star. Get yours today.

Listen: www.myspace.com/linamusic 

Video of Lina performing I'll Stick Around (from Morning Star)