Make Sure You Hear "Have you Heard"
By Andrea Salisbury, 11.03.05

Grab a listen if you have not heard, “Have you Heard,” Toshi Reagon’s debut album on the Righteous Babe Record Label.

Each track carries a different melody, but incorporates the rhythm of blues. Her heartfelt lyrics of lost love and surviving in a chaotic world are accompanied by an acoustic guitar, drums and the occasional backup vocals.

Billboard Magazine calls Toshi a rare artist, who can touch your heart and mind at the same time.

“You marvel at her incredible technical skills, while also embracing the pure, often raw emotion she pours into her every song,” Larry Flick, reporter for Billboard Magazine.

The track, “Build Blues,” is a beautiful arrangement of vocals, drums and guitar. Her deep voice penetrates the heart as she asks her lover to, “stare outside/this window with me/ baby hold my hand/ we gots to say high to see.”

Her voice has been compared to several popular artists.

“Toshi Reagon has been called a Black female Neil young… Like young, Reagon’s music ranges far and wide, from uplifting folk to gritty, soulful rock,” New York Newsday said.

On the title track “Have you Heard,” is reminiscent of Tracy Chapman. It is an upbeat song with powerful lyrics of divine signs. “Have you heard, have you heard/ the dreams of the dove/ I am sure it’s a sign of the Lord.”

“22 Hours” is a song of love breaking, it has a sound much like the tracks on Beth Heart’s 1999 album “Screaming for my Supper.” Yet each song on “Have Your Heard” has a twist of blues.

Promoting a different pop feel is “OOH WEE,” the fifth track. The music is upbeat with almost a dance feel. However, Toshi does not stray from the lyrics of love lost, in “OOH WEE” she is asking for her lover to return. “I got a heart now baby/ It’s not made of Stone/ It will lead you right/ never lead your wrong.”

Elements of Jewel is evident in the track, “You.” Toshi sings a slow love ballad with little background vocal accompaniment. “You” is perhaps the best track on the album demonstrating both her powerful lyrics and musical abilities.

“Have You Heard” is the perfect album to relax with. Fill up the tub, light some candles and turn on this powerful album. It has been 15 years since her first album, but Toshi still sings strong.