The New Boss: Conya Doss l Review by Marvina S.
The super-fierce Conya Doss is back with her fourth LP "Still," released on her own label Conya Doss Songs Inc. on April 7th. The Ohio native and former special educator is back and stronger than ever. In her debut CD, "A Poem About Miss Doss" (NU Mecca label) started the buzz about the best-known, unknown artist to date in 2002. The entire CD was great from start to finish, which is rare. One of my favorite cuts on "A Poem About Miss Doss" is "You Really Hurt Me," which has an Alicia Keys feel to it. Then there is the beautiful remake she did of Norman Connors' "Starship." She really pulled it off and that track is also found on Vaughn Harper Presents: Quiet Songs. I also loved “That's Not Love” and “Heaven” a duet she did with Zero. Again EVERY song on this first CD is the fierceness. Conya followed up with her second CD "Just Because" (Conya Doss Songs label) in 2004. You can hear the confidence as well as the raw emotion and sassy attitude she so effortlessly expresses. This entire 11 track CD, just like the first , is smoking from start to finish. My favorite tracks are “Damn That,.” The hip-swaying title cut “Just Because, “ the love struck track “Stay” and the heartache healer “Missing You.”
Fast forward, August 2006. Conya is back on the scene again with her third CD entitled "LOVE RAIN" (Conya Doss Songs Inc. label). Again she delivers an explosive 13 track cd. More passion, bittersweet melodies with a mixture of "honey and hellfire". Those were the days are a trip down memory lane with its bluesy up-tempo beat. Other great tracks; “Never Mind,” “Sign” and “Call Me.”
Now it's April 2008. Conya has just released her fourth studio album. I mean she keeps getting better and better. To be honest I have only listened to about five songs over and over on this 14 track CD. Me so likey likey Something 2Nite. It is filled with attitude, sass, and edge with a terrific up-tempo. In the hypnotic and seductive, “What I'd Do,” this is a true song to address real love in a relationship. "Message" (Thank You) she thanks her loyal fans who stood by her side through and through. It has great melody and you can feel her soul in thanking all of us. Lastly, there is "How Bout Us?" duet with James Penn. Both deliver such a quintessential risk of taking a friendship to the next level. When I was listening to this song I felt like I was listening to someone's private conversation. Moving, edgy, delightful and eargasmic can hardly describe “Still.” In general, her music is so organic like Hill St. Soul, Ledisi, and Me'Shell Degeocello. What makes her stand out to me is her ability to step out of the box and her flavor. As quoted in a recent interview, Doss explained the new album: "This album is mainly about progressions in my personal life, as well as in my career. I feel that in spite of all of the ups and downs, as well as the successes, I am STILL able to stay true to what I believe in with regards to the quality of my work and my personal convictions as an artist and a person. I remain centered, focused and humble."
Don't take my ears for it. You can purchase all four of these cd's at www.conyadoss.net and www.soultracks.com.
Marvina S.