Another new album this year is from Ashanti Munir titled 'Balance'. When i first hear Ashanti sing I immediatly thought that's Evelyn 'Champagne' King. She has almost the same timbre. On some songs you think it's her. This 9 track CD is for the real soul fan. You can buy this CD from soulchoonz.com

It starts with 'Lovers & Friends' soul. Perfectly sang by Ashanti with a hooky chorus and nice piano play. 'Black Pearl' track number 2 a downtempo soul tune with 'wah wah wah guitar' sounds and beautiful background vocals. One of my favourite tunes of this album.
Another one is the midtempo happy catchy 'I'm staying home tonight' a 'Robin S' type of song. And again a favourite is track number 4 'I'll be there (where you are) a downtempo tune with nice muted guitar loop and catchy chorus.

'Follow your heart' featuring vocalist Leon Beal jr. is also a pretty good song. Both vocals complement each other. The slowtempo 'Honestly I do' starts as an acapella track on top of a spanish guitar, percussion, drums, background vocals are added later.

Nice Sax and synths sounds are the main instruments on 'Balance'. Of course nicely song by Ashanti. After hearing the next track number 8 'Brush 'N' Comb' you start singing this song every morning you do your hair. Track number nine is a Jay-O mix of 'Black Pearl'. In short recommended.