"Why is everybody so envious?" Robinson wonders tunefully on "Envious", the first single from
Dawn, her self-titled solo album. Well, let's see, Dawn, could it be because you're gorgeous,
talented and undeniably at the top of your form?
The real question is why should this gifted singer care enough about envious haters to sing a song
about them, and then make that song the debut tune of her solo career? Maybe it's just her way of
throwing down the gauntlet to those who have crossed her in the past -- Robinson establishes her
territory with a little taste of bitchiness just because the people she's addressing probably
didn't think she had the nerve. And maybe Robinson chooses to engage in this bit of sniping because she
can -- Robinson's vocal talent definitely gives her bitching rights. The girl can sing.
Dawn Robinson can definitely count on a number of loyal fans to pick up her new CD. A lot of us
have been waiting for Robinson to make good on her promise to put out a solo album, and the
fulfillment of that promise comes none too soon. Now, more than ever, the urban contemporary market is
mired in a sea of sameness. Dawn Robinson's voice is a siren song, inviting us to demand more from
our music.
To that end, Dawn offers a confident and eclectic collection of songs. Robinson prides
herself on selecting a variety of songs that bridge several genres. The album is described as a
"mesmerizing mix" of funk, soul, rock and R&B. The problem is that the album tries so hard to defy
definition that it fails to be distinctive.
That's not to say that the CD won't be a success. Robinson could record "Mary Had a Little Lamb"
and fans would buy it, because her instincts have always served her well. Robinson's work with En
Vogue and Lucy Pearl forever associated her with some of the most innovative moments in popular
music. Then the savvy singer left En Vogue before that group faded into obscurity. Her abrupt
departure from Lucy Pearl happened before the group's fresh concept became stale, and simply left fans
wanting more of Robinson. She walked away from both experiences with the kind of visibility that
loads of intentional publicity fail to generate for other entertainers. The controversy surrounding
Robinson's past moves positioned her as a daring and edgy entertainer.
However, Robinson's reputation for being a trendsetter is not so apparent on "Envious". While the
tune is catchy and even likeable, it is also a fairly predictable page from the R&B book. "Uh",
Dawn grunts sexily in the first few bars. "Uhh, uhh". How many times are we going to hear this
riff? In an arrangement which may or may not be accidental, the harmonies on this particular song are
reminiscent of Robinson's days with En Vogue. The song panders to the popular market, but does
little to showcase Robinson's powerhouse voice.
On this CD, Robinson lends her sparkling vocals to a number of nondescript tunes like "Envious",
but her voice is so gorgeous that nothing she sings is hard to listen to. And there are other songs
on the album that are satisfying contributions, lyrically, technically, and otherwise.
The opening track on the CD, "Set It Off", is a mellow and exciting groove that hints at what
D-girl is really all about. "Where can we go to put it down? We both know that we want it now.
Something 'bout your sexiness, makes this girl want to get undressed", exults Dawn in her limber, lovely
voice. "Still in Love With You" is a funky jam that can make you dance even when you don't want
to. Dawn's treatment of a slow tune called "I Can See It In Your Eyes" could tug a sentimental
string in even the most hardened of hearts.
If the music on this album is not cohesive, and fails to make the most of Robinson's vocal
ability, it is not for lack of trying on her part. Robinson interjects gusto and energy into the tunes.
Hers is an exquisite voice, capable of remarkable range. Robinson's playful personality comes
through by way of saucy lyrics and imaginative ad libs. Her approach to music is emotional and
dramatic. She doesn't just mouth the lyrics, she seems to feel them, giving her songs a sincerity that is
seldom found in the urban contemporary field. More importantly, Robinson has an intelligent sound
that somehow embodies the way independent young women feel about themselves: sensual, feminine,
and empowered.
Dawn will be a welcome addition to the CD collection of anyone who loves vocal music. With
this CD, as with her past projects, you get the sense that Dawn Robinson will always embrace the
opportunity to experiment. She's willing to try new things and put her name on the line as she
searches for songs that work. Robinson has proven herself in the past; there's no reason to doubt her
now.
