Andreena

"Slick"; it's the word that pops to mind when absorbing Toronto, on-based Andreena's new body of work. A fixture on the T.O. R&B/soul scene (likely known by most for 2011 synth-pop single "Key 2 Your Heart"), with Naked, Andreena looks at "telling it like it is" from a love perspective, via the singer-songwriter and pianist's vividly personal experiences. This independent release features shimmering production (Hit-Boy, Bass Line, Spinz and Rich Kidd) and a glossy lyrical take on contemporary R&B. At 22 tracks (including skits and interludes), the free-to-download LP feels a bit heavy, but maintains a coherent vibe throughout. The playful "My Boo" comes off a bit trendy, but tracks like "As Deep As Your Love," "That's What Love Will Do," "Anything" and "The Ones" (which leverages a nicely used "Souls of Mischief by way of Billy Cobham" hip-hop sample) display Andreena in her modern R&B element — soulful, truthful, ethereal. "Song Cry" best represents the project as a whole; it features a sprightly, "ride with me" urban sound reminiscent of a Keyshia Cole, only on a more lyrically skilled and vocally talented level.