Shareefa: Point Of No Return “Real Singing, Real Music" An Album Review By
Nfared
In recent years, R&B has been more about catchy hooks and dance moves and less
about lyricism and real singing ability. While some may argue that this is no
biggie since it’s all about entertainment, R&B has lost the luster it once had.
Perhaps taking note of that, Shareefa seems hell bent on bringing back a time
when the true elements of soul music really mattered. Her debut album “Point Of
No Return” has been critically acclaimed from fans and music industry
incumbents. Apparently she’s on to something

Shareffa hooks up with Darkchild for the album opener, “Cry No More”. Though
familiar territory for women, she adds her own smooth yet intrusive style; “over
all the times you played me/over all the stress the mess I don’t need/over all
the stuff that hurt me…” She reaches out for a human connection with the
poignant “No One Said”, produced by Chucky Thompson. Familiar with daily
struggles, she relates, “I woke up this morning/try to get myself together/try
to face another day/people laugh smile in my face/…time is precious/gotta stay
on the grind.” The song speaks to the unexpectancy of life and gives a message
to be prepared. Switching her tone, she almost sounds like another person at the
beginning of “Butterfly”. Here she releases herself from an obviously
self-destructive relationship as she proclaims, “I was sleeping with the enemy”.
She even admits her own fault, “So many times/I could have walked away/but love
is so blind/I was so afraid.” Her freedom hits the
soul as she flows, “I made my decision/don’t need your permission/I got to
start living…” Comparisons to Mary J were instant once she appeared, and she
welcomes the talk with a “Love No Limit” remix sounding “How Good Luv Feels”.
Still original though, she begins, “I loved waking up this morning smelling like
you/I sniffed the sheets and the pillows a little while…” Love feels and smells
good. On “Assumptions” she address those who may have any misconceptions about
her, beginning, “See the problem with some people/they never stop to think about
my situation…” Gossip does take its toll though as she admits, “So sick and
tired of people judging me”.

Needle Meter Shareefa has done something special by combining the old school
era of soul music with her own solid style. Her voice has many dimensions, from
the sound of pain through her raspy tones, to the sound of love that oozes from
her upper tones, to the sound of triumph in her mid range. Her ‘make you listen
to me’ way of music is almost impossible to ignore and her unapologetic attitude
for who she is and what she has seen is admirable on many levels. The album is a
perfect mix of love, despair, freedom and self-recognition, without being too
happy or too preachy. Roll out the red carpet, R&B has returned.
Five Needles! Classic Album!















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