Album Review: Roberta Lea, Just A Taste

Roberta Lea's been busy of late, performing as part of the Black Opry Revue on the cusp of releasing this EP Just A Taste. To say she was excited about its release via social media is an understatement. Another understatement is the engaging nature Lea has with the listener on the sweet, organic and gorgeously vivid "Ghetto Country Streets."

Just as aurally satisfying is "King Size" which shines thanks to a sparse, soul-tinged arrangement allowing Lea to carry the tune effortlessly. Meanwhile the first of two acoustic numbers is "He Can't Dance" that again shows her strength vocally while mentioning how her beau can't dance like Presley or Jackson (Michael, not Alan).

Lea, who has a smooth, earthy delivery on this half-dozen set of songs, is carving a name for herself thanks to smart songwriting on "Sweet Baby Ray." Here she cites Lizzo over a slightly slicker but effective production. The lone tune which might seem a tad forced is the wistful "Back To Georgia" with the rich arrangement almost boxing Lea's pipes in.

The closing, moving "Uniform" (also acoustic) is late coming this calendar year but should be on top 10 lists everywhere. Roberta Lea is a musical flower about to bloom!

Just A Taste was released December 17, 2021.
Listen to it here.