As a child growing up in Houston, TX, Pru Renfro could memorize and recite the text of an entire Dr. Suess book. The open-minded, whimsical influence certainly shows on the singer/songwriter's self-titled album
Pru. She freely mixes hip-hop, Latin, R&B, rock, and trip-hop into a uniquely enticing mix that quickly identifies her as an adventurous artist along the line of
Angie Stone,
Jill Scott and
Lauryn Hill. The ballad "Candles" is a juxtaposition of
Smokey Robinson & The Miracles' "Tracks of My Tears." Pru wisely gives
Sade's "Smooth Operator a different flavor than the original; bring to the fore the original version's Latin influences more forcefully but still keep it smooth amid popping percussion and fluttery flute runs. The halting ballad "Hazy Shades" recalls "blue light in the basement" old skool slow jams. Other highlights include "Aroma," "183 Miles," "Sketches of Pain," and the movie portion of this enhanced CD. ~ Ed Hogan