When many modern artists refer to the "old school," they're thinking of artists from the '70s and '80s. But
Lina is really down with the old school. The Texas-born songstress uses old jazz tracks from the '30s and '40s to sample in her debut album,
Stranger on Earth. Highlights include a solid cover version of
Dinah Washington's classic "Stranger on Earth," as well as the lead single, "Playa No More," a weird blend of R&B rhythms with a swinging horn sample. In between those tracks, however, the album is a mash of styles that never seems to amount to anything. Part of the problem is
Lina's singing style. Instead of infusing the old tracks with neo-soul,
Lina has an almost operatic voice that lacks any emotional punch. For a more successful fusion of modern R&B and jazz, listeners may look to
Erykah Badu or even
Blu Cantrell's catchy single "Hit 'Em Up Style (Oops)." The fusion of hip-hop and R&B with jazz and swing is an idea worth exploring, but unfortunately,
Stranger on Earth fails to pay off. ~ Jon Azpiri