Last week, I put up my feature with singer Alexis Hightower. Today, I have a review for her debut full length album Girl Next Door, which mixes classic jazz, soul, and a touch of hip hop. Her sound is grounded in jazz and R&B, which is evident on this album. What's great about this album is that Alexis is very transparent in her lyrics, and the music is soulful and calming. I've never honestly been a huge jazz fan, but the different artists that I have heard in the genre always give a fun, yet relaxing vibe in their music. I definitely looked forward to checking out Alexis' project. 

Check out my review below!





Alexis' album is comprised of mostly slow or mid-tempo tracks, and several of them are love-centric. Alexis has no problem expressing her feelings in songs like    "We Can Do This," and "Love Thing," both mellow and calming. She sings to her love about their relationship, expressing that they can have a clear future if they believe in each other and try to make things work.

The inspirational track "Steady You Go" is a standout song on the album, pushing listeners to keep going in life in spite of rocky roads and long journeys ahead to reach desired paths.
"Clap Your Hands" is another moving track that celebrates the good in life, versus always focusing on the negative. Alexis sings, "You may stress and strife...but if you love life, you better clap your hands." It just reminded me personally that, yes, life can get rough, but at the end of the day, I'm still living and I should make the most of each day.

Other tracks include "Sweet Silent Hunger," "Maybe Baby," and "Whoever You Are," as well as an interlude of spoken word from artist mTkalla Keaton. The chilling ballad "Just A Song," also a single, ends the album on a strong note.

Girl Next Door is a relaxing, positive album to listen to. Alexis' voice definitely has pure soul, and her lyrics are real and honest.  My only wish is that there were a few more songs with a change of pace aside from the slow tempo that mostly takes over the album. "MI Crooked Letter" breaks away from the pack, but it would've been nice to hear a few other more upbeat tracks. Overall, however, the album is a nice listen. Alexis does have a beautiful voice, and a great message for listeners.

RATING: ★★★★☆ (four out of five stars)

The album is available on iTunes NOW, so be sure to buy a copy! You can hear more from Alexis on her official website and SoundCloud, as well as connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube! 

7:38:00 AM

Another spotlight for y'all! As always, if you are or know of an upcoming musical artist, designer, producer, etc., that should be featured on the blog, please email me at BrittanyShawnte@ gmail.com (allow time for response).

I want you all to check out singer Alexis Hightower! Combining classic jazz, soul, and a tiny bit of hip hop, this unique, talented singer is definitely one to look out for!

Born in Nashville but raised in Oakland, CA and then L.A., Alexis’ parents got her started in music. Though they weren’t musicians themselves, they constantly listened and played music, which Alexis loved. “My parents loved to entertain, and music was always a big part of that,” she said. “I felt very early on, probably from the time I was four or five, that music would be an important part of my life.”

While her parents were huge fan of classic soul artists like Marvin Gaye, Roberta Flack, James Brown and more, Alexis’ cousins and sister introduced her to other artists as well like Led Zeppelin, Sinead O’Connor, and N.W.A. Growing up around these eclectic sounds inspired Alexis’ own music and creativity. “I think you can hear the laid back, layered California thing in there,” Alexis said of her own sound. “I like for my music to be tight and focused, but I also need a sense of space in my music, and that's definitely the Cali in me.”

Alexis’ upcoming album, Girl Next Door, is set for release on November 25 (I plan to have a review up for you all on Friday!), and will be sure to reflect a diverse amount of sounds! “One day I realized that I had this collection of songs and that they were kind of a complete thought, or more like a journey,” she said of the album. “I finally felt like I had ten songs that were good enough to see the light of day. Also, they had a shape when you put them together in a certain order.” Working with artists like trumpet player Duane Eubanks and Gerry Leonard, Alexis wrote most of the songs herself, as well as arranged parts and played on them as well. Her hope for listeners with this album? “I guess what I really want is for the listener to be able to press play and leave the album going until it's over. Otherwise, why make an album?”


Currently, the singer is working on some remixes from the album, and collaborating with some producers to create new material. She is also working on a film project that should be released in spring 2015!

As far as what separates her from other artists, Alexis feels that it’s her unique way of telling a story that makes her stand out.” I really love great lyrics and putting feeling into every word. I think autotune is fine, but sometimes I wish I could understand the lyrics more,” she said. “Also, I am very hands-on. I have no idea what it's like for other artists, but I like knowing my way around a mixing board, a drum kit, a keyboard, whatever it takes. That's fun for me.” Alexis joked that “world domination” is her goal for the future but really just wants to be able to grow her audience, and travel the world creating and playing music. “Making music, making money, being with people you love, and having a good time-that's pretty much my definition of a sweet life,” she said. Sounds good to me!

You can hear more from Alexis on her official website and SoundCloud, as well as connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube! 

10:44:00 AM