Album Review: The Color Within Me by Janice Robinson

In the midst of 20th-century pop culture mania, when sincerity in music is at an all-time low, it's almost like a breath of fresh air when we encounter seriousness in modern music. We're baffled by a singer who believes there is truth in what she sings. We are utterly mystified when confronted with a theme other than teen euphoria or angst. And so Janice Robinson's debut album, The Color Within Me, may well be, unabashedly, the subject of our confusion. Robinson's rock/pop, soul/gospel/funk roots fuse together to produce a sound that blends the mainstream appeal of Alanis Morrisette ,the groovy danceablity of Bob Marley and a deep and penetrating message similar to that of Arrested Development. The album's first single, "Nothing I Would Change," is a funky, upbeat musical autobiography, while the bluesy "Sleeping in the Playground," features Joe Walsh-style guitar licks. The soulful finale "It Really Don't Matter" calls for racial unity and drawing heavily on gospel influences. Very infrequently do we find a perfect mix of honestly, nobility and raw talent in a vocalist/songwriter. Janice Robinson, with The Color Within Me may very well be the newest addition to this rare breed of artists. A