In 2002 I was really impressed by a record from a then-unknown singer named Conya Doss. A Poem About Miss Doss was a welcome breath of fresh air. While Conya’s input then was somehow limited to singing, vocal arrangements and co-writing some songs, she has really evolved with the release of her new album Just Because. This time she took her fate in her own hands and wrote or co-wrote all songs, produced everything (together with Rodney Jones, Myron, Tony Pulizzi or Chris McNeal, was executive producer, supervised the whole album project and released it on her own imprint ConyaDossSongs Inc. Quite impressive and congratulations to Conya’s new found state of independence!
The result, Just Because, is one hundred percent Conya Doss and a fine selection of modern soul music.
Listening to the album it’s obvious that Conya has studied her musical influences attentively and her sophomore album can compete with all the Jills, Erykahs, Vivian or Angies out there.
Day By Day for example is stunning with its simplicity of sparse keys and guitar chords, fully emphasizing Conya’s vocal arrangement and voice.
Sweet Love (I Don’t Know Why) is another reason that makes this album so good, drenching of classic soul harmonies this could’ve easily been released on a rare 70s soul album.
Equally appealing is Ain’t Given Up, which is shows Conya’s talent with vocal arrangements. A great piece of simple soul music with interwoven vocals/background vocals that reminds me of the things Marvin Gaye used to do.
Damn That is interesting for the fact that it tries to marry nu soul with urban/R&B influences. Songs like Missing You, Just Because or What Should I Do? are obviously influenced by the nu soul genre, while The Wind, a duet with Chris McNeal, adds further variety to an overall fine and complex album.

Tracklisting 1. Just Because/ 2. Stay/ 3. What Should I Do?/ 4. Day By Day/ 5. Sweet Love (I Don’t Know Why)/ 6. Missing You/ 7. The Wind/ 8. Damn That/ 9. Sixth Of June (Miracle)/ 10. Here We Go Again/ 11. Ain’t Givin Up | released 2004 on ConyaDossSongs Inc./ Uniquebeatentertainment

For more infos visit conyadoss.com, cdbaby.com and domerecords.co.uk.

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