Billy Miles

Billy Miles
Aezra Records

Temptress, wicked, seductive, no-nonsense, exotic and erotic are just a few of the way to describe Billy Miles. Each personality trait comes out on her debut self-titled release on the Aezra imprint. One sit down with this album and you will feel like you have been made love to passionately, then chewed up, escorted to the door, and given a swift kick out. And it hurts so good.

I've always found soul one of a minute handful of genres where distinguishing yourself from the competition is not essential. Still, Miles manages to separate herself with an alluring combination that you leave you hoping she takes you back so you can go through it again. With a blend that is equal parts jazz, hip-hop, pop, rock, R&B and the blues, Miles' comes off as trippy, sophisticated and earthy.

Lyrically, Miles delves into the deeper and darker side of relationships and emotions. Many of the thirteen tracks fall under the "done-me-wrong" category so often associated with the blues. Yet, throughout, one sympathizes and roots for her to come out smelling like a rose. On "Feelin' Me," Miles writes about a relationship that has gone bad, yet teases and chastises her former partner by telling him:

"I know you fiend for another look
I know you're missing this
And now you're shook."

At the same time, she can be coy ("I Know") and reflective ("Disrespected" & "Another Taste...Rebel").

There is no let up in this album. From track one to track thirteen, Billy Miles is a non-stop joy ride that one doesn't want to vacate. And....this is only her debut. Self-assured, confident, and solid talent is going to keep the name of Billy Miles on the lips of music lovers for many to come. I, personally, eagerly await her next releases.

On the TGB ratings scale, Billy Miles comes in on Mercury. She is a hot talent to be reckoned with.