After five years out of the limelight, Solange
Knowles is back with a sophomore album that is
characteristically different from the mainstream.
There’s no doubt Knowles wanted to set herself apart from her sister, Beyoncé, with Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams. In “”God Given Name”” she sings, “”I’m not her and never will be/ Two girls gone in different directions/Striving towards the same galaxy.””

Most of the music in this record is as colorful and cheerful as the cover. Knowles mixes in trumpets, snares, piano and tambourines, giving a ’60s flare with a techno twist to the music. The lyrics sometimes reference several historical events in the ’60s, but are also about Knowles’ struggles in life.

Knowles presents a fresh new sound that is pleasing to the ears, but as with everything it’s not perfect. The album has some yawning moments that leave the listener reaching for the “”next”” button. This is Knowles’ second album and as she sings in the song “”Sandcastle Disco””: “”I’m nothing but a sandcastle/ Baby, don’t blow me away.”” This album shows Knowles will continue to surprise audiences in the future.

Star Rating: 3 out of 5