Natalie Stewart, founding member of the now disbanded neo soul duo “Floetry”, returns  with her highly anticipated solo debut ‘Floetic Soul’. Her hiatus, which she charges to personal growth and introspection, left many Floetry fans in wonderment over whether or not a solo project was in the works.

Equipped with  a slew of all star collaborations from Raheem Devaugn, Musiq Soulchild, and Lalah Hathaway, ‘Floetic Soul’ proves to be a less than impressive revival of the signature sound that made Stewart and former band-mate Marsha Ambrosious international music sensations. Her sing songy Cockney hinted flow falls flat over the soulfully smooth beats that listeners have come to associate with the neo-soul genre–making  the highlight of this album the guest appearances.

“Come Over”, a contemporary slow jam  featuring the saucy contralto of  Lalah Hathaway makes the album worth purchasing, along with the feel good track “Keep It Going” featuring Jersey bred newjack, Raheem Devaughn. Other standout tracks include “Forever”–a five minute profession of love from one mate to another featuring the long time Philly favorite Musiq Soulchild, and “Go Get It”–a poem about womanhood, self discovery, and growth performed over an exceptionally conceived broken beat by J.R. Hutson.

While  ’Floetic Soul’ showcases Stewart as a profound thinker and talented writer, most tracks leave the listener longing for an absent certain something : Marsha Marsha Marsha!

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