Lina - Stranger On Earth (2001)

When many modern artists refer to the "old school," they're thinking of artists from the '70s and '80s. But Lina is really down with the old school. The Texas-born songstress uses old jazz tracks from the '30s and '40s to sample in her debut album, Stranger on Earth. Highlights include a solid cover version of Dinah Washington's classic "Stranger on Earth," as well as the lead single, "Playa No More," a weird blend of R&B rhythms with a swinging horn sample. In between those tracks, however, the album is a mash of styles that never seems to amount to anything. Part of the problem is Lina's singing style. Instead of infusing the old tracks with neo-soul, Lina has an almost operatic voice that lacks any emotional punch. For a more successful fusion of modern R&B and jazz, listeners may look to Erykah Badu or even Blu Cantrell's catchy single "Hit 'Em Up Style (Oops)." The fusion of hip-hop and R&B with jazz and swing is an idea worth exploring, but unfortunately, Stranger on Earth fails to pay off.~Stranger on Earth Review by Jon Azpiri