Think of a smoky room in a French bar in the 1920’s, maybe, Josephine Baker meets Moulin Rouge. Now add a pinch of reggae, an unmistakable African flavor, and plenty of soul and you might get an idea of how enchanting Beautiful Imperfection by French-Nigerian chanteuse Asa really is. Flawlessly blending influences as varied as Michael Jackson and Bob Marley, Asa has managed to create a smooth, rich sound that she uses to her advantage across stylistic boundaries.

Born in Paris, the singer moved back to her native Lagos, Nigeria as a child. The cultural influences on her songs are undeniable. Although three of the twelve tracks are in her native Yoruba, the other nine carry an undeniable undertone reminiscent of other African-inspired songstresses like Angelique Kidjo and Concha Buika.

The album begins with the bright, cheerful “Why Can’t We”, a hopeful number which sets the tone for the rest of the album, a thoroughly uplifting and soulful creation.

Asa pulls out all the stops on “Be My Man”, a seductive, toe-tapping number about what it means to really be a woman. “Preacher Man” features slow-rock synth sounds and creamy vocals, melding them together to create a haunting song that would fit right into a Cat Power album.

“Dreamer Girl”, an autobiographical piece, highlights the artist’s incredible vocal range and childlike tendencies, endearing her audience to her instantaneously. “Broda Ole” is fun, energetic and contagious, infecting the listener with a happy dancing bug.

Crossing boundaries of language, culture and style, Asa has truly fulfilled the purpose of music in this release. One of the best, brightest, and most enjoyable albums to be released recently, Beautiful Imperfection is certainly belied by its title.

Imperfect? Anything but.

Beautiful? Absolutely.

Final Words: Turn on the music and let it speak to you.