Lighting Up The Night

Illuminate may be Latrice Barnett’s debut album, but there’s nothing inexperienced or amateurish about it. Stylish and urbane, the record combines sultry tracks with some destined to be club hits. It’s a house album that avoids canned, repetitive beats while incorporating R & B with electronic music and live instrumentation.Latrice isn’t new to this genre. Singing since 2001, she recorded the hit single “Keep On Rising.” She recruited powerhouse music producers Jay-J and Kaskade for Illuminate.

Illuminate creates a mood evocative of a late night in the city. Songs like “Hold the Light” and “Make My Heart” set the tone with upbeat, layered vocals. On “Illuminate” Latrice sings, “Share your fears/Don’t be afraid…. Don’t you know you illuminate the night.” The tempo and the instrumentation bring to mind Joe Jackson’s “Steppin’ Out,” giving a feeling like the night is full of possibilities.

While most of tracks are clubby and up-tempo, some are more loungy and intimate, like “Lesson Learned” and “Take it From Here.” The latter is just plain hot. Latrice purrs, “You know you want it/Baby it feels right.”

The strangely hypnotic “Déjà Vu” is a spoken word piece set to a dance track. It’s a stream of consciousness about dreaming and déjà vu.

“Spirits” is contemplative and moody. The after hours feel is complete with a sultry saxophone solo. A homage to those who came before her, the lyrics are sophisticated and Latrice’s voice is subtle as she sings, “One day I will be history for those who live after me.”

Such confidence may sound like arrogance, but it’s not. Latrice’s self-assurance and soothing vocals make her and Illuminate memorable.