I first got wind of Elle Varner when she was one of the artists featured on one of BET's Music Matters segments usually showcased at the Annual BET awards, and even then I knew she was going to be something special. Not special in the sense that she was going to have multiple hits like Rihanna or an outstanding career like Beyonce, but special in the sense that she could do something musically that would be embraced in the music industry of today.
Perfectly Imperfect is a strong album especially from a new artist. She delivers smooth vocals over soulful instrumentals while still being able to incorporate elements of hip hop, soul-pop and poetry. The first single of the album, Only Wanna Give It You (Featuring J. Cole) is a perfect blend of soul and hip hop, while the second single Refill happens to be one of the best r&b songs out there at the moment, written beautifully and vocally impressive. Though the first two singles are highlights of the album, there are still other songs that make this album special. Elle sings about the trials of love of Leaf, touches on the issue of self-esteem on So Fly and delivers an amazing ode to friendship on Damn Good Friends but where her vocals and songwriting shine the most is on the heart-clenching ballad Not Tonight where she sings about not having the courage to tell someone you love how you feel - on the chorus she sings "..(maybe) maybe in another life, I could be the girl who walks up to the guy and tells him, tells him how she feels inside but not tonight, no not tonight"
If a collection of soulful r&b is your cup of tea, then this is definitely one that should go in your collection, Ms Varner brings her own style of soulful r&b which we do not get enough of nowadays. Finally we have found someone who can take a bit of pressure off of Jill Scott's shoulders who seemed to be the only mainstream soul singer around.
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