NEW YORK – Reggae singer/songwriter sensation Etana returns with her highly anticipated sophomore album Free Expressions in February 2011 from VP Records. Before her new studio effort hits the shelves, VP Records is releasing a digital EP entitled Free, which features three of her current hits that are also included on the album. The digital EP drops on December 7, 2010, to satisfy fans during the wait for the full-length album.
Etana deems this second album Free Expressions because she adamantly refuses to be constrained by approach or lyrical content. “This album was produced a little differently from the first, most of the sessions were less planned so there is more of a free vibe,” she reveals. “I just wanted to express myself freely, write just what I want without thinking too hard about what anyone’s opinion would be – just doing music as I feel to do it.”
Fans are so consistently enthralled by Etana’s music that several tracks from Free Expressions have already topped the charts in Jamaica and reggae charts internationally, including “Free,” “August Town” and “Mockingbird.” The album’s first official single “Free” was produced by Kemar “Flava” McGregor and offers a somber reflection of a prolonged period of struggle endured by the artist. Its second single “Heart Broken” is equally as heartfelt with London-based producers Curtis Lynch, Jr. and Gussie Clarke at the helm.
Etana’s unabashed romanticism shines on the lovers’ rock tunes “I Know You Love Me” and “Happy Heart,” with both tracks produced by Flava. “Move On,” also produced by Lynch, adapts a neo-soul reggae fusion that laments a break-up tale that embraces life’s new possibilities, as does the upbeat reggae track “My Name Is,” which was produced by Stephen Stanley. She also targets those erroneous character assessments and the cutthroat competitiveness that dwells throughout the music industry on the roots rocking “Mockingbird,” produced by Flava, and the hip-hop tinged “Venting,” produced by Lynch.
Etana highlights her soulful side on “I Got You,” produced by Specialist and Alborosie, while “Day By Day,” produced by Joel Chin, offers spiritual renewal. “People Talk,” produced by Rohan Dwyer and Specialist, reflects her determination to succeed against all odds in the music business.
Free Expressions also furthers Etana’s reputation as a skillful songwriter as she penned 12 of the album’s 14 tracks. Her regal countenance, uncompromising messages of self-empowerment and the lyrical depth of her distinctive hit-filled catalogue offers a major challenge to the dominant perception of female artists’ images and identities. With Free and Free Expressions, Etana offers revolutionary changes in popular Jamaican music, one captivating, genre-blurring song at a time.
FREE EXPRESSIONS (Album)
1. Free
2. Mocking Bird
3. People Talk
4. Heart Broken
5. I Know You Love Me
6. I Got You
7. Happy Heart
8. My Name Is
9. Move On
10. War
11. Retribution
12. August Town
13. Venting
14. Day By Day
FREE (Digital EP)
1. Happy Heart
2. Free
3. Mocking Bird
