Living in the age of bling-bling balladeers and so-called neo-soulsters, the bluesy alto of Syleena Johnson is as refreshing as a glass of grape kool-aid on a summer day. With the release of her sophomore project "Chapter 2: The Voice," this commanding singer/ songwriter seamlessly merges a black pop sensibility with her own brand of gutbucket rhythm & blues. "I come from one of those loud families," confesses the twenty-five year old Syleena. "If you want to hear a bunch of black women with strong, aggressive voices just come to one of my family reunions."

For those who don't have the time to sojourn five minutes outside of Chicago to Johnson's hometown of Harvey, Illinois, this disc is a testament to Syleena's talent. "On my debut disc (Chapter 1: Love, Pain & Forgiveness), I was in such a sad state that most of the material was very melancholy. With "Chapter 2: The Voice," I was coming from a more life-affirming and spiritual space. Truthfully, I think this is some of my best work yet."

The release of "Chapter 2: The Voice," finds the enchanting Syleena Johnson still discovering the joys of life and music. "This record is saturated with love," she says. "A love of myself, of my life, of my art and of God." Indeed, urban soul gets no better than this.