If those little girls slept with as many men as they say in the tabloids, why their little butts would have more fingerprints than the FBI!

- Dolly Parton -

(Yes, yes, I know, they're both trying to turn a new leaf, but it doesn't mean I can't poke jibe here and there.)

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Ever since India Arie came out in 2001 with her album "Acoustic Soul" I became a follower. After that great a;bum she followed through with two more albums, her second album "Voyage to India" came out in 2002 and her latest one in 2006 "Testimony: Vol. 1, Life and Relationships". With the advent of her "Testimony: Vol. 2, Love and Politics" soon to come out this year, it's time to get excited!

First of all, she sings R&B, so if you're not an R&B fan and you're willing to venture out of your comfort zone, give her a shot. I think that the first thing you will notice from India's songs is her, duh, voice. She has an earthy and comforting tone, like a soft-spoken friend. And if you're anything like me, her words will astound you. From each of her self-empowering albums like her most well known "Video" --

When I look in the mirror and the only one there is me

Every freckle on my face is where it's supposed to be

And I know our creator didn't make no mistakes on me

My feet, my thighs, my lips, my eyes; I'm lovin' what I see

or from "Beautiful Surprise" --

What ever it is you came to teach me

I am here to learn it cause

I believe that we are written in the stars

or from "I Am Not My Hair" --

I am not my hair

I am not this skin

I am not your expectations no no

I am not my hair

I am not this skin

I am a soul that lives within

Then come the catchy beats which will make you drum your fingers along with her song. Her songs are the kind of songs you want to listen to when you're feeling down and out about yourself. Try listening to "Summer" from her third album and you might actually see a little skip as you walk around.