Album Review - Yazmin Lacey: 'Teal Dreams'

The Overview

Yazmin Lacey’s new album Teal Dreams is a vivid, emotionally sharp record that takes her signature neo-soul and infuses it with elements of ska, indie, Caribbean reggae, and late-night jazz filtered through her own modern, conversational brilliance.

My Opening Thoughts

As I was finishing my latest novel, I took a brief hiatus from writing reviews. While I love hearing new music, sometimes I need to reexplore albums and shows I know inside and out. For this spiritual sabbatical, I revisited Phish, spurred by “Crosseyed and Painless” from the Coral Sky album, and the Grateful Dead, led by “Bird Song.” I needed it for the book I was working on, but also for my soul; the problems of the world had been weighing heavily on me and bleeding into my core.

Syd R Tuh finally sits on the shelf of my completed work, and I am between projects, at least until November. Looking at all the emails I had ignored, I saw two that invited me to check out Yazmin Lacey’s Teal Dreams. This is exactly what I need, I thought. A little neo-soul/R&B/jazz and a beautiful singing voice.

My Album Review

I had the time to listen to Teal Dreams all the way through three or four times, which meant my initial listen was purely for pleasure. Hearing the intro song, “Teal Dreams,” for the first time, I thought, This is the vibe I need, laidback, cool, and smooth. Not just Yazmin Lacey’s voice, but the accompanying music. Then, “Two Steps” started, and I thought, A lot of people are going to love this album. But then I realized I was thinking too much, so I just listened.

A Digression

While I was in grad school, Donald Trump won his first presidency. Because I went to a very open-minded college, I had the opportunity to participate in discussions about the importance of art and our craft (writing). Because I am skeptical and tend to play the devil’s advocate, I questioned writers who suggested that all of our work was important. However, one instructor gave an example of Detroit folk-rock troubadour Rodriguez, who never found success in the US but whose album Cold Fact became an anthem for the South African youth who stood up against Apartheid. In a more recent example, the song “Baby Shark” became a protest anthem on the streets of Beirut. The idea was that an artist never really knows how their work will speak once it is set free in the world.

I am bringing this up because there are moments in my day when I struggle to celebrate life. Does listening to a sexy album with my wife mean I am entitled and privileged? I have a home where I feel safe, while people around the world are feeling the hands of oppression, being ripped from their families, and struggling to find food. At times, these thoughts create major internal conflict for me.

But this is common, right? The samana of ancient India were ascetic individuals who renounced their worldly lives for spiritual pursuits. Some Buddhist monks even mummified themselves to reach nirvana and elevate above the human condition. In the current political climate, some protesters sacrifice their lives for the betterment of the world. These are extreme positions, and I am incapable, or at least unwilling, to go that far. I like living; I am a teacher, and I want to help those like me who aren’t able to go to such extreme levels.

My answer is to go to music, reading (writing), and the arts. Through our creative endeavors, we can create community, emotions, and the reality where we want to exist. In my novels, at least one character always connects with nature. When watching movies, I feel emotions that are sometimes difficult for me to express otherwise. (I am admitting that I am a big crier in movie theaters.) And like in the movie Sinners, music creates communities that bridge time.

Last Digression

“It’s work, Jesse,” I say to myself. “Everybody has to work.”

     [That’s a lame, capitalist perspective.]

“Okay. I’m a spiritual, creative cheerleader. My life’s work is to uplift other artistic minds and help amplify their voices. That’s purpose and career, not a job.”

     [That works for me.]

Let Me Finish My Thought

Writing and listening to music help me understand the world and calm my soul. Albums like the one I am reviewing are essential elements of humanity. Expression is key to evolution.

Back to the Teal Dreams for Listens Two and Beyond

“Teal Dreams” and “Two Steps” are great, but then you get to “Wallpaper.”

While I was at work listening to the album, I told one of my coworkers, “There’s sexy time on Teal Dreams.” Just listen to those lyrics. “Push a lil bit closer now/Half an inch between our waists/These embers in the room/Fall over me and you.” Damn. But the outro of the song: “Ripping scratching sliding pulling rubbing rubbing off the wallpaper.” I don’t smoke anymore, but with the music and vocals, Imma need one at the end of this song.

“Love Is Like the Ghetto” is Caribbean reggae. It is catchy and fits perfectly within the album.

The first time I heard “Worlds Apart,” I wasn’t sure how I felt about it. It is a little softer and slower, but . . . I feel like I hear another artist during moments. It makes me think. And I think I like it. If nothing, it sets me up for “Grace (Reflective Dub),” which reminds me of Cleo Sol, and I love it.

By this point in the album, I’m really into it. Then, “Rear View” and “No Promises” raise the bar again. Is this album really getting better and better? Yes. And this includes “Wild Things,” too.

“Ain’t I Good For You” is the song that I listened to the most. I love the rhythm, the pace, the beat. It reminds me of early Sault. Yes. I love this song. It is my favorite, and possibly the climax of the album.

But what about “Crutch”? Is it an anthem song? It’s pretty damn good.

Okay. Thank you, Ms. Lacey, for “Ribbons”. This song signals that we are nearing the end of the album. Don’t get me wrong. It’s a good song, too; it just gives a different feel, setting us up for the finale. “Water” continues that vibe, and it reminds me of Lauren Hill.

“Longest Way Around” is a perfect album outro. Yet, maybe it’s just a transition because now I have to start Teal Dreams over again. 

Final Thought:

I feel like my thoughts are all over the place; my ADHD is out of control. However, like I wrote in the overview, Yazmin Lacey covers a good range of styles, which reminds me of Sault, and she does so successfully. This album will be in my music rotation for many years to come, like Sault, Phish, Poliça, and LCD Soundsystem.

Favorite Songs: “Wallpaper,” “Grace (Reflective Dub),” and “Ain’t I Good For You”

Rating - 5 out of 5 (This is up for my album of the year)