The Boston Globe says The Syberspace Social is one of the Top CDs of 2005! Music critic Siddhartha Mitter says, "Neo-soul has run its course. The next phase is unfolding in Los Angeles, and the endearingly tripped-out Smith is its leading songstress."
More Reviews -
From Billboard Magazine, May 7, 2005:
**The Syberspace Social
Looking for adventurous, lyrically compelling R&B music? Sy Smith - whose backing credits include "Ally McBeal", Gap ads and Whitney Houston - debuts with this aural pleaser. The multitalented Smith goes to town on such tracks as "Part of the Night", "Runnin'", "Bruise", and "Fa Sho", inspired by a melange of influences from R&B, hip-hop, go-go and funk to jazz, gospel and classical. She is marching to the no-holds-barred beat of her inner muse -- and we are the better for it. (noted as a Critic's Choice) -- GM**
From Essence Magazine, September 2005
The Mix - Girls of Summer
Sy Smith - This is neo-chill music for the MP3 set. Imagine Janet Jackson recorded with Zapp & Roger - they might sound like Sy Smith's latest, The Syberspace Social (available on sysmith.com). This D.C. gal, who's worked with Whitney Houston and Macy Gray, has a crystal-clear voice that just cruises along with the electro-thump beats provided by producers Ali Shaheed Muhammad, James Poyser and Nicolay. So grab a spot in the grass and pop in the earbuds. You can't miss. -- J.H.
From Sister 2 Sister Magazine, September 2005
A couple years ago, Sy Smith came out with a project that was really nice, but you know nice doesn't always cut it. Now she's back with another gem of a CD entitled "The Syberspace Social. Hopefully this time, a really nice project will produce really big sales for Sy.
Sy brings a different, fresh voice to her music. On this CD she has Ali Shaheed Muhammad (of A Tribe Called Quest and Lucy Pearl fame) on production and ali co-writes with her on some tracks.
"Welcome 2 Syberspce" is about a party of the physical and mental kind-- releasing all of your inhibitions and celebrating yourself. "Fa sho" is a funky, a la D'Angelo kind of song: bouncy and vocally entertaining.
"Aquarius rising" is an electronic upbeat song that starts out with a French rap that I don't understand. (Unfortunately I don't speak French.)
"Honeychild" is Sy's love song. It's almost the perfect song for her, as her free-spiritedness has christened her as a honeychild.
The CD has 14 tracks of lighthearted songs almost too perfect for fall evenings. I'm glad to see Sy Smith back and this time I hope it's for the long haul.
From the Philadelphia Weekly, July 6, 2005
The Syberspace Social
Sy Smith is one trippy lady. You can practically detect that on this album, the follow-up to her 2002 major label debut Psykosoul. The California-based soul siren aspires to make her music both laid-back and hallucinogenic. But mostly, it's engaging, space-age soul for the hip, unassuming hedonist. Given that Syberspace Social is a self-distributed release, Smith certainly rounds up an impressive list of producers to help her out. Dutch producer Nicolay, who joined forces with Little Brother MC Phonte to form hip-hop unit the Foreign Exchange for last year's Connected album, provides the bouncy beat for "Aquarius Rising." Neo-soul great James Poyser co-produces the album's final track "Bruise." But most of Syberspace is a joint collabo between Smith and Ali Shaheed Muhammad, formerly of A Tribe Called Quest and Lucy Pearl. When they get together, the mellow grooves flow, making this Smith-concocted social club of the mind not such a bad place to visit. - Craig D. Lindsey
From Jointz Magazine - October 2005
An introduction to free minds and bodies in the name of funk, bebop, and soul. This vivacious Washington, DC-born songstress delivers the goods in this latest release. Coming with some new wave funk laced synths and some serious swing jazz overtones which can be heard in Syberspace. Ali Shaheed Muhammad, James Poyser, just to name a few, clock in on the production with well arranged compositions and clever writing. The powerful and socially charged "Running (Jah Child)" sets a mellow but tactful tone along with the Gil Scot Heron-esque "Turnstyles." Overall, there are a slew of dance-friendly grooves to keep the overall party element strong on this release. The quest for intent and emotion is evident throughout this album. Sy's approach is refreshing, honest, and, at times, witty. Most of all there is a feeling of happiness one can only feel when listening to this release. The Syberspace Social is one party you don't want to miss. Aquarius is rising! - DJ A-Ski
From The Couch Sessions (www.thecouchsessions.com), June 22, 2005
I first heard about Sy Smith when I recorded the Podcast with Anthony David. He said that Sy's new album, The Syberspace Social, is (in his own words), "Coooollllldddd Bloooooded."
I most definitely agree.
First Sa-Ra, then J*Davey, and now Sy Smith. LA is now the king when it comes to progressive R&B.
Ms. Smith is armed to take over your headphones in 2005 with The Syberspace Social, bringing a sound reminiscent of outernational superstar Kelis.
This CD will delight your ears and massage your mind. The album lends some of its production credit to Nicolay, the man responsible for the Foreign Exchange which dropped last year. Sy brings heavy doses of space funk to the table, and takes her genre to a new level. -- Stone
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Here's a little more about the artist...
Sy Smith has been nominated for an LA Weekly Music Award this year for Best Contemporary Blues/R&B Artist. Add that to her many other accolades... Emmy-nominated singer/songwriter Sy Smith is a different kind of triple-threat; producer/performer/prolific writer. She's a born-storyteller, a charismatic entertainer, who's beauty doesn't get in the way of her stage presence, or vice-versa. Get her started about her days in a D.C. go-go band, or her tenure as Whitney Houston's back-up singer (or her tenure with Me'shell N'degeocello, Usher, Macy Gray, Ginuwine, Eric Benet... list the goes on and on), and she'll spin many a long and wondrous tale. Listen to "Welcome Back (All My Soulmates)", the song she co-penned for HBO's Dancing In September, which earned her a seat at the 2001 Emmys and you'll hear a quick-tongued, soul griot. On Showtime's Soul Food, Sy holds her own along side Al Green as they sing the theme song together, "That's The Way Love Goes". Sy is also a featured guest on 7 tracks of "We Won't Stop" (Pony Canyon, Japan), the latest release from British band Brand New Heavies! On BET, Sy holds it down as the musical director for "Lyric Cafe" hosted by Malcolm Jamal Warner and Gary Douridan. On the stage, she was nominated in 2005 for an NAACP Theatre Award for her supporting role as "Ellie Johnson" in Michael Ajakwe's "If You Don't Believe: A Love Story". Is there anything this diva can't do?
Her new CD, "The Syberspace Social" is quickly becoming the underground buzz. Featuring production from Ali Shaheed Muhammad, James Poyser and Nicolay; it's already getting spins on radio and clubs in Los Angeles, London, Germany, The Netherlands, and Japan! Amoeba Records (www.amoebamusic.com) in Hollywood chose "The Syberspace Social" as the Homegrown Hit Of The Month in February 2005. Garth Trinidad features Sy's music regularly on KCRW's "Chocolate City" (www.kcrw.org)! This CD is also in heavy rotation on www.projectvibe.net and www.boombasticradio.com! -- Of course, it's getting a lot of love in all regions of Syberspace...
If you're lucky enough, you can catch one of Sy's live performances with her band Deeznutz in the Los Angeles area; she can usually be found at the Temple Bar in Santa Monica or the Little Temple in Silverlake (www.templebarlive.com), but check her website to be sure you don't miss her in other regions of the world!
Check out the artist's website:
http://www.sysmith.com
Track List:
1. Welcome 2 Syberspace
2. Fa' Sho
3. Aquarius Rising
4. Time
5. Love and Such
6. Dreamtrip
7. Runnin' (jah Child)
8. Honeychild
9. Part of the Night
10. Drop That
11. Stand Alone
12. No Place Like Love
13. Turnstyles
14. Bruise
Suggested CDs:Other Genres:
More Reviews -
From Billboard Magazine, May 7, 2005:
**The Syberspace Social
Looking for adventurous, lyrically compelling R&B music? Sy Smith - whose backing credits include "Ally McBeal", Gap ads and Whitney Houston - debuts with this aural pleaser. The multitalented Smith goes to town on such tracks as "Part of the Night", "Runnin'", "Bruise", and "Fa Sho", inspired by a melange of influences from R&B, hip-hop, go-go and funk to jazz, gospel and classical. She is marching to the no-holds-barred beat of her inner muse -- and we are the better for it. (noted as a Critic's Choice) -- GM**
From Essence Magazine, September 2005
The Mix - Girls of Summer
Sy Smith - This is neo-chill music for the MP3 set. Imagine Janet Jackson recorded with Zapp & Roger - they might sound like Sy Smith's latest, The Syberspace Social (available on sysmith.com). This D.C. gal, who's worked with Whitney Houston and Macy Gray, has a crystal-clear voice that just cruises along with the electro-thump beats provided by producers Ali Shaheed Muhammad, James Poyser and Nicolay. So grab a spot in the grass and pop in the earbuds. You can't miss. -- J.H.
From Sister 2 Sister Magazine, September 2005
A couple years ago, Sy Smith came out with a project that was really nice, but you know nice doesn't always cut it. Now she's back with another gem of a CD entitled "The Syberspace Social. Hopefully this time, a really nice project will produce really big sales for Sy.
Sy brings a different, fresh voice to her music. On this CD she has Ali Shaheed Muhammad (of A Tribe Called Quest and Lucy Pearl fame) on production and ali co-writes with her on some tracks.
"Welcome 2 Syberspce" is about a party of the physical and mental kind-- releasing all of your inhibitions and celebrating yourself. "Fa sho" is a funky, a la D'Angelo kind of song: bouncy and vocally entertaining.
"Aquarius rising" is an electronic upbeat song that starts out with a French rap that I don't understand. (Unfortunately I don't speak French.)
"Honeychild" is Sy's love song. It's almost the perfect song for her, as her free-spiritedness has christened her as a honeychild.
The CD has 14 tracks of lighthearted songs almost too perfect for fall evenings. I'm glad to see Sy Smith back and this time I hope it's for the long haul.
From the Philadelphia Weekly, July 6, 2005
The Syberspace Social
Sy Smith is one trippy lady. You can practically detect that on this album, the follow-up to her 2002 major label debut Psykosoul. The California-based soul siren aspires to make her music both laid-back and hallucinogenic. But mostly, it's engaging, space-age soul for the hip, unassuming hedonist. Given that Syberspace Social is a self-distributed release, Smith certainly rounds up an impressive list of producers to help her out. Dutch producer Nicolay, who joined forces with Little Brother MC Phonte to form hip-hop unit the Foreign Exchange for last year's Connected album, provides the bouncy beat for "Aquarius Rising." Neo-soul great James Poyser co-produces the album's final track "Bruise." But most of Syberspace is a joint collabo between Smith and Ali Shaheed Muhammad, formerly of A Tribe Called Quest and Lucy Pearl. When they get together, the mellow grooves flow, making this Smith-concocted social club of the mind not such a bad place to visit. - Craig D. Lindsey
From Jointz Magazine - October 2005
An introduction to free minds and bodies in the name of funk, bebop, and soul. This vivacious Washington, DC-born songstress delivers the goods in this latest release. Coming with some new wave funk laced synths and some serious swing jazz overtones which can be heard in Syberspace. Ali Shaheed Muhammad, James Poyser, just to name a few, clock in on the production with well arranged compositions and clever writing. The powerful and socially charged "Running (Jah Child)" sets a mellow but tactful tone along with the Gil Scot Heron-esque "Turnstyles." Overall, there are a slew of dance-friendly grooves to keep the overall party element strong on this release. The quest for intent and emotion is evident throughout this album. Sy's approach is refreshing, honest, and, at times, witty. Most of all there is a feeling of happiness one can only feel when listening to this release. The Syberspace Social is one party you don't want to miss. Aquarius is rising! - DJ A-Ski
From The Couch Sessions (www.thecouchsessions.com), June 22, 2005
I first heard about Sy Smith when I recorded the Podcast with Anthony David. He said that Sy's new album, The Syberspace Social, is (in his own words), "Coooollllldddd Bloooooded."
I most definitely agree.
First Sa-Ra, then J*Davey, and now Sy Smith. LA is now the king when it comes to progressive R&B.
Ms. Smith is armed to take over your headphones in 2005 with The Syberspace Social, bringing a sound reminiscent of outernational superstar Kelis.
This CD will delight your ears and massage your mind. The album lends some of its production credit to Nicolay, the man responsible for the Foreign Exchange which dropped last year. Sy brings heavy doses of space funk to the table, and takes her genre to a new level. -- Stone
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Here's a little more about the artist...
Sy Smith has been nominated for an LA Weekly Music Award this year for Best Contemporary Blues/R&B Artist. Add that to her many other accolades... Emmy-nominated singer/songwriter Sy Smith is a different kind of triple-threat; producer/performer/prolific writer. She's a born-storyteller, a charismatic entertainer, who's beauty doesn't get in the way of her stage presence, or vice-versa. Get her started about her days in a D.C. go-go band, or her tenure as Whitney Houston's back-up singer (or her tenure with Me'shell N'degeocello, Usher, Macy Gray, Ginuwine, Eric Benet... list the goes on and on), and she'll spin many a long and wondrous tale. Listen to "Welcome Back (All My Soulmates)", the song she co-penned for HBO's Dancing In September, which earned her a seat at the 2001 Emmys and you'll hear a quick-tongued, soul griot. On Showtime's Soul Food, Sy holds her own along side Al Green as they sing the theme song together, "That's The Way Love Goes". Sy is also a featured guest on 7 tracks of "We Won't Stop" (Pony Canyon, Japan), the latest release from British band Brand New Heavies! On BET, Sy holds it down as the musical director for "Lyric Cafe" hosted by Malcolm Jamal Warner and Gary Douridan. On the stage, she was nominated in 2005 for an NAACP Theatre Award for her supporting role as "Ellie Johnson" in Michael Ajakwe's "If You Don't Believe: A Love Story". Is there anything this diva can't do?
Her new CD, "The Syberspace Social" is quickly becoming the underground buzz. Featuring production from Ali Shaheed Muhammad, James Poyser and Nicolay; it's already getting spins on radio and clubs in Los Angeles, London, Germany, The Netherlands, and Japan! Amoeba Records (www.amoebamusic.com) in Hollywood chose "The Syberspace Social" as the Homegrown Hit Of The Month in February 2005. Garth Trinidad features Sy's music regularly on KCRW's "Chocolate City" (www.kcrw.org)! This CD is also in heavy rotation on www.projectvibe.net and www.boombasticradio.com! -- Of course, it's getting a lot of love in all regions of Syberspace...
If you're lucky enough, you can catch one of Sy's live performances with her band Deeznutz in the Los Angeles area; she can usually be found at the Temple Bar in Santa Monica or the Little Temple in Silverlake (www.templebarlive.com), but check her website to be sure you don't miss her in other regions of the world!
Check out the artist's website:
http://www.sysmith.com
Track List:
1. Welcome 2 Syberspace
2. Fa' Sho
3. Aquarius Rising
4. Time
5. Love and Such
6. Dreamtrip
7. Runnin' (jah Child)
8. Honeychild
9. Part of the Night
10. Drop That
11. Stand Alone
12. No Place Like Love
13. Turnstyles
14. Bruise
Suggested CDs:Other Genres:
- URBAN/R&B: Soul
- ELECTRONIC: Funk
- MOOD: DREAMY