Even though he hails from New Jersey, you have to wonder if singer/songwriter/guitarist Ronii has a little Minneapolis in him.  It’s hard to listen to Lifted and not think of Prince, particularly in terms of a song like “Can’t Hardly Wait” as an album opener.  The blazing guitar work and searing synths place you right in the midst of The Purple One’s early ‘80s material (think Dirty Mind or Controversy).  At the same time, the overdubbed vocal harmonies on “Lore” lean more towards Lenny Kravitz in tone.  There’s a certain harmonic resemblance that appears whenever the acoustic guitar and vocals determine which way the songs go.  These comparisons, however, do not take away from the originality and the diversity that Ronii brings to the table.  Funk, R&B, and rock all share space on this album along with the topics of sex and spirituality.  “Supa Man” pushes the sexual prowess to the forefront, the vocals getting almost operatic at times.  When he’s not pleading his case for all night bedroom sessions, Ronii’s focus turns to the spirit realm, which inspires some funky gospel-infused tunes.  “Take A Look Around” examines society’s blindness to truth while “Talkin’ Bout G.O.D.” emphasizes Christ’s return.  Even the title track displays a sanctified side within its secular nature as digital funk catches the spirit and allows for a church piano vamp, the background vocalists belting out “Higher!” in Sunday morning choir form.  The album closes with Ronii rocking out and if there are any Kravitz comparisons to be bandied about, “U Care” will probably bring them to the surface.  Even so, he is a jack of all trades – producer, composer, arranger, and performer – and a master of many.  And considering that Lifted represents his first solo effort from 2004, one can only imagine the places he’ll take us in 2009.

Reviewed By Jason Randall Smith

Jason Randall Smith, Reviews Lifted, Ronii