Album Review: Mojo Juju - Native Tongue

Beginning with the album's title track, Mojo Juju's distinct voice is displayed both literally and metaphorically.

Supported by the Pasefika Vitoria Choir providing a steady platform that builds to a crescendo, she repeats "I don't speak my father's native tongue" as both a lament and statement of her own independent presence. Followed by the spoken Papa (Tagalog Interlude), and later Pidge (Jackie Interlude), the opener's point is immediately demonstrated  - telling intimate stories of arrival left to ruminate in the listener's headphones. Something Wrong (Feat Mirrah) takes a pop turn, with big punctuated chimes and echoey vocals drawing the listener to dance as well as listen hard; a sound continued with Think Twice (reminding us of the type of pop protest that Michael Jackson was best at back in his day).

Fans of Juju's trademark powerhouse vocals are well rewarded with Bound To, Cold Condition (Feat Joshua Tavares) and Shut Your Mouth, all blues-styled slower tunes that showcase her bloody great vocal tone and talent. There's a '70s soul-like swagger in I Just Wanna Know, but it's more contemporary in production style and content, while later 1000 Years and Don't Stop Me Now reward the broken-hearted with a masterful crooning lead and weeping guitar.

Album number three for Mojo Juju is a corker.