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It seems hard to believe that it was just two years when Gotee Records' Ayiesha Woods was
fresh at the starting gate. The young, multi-talented artist came to the music scene with a growing resume, impressive
past, and a collection of songs that moved the masses. Considering the warm welcome and critical acclaim Ayiesha
received from her debut disc, Introducing Ayiesha Woods, she certainly had high expectations set for her.
Of course with the dreaded words "sophomore slump" looming in the back of everyone's mind whenever an artist offers
their second release, both fans and critics would be anxious to hear what Ayiesha would present us with next.
Taking a quick look at Ayiesha's many talents, it is no surprise that this young lady can craft together a
beautiful record seemingly effortlessly. Ms. Woods is not only a stunning vocalist, she also is a gifted songwriter
and musician. It is also worth noting that in 2004, she nabbed the Caribbean Gospel Music Marlin Award for "Producer of
the Year." In Introducing Ayiesha Woods, as well as her follow-up album, Love Like This, her fine
skills and creativity shine through brilliantly.
Love Like This is one of the strongest sophomore projects that I have personally heard over the years.
From start to finish, there is not one "filler" track. Each song is composed with the utmost care and originality.
While Love Like This musically taps into countless different influences and stylistic nuances, Ayiesha's
lyrics maintain a strong worshipful theme and encouraging tone.
The title track is a beautiful, worshipful anthem boldly declaring the power of God's love that will sound
perfect on radio. The urgent "Love Can't Wait" is a personal favorite that is laced in pop/rock fashion with a wailing
guitar solo at the end beneath Ayiesha's passionate vocals. "Fight" and "New Beginnings" share a similar optimistic
point of view set to upbeat tracks with light urban influences.
Slowing things down, "Take Me There" is a stunning ballad that subtly adds jazz infusions to create a wonderful
masterpiece. Ayiesha even ventures out to remake former Gotee artist Jennifer Knapp's "Refine Me." This track could
have been a great risk, however Ayiesha delivers it flawlessly, recreating the song into her own.
The gifted Ayiesha Woods is one of Christian music's finest artists. Love Like This solidifies Ayiesha's
bright future in the industry. Keep watching this fantastic singer-songwriter because she will be around for years to come.
- Review date: 9/20/08, written by Lauren Summerford of Jesusfreakhideout.com
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Although Jamaican-bred Ayiesha Woods has yet to become a household name in
CCM, she scored big in 2006 with her single, "Happy," as well as touring extensively with the Revolve tours.
Her sophomore effort, Love Like This, is a breath of fresh air, exploring lots of different genres. It seems
that nearly every song has a different style, not unlike Mandisa's debut, and includes Out Of Eden-esque R&B
("Never," "Because Of Your Love"), pop-rock ("Love Can't Wait," "Fight"), worship ("Love Like This," "Refine Me"),
techno-R&B ("Alive"), retro-Motown ("New Beginnings"), acoustic-fused R&B ("One Day"), jazzy R&B ("Take Me There"),
and even a little Hawaiian-flavoring ("Transparent"). Although the lyrics can at times seem mediocre, Ayiesha sings
them with such a pure passion that makes it all worthwhile. Ayiesha has definitely outdone herself with this album,
and is a must-have for any fans of R&B or urban music.
- Matthew Watson of Jesusfreakhideout.com
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Record Label: Gotee Records
