Conya Doss Just Because
Dome Records 4 out of 5 stars

Somewhere between serene India.Arie (peep 'Sixth of June'�) and the dramatic flair of Vivian Green lies a soulful, smoky terrain where live instruments and studio tracks can blend as one. It is a place where Ohio-born Conya Doss dwells. Not to be alarmed if you've never heard of her; she's building quite a buzz on the low. She has worked with the growling butt-spanker himself, Gerald Levert, super producer Tony Nicholas and has written for girl group 3LW. These skills have garnered quite a following in the UK (where she is already touted as one of the leaders of the Nu Soul movement). Consider reading this review as her talents truly coming back home over the big water.
'Just Because'�, Conya's long awaited follow-up to the critically acclaimed debut "a poem about ms. Doss ", is more consistent and developed throughout. The title track itself has an easy, playful vibe that reminds you that sunshine is just behind the ugliest wall of clouds.

'Here We Go Again'� is one of the spunkiest joints on the album. Doss laments of being exhausted from the extremes of a love/hate relationship that anyone can relate to. Never resting on any groove for too ling, 'What Should I Do?'� brings to mind Vivian Green with a sultry backdrop that is either for the open road or keeping your mental on your mate while moving through the city, the laid back groove mellows like post-acupuncture. 'Stay'� captures hints of the raw D'Angelo instrumentation. This includes Doss' vocals, which come close to demo quality with the lazy delivery. 'Day by Day'� is in the same category.

'Sweet Love'� soars with a gospel-tinged piano that has Anthony Hamilton written all over it. The song draws you in so completely it almost seems too short. 'Missin' You'� is a charming cut on the disappointment of a love that never was. 'Damn That'� holds down the other spectrum with a mellowed out version of Mary J. Blige's fiery 'Be Without You.'� Guaranteed to be thought of along the likes of Jill Scott, Vivian Green, pre-Rohan Marley Lauryn Hill and Eric Roberson, Conya's voice is self-assured in the Minnie Ripperton, Angela Winbush, Stevie Wonder and Donnie Hathaway it grew up singing to.
Writer Erma Bombeck once advised us all never to confuse fame with success. Hopefully, Doss's successful second helping will enjoy the fame it deserves ' just because.

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