Voyage to India [Special Edition]

Personnel: India Arie (vocals, guitar); Joyce Simpson (vocals); Blue Miller (acoustic guitar); John Willis, Brent Barrett (electric guitar); Paul Morton Jr. (guitar, keyboards, programming, background vocals); Drew Ramsey (guitar, programming); Ricky Quinones (guitar); Dave Davidson (violin); John Catchings (cello); Shannon Sanders (keyboards, percussion, programming, background vocals); Toney Harrel (keyboards); Khari Simmons, Doug Kahan, Avery Johnson, Bryant Russell, Alvin Garrett (bass); Forrest Robinson, Steve Grossman, Donald Wesley Williams II (drums); Terry McMillan (percussion); Kerisha Hicks, Tony Harrington, Laurnea Wilkerson, Paige Marin, Paul Morton (background vocals).
Producers: India Aire, Shannon Sanders, Andrew Ramsey, Blue Miller, Paul Morton Jr.
Recorded at Access Studios and D.A.R.P Studios, Atlanta, Georgia, Electric Lady Studios, New York, New York, Drew's Groove and Music Mill Studio, Nashville, Tennesee.
VOYAGE TO INDIA won the 2003 Grammy Award for Best R&B Album.
"Little Things" won the 2003 Grammy Award for Best Urban/Alternative Performance.
"Christmas Song" was nominated for the 2003 Grammy Award for Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals.
Recording information: Access Studios, Atlanta, GA; Blueman, Franklin, TN; D.A.R.P. Studios, Atlanta; Drew's Groove, Nashville; Electric Lady Studios, New York; Music Mill Studio, Nashville, TN.
Photographer: Norman Jean Roy.
Neo-soul diva India Aria gracefully ducks any fears of a sophomore jinx with VOYAGE TO INDIA. Her now-signature approach of up-front vocals and simple instrumental arrangements sparkles with organic sincerity. Opening prelude "Growth" reprises as an interlude with "Healing" and resolves as "Gratitude." VOYAGE TO INDIA shouldn't be misconstrued as a concept album, but there is clearly an underlying lyrical theme; the transcendence of love.
"Talk To Her" finds India offering men sound advice on giving women their due, while "Can I Walk With You" celebrates the joy of love and true friendship, defining the balance of a good relationship. "Complicated Melody" depicts a woman torn between the things about the man she loves that annoy her and those that move her. The standout narrative track "Good Man" leaves room for mystery (as to why this woman's husband is no longer in her life), without undermining resolve. VOYAGE TO INDIA is an elegant, very contemporary testimonial to feminine pride and empowerment.