Testimony: Vol. 1, Life & Relationship
by India.Arie
Metascore
53

Mixed or average reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 14
  3. Negative: 1 out of 14
  1. Amazon.com
    80
    All of it works, and works wondrously.
  2. Blender
    60
    Her lyrics drown in anti-gangsta correctives... but her best tracks transcend daily affirmations. [Jul 2006, p.96]
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  3. Vibe
    70
    The album has its puzzling moments. [Jul 2006, p.139]
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  5. Entertainment Weekly
    75
    If you're not turned off by earnest expressions of self-righteousness set to comforting folk-tinged R&B, then Testimony just may be your cup of decaffeinated jasmine tea.
  6. The Guardian
    40
    Arie's smooth, husky voice isn't enough to forgive the jaw-dropping simplicity and clumsiness of her songs.
  7. Billboard
    70
    An ambitious, aurally rich suite of storytelling songs.
  8. PopMatters
    60
    By the end of the album, the listener will surely be overwhelmed by Arie’s earnestness, both musically and personally, but like her previous albums, Testimony is for those who seek a motivational guide for living a conflict-free life.
  9. AllMusic
    70
    The album is a major production.
  10. New Musical Express (NME)
    40
    Sounds like an even less energetic Alicia Keys. [24 Jun 2006, p.43]
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  11. Q Magazine
    40
    Her sauntering melodies struggle under the weight of their worthy load. [Aug 2006, p.110]
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  12. Uncut
    30
    Finds her plumbing new depths of pomposity. [Aug 2006, p.84]
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  13. Spin
    40
    The feel-good vibe... mak[es] you feel crappy for not being as upbeat as India. [Aug 2006, p.80]
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  14. Rolling Stone
    50
    The sentiments are so genuine and earnest, it's hard to fault Arie for this gauzy blend of New Age-y self-help babble and sunny, plucky folk. [10 Aug 2006, p.98]
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  15. Mojo
    40
    Lacking the wit and lyrical dexterity of a Jill Scott or the raw power of Angie Stone, the songs can feel airless and unengaged. [Sep 2006, p.98]
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User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 29 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 29
  3. Negative: 3 out of 29
  1. Grandiloquence
    Sep 26, 2019
    9
    While not as illustriously lush and groovy as her first album Acoustic Soul, Testimony: Vol. 1 Life & Relationship still maintains a subduedWhile not as illustriously lush and groovy as her first album Acoustic Soul, Testimony: Vol. 1 Life & Relationship still maintains a subdued confidence and groove. Though there may be more preaching within her songs, it is delivered with earnest and good-intent. I Am Not My Hair is assuredly a song ahead of its time and an incredibly important song for people of color. Motivation for sure! A solid album.… Full Review »
  2. JohnR
    Apr 27, 2009
    6
    As much as I like India's music, this is by far her weakest effort so far. The lyrics are somewhat over the top, and the music just As much as I like India's music, this is by far her weakest effort so far. The lyrics are somewhat over the top, and the music just isn't up to par with what she produced before. Some of the songs are just... dull... However, there are also good moments, and India's honesty is as always to be admired.… Full Review »
  3. middlechild
    Jul 26, 2007
    10
    I can just soak up the awesomness
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