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Testimony: Vol. 1, Life & Relationship Image
Metascore
53

Mixed or average reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 29 Ratings

  • Summary: The neo-soul singer-songwriter's belated third album includes a cover of Don Henley's "The Heart of the Matter."

Top Track

The Heart Of The Matter
I got the call today, I didn't wanna hear But I knew that it would come An old true friend of ours was talkin' on the phone She said you found... See the rest of the song lyrics
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 14
  2. Negative: 1 out of 14
  1. All of it works, and works wondrously.
  2. 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.
  3. Vibe
    70
    The album has its puzzling moments. [Jul 2006, p.139]
  4. 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]
  5. Arie's smooth, husky voice isn't enough to forgive the jaw-dropping simplicity and clumsiness of her songs.
  6. New Musical Express (NME)
    40
    Sounds like an even less energetic Alicia Keys. [24 Jun 2006, p.43]
  7. Uncut
    30
    Finds her plumbing new depths of pomposity. [Aug 2006, p.84]

See all 14 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 19
  2. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. middlechild
    Jul 26, 2007
    10
    I can just soak up the awesomness
  2. AaronW
    Jun 28, 2006
    10
    best r&b album in a long time. inspiring and positive without being sappy or fake. Her voice is such an instrument.
  3. Lorraine
    Aug 20, 2006
    10
    Simply one of the best cds of the year. She sings with conviction which we don't find in many artist today. The music is full of life Simply one of the best cds of the year. She sings with conviction which we don't find in many artist today. The music is full of life which transcends through all bounderies. This is what we need more of today in music! Expand
  4. gregw
    Jun 29, 2006
    9
    anyone who has followed this artist knows that there has been great growth and if u are a true music lover you have to appreciate an artist anyone who has followed this artist knows that there has been great growth and if u are a true music lover you have to appreciate an artist who goes against traditional definitions of what music should be. India is special she is validated by her people and her earthyness is a welcome change to the typical predictable sound of r&b/hip hop that exists today. if she were alicia keys or some other fair skinned female most critics would be singer her praises.. coodos India!!! Expand
  5. FaithB
    Aug 3, 2006
    9
    True expression of her soul; it seems to be a heartfelt revelation of herself to the world
  6. TsongG
    Jul 25, 2006
    8
    The metacritic average score certainly is crap. The scoring is based on what? Don't try to put this album down with stupid assessment of The metacritic average score certainly is crap. The scoring is based on what? Don't try to put this album down with stupid assessment of the critic's opinion with scores. It's very subjective. How can you say it's 80 and not 90 or 100 when all the critic's comments are good? When do you give a 40 and not a 50? Stop pretending Metacritic. Just count the favorable and not favorable reviews and don't put "scores" and then average them. Expand
  7. PatrickM
    Jun 27, 2006
    5
    Terrible R&B! Exept Im not in my hair ft. Akon,

See all 19 User Reviews