Lost & Found | ||||
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Studio album by Ledisi | ||||
Released | August 28, 2007 | |||
Recorded | 2007 | |||
Genre | ||||
Length | 59:53 | |||
Label | Verve Forecast | |||
Producer | Ledisi, Sundra Manning, Rex Rideout, Jamey Jaz, Luther "Mano" Hanes, Lorenzo Johnson | |||
Ledisi chronology | ||||
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Professional ratings | |
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Review scores | |
Source | Rating |
About.com | |
Allmusic | |
The Baltimore Sun | (favorable) |
Billboard | (favorable) |
Ebony | (favorable) |
Montreal Mirror | (9/10) |
Toronto Star | |
USA Today | |
Vibe | (favorable) |
Washington Post | (favorable) |
Lost & Found is the third studio album by American R&B and jazz singer-songwriter Ledisi, released August 28, 2007 on Verve Records. It is her major-label debut after releasing two independent albums with her producing partner and keyboardist Sundra Manning on their label LeSun Records. In comparison to Ledisi's previous works Soulsinger (1999), an album of original R&B and neo soul-oriented songs, and Feeling Orange but Sometimes Blue (2002), a set of jazz standards and originals, Lost & Found features a slicker production and calmer vocals. The album charted at number 78 on the US Billboard 200 and at number 10 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.
Ledisi stated that she was unsure of wanting to stay within the music industry. In response, Ledisi wrote the song "Alright" to express her life. "Alright" became the lead single and debuted at number 45 on the US Billboard Hot R&B chart. The album's second single "In The Morning" debuted at number 49 on the Billboard Hot R&B chart. Other songs from the album charted but were not released as singles. "Think of You" charted at number 71 on the Hot R&B chart, "Joy" charted at number 103 on the Hot R&B chart and number 29 on the Adult R&B Airplay.
The album was rated 4.5 of 5 stars by Allmusic. Dan Quellette of Billboard.com stated,
"During the last decade, Ledisi has consistently wowed audiences in tiny clubs and concert halls, which raises two questions: First, why did a major take so long to sign her; second, would her in-person effervescence translate to disc? On her Verve Forecast debut and third CD overall, Ledisi dispels any doubts with 15 R&B originals that showcase her prowess as a powerhouse vocalist as well as her songwriting maturity. The CD opens and closes with Ledisi live on the funky "Been Here," between which she gets soulfully cool, upbeat grooving and ecstatically unrestrained. Highlights include the spanking-beat "Today," the smoothly lyrical "Get to Know You," the scat-charged "Upside Down" and the album's balladic gem, "Lost and Found (Find Me)." — Dan Ouellette