With this album,
Loyiso Bala announces his intention to elevate his career to global standards. Not that this prodigiously talented indivivdual hasn't already carved a path strewn with radio hits, awards, hefty sales and, mostly, music that reveals an enviable capability in songwriting, singing and performing. But as Loyiso himself puts it, "I look back on my earlier solo efforts and, whilst good, I know that they were just the first steps towards where i can take my music".
Thankfully, BLOW YOUR MIND achieves this goal of creating a worldclass album effortlessly. The wieghs in at 13 tracks and is announced by the lead radio single "I Want You". The track is making waves at radio and is a bouncy, retro-infected tune that features upcoming hip-hop artist Obita, joining "L.B." on the vocals. "I Want You" is a straight-out-of-the-gate radio hit, but, rest assured, it's not alone in wanting to claim airtime.
The album's title track is another hit-in-the-making a rollicking sonic ride that sees Loyiso joined by pop-dance hotshot, Tasha Baxter, on a track thath benefits from some great 80's keyboard moments. Other guests only add to BLOW YOUR MIND'S immense appeal. 5FM DJ, Elana Afrika, adds a touch of sexiness to "Rosy Red" which is destined to become a lover's favourite the country over before too long. But, gifted solo artist that he is, Loyiso doesn't depend on collaborations on BLOW YOUR MIND.
His scintillating take on Radiohead's "Karma Police" (a favourite of Loyiso's during his teen years) is evidence of his artistry. And the elegance of self-penned "Dali Wami" adds to BLOW YOUR MIND's sonic diversity, as does "Step To The Throne" and many others. Adding to the world class standard that is clear throughout the album is the includion of some strong musical performances.
Leading these is the contribution of trumpet player, Adam Howard, who arranged all the strings and brass on BLOW YOUR MIND. The album was mixed and engineered by Crighton Goodwill who has proved himself one of the country's most astute production talents over the past few years. With this kind of production and musical talent on board, and led by an artist who is proving he's one of the country's most mature and globally accessible talents, BLOW YOUR MIND is undoubtedly a standout of 2007.