The Intimate Truth Explained

The Intimate Truth
Type:live
Artist:Ledisi
Cover:LedisiTheIntimateTruth.jpg
Border:yes
Recorded:2014
Venue:NRG Recording Studios (North Hollywood, Los Angeles)[1]
Label:Verve
Producer:Ledisi
Prev Title:The Truth
Prev Year:2014
Next Title:Let Love Rule
Next Year:2017

The Intimate Truth is a live album by American singer Ledisi. It was released on January 20, 2015, by Verve Records. Recorded in July 2014, the album contains acoustic versions of songs from her seventh album The Truth (2014).

Background and development

The Intimate Truth was recorded and filmed at NRG Recording Studios in Los Angeles, California,[1] in July 2014.[2] The album features six acoustic recordings of songs from her seventh album The Truth (2014).[1] In an interview with Rated R&B about selecting which songs to perform, Ledisi stated, "It was easy because I wanted to make sure it was upbeat and not too slow for me. That's not where I’m at right now. It still had to represent where I am. I’m in a feel-good mood."[3]

Release and promotion

See main article: The Intimate Truth Tour. On December 9, 2014, Ledisi announced that The Intimate Truth was available for preorder. On January 20, 2015, The Intimate Truth was released by Verve Records.[1] On February 10, 2015, the deluxe edition of the album was released exclusively to Apple Music. The deluxe edition features audio recordings of the album, in addition to the film recording as well as concert footage from The Truth Tour. The in-studio performance was recorded by director Ron T. Young.[4] On February 27, 2015, Ledisi embarked on The Intimate Truth Tour to promote the album.[5] [6]

Critical reception

AllMusics Andy Kellman commented on the album's performance and noted "Cynics might see The Intimate Truth as an opportunistic stop-gap -- it also preceded a tour of the same name -- but it's a full effort and shines a brighter light on the richness of Ledisi's voice, as well as the substance of her (and her collaborators') songwriting."[1] Elias Leight of Billboard magazine praised her performance on the song "Rock with You" commenting, "Ledisi moves easily between smooth vocal runs on the verses and explosive ad-libs on the hook; at one point, she starts scat-singing. She works with minimal accompaniment — jagged acoustic guitar and firm bass — which is all she needs to deliver a heavy dose of groove."[4]

Commercial performance

The Intimate Truth debuted at number 26 on the US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, where it remained on the chart for two weeks.[7] The album also peaked at number 12 on the Top R&B Albums chart.[7]

Notes and References

  1. https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-intimate-truth-mw0002807219 Ledisi - The Intimate Truth (AllMusic)
  2. https://chicago.suntimes.com/2016/9/19/18361159/grammy-snub-or-not-ledisi-forever-spiritually-connected-to-precious-lord Grammy snub or not, Ledisi forever spiritually ‘connected’ to ‘Precious Lord’
  3. https://ratedrnb.com/2015/01/interview-ledisi-talks-intimate-truth-ep-role-mahalia-jackson-selma/ Ledisi Talks ‘The Intimate Truth’ EP & Role As Mahalia Jackson in ‘Selma’: Interview
  4. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/ledisi-acoustic-rock-with-you-video-6472897/ Exclusive Video Premiere: Ledisi’s Acoustic ‘Rock With You’
  5. https://www.essence.com/news/ledisi-announces-2015-tour-dates-new-acoustic-ep/ Ledisi Announces 2015 Tour, New Acoustic EP
  6. https://ratedrnb.com/2014/12/ledisi-announces-intimate-truth-ep-tour-raheem-devaughn-leela-james/ Ledisi Announces ‘Intimate Truth’ EP + Tour With Raheem DeVaughn & Leela James
  7. https://www.billboard.com/artist/ledisi/chart-history/tlp/ Ledisi Billboard Chart History