Born in Paris and moving to Lagos, Nigeria at a young age, singer-songwriter Asa recalled an upbringing where she found joy immersing herself in her father's records and listening to artists such as Fela Kuti, Bob Marley, Michael Jackson and Lauryn Hill. While turmoil existed around her, she was peacefully sitting beside her music collection, blissfully happy and undoubtedly aware that her time as a musician would eventually come.

Years passed; an education in Paris and extensive guitar lessons led Asa to release a few albums and her present one, Beautiful Imperfection. She was on the right track to becoming the musician she dreamed of when she was young.

"The first album reflected my state of mind then. I had a lot to talk about — social and political issues. This time, I felt different: I wanted to create something that would help people come out of sad moods and feel uplifted."

Beginning her newest album with the swingingly upbeat "Why Can't We?", Asa does an excellent job of drawing the listener in. Beautiful Imperfection is a soulful rendition of toe-tapping soul tracks that blend some blues and funk with some slower melodies peacefully swaying in the background. She created a sheer masterpiece with a sound that emulates Lauryn Hill or India Arie, but with strong ties to her own voice, not to mention powerful songwriting that sends a message of freedom, faith, happiness and living life on your own terms.

"Bimpe" and "Ore" are Yoruba songs (a language of the Nigerian people) and tie the album back to her roots in West Africa. "Preacher Man" is a slower song where she prays to God about her crimes of worshipping money and ignoring those in need, her album is a far cry from trivial pop and bubblegummed up sex on mainstream radio stations.

Asa's goal with Beautiful Imperfection was to create an album that was uplifting and positive. This was a definite accomplishment on her part. She has worked with musical greats Lenny Kravitz, Katie Melua and Angelique Kidjo, who have invited her to perform duets on various occasions. Her skill lies in her ability to speak her mind and do so with sensitivity and with creative songwriting.

For more information, visit asaofficial.com.

Rating: 4 out of 5