It has been almost three years since platinum recording artist LeToya Luckett released an album. Her sophomore album, “Lady Love,” displays a wild range of production complimented with emotionally driven lyrics that are topped off by the vocals of Luckett herself. “Lady Love” is available in stores now and showcases her vocal growth, depth and maturity. Luckett holds her ground with this release and once again proves her solo abilities outside of her Destiny’s Child days.

The album features only three other artists: Ludacris, Estelle and Mims.  Luckett worked with producers Tank, Bei Maejor, Cory Blood, Ron “Neff-U” Feemstar, Warren “Oak” Felder, Jerry “Tex” Franklin, Da Internz and Bridge. Trying to step out of the box, she experimented with a few up-tempo songs, but stayed true to her signature style: soft, sultry ballads.

Luckett’s slower songs are easy to listen to. “Tears,” “Over” and “I Need A U” display the strength in her vocals. In Luckett’s ballad-centric tracks, she allows her voice to stand out and carry the music as opposed to the music carrying her voice.

Luckett’s attempt to experiment out of the box and showcase diversity through her up-tempo and pop songs do not work well for her. In “She Aint Got,” Luckett tries to submit herself to today’s dance pop craze and failed. Luckett’s lyrical content of love’s ups and downs became a little bit monotonous. “After Party” and “Drained” digress with the other tracks, throwing the album off.

I give this album an A-. Luckett has proven that she is just more than a former member of Destiny’s Child and has what it takes to remain a force in the world of female R&B music. She is bringing back emphasis on vocals, like in the early nineties. There is a song for every situation that people go through with their significant others and being able to relate to her songs is what makes this album great. I purchased the album from Target for $9.98 and it is well worth the price. 

• Mia Taylor