Let me start off by saying that I am full on impressed. I haven't heard that much about Angela Johnson prior to this album review, but these listening sessions that I've been conducting in my apt for the last three days literally made me find EVERYTHING she's ever done. I'm all about artists who allow themselves to become a part of their music. To be able to literally see life and everyday struggles from an artist you admire tears down the pre-conceived notion that they are above life. In Angela Johnson's It's Personal, this transparent songbird shows that she is not only a strong woman, mother, and wife... but that she is human and can relate to everything we experience on the daily.

The album starts off on the most personal note. In the song "Only One", Johnson reveals the depth of her feelings for her lover. "If when you look my way, do you still think and say, that I'm the only one for you." Johnson's ability to present her insecurities in musical form is relatable and beautiful. She has no issue in showing her vulnerability as a woman to the listeners from the very open of the album. This is the kind of vibe that she continues throughout the album, as she pens other tracks such as "Hurts Like Hell" and "Be Myself". Any artist that can pour out their hearts without reservation deserves to be applauded, because this is what avid listeners are looking for. As a listener, you have no option but to put yourself in Johnson's place and live out each moment she discusses: from heart break to motherhood to being a wife to being a woman in today's society. Every song touches a different place and is pertinent to current life. Other songs that capture my attention on this album are the melodic tunes of "For You", "Indie In Me", and of course the title track, "It's Personal".

By far, my favorite song may be "For You". This song hits a particular place for me because of my OWN relationship with my mother. Johnson does an excellent job of expressing love to her daughter "even if I couldn't give you all that your little heart desires, just remember that my love for you will never expire." A mother's love is precious. It's pure and unconditional. This is the message she relays to her daughter through this track and it is TIMELESS. Another song that caught my ear was "All In Me" feat Darien. There is something about Johnson's ability to be sexy on vinyl, while still maintaining some form of class. No, this song does not present the take my clothes off kind of situation that you may like to hear. Rather, the song talks about intimacy between lovers. When she says, "I wanna try something new with you...tonight I'll be your fantasies...make every dream and wish come true...because you heal me, thrill me, make me so happy," you are invited to her personal letter to her husband.

Overall, It's Personal can be summed up in three words: open, naked, and personal. I'm definitely a fan and you should be too. Make sure you add this to your rotation and keep it for our future generations. Real music needs this. Real music needs Angela Johnson.