There’s something to say for a girl whose sister is probably one of the most recognizable figures in music today, yet she is hell-bent on not following the same formula that made her sis a superstar. Actually, there are a few things to say about Solange Knowles, who is releasing her sophomore album SoL-AngeL and the Hadley Street Dreams August 26 on Geffen Records. “She’s brave,” comes to mind for coming back to give music another try after her 2002 debut album, Solo Star, didn’t exactly take off, she married at 17, was a mother by 18, and a divorcee not much later. But what sticks out the most through all that you can say is, “This girl is truly talented.”

She’s not her sister and never will be. She let’s you know that right off the bat on the album opener ”God Given Name.” In fact, Sol-Angel is the album her sister probably wishes she could make. Less concerned about being an overly polished vocalist, pleasing fans who hold her to an extremely unreasonable standard of perfection, and appealing to the fickle commercial listening masses, Solange is free to flex her songwriting muscles and write about her most personal experiences and allow the passion in her voice to carry her songs–not fancy runs. Solange is no slouch when it comes to vocals, though. Songs like the bouncy “Would’ve Been the One,” horn and drum driven “Dancing in the Dark,” and hip-hop influenced “I Told You So” prove Solange’s range can go from a deep rasp to keen falsetto with ease. The vocal arrangements and harmonies on many of the tracks are reminiscent of Destiny’s Child’s self-titled debut album–back when they were trying to do the soul thing.

The album seamlessly blends the 60’s and 70’s with modern-day soul. The first single, “I Decided” produced by Pharrell Williams, is the perfect introduction to Solange’s new musical direction. She uses some of today’s hottest producers to help mold her sound like the aforementioned Williams, Cee-Lo Green (Sandcastle Disco), and the producer responsible for helping Amy Winehouse craft her retro-soul masterpiece, Mark Ronson (6 o’clock Blues).

So, Solange isn’t her sister. Good. She shouldn’t try to be because she actually has the talent that will help her get into a league of her own and SoL-AngeL and the Hadley St. Dreams is certain to get her there in no time.

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