It's been a while but Speech the lead singer/rapper from Arrested Development returns to the scene with a solo album called 'Spiritual People'. On this venture he has moved in the direction of folksy/ neo-soul. In other words you're gonna hear Speech doing much more singing than rapping. His back beats range from 'sit back, cool out and listen' to acoustic rock.

With that being said.. the album is good, but I don't think Speech has reached his full potential. Content wise he delivers some heartfelt, politically laced messages on almost every track.. The positivity is appreciated but it seems a bit forced at times. It doesn't come across naturally the way it did when they were delivered as Arrested Development.

I think that's the problem I have with the album.. Speech doesn't seem comfortable in his presentation..You really notice that when you hear a song like 'Burning Rage Inside'. Here the production is full.. His vocals work on the song and you feel him as an artist.. It leaves one wishing there were more songs like that... That's where Speech shines..

Another cool cut is 'Spiritual People' where again Speech seems to connect...and makes you wanna go along with him..

Other songs like 'Y-O' and 'Brought To You By' underscore that trying too hard feeling I was talking about.. Again all the elements are there.. lyrics, beat and intention, but it ain't gelling.

In the end one really wants Speech to win.. That is why many will want to peep the album.. They want Speech to win.. and trust me he's gonna do that.. I think he would've been better giving us just a taste lin the form of an EP as opposed to a full fledged album.. Spiritual People is gonna have to grow on folks..