Review: Kyshona ‘Legacy’

Review: Kyshona ‘Legacy’

By Hal Horowitz

Spiritual.

It’s the only way to describe Legacy, Kyshona Armstrong’s first album in four years.

One spin of these 13 memorable gems (and three brief interludes) takes the listener to another, higher psychological plateau, lifting spirits and encouraging a more divine, holistic approach to life through her music.

The collection is loosely based on Kyshona paying tribute to her ancestors, and others, who blazed a civil rights trail she is determined to follow and grow upon. That’s made clear when she sings “You are the song/I am the echo.” But these tunes resonate due to the power and commitment of the singer’s voice, a strong dedication to her mission, and a batch of wonderful songs. The latter combine and infuse subtle African rhythms with gospel, blues, R&B, rock and a ton of passion for an expansive, often sprawling 50 minute disc with no weak moments.

From the provocative, defiant “Comin’ Out Swingin’” (“I ain’t throwing that towel in/When things go wrong I just can’t quit/If I have one less shot left to win/I’m placing that bet on me”) to the ghostly strains of “Where My Mind Goes” (featuring primitive drums along with intense call and response singing from two phenomenal backing singers) and the resplendent folk/soul “Whispers in the Walls,” Kyshona covers a wide swath of sonic territory.

She successfully marries self-empowering, inspirational lyrics with fresh, moving melodies that’ll make your feet tap as you’re getting stirred. The funk beat behind “Heaven is a Beautiful Place” (penned by her grandfather) could have been a Staple Singers hit (“If you want to get to heaven on time/You’ve got to plumb the line”), and deserves to be one for Kyshona.

When she goes nearly a cappella for the stirring “Always a Daughter”–which she explains as “There comes a time when the daughter becomes the Mother and the Mother a daughter again”– it’s impossible not to be emotionally touched.

But she also includes a possible hit single in the upbeat banger “What’s in a Name,” co-written with Aaron Lee Tasjan, that, with its searing sax solo and rugged churchy feel, fits all the qualifications for radio. Or at least might have at one time.

Based in Nashville, Kyshona has access to many of this generation’s finest singer/songwriters. Some of whom, such as Tasjan, Brittany Spencer, Ruthie Foster and Keb’ Mo’, assist on the 13 songs. Mo’ appears on “Carolina,” described as “a love song to my home state as well as a break up letter.” She locks into a rolling melody singing “Grew up south/Carolina take me home/I don’t care what all went wrong/Take me in, take me in,” referencing her hardships as a young black woman in the state while still appreciating its beauty.

With “Where I Started From,” Kyshona celebrates her roots (“wherever we gather, we are home” she writes) with a rousing sing-along chorus ready for audience participation. The vibe goes blues/gospel with “Waiting on the Lawd,” with Foster assisting in bringing the church.

But you don’t need any religious affiliation to get uplifted and well, spiritually elevated, by this music. It’s what makes this album such a transcendent experience.

“Do What Feeds Your Soul” Kyshona advised on her 2022 single. Listening to Legacy is a perfect start.

Pre-order the album Legacy Here

“Carolina” Ft. Keb’ Mo’