Julie Dexter: New Again

Ketch a Vibe/MMP

Four albums deep, still no one is Julie Dexter. True, her raspier soprano on New Again echoes Chanté Moore and the jazzy chic atmospherics surrounding her feathery harmonies are vaguely reminiscent of Conya Doss. But on such cuts as “New Again,” Dexter’s track riding is more reggae singer than R&B chick. The ATL-based, U.K. expatriate’s flowing, trance-inducing voice is inspiring, but she conveys it without mining the gospel soul or be-bop jazz of yesteryear. And when the album does rouse questions about her vocal range and emotional impact, her musicianship remains intact. With the exception of “Sunrise” and “Make U Dance,” Chi-town producer DJ “Miggedy” Maestro’s sinewy “ketch-a-vibe” tracks are soothing and organic, but fleeting. Similarly, Dexter’s thoughtful lyricism lacks infectiousness. The one-of-a-kind chanteuse is grown and sexy aplenty, but also wistfully languid to a fault. (3 out of 5 stars)