I distinctly remember hearing the song “Love Endeavor” a few months ago and wondering who this raw, gritty feminine soul voice is. I found out it was a woman by the name of Alice Smith that I'd never heard of, but now I just can't stop playing her debut album, ‘For Lovers, Dreamers and Me.’

As soon as I had the entire album in my possession, I went right to the familiar '”Love Endeavor” It's a beautiful anthem that represents an innocent crush on an adult level - kind of like that check yes or no game in grade school. Smith shows off her strong throwback voice and gives the track a vintage feel, that's actually continued throughout the entire album. Her vocals are matched by a smooth, groove beat that give permission to a sensual vibe. “Love Endeavor” is full of emotion, lust and admiration. It embodies more than the typical soul and can easily be mistaken for a track that came out back in the day. Moving on to “Dream,” the song continues the love sentiments with Smith requesting via panting and begging. She breaks out of that to bring forth a bluesy type track, “Desert Rose,” in which she adopts more of a modern R&B voice. The song shines around the 2:22 mark when she recaps some of mama's life advice, but with an attitude.

A ballad to briefly mention is “Secrets” – where Smith plays with her vocal range switching between a few mellow and high tones. “Gary Song” on the other hand plays with the tempo and moods. When she is being direct with words (almost demanding), the song has a fast pace, but when she becomes soft with compromising words, the song slows down to expose a bit of vulnerability. “Gary Song” also teeters on the rock tightrope.

Another personal favorite is the catchy, “Fake Is the New Real,” where she attacks obsession with the theory of image being everything. In this slow beat track, she remarks and subliminally mocks the kids of the Mickey Mouse club, and tells the tale of setting her television on fire. Smith vents her frustration with a dose of sweet, soft sarcasm.

Alice Smith is a singer that has a great deal of talent and can contribute a piece of individuality to the drying up neo-soul scene. I worry that without a major label behind her, the world may not get to be exposed to what she has to offer on the level that she deserves to be on. As I mentioned before, her voice is very distinct and throwback and she has true emotion – whether that be angry, sad or just carefree.

It's fresh and strong, and you can just sense that she is real and the conversation is happening in your living room. I'm not a lover, only sometimes a dreamer, but this album was definitely made for me.