American singer-songwriter, poet, and bass virtuoso Meshell Ndegeocello has come forth with her latest album “No More Water.” This is her second album for Blue Note Records, after the acclaimed debut, “The Omnichord Real Book.”

From day one, Meshell Ndegeocello has fearlessly explored identity, spirituality, and social issues through music. Her music offers a lucid take on complex themes like race, sexuality, and love, with its sui generis blend of jazz, rock, funk, soul, and spoken word.

“No More Water” draws heavily on James Baldwin’s near-prophetic works, delving into Black Americans’ harsh experience. Through this album, Ndegeocello unveils Baldwin’s relevance today, forty years after his passing. The title is aptly taken from his 1963 book The Fire Next Time.

“Travel” is the funky and hypnotic opening track that features Justin Hicks’ soulful voice, followed by the otherworldly yet groovy “On The Mountain.” Ndegeocello masterfully builds each song to underscore different facets of Baldwin’s writings. Two interludes, Baldwin Manifesto I and II, as well as “Raise The Roof”, are spoken words by poet Staceyann Chin.

The acoustic track “The Price Of The Ticket” is the most soothing, but the softly sung lyrics speak of Police brutality. “Pride I” and “Pride II” portray the struggle for freedom and an unapologetic life that is not defiled by flagitious claws of racism. “Trouble” and “Thus Sayeth The Lorde”, with choral-esque vocal works, are more gospel-like than other songs. After “Love” and “Hate,” songs that stand as antithesis to each other, we have optimistic and soulful “Another Country,” before closing with a duet “Down At The Cross.”

“No More Water” is going to be the most celebrated release of Meshell Ndegeocello. From the first track, it will be evident to any listener that this is Ndegeocello’s most stalwart endeavour to date.