Rosey – Dirty Child (2002)

Rosey's cosmic funk on her debut album, Dirty Child, is inspired by this world's most basic need: love. She soaks herself in its beauty and works against its complexities for a magical carpet ride of emotion. It's distinctly focused with an urban appeal while rooted in rock, and a bit comparable to the likes of Poe, Fiona Apple, and Beth Orton. Rosey writes from the heart and it works brilliantly. The narratives of passion, loss, and personal understanding are bold without being naïve. The glossy-cool "Love" struts around blues-tinged beats and lite string arrangements for a spiritual inquisition. "Afterlife" jubilantly follows for a psychedelic celebration of good karma. Rosey attempts to find her own on Dirty Child by expressing her greatest joys, but she's equally free in expressing her frustrations. "Beautiful" is an impressive orchestrated number seeking self-acceptance, while the Lenny Kravitz-like "Desperate" takes a haunting look at an abusive relationship. The sensual, steamy "Like a Dream" is a bright moment, for producer Daryle Swann captured Rosey's most uninhibited stance and she hit her inner core with a velvet touch. Dirty Child is a striking move for this one-time A&R rep. She's independent of corporate monotony because she's already aware of the business. Dirty Child is Rosey's autobiographical sketch and an ultra-groovy effort as well.