GENE NOBLE - 'READY FOR LOVE'

It has been 24 years since the release of India Arie’s 'Ready For Love.' Released Her debut album, 'Acoustic Soul', release on March 27, 2001, released one of the most beautiful and timeless tracks of all time. However, this isn’t about the legend that is Ms. Arie. Well not completely...How old were you when you first heard this track? I discovered India Arie getting ready for school in the morning. When I hit middle school, I stopped watching shows in the morning to get ready and started listening to music. I would turn on VH1 Soul and the melodies of various Neo-Soul artists would get my day started. This is how I fell deeper in love with R&B and music in general. My world was no longer consisting of music my mom just played and liked, I now had a taste for something I enjoyed. I was 13 when I first heard 'Ready For Love'. I was too young to fully grasp what she was saying but that didn't stop me from feeling it deeply and dubbing it as one of my favorite India Arie songs.

The infinite love that I have for this song and India's first album, did not prepare for me the day and time it would be sampled. I just didn't think it was old enough for that, but I guess it is! It has been since 2023 since Gene has put out new work, so I find it interesting that his latest release is not only a cover but also a beautiful open letter to love and self. 'Ready For Love' is a classic and upon first listen you’re a little taken aback not to hear India, but one must see it through to see the beauty in this piece too. 

Growing up as a military kid but finally settling in New York City to pursue his career as an artist, Gene is not new to scene. Producing and writing songs for big names In the Industry such as, Chris Brown, Jason Derulo, Pitbull and Shaggy. I was still unaware this was the same guy who sings 'Matching Tattoos', a break up song and one that easily makes you grateful you didn't get a painful reminder of that one ex.

However, it is his rendition of 'Ready For Love' that makes all past lovers obsolete. Gene makes it his own throughout the entire song as he gives it all the emotions as it was written. I also enjoy the various vocal ranges he exhibits on this track. At the end of this beautiful remake he also adds in another layer with background vocals that angelically blend with his as the song slowly fades out. If you haven’t heard the latest single from Gene Noble, be sure to check it out here: 

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