Little Things [Enhanced]

Little Things [Enhanced]

Editorial Reviews
Billboard, February 7, 2004
Little Things is a powerful slab of acoustic-and-soul-drenched pop.

About the Artist
There’s a world of difference between pop stars who sing other people’s songs, and female singer/songwriters who truly touch your soul. With a voice that’s powerful, passionate, and full of contagious energy, Toby Lightman is just that type of artist—one who will undoubtedly surprise and captivate those who listen to her, Little Thing.

Toby’s deeply soulful rock groove, which can best be described as blending elements of Sheryl Crow and Lauryn Hill, has earned her favorable comparisons from popular breakthrough artists like Alicia Keys and Mary J. Blige to classic singer/songwriters such as Joni Mitchell and Bonnie Raitt.

"Growing up, I liked what was hot at the time, like Madonna and Def Leppard. But my older sister turned me on to classic rock like Crosby, Stills & Nash and Led Zeppelin, while my dad was playing 50’s doo-wop records. I eventually gravitated toward some of the more current soulful rock bands, like Blues Traveler and Black Crowes. I really liked it all. Throughout college I got into a lot of hip-hop and R&B like Mary J. Blige, Fugees and The Roots, and became curious to see how I could combine the soulful, classic rock and hip-hop that I loved into in my own style."

The activity inside Toby’s head is what gives Little Things its shape and sound. Concerned with universal themes as well as matters of the heart, a highlight of Toby’s songwriting is the uncommon eloquence of her personal, yet somehow universally resonant lyrics. Songs like the richly nuanced, contemplative "Everyday" and the album’s dark energetic opening track, "Leave It Inside" detail Toby’s inner dialogues. Others, like the album’s first single, "Devils and Angels," are based on everyday experiences. Toby’s striking, emotionally rich voice commands attention, whether she’s delivering a tender ballad or belting out an anthem. From the soulful rocker, "Coming Back In" to the hypnotic undercurrent of "Front Row" or "The River" and the breezy, funk rock of "Devils and Angels," Little Things is an astounding debut with the feel of becoming a classic album.

Toby admits that the process of recording Little Things brought her increased confidence in her songwriting ability. "I didn’t think my songs could have that kind of an impact until I started getting a reaction from people during the sessions. It was just such a great feeling to hear people say, ‘I totally relate to what you’re talking about.’ One person told me that after hearing the album, she thought, ‘Finally someone’s saying what I’ve been thinking. No one else has said it like that before.’ That’s one of the best compliments I’ve ever received, because I’m not trying to go over people’s heads lyrically. I just want to tell it like it is and say, ‘Well, this is how I think.’ You can take from that whatever you want and have your own interpretation of my songs. After all, what would be the purpose of music if we couldn’t make it our own?"

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Rock Music

Little Things [Enhanced]

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