Album: Trav'lin' Light

Introduction
Trav' lin' Light is the 6th studio album by the American singer, songwriter, rap artist, and starlet Queen Latifah. Released on September 25, 2007, by Verve Records, the album acts as a follow-up to her previous jazz-influenced album, The Dana Owens Album (2004). Trav' lin' Light is a collection of songs from different categories, consisting of jazz, pop, R&B, and soul, showcasing Latifah's versatility as a singer and her ability to blend varied musical designs.

Production and Collaborations
The album was produced by several Grammy-winning record manufacturer and artist Tommy LiPuma, who has actually previously dealt with famous artists such as Barbra Streisand, George Benson, and Natalie Cole. It includes cover songs from iconic artists like Nina Simone, Sarah Vaughan, and Roberta Flack. Latifah likewise coordinated with popular musicians and vocalists such as Stevie Wonder (harmonica), Joe Sample (piano), George Duke (keyboard), Christian McBride (bass), Greg Hutchinson (drums), and Minyon Moore (background singer), in addition to her dad, Lance Owens (percussionist).

Furthermore, Trav' lin' Light functions duets with Jill Scott, who joins Queen Latifah on the James Moody traditional, "Moody's Mood for Love", and Erykah Badu, who is included on the Marvin Gaye cover, "Mercy Mercy Me".

Tracklist and Musical Style
The album makes up 14 tracks, each with its distinct design and character:

1. Poetry Man - a cover of Phoebe Snow's 1974 hit.
2. Georgia Rose - an original song including Stevie Wonder on harmonica.
3. Peaceful Nights of Quiet Stars (Corcovado) - a cover of the famous bossa nova song by Antonio Carlos Jobim.
4. Don't Cry Baby - a song made popular by Etta James and Billie Holiday.
5. I Love Being Here With You - a Peggy Lee classic.
6. I'm Gon na Live Till I Die - a jazz requirement related to Frank Sinatra.
7. Trav'lin' Light - the title track, commemorating Billie Holiday.
8. I Want a Little Sugar in My Bowl - a cover of Nina Simone's classic.
9. I'm Not in Love - a 10cc's 1975 soft-rock hit.
10. What Love Has Joined Together - a tune by Smokey Robinson.
11. The Length Of Time (Betcha' Got a Chick on the Side) - a cover of The Pointer Sisters' funky tune.
12. Disappeared - a cover of Roberta Flack's tune.
13. Moody's Mood for Love - a duet with Jill Scott.
14. Mercy Me (The Ecology) - a cover of Marvin Gaye's song including Erykah Badu.

The album brilliantly records Queen Latifah's musical improvement as she easily sings jazz standards, exhibits soulfulness on R&B tracks, and accepts her pop perceptiveness on the album's more modern tunes.

Reception and Accolades
Trav'lin' Light gotten favorable evaluations from critics and fans alike, with numerous praising Queen Latifah's captivating vocals, the album's rich arrangements, and the stylish choice of tunes. The album reached No. 11 on the Billboard 200 chart and No. 1 on the Billboard Top Jazz Albums chart. It was likewise nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal Album, additional sealing Queen Latifah's status as an accomplished jazz and soul singer.

In conclusion, Trav'lin' Light is a testimony to Queen Latifah's diverse talents and a pointer of her capability to mesmerize listeners across numerous genres. This classic 2007 album remains a necessary pick for fans of jazz, soul, and R&B music and those who value the classic beauty of Queen Latifah's emotional voice.