"Ms. Ndegeocello, a singer-songwriter of searching candor and an electric bassist of mesmerizing skill ... At her label's behest she welcomed a small array of guest vocalists, including Toshi Reagon, who demolishes a rave-up version of "House of the Rising Sun"; Sinead O'Connor, who wryly simmers on "Don't Take All Night"; and Cody Chesnutt, who's radiantly soulful on "To Be Young, Gifted and Black." ... But the most intriguingly shaded voice on the album belongs to Ms. Ndegeocello, who apprehends Simone's legacy with curiosity and stubbornness".