by Leo Stanley
Despite a couple of unrealized songs, Davina's Best of Both Worlds is an impressive debut that seamlessly blends classic soul songwriting with elements of hardcore hip-hop and smooth urban soul. At its best, it's a vital, organic blend that simultaneously works a gritty groove and offers sweet melodies. Like other soul revivalists in the late '90s, Davina is sharp enough to preserve the songcraft of classic soul while moving it into the modern world with just enough hip-hop smarts and urban gloss. When she gets it right, it makes the handful of awkward moments completely forgivable, since the music at its best is very, very good.