SoulTracks says “She hits it out of the ball park”

The opening tune, “Rock With Me”, immediately sets the mood of a silk scarf draped over a boudoir lamp. The tune’s teasing guitar chords and classic bassline showcase musicians successfully evoking the stepper’s set seductive mood. Here Ms. Young produces a timeless lyric that is tender, tentative and universal for grown folks struggling through first date sexual decisions. She hits it out of the ball park again with the inspirational title track “Just Up The Road.” The tune sports an endearing duet with her father, whose well-laid vocals surprisingly sound like the grits and gravy Ron Isley readily dished out back in the day. Funky bass guitar and hot chocolate harmonies accompany Ms. Young’s arched back declarations about her “Mr. Shonuff” fan-waving sexual appeal. On these tunes, Ms. Young is a striking, fun-loving figure who enthralls. Speaking of declarations, set against a stunning backdrop of horns, organ flashes and saucy backing vocals, Melissa’s no-nonsense delivery of “Just A Girl” is the ultimate “take me as I am or move the hell on” ode to self-love.
-L. Michael Gipson, SoulTracks