The Second City LP was co-produced with Rob Agostini (Rai Thistlethwaite, Tim & Jean) at Soundbaker Studios in Perth, the world's most isolated capital city and Shameem’s hometown. Rich with soulful vocals and keys-driven works of art, the record offers insight in to Shameem’s inspiring passion for life, positivity, spirituality and general desire to assist in the betterment of the world via song and goodwill, not dissimilar in sentiment and talent to global superstar, Alicia Keys. It touches on a number of thought-provoking themes over the generously loaded 15 tracks: the overcoming of prejudice, broken trust and forgiveness, thankfulness, and gratitude in the face of difficulties. The album includes the singles "Beautiful Soul", which was awarded 4th place in the Australian Songwriting Contest Contemporary Pop/ Dance category, and "Under One Sun", which was co-written with Grammy-winning producer James Bryan (Nelly Furtado, Olly Murs, James Morrison). While remaining true to Shameem's roots in neo-soul, this album also shows the mixed-race artist paying homage to her Iranian heritage as well as exploring styles as diverse as reggae and rock. “Shameem is a mixed race Aussie whose musical preference is the soul of the 70s which she re-interprets through 90s groove sensitivities creating a thoroughly contemporary sound. Hear it at its best on her latest single, the ultra-catchy ‘Beautiful Soul’. The tune’s built around some tight beats and features some cool piano and an ear-worm of a chorus. The vocal is spot on and the whole package stands comparison with one of Shameem’s heroines, Alicia Keys. ‘Beautiful Soul’ is taken from the lady’s soon to be released sophomore album and it makes soul sense to keep an eye on Shameem in particular and Australia in general.” – SoulandJazzandFunk.com “Beautiful Soul’ is a feel-good number… The powerful message is set to a classic R&B styling with a catchy hook and filled out with a live band feel, a refreshing change from the electronic sound that’s prevalent in R&B nowadays… with a voice like Shameem’s, ‘Beautiful Soul’ is anything but a dampener. The video and single will uplift your spirit and have you grooving from the moment you press play.” – Kitten Jam, SoulBounce.com “See what you think about 'Under One Sun', the new single from Perth soul songstress Shameem. Co-penned alongside James Bryan in the UK (he's previously worked with the likes of Nelly Furtado and Olly Murs, don't you know), the track feels instantly familiar; like one of those classic soul-filled '90s pop songs from the likes of Margaret Urlich or maybe even Kate Ceberano.” – auspOp “Shameem (Taheri-Lee) is an Australian singer/songwriter who, we're told, reveres 70s soul which she re-channels in her own contemporary way. 'The Second City' is the Perth native's second full album and even before its January release there's quite a buzz on it on the back of the lead single 'Beautiful Soul'. The Alicia Keys-flavoured tune won some high profile support and it stands out on the album. It features some tight beats and is built round an ultra catchy chorus. 'Under One Sun' is another album highlight.... pleasant pop soul with a thoughtful, socially conscious lyric. Indeed, throughout, Shameem lyrics comment on a lot more than the usual relationship thing. The album's consistent lyrical theme is about the importance of giving thanks. The set features a number of brief sketches or interludes exhorting to us to give thanks for everything we have and that sentiment is summed up in the final outro. 'Hole In My Heart' is another cut worth checking. This one's very Alicia Keys... a lovely, loose, jazzy ramble. The album boasts a number of ballads too – notably 'Other Half Of My Heart'. With just a hint of reggae about it, it's quite beguiling. Add to that some decent, if ponderous beaters ('Imposter' and 'Give Me A Reason') and you have a decent contemporary soul set that's spoiled by one cut that I found hard to connect with. That one's 'Expectation'. It's clearly an experimental tune but veers too much towards rock to please soul sensitivities.” – SoulandJazzandFunk.com