India.arie Already Working On New Album

India.Arie's third Universal Motown album, "Testimony: Vol. 1, Life & Relationship," which arrived earlier this week, finds the artist covering Don Henley's "The Heart of the Matter," trading licks with Bonnie Raitt and even playing trumpet as she explores the aftermath of a painful breakup.

But Arie tells Billboard.com the new album's companion, "Testimony: Vol. 2, Love & Politics," is already written and partially recorded. One track being eyed for the set is "Vagina's Monologues," which Arie has already performed live.

"I've reserved that song for that album, but I don't know if it will be on there," she tells Billboard. "People will assume 'Vol. 2' is about the war and American politics. A little of that is in there."

"But as in 'Vagina's,' I'm also talking about the way women view their bodies and how that affects our health," she continues. "I talk about AIDS in Africa; the hip-hop generation that doesn't prioritize its money. It's about the politics of human nature and humanity. It's not about me being preachy but doing music that touches and speaks to people."

Arie says she looks forward to branching out into other genres, including trying her hand at country music. "Now that I have better producer chops, a country album is something I want to do one day. I don't know who's going to put it out. But when I do, I don't think people will call it 'country music.' They'll probably call it 'neo-soul,'" she says with a laugh, referencing the term so often used to describe her music.

Arie will be on tour throughout the summer and will next perform tomorrow (July 1) West Palm Beach, Fla.