Erykah Badu - New Amerykah, Pt. 1: 4th World War
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Free Music Notes for New Amerykah, Pt. 1: 4th World War
Free Music Review: We're not well... don't you want to see everyone rise to the next degree?
Hit: 5 Stars
If you expected New Amerykah to be like anything else out there right now--or even like any of her own past works--then you must not know Ms. Badu well enough. About a decade ago, she brought the neo-soul genre to the mainstream with her classic triple platinum debut album, Baduizm. The sound was fresh: conscious, intellectual lyrics over jazzy, laid-back soul grooves with some hip hop beats to add that extra hump and appeal. Still, unique vocal delivery was the center piece, quickly gaining comparisons to divas like Billie Holiday. She won numerous awards--most notably two Grammys--released a live album, had a son named Seven, and three years later came the release of Mama's Gun, which remains the hands-down favorite among the majority of her fans. The opening track alone, "Penitentiary Philosophy," gave a slap in the face to anyone who expected her to stay in one place as an artist. The polar opposite of any track off Baduizm, it was loud, funky, and booming; it was closer to Chaka Khan than Holiday . And on this sophomore effort, instead of talking about the world, Erykah decided to focus on self. The introspective work explored emotional baggage, jealousy, denial, self-image, among many other personal topics. In 2003, she admittedly didn't have much to say, suffering from a discouraging writer's block while on tour. As a result, her focus shifted even more towards the sonic elements of her work: playing and experimenting with faders, meters, shakers, and tweeters. It was so different that many of her fans felt a bit alienated and confused. However, as can be seen by the odd surplus of negative reviews here, New Amerykah, Pt. I seems to be her most divisive album to date.
Well... it certainly is different. This album is a unique fusion of jazz, funk, hip hop, and soul. As the title suggests, it's packed with political and philosophical lyrics. (Quite frankly, I cannot come close to putting my finger on the meaning of quite a few lyrics). It is also a concept album. Apparently, New Amerykah, Part I is some sort of brainwashing radio forecast that plays during a train ride. (Note the flight attendant-like voice speaking of closing doors in the opening track and the random occurences of static spliced in between tracks). The theme of the album, you may ask? It is Erykah desparately crying out for the advancement of her people, and America in general. It is about the social ills that hold the nation's people back from bettering themselves: the "fourth world war" within themselves, if you will. The subject matter is most certainly heavy. But if that's not for you, it is definitely possible to tune out the lyrics and just get lost in the bangin' grooves. However, if you are a listener who likes to dig deep into the songs and their meanings, the lyrics will give you plenty to chew on. (The booklet includes the lyrics and striking artwork by EMEK Studios to accompany each song).
The album begins with "Amerykahn Promise," which bring memories of old blaxploitation movies. Laced with blasting horns, a fierce guitar riff, and soulful, strong backup vocals, this track is incredibly funky. "The Healer," which leaked onto the internet quite awhile before the album's release, is a catchy ode to hip hop, proudly ploclaiming it is even "bigger than the government." In interviews, Badu nots how the genre crosses all barriers, leaving an incredible imapact among different nations and people. The track, with its echoing chimes, bells, and whispery vocals, is a bit haunting to me... in a good way, though. "Me," an autobiographical track, is a very laid-back and subdued jazz groove. Erykah takes a good look in the mirror, examining herself after going through thirty-six years of life, having two kids, and ending relationships with their fathers. She also makes sure to dismiss all the speculations that her image--ankhs, headwraps, afro--is all her, never contrived or formulated. It ends with a improv-like trumpet and voice interlude, which is apparently a dedication to her charismatic mother. "My People" is quite a short track compared to the others. It is most definitely the most hip-hop song on here, with it's bouncy beeps, rough drums, and grungy, hard beats. She repeats "hold on my people" while layering wonderful ad-libs over it. There is some great harmonizing here, too, that I like a lot. "Soldier" is by far my favorite track here. It is very dynamic, with Erykah strongly asking "do you want to see everyone rise to the next degree?" The bass is heavy, there is a flurry of the flutes, and the background vocals gradually build up to the end like the waves of a sea. (Plus, it's the only time I've heard the phrase "yes siree" not sound cheesy. Only e.badu!) "The Cell" is upbeat track that is also quite funky, laced with plenty of hi-hat and synths. The way I see it, the track is about being trapped in a cell due to materialism, drugs, and also deadbeat dads and moms ("same DNA strand.") "Twinkle," a fast-paced social commentary with a continuously twinkle effect, is another one of my favorites on this album. "Master Teacher" has production with a soulful swirl of strings. I also love the interlude/chant that comes in between. It may be very controversial to some, due to its repeated line "what if there was no n---as, only master teachers?" However, I think it has a very good point. In any race, there are a select few people who are a bit despicable and unintelligent. Often, such as in today's hip hop culture and Hollywood, many of them are being put on a pedestal as examples to the young. I genuinely do not believe the song was meant to target any specific group, especially considering the line "everybody knows that, black or white, there are people every shape and size." I think the lyrics are just so in-your-face to grab attention. "That Hump" has slow, lagging drums and truly expressive vocals. The heart-wrenching track comes from the perspective of a heroin addict that wants to escape the troubles of her daily check-to-check life in the ghetto, yet she only feels a short period of satisfaction. Afterwards, she falls even deeper into depression, hopelessness, and addiction. This track also has a beautiful interlude with great brass, including stuttering horns. "Telephone" is the last listed track. It is about the death of her friend and producer, J. Dilla. Apparently, before he died, he saw the rapper ODB, speaking to him. Erykah does a great job setting the story to a track. It is a very moving and emotional song. The radio-friendly first single "Honey" is included here as a hidden track. It does not fit in with the rest of the album, and it was actually supposed to be saved for Part II of New Ameryakh until the record execs intervened, but I still think it's a nice, groovy track. Plus, it's nice to hear it in glorious, stereo-quality sound after months of listening to it on YouTube.
The bottom line: New Amerykah, Pt. I: 4th World War is a funky, jazzy, and soulful album full of political lyrics, emotionally-charged vocals, and superb production. It is most definitely my favorite album of the year thus far. While it is a little bit heavy, listeners who do not care for such material can easily ignore the lyrics and just get into the hip hop beats and grooves. Also, the first single "Honey" adds a lighter, sweet ending note to the album. It is much different from Erykah Badu's past work. It's possibly even more outlanish than 2003's Worlwide Underground, at times. But it's just as great as Baduizm and Mama's Gun, in my eyes.
Free Music Review: What a disappointment!
Hit: 1 Stars
There's a big difference between being edgy because that what you are and being edgy because that's what you want people to BELIEVE you are. Erykah has moved from the former category to the latter with this disjointed and musically uninspired offering. With the exception of Honey (which is o-kay---but sounds like something that should have been on her first album)), everything on New Amerykah just falls flat. If you're an Erykah fan, skip this one. Otherwise, you'll be just as disappointed as I was.Free Music Review: Total GARBAGE!
Hit: 1 Stars
Considering I have always been a big Eryka Badu fan, I am writing this revue to save you money! I wondered why one of my friends was willing to just give me this cd. Once I played it though, I knew why. Honey is the only saving grace on this cd. Otherwise, it is weird and simply not good music. Many of the tracks are catchy, but the lyrics are terrible and take away from any slight hope I had for the song when it started. Eryka, I am sorry but you are better than this!Free Music Review: smART.
Hit: 5 Stars
this Erykah album is excellent. great production. it's 2008 WAKE UP! "if you agree say yes-sir-e-e!"Free Music Review: Are you kidding me ?
Hit: 1 Stars
Uniqueness is an added feature that is lacking in today's music selections. Me like oh so many have been patiently waiting for Ms. Badu to drop a new album . "Honey " , the 9th Wonder produced track is hot, there is quality sound coming from my cd player again it's Erykah back from her industry break.
Within a few weeks I like so many others patiently waited for her cd to drop. The day finally arrives , I couldn't get to the record store any faster. I rushed home to play it. Popped the cd in my cd player , and the noise was begining to hurt my ears. I wanted to cry , where has the feel and quality of Ms. Badu's work gone . Word has it she's dropping part 2 of this cd within a new months of this noise . Oh No , please say it isn't so .
There is a huge difference from being creative to just disappointing . As much talent as this woman has or had on her first four cds. Where did she go ? She followed Lauryn Hill to "Lostville".