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Free Music Notes for New Amerykah, Pt. 1: 4th World WarFree Music Review: A trip worth taking... Hit: 5 StarsFirst, let me say that Mama's Gun is one of my all-time favorite albums. I've never tired of it. I really didn't care for Worldwide Underground, which really hurt because I love Ms. Badu. I got this cd and popped it in the stereo and then came to a halt and had to stop and look through the lyrics and gave it a good listen. This is not a snap your fingers driving down the street with your girls kind of cd. You will not want to play it before a date or going to the club. However, you will love it if you are tired of tired lyrics and pre-packaged "divas" who can't sing, think or inspire.
I just saw Erykah in Chicago and was blown away by the way she shared with her audience. She gave a full 2-hour performance. Her voice was on, she danced and she delivered a show.
I will not pretend to be on Erykah's "level" and to know everything that she is talking about. But I will say that I enjoy her willingness to stay creative and true to herself. Her authenticity and eccentricity is something that admire and haven't grown tired of yet.
Free Music Review: This is a pass Hit: 2 StarsI think I've listened to this cd, once all the way through. My
question is... Aren't you supposed to release your outtakes after
the the original cd has dropped? Hopefully, PT 2 will be much
more focused and musically challenging.
Free Music Review: Takes some effort, but this is pure classic Erykah Hit: 5 StarsI was nervous about this album because I was so in love with "Mama's Gun" when "New Amerykah" came out (see my previous review). But no matter, I pre-ordered this one because Erykah is now one of my "must buy" artists. By no means was I disappointed by this one, but (as one reviewer put it), I was a little bewildered. I wasn't sure what to make of it. But after playing it regularly these past three months (perhaps too much so) I have to say this ranks up with everything she has done so far. But in addition to that, it really does start from a point after her previous albums. That in fact seems to be her legacy. Each album seems to be a different experience from the others. Not exactly taking a radical left turn, but not repeating anything either (except her deliberate attempts to reuse previous words and phrases, such as "... & On" in "Mama's Gun"). I think there are many layers to "New Amerykah" that are off-putting to beat-driven ears. There are moments on here to satisfy those base urges (try playing the first track with your car windows down--and hear how The Man's voice can grab everyone's ears), but it otherwise forces you to ride the train to hear everything being said. I think it has been a great experience and it only adds to her short yet amazing canon. I CAN'T WAIT for Part II!! She's my new goddess.
Free Music Review: Completely Digg'n It.. Hit: 4 StarsI must say that this isn't the typical E.Badu listeners are used to hearing. But, without change there isn't growth. I know I don't wanna keep listening to the same thing over and over again each cd. Anyway. When I first got it, I wasn't really feeling it. I'm still taking multiple listens to some of the songs. However, I just saw E. Badu & The Roots live like 2 weeks ago and she kilt it. So, that motivated me to take a deeper listen to New Amerykah. And, I now I am completely diggin it. All I can say is give it a chance before you dismiss it and you won't be disappointed.
*Favs: My People
Healer
Me
Soilder
Free Music Review: "Honey, you so sweet!" Hit: 4 StarsFor those who are unfamiliar with Erykah Badu, she is a different type of artist and has been that way since she debuted with "Baduizm." You know how people say you can't just eat certain foods on a whim, but you have to have an acquired taste for them? Well, that is exactly how Erykah Badu's music is. You have to have a certain mind-frame if you put an Erykah Badu CD in because she will take you places, whether you have heard the disc once or three hundred times. Her music is much like a drug, but perhaps that is her intention. "New Amerykah" is a really good album, but, in order to fully appreciate it, listen to it several times.
"Honey" was the first song released to radio. This song generated a nice amount of buzz for Badu and it's corresponding video is creativity at its best! "Honey" has a great beat, sweet lyrics and a nice delivery by Badu. In fact, her voice shines throughout the album. She can do quite a bit with her vocal instrument; on this album, she hit some notes I didn't know she could! She truly amazed me with certain vocals. "That Hump" is a great song. In this song, she gives her listener much as far as vocals are concerned. There is also a great deal of sincerity within her voice. This track is a slower-tempoed song and you will definitely find yourself replaying it because you'll feel you missed something the first time. "Soldier" has a magnificent beat, though kind of simple. The melody is great as well.
If you took anything positive from Badu's past albums, you should definitely add this disc to your collection. It's similar in style to her previous works, but there are vast differences between her past work and "New Amerykah." This disc should not be passed up.
Mikeisha's Top 5
1. "Soldier"
2. "Honey"
3. "The Healer/Hip Hop"
4. "Me"
5. "Telephone"
More Free Music Notes: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
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