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For starters, many of the six and seven-minute songs are that long only because after the actual songs are over, they're followed by some out-of-place political speeches by some unknown male. First off, I hope everyone realizes that Erykah Badu is probably not going to be able to make another Baduizm. Also, there are a number of times where Erykah provides bizarre lyrics and thus makes you wonder exactly what she's talking about (see "The Cell" or "Amerykahn Promise"). I've always been a fan of hers, but I couldn't really get into Worldwide Underground. But after all the buzz I heard about New Amerykah Part One (4th World War), I finally decided to check it out.I have to say that this album is a little overrated. "My People" sounds like a loop, and to call the production on "Twinkle" disorganized would be an understatement.It's a relief when Erykah's more standard fare shows up, like on "Honey", "Master Teacher" (featuring vocals from a Stones Throw artist named Georgia Anne Muldrow), "Me" and possibly "That Hump". New Amerykah Part One isn't a bad album but it isn't a classic like everyone says it is -- in fact, it's her least accessible album, so B.I.F.Anthony Rupert
The spoken interlude of "Master Teacher" is unsettling to the point where I have trouble listening to it when I'm alone in the dark, but after all is said and done, the panic is lifted by the hidden bonus track and hit single, "Honey," which comes in with its emotional rescue to lighten things up a bit. The packaging says it all and there's an awful lot goin' on in that afro of hers. There are elements here of the typically grounding/healing, watery and spiritual Baduizms as well as a new, aggressive and more socially-conscious flava in place too. This is some serious, serious stuff and can leave one feeling a tad disturbed,(but no less awakened) as it IS rather different from the Badu norm we're all used to. Amazingly, it's all been put to music. The message here is at times frightening, but real and the beats make it even more urgent. I salute the excellence of her artistry.
I loved this album. Not sure why this doesn't have higher stars. Too funky for most but just right for me.
Amazing release. After glancing at the rating distribution, I sometimes wonder if we still have ears. Ultimately, I am grateful for having the privlege to hear it. It's about time for a release like this.
This is what is aimed for here and the result is awesome. Who cares about mainstream. Raw emotion behind the music along with originality is far better. This CD will not be placed in storage anytime soon. The music is super soulful, smooth, slick, phat and all that.
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