Amazon.co.uk: Subtitled 4th World War (when was the third, eh?), New Amerykah Part One is the first release in five years from the woman born Erica Wright. The wait was worthwhile though, as this smart, eclectic set, her fourth, adds to the grand tradition of socially conscious soul music. Literally so in the case of opener "Amerykahn Promise", spun by Badu straight over an obscure seventies funk track by Roy Ayers's protégés Ramp. "The Healer" is effectively a tribute to the power of hip hop to ground otherwise lost lives, while the deeply felt "Telephone" commemorates her friend, the late producer J Dilla (and was in fact written the day after his funeral). "The Healer" and "That Hump" deal with the damage caused by drug dependency and "Soldier" is a hard-hitting analysis of the state of Black America. None of which would count for much if the music didn't connect. Though Badu's quirks remain intact--the vocal/saxophone duet at the conclusion of the otherwise ice-cool "Me" (what else) is easily resisted--a terrific team of collaborators including idiosyncratic producers Madlib, 9th Wonder and the three man unit Sa-Ra keep New Amerykah Part One endlessly imaginative, tough, twisted beats sitting alongside softer jazz-funk grooves. The US public certainly assented, sending New Amerykah towards the top of the album charts. Only the eighties-style slow jam "Honey", charming in itself, seems at odds with the serious mood and is thus tagged on the end. The now eagerly anticipated Part Two is due later this year. --Steve Jelbert
Album Description: Universal Motown's multi-platinum-selling, Grammy awardwinning singer/songwriter/actress Erykah Badu returns to the music scene with her new album "New Amerykah" featuring the debut single "Honey". Laced with Erykah's bluesy grit and MC style vocals, the song is bolstered by producer's 9th Wonder's razor sharp hip hop beats. Badu describes the song as "an old school track with some funk on it." The release of "Honey" on November 20th also marks Badu's 10th year in the music industry. To celebrate, the gifted trendsetter prepares the release of her much anticipated new album on her birthday, February 26th. Badu has enlisted some of the most talented, groundbreaking underground producers and engineers in the hip-hop game to support her breakthrough return, including Grammy Award winning producer 9th Wonder (Jay-Z, Nas, Mary J. Blige), Madlib, Mike "Chav" Chavarria and R&B singer Bilal. A special, 12-inch pink wax edition will be available only to DJ's next month and will feature underground tracks, "The Healer" and "Real Thang." "The music is the star," says Erykah, "I just laid down my vocals and let the music breathe while the melodies tell the stories." This album is part one of the series New Amerykah Part 1&2.
Album Description: UK pressing of the 2008 album from Motown's multi-platinum-selling, Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter/actress featuring one bonus track: 'Real Thang'. Badu has enlisted some of the most talented, groundbreaking underground producers and engineers in the Hip Hop game to support her breakthrough return, including Grammy Award winning producer 9th Wonder (Jay-Z, Nas, Mary J. Blige), Madlib, Mike Chav Chavarria and R&B singer Bilal. The music is the star, says Erykah, 'I just laid down my vocals and let the music breathe while the melodies tell the stories.' This album is part one of the series New Amerykah Part One and Two. Motown. 2008.
Adrianna This album is amazing. There are a lot of old style beats that drop in and move your soul. Easily one of the best albums of the year. buy it.
A trip worth taking... First, 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.
This is a pass I 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.
Takes some effort, but this is pure classic Erykah I 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.
Completely Digg'n It.. I 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.
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