Well, what can you say about this one.
I'll start by saying that this is categorically one of the finest albums ever made. Anyone who's had a passing interest or an unhealthy obsession with Erykah over the years will no doubt know her best for Baduism's minimalist smokey soul sound. And to be honest, I thought that album was so perfect that I didn't buy another badu album until this one.
I happened to stumble across her myspace page one day early this year when a bit bored & was totally blown away by the track "Honey". This 9th Wonder production is so phenomenal that Erykah should have rightfully taken her place at the top of all the charts. Somehow though, that didn't happen, and the track only features on the album as a hidden bonus track at the end. I have to say I was disappointed when I saw this, but only until I actually played the album...at which point "disappointed" was not a term I could use to describe how I felt.
Starting with an intro produced by Roy Ayres ("Amerykahn Promise") and moving on to the brilliant "The Healer" (Madlib on top form with the beat) & through to "Me" (with SA-RA on the beat). And the quality continues. All the productions are top class and with a lesser artist, might find themselves dominating the sound, but with the commanding & wonderfully unique Erykah on the mic, there's no mistaking who's album this is.
So in short, an absolute triumph in underground soul. Can't wait for Part 2 (out later this year).
Miss this at your peril! Full Five Star Rating *****
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