Sophomore Slump

Posted : 1 year, 8 months ago on 23 January 2007 12:38 (A review of The New Danger)

The followup album to what I often consider one of the greatest hip hop albums of all time, Black on Both Sides, has fallen well short of a long hiatus and high expectations. The New Danger showcases a major shift of hip hop talent dubbed over traditional beats to a more rock and roll flavor. I like the attempt, but the end result lacked the enthusiasm of Mos Def's legendary debut. Recycled lyrics and a lack of real "hip hop" are largely to blame for this sophomore slump.

0 comments, Reply to this entry

Reprise

Posted : 1 year, 8 months ago on 23 January 2007 12:28 (A review of True Magic)

Out of respect to the legacy that was left with Black on Both Sides, I felt that True Magic was deserving of a few more plays. But recycled lyrics through an unenthusiastic voice has ultimately left me wondering what has happened to the Mighty Mos. To put it bluntly, the CD almost put me to sleep tonight while driving home from LA.

0 comments, Reply to this entry

No True Magic Here

Posted : 1 year, 8 months ago on 21 January 2007 06:37 (A review of True Magic)

Being a fan of Mos Def is no longer an excuse to appreciate his musical "attempts" anymore. Shifting his focus to acting has become well apparent as this new album just fails to revive the "true magic" that was Black on Both Sides.

0 comments, Reply to this entry

Amputecture

Posted : 1 year, 11 months ago on 14 October 2006 10:27 (A review of Amputechture)

The sheer exhaustion that comes with the initial play of a Mars Volta album may dissaude many listeners. But for those fans who understand the message behind their music, look no further than the recent release of the bands third album, Amputecture. Bringing the energy of a live show to the studio, the Mars Volta continue to explore their talent in a genre-less field. The cohesive harmony between the guitars of Omar Rodriguez-Lopez and the voice of Cedric Bixler-Zavala brings back the excitement of De-Loused in the Comatorium with progressive and violent mood swings, challenging both themselves and the listener.

0 comments, Reply to this entry