Customer Reviews

On the Jungle Floor

5 star:		(44)
4 star:		(16)
3 star:		(9)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

A superior effort. Once again Hunt manages to embody his diverse influences and interests without sounding derivative. Yes, one can say that Hunt's most direct influences are Prince, Sly & the Family Stone, the Ohio Players, and others (Terence Trent D'Arby a.k.a Sananda Maitreya comes to mind) but Hunt is simply too clever to wear that stuff directly on his sleeve. One can sense Hunt's desire to stretch out and develop a vocabulary of his own, and this album offers more proof that his musical skills in that direction are progressing nicely. Hunt is also clearly not the ultra control freak that Prince was in the 1980's and has obviously learned those lessons as well.

Enlisting Bill Bottrell as a producer was a smart choice, as was Hunt's choice to co-write some of the songs with others. The diversity of musical stylings on this album is considerable and does not confuse genuine braggadocio with showy or arrogant musical showmanship. The mood is quirky and upbeat and the lyrics are strong. The arrangements (more strings, female accompaniment) are more developed than on Hunt's debut record, and Hunt's singing is also better.

The record does fall short in terms of being a comprehensive statement of purpose in terms of lyrical subject matter, but this is a minor critique as this was probably never the purpose of the record and is overshadowed by the genuine musical virtuosity on display here. Another shortcoming is the inclusion of the Nikka Costa collaboration "Mean Sleep." The Lenny Kravitz produced version on Cree Summer's 1999 album is better. That song could and probably should have been left off this record altogether.

Another fine effort by a supremely talented musician.

Let's get this straight... For those not in the know, this is NOT a Neo-Soul albuml!!! So don't expect any watery, dreamy, smooth, cheesy, black love poetry music happening here. This is no Jill Scott or Floetry type material - this is Van "MuthaF'n" Hunt. On the Jungle Floor is certainly a banging album well worth the wait. Comparing this to his debut, OTJF is an extension of his first album pumped on steriods as he would say. So comparing this to Rahsaan Patterson is a major no no. Here you will find alot of musical color, variation, and experimentation going on that works extremely well. Though he produced Rahsaan's albums, this is Van Hunt doing it Big! My biggest dissapointment was his version of "Mean Sleep", which is a song he wrote and we all loved on Cree Summer's album. I found this version VERY demo-ish and out of tune at times. Even with Nikka Costa - whom I LOVE - did no real justice. They both over sang the song which sounded more like a drunken jam session that accidentally fell on the album. Certainly not a favorite of mine but nonetheless, OTJF is a sure shot album that'll get played til the day I die along with his first. I would love to see Van Hunt produce a Prince album, but I HIGHLY doubt that'll ever happen. Gotta love the thought though!

Okay I have tended to notice some people dismiss this album at first. As others have mentioned ( aside from a few songs ) its not immediately catchy. But dont let that fool you. This is a masterpiece. Its the kind of CD that grows on you... in a big way. I myself being a HUGE fan of the first release wasnt blown away after my first listen. But man , after it played through a few times, it kept me listening...and listening... and listening. The more I listen the more I love this album. Its one of those things where if you only hear it once, you might say whats the big deal? But if you take the time to digest what Van is laying down he will make a convert of you ... it WILL happen.

Van Hunt debuted two long years ago with a great self titled album that was miles ahead of his contemporaries. This time out, he has grown as both singer and composer and his emerging confidence shows in every single song. "Hot Stage Lights" is great old shool funk of the highest order. "Mean Sleep", which he originally contributed to Cree Summer's album seven years ago, reemerges here as a sultry duet with Nikka Costa. He even has the good taste to cover an ultra obscure Iggy Pop track, "No Sense Of Crime". "At The End Of A Slow Dance" recreates 80's romantic synth pop better than any song I've heard since the 80's ended. His current single "Character" is burning up soul stations everywhere and along with the rest of the album is R&B the way God(and Prince)originally intended it. I guarantee you, there will not be a better R&B album than this one all year.

I'm not feeling this one quite as much as his debut but there are still moments of brilliance here. Songs like "If I Take You Home (Upon...)", "Being A Girl", "Mean Sleep" (featuring Nikka Costa), "At The End Of A Slow Dance", "The Thrill Of This Love" and the surprise closer, "The Night Is Young" are showcases of sheer bold artistry and a creativity that defies categorisation. I'm pretty sure the other songs will grow on me in time.

All said, much respect to a dude with the stones to step outside the mainstream, dare to be himself and give us something different. My kinda guy! I hope he's getting the props he deserves.

Slick, funky, retro, sexy, smart and soulful all come to mind when listening to Van Hunt's sophomore effort, 'On The Jungle Floor'. Early Prince also comes to mind and THAT is also a good thing.

Opening Track "I Wonder If I Take You Home" is a perfect male response to Lisa Lisa's 80's hit of a similar name. His vocal stylings go from sleek falsetto on the first track to a more deeper and dark style on the verses for the second track "Hot Stage Lights" but he goes back to his amazing falsetto for the chorus. Van Hunt and Nikka Costa share the mic on "Mean Sleep" and create a soulful, steamy duet. The chorus "I had a mean sleep over you, and it hurts coming back to life" makes this the perfect song to play for that special someone.

There's a 70's funk sound present in many of the tracks of this album and the inspiration goes even further back a decade or 2 where the delightfully innocent yet modern "At The End Of A Slow Dance" makes you wish you could go back to a time where partners and slow dancing were the 'thing'.

If you're looking for less mainstream, less radio, and more quality with tight production reminiscent of the sounds of Prince, Maxwell, and even the better stuff from OutKast, then definitely give this album a shot.

Others have given better reviews and descriptions of this album. But I must say that this guy is really talented and I hope you soul music lovers out there will check this album out. He uses various different musical styles to good effect(not too many artists can pull that off when you think about it). I love "Character", "Being a Girl" (I'm surprised I haven't heard this playing on the radio), and "If I Take You Home" (this track is strangely reminds me of a Prince record). I stumbled on this album and I strongly recommend it.

Van Hunt's second release is a progression into the sounds which were influenced by rock. If you have ever seen him perform live (which I have had the pleasure of doing, you'll know that this album is an extension of his musical talent. This is somewhat different for fans of Van's first album which was slept on heavily.

I didn't hear much press about this leading me to believe once again he is one of the most underrated artists in the game. With the likes of stellar music industry folks (Rashaan Patterson-backgrounds, Nikka Costa--duet on Mean Sleep, and Bill Botrell-producing) I can honestly say I enjoy him reaching out into other genres and making it sound so good. This man plays and writes almost all of his music which is fading away in the music industry.

Overall, I think maybe he is attempting to reach out to a different audience while still sustaining that neo-soul base. His first album did not receive much airplay....I remember seeing the video for Down Here in Hell on VH-1 Soul and thinking who is this cat??! This album is not neo-soul but it's great all around. I hope you enjoy it!

I don't think I've ever been so excited about an artist releasing a sophomore album. For a couple of weeks now I've been waiting for "On the Jungle Floor" to drop and tiding myself over in the meantime by listening to the sampler on his website. Ahem drumroll please...This follow-up is excellent and this guy is really talented, I mean seriously talented(why isn't he being played on the radio?) First full length track "If I Take You Home" is funky...great to dance to...words...hey there lady, won't you take me home...I'll write your name in a song...OK, I'm game!! I'll take him home. By far my favorite track is "Character" great writing, great song. Other favs. "Hot Stage Lights," "Being A Girl," and "Priest Or Police". When I reviewed Van's first album I mentioned that he has been influenced by some of the greats but he wasn't copying them and that remains true so I hope people will avoid comparing him to Prince. I consider myself a music fan, borderline fanatic, and I'm telling you there is something special about his music...it switches deftly between old school and new school with the greatest of ease. Yes, they come along every ten years or so. Who? Great artists like Van Hunt.

This is probably the best album that no one heard last year. Between Van Hunt and Rahsaan Patterson, I don't know who is more overlooked.

This talented singer/writer/producer has been producing solid work since he penned Dionne Farris's hit "Hopeless." Just like his much-overlooked first album, this one delivers and soulful mix of R&B, Rock and Funk. There are so many great tracks on this release, that there is something for everyone. Although Hunt mixes different musical styles, he still puts a cohesive stamp on it that makes them flow well together.

My favorite tracks are Priest or Police, Daredevil Baby, Being a Girl, At The End Of A Slow Dance, If I Take You Home, and Hot Stage Lights.

I can't wait for the new EP.