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The best tracks include her lead single "Bag Lady" which might not grab you in at first, but as you listen more, you'll realize how intelligent and straight from the soul it really is. It's one of those hypothetically metaphoric songs Erykah Badu has made so popular. It talks about a woman who got kicked out a relationship and how she has nothing "to hold on" anymore except for bags. "Bags" represent depression and the feeling of wanting the boyfriend back. Erykah Badu almost acts as the "spiritual grandmother", guiding and advising her to "let go of everything" (the "bags") and then proclaims, "All you need to do is hold on to yourself". Simple, yet it depicts such an uplifting message. Another standout track is "My Life", where she sings the line "no turning back". It has a catchy beat and also contains a sample taken from "Paul Revere" by: Beastie Boys. She talks about not giving up when times are hard. "Booty" is an intelligently clever & sexy song where Badu is saying she could get any man, but she "don't want them", and she does it without sounding arrogant. "Kiss Me On My Neck (Hesi)" has a very addictive chorus. The song is about her yearning for appreciation. "Cleva" is a song about materialism & appearance. She talks about how it doesn't matter how you look, but what you say.
So why 4 Stars? Well, one thing, not every song on the album is perfection. Although some of the tracks were really good, some of them just dragged on & on & on & on (No, not like a "rolling stone"). An example would be the intro, "penitentiary philosophy". It has a heavy rock & drums beat, which is fine, but you could barely hear what she's saying. The only thing you can probably make out is the first two lines, which is "Here is my philosophy, living in a penitentiary". Another problem I had was "Green Eyes". I know the song is suppose to be long since it mentions "movement I, II, III". Movement I is good, which is about denial. Movement II is the best, about acceptance. But movement III is a bit drag again. Also another minor problem is "A.D. 2000". It has a nice beat, but the problem I have is the constant yearning of "love me" written all over the lyrics. The song is about being forgotten. But there is something wrong with artists constantly saying, "don't forget me"...
But I'll stop whining. Overall, I love this album. Lyrics are what keep me listening to this album since I like the various subject and words she uses to get through her point. I also enjoy how soulful this album is. It's one of those album you can listen to while just sitting around and reading (well, once you get past the intro "Penitentiary Philosophy", it can be distracting, both in a good & bad way). "Time's a wastin" if you didn't cop this album yet...
I'm glad I own it, especially because of the second half of 'Mama's Gun'. The best songs start with "Kiss Me On My Neck", a funky, self-confident jam in which Ms. Badu lays out her requirements for love. Then on "A.D. 2000" we get a real quaint, smoothed out, Stevie Wonder styled melody with an ever-so-subtle voice. Next we have "Orange Moon" (my favorite) and we get a perfect mix of jazz, soul, and R&B. "Orange Moon" sounds so sweet, soothing, and romantic - trust me. I'm listening to it right now...(how good it is, how, good it is...)
We then have singer Stephen Marley joining Ms. Badu for a soaring "I'm In Love With You" which is brilliant. The album version of "Bag Lady" is more musical, and her voice at the end of this song (if you really just let it sink in) is soul stirring...and then we get two more tracks, one of which is in three parts, called "Green Eyes" - and it ends the album perfectly.
So, you won't find "Rimshot" on here, or "Next Lifetime" (my favorite track off Baduizm - cuz it's so true...) but I still really enjoy this one. R&B music is really experiencing a great moment right now. If you like this I also recommend Musiq and of course, Ms. Jill Scott. If you can get into some more conventional R&B don't miss Dave Hollister either. Peace!
Yours,
Andrew Knyte