Customer Reviews

Mama's Gun

5 star:		(199)
4 star:		(54)
3 star:		(22)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

After the Multi-platinum, critically acclaimed Grammy success of "Baduizm" and the outstanding performance on "Live", Erykah Badu comes back with her sophomore (third album if you count "Baduizm: Live" as a "studio album") effort. Worth the wait, it seems that Ms. Badu has somehow advanced and matured further, almost giving off an organic vibe. But what exactly is "Mama's Gun"? Erykah Badu describes it as a "weapon", used against weak-will power, negative forces standing in the way, demons, & the ability not to forgive... Basically, when you think of "mama" you think of warmth and protection, and "gun" would be the object used to project.

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...

Eryka (and Kedar) have done it again! Guest appearances include Ahmir Thompson, Ron Hargrove ans Roy Ayers. Steven Marley is melodic on "In Love With You" where he and Erykah go back and forth describing love at its best (lion to lioness). "Orange Moon" is by far one of the best tracks, very mellow and laid back as it appears to describe her sun (son). "Cleva" is a tight bass-heavy jam. "Bag Lady" is a different version than what has been cranked out on the airwaves - a little slower but serves the same message. "Didn't Cha Know" is so very fly-only takes one listen to love this groove. Eryka mixes melody, R&B, jazz, funk & straight blues all together which brings this follow-up album to the forefront of soulful music. Serious airplay needs to be devoted to "Green-Eyes" where Badu describes the little green monster in all of us and how she copes with it. The music is great. "Booty" describes another womans' man that desires her but the feeling is not mutual. There is a great flute player on serval pieces of this project and they deserve some serious credit. This is a must have in any collection and previous fans will appreciate all that it offers.

Everyone I know warned me about 'Mama's Gun' - they told me to skip it. I listened to their warnings, but when I heard "Penitentiary Philosophy" I was sold. It's a rock track, with a 70s-ish Sly & the Family Stone/Zeppelin appeal, and it impressed me because it was different. That's what I wanted to hear...something different, so I bought it.

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

While an argument could be made for D'Angelo's "Voodoo" and Jill Scott's "Who is Jill Scott?", Erykah Badu has produced the best album of 2000. I am astonished by the criticism of this project in this forum. Every aspect of this album - production, composition, vocal and instrumental performance, even recording is, dare I say, perfect. Badu and her fellow Soulquarians have transcended the neosoul genre and have produced a classic. I was very curious about how she would follow-up the remarkable "Baduizm" and she exceeded my lofty expectations. Badu plays an extremely important role in the advancement of modern soul music - all hail the queen of neosoul! Frankly, I think the album version of "Bag Lady" is better than the single version - the deeper subtlety is devastaing. And the track listing discrepancy is a non-issue. The correct order is listed on the disk, where it should be. So don't be distracted by whether the tracks are listed correctly or not - this album is a bonafide work of art. The last track on the album - the spectacular multi-movement "Green Eyes" that showcases the remarkable James Poyser on acoustic piano and Roy Hargrove - the Soulquarian trumpet - complimenting Badu's enchanting vocals, is my song of the year. And Seven is an adorable little boy. Enough said. Buy this album and support modern soul.

Although I admire her immense talents as a vocalist and writer, I'm not a huge Badu fan. So when my lady(who is a fan) gave me 'Mama Gun' and said that she didn't care for it that much, I knew something was up. And just as I figured, Baduizm decided to wade out to a deeper part of the musical pool of her soul(much like D'Angelo did with Voodoo and RaShaan Patterson with Love in Stereo). Like a good mother, Erykah attempts to wean her Gen-X hip-hop fans from the baby food of programmed beats and synth bass of her debut cd, to the greens and cornbread of live drums and bass of this Psychedic 70's, concept-based sound. You definitely have to listen to the whole record to appreciate it. Its very much on the so-called 'neo-soul' tip, at times sounding like a female version of a Isley Bros meets Stevie Wonder record. But the X-factor that separates Ms. Badu from everyone else is that voice. That Voice! Not the most powerful, nor the sweetest sounding, but unique in its own way. Sincerity flows in the way she interpetes the lyrics of the songs (Booty, Cleva, A.D. 2000, Penitentiary Philosophy). I actually like the cd version of 'Bag Lady' more than the single(which should have been included on the cd, record company's bilking us again); it fits in with the 'concept' nicely. My only nitpick is that ...& On seems to have been thrown in to appease her labels' request for a sound-alike hit, but thats under the bridge. I'm sure some fans of the studio sound of Baduizm will be put off by the 'live vibe' of Mama's Gun, and others will say she's just biting on a style that's been done already, but believe me, if you give this record a fair chance, it may become one of your all-time faves.

P.S.: On a more personal note, I must say that it is so beautiful to see and hear more R&B artists using live instruments in their music; taking more creative responsibility on themselves, following their instincts, and relying more on their talents as musicians and writers rather than the advancements in music technology(Although I do appeciate the better sound quality of some of today's equipment). As they try to raise their level of integrity and musicianship, lets all try to raise our level as listeners by being more receptive and supportive of them and their works. Its time for some of us to raise our game and stop being so short-sighted musically. Peace and Love.

This is a very mature production. Badu has written and performed some wonderful material. I especially found "Didn't Cha Know," "My Life," "& On," "A.D. 2000," "Bag Lady," and "Time's A Wastin'" moving. These songs are particularly sensitive and tesitfy to life's struggles. They tell us to continue fighting and to let go of our defeats (without looking backwards or feeling sorry for ourselves - like the Bag Lady).

Many people have criticized the album as being "unlike" Baduizm and as not being "instantly memorable." These critiques are FLAWED. Real artists experiment with different styles; we confine them in boxes when we insist that all their albums sound the same. Furthermore, the fact that this album is not instantly memorable only means that it is an intelligent production. Erykah chose not to include simplistic "radio tunes" (like most "artists" today) and instead delivered textured selections that require the listener to think, digest, and interpret. Confused? Good! Those who insist on simplicity should listen to "& On" where Erykah herself mockingly challenges her critics ("What good do your words do if they can't understand them. Don't go talkin' that s***, Badu, Badu..."). You should also study the history of jazz. While so many people claim to like "Neo Soul" because it is "jazz-influenced," they obviuosly do not appreciate the improvisation, syncopation, and fluidity of jazz. True jazz is not "instantly memorable."

Erykah, I understand your words and your message, and I like what I hear. Just don't point that gun at me; it seems fully loaded.

Badu's second album comes at a time where an emergence of fresh new music from often compared female artist as Jill Scott, N'Dambi, Pru, India Arie, and Laurnea (just to name a few) who have been labled as 'neo-soul' artists. Badu's newest offering is a composition of beautifully orchestrated songs which, like a fine wine, keeps getting better. Each track's last note is the next tracks beginning note, which provides for a smooth and continuous listening pleasure incorporating jazz and hip hop unlike any album in recent history. Production by the 'Soulquarians' and horn arrangements by Roy Hargrove mesh to become a symphony to the ear. The album is so much more than the 'neo-soul' label it will be critiqued as. Listen to her voice. Hear her soul. This an an artist that is sensitive about her (shi)t. Sheer brilliance. Not bass heavy, but perfectly balanced. It would be a shame if you listened to this album expecting 'Baduizm' sounds. Just as D'angelo's latest is classic, pure genius, and was initially an underappreciated album (music fans wanted "Brown Sugar" all over again), 'Mama's Gun', like 'Vodoo', is one of those classic albums whose artistic genius may not be recognized until much later in life. We should all thank Ms. Badu for her sacrifice to present this offering to the music world. Very clever indeed, Ms. Badu.

with some of the BEST SOUL MUSIC put out this year. When Ms. Badu says she's "CLEVA," she ain't lyin.' She is one of the most, "cleva," original artists in soul music today. I love this album. It's intelligent, (Penitentiary Philosophy, A.D. 2000) assertive, (Booty, Kiss Me On My Neck, Cleva) thoughtful, (Orange Moon, In Love with You, Bag Lady, Time's A Wastin') and so beautifully emotional (Green Eyes, the tour de force). From beginning to end this CD grabs the listener and makes you pay attention to Ms. Badu and her GUN! THIS, (like the music of Jill Scott, Music Soulchild, India.Arie, Maxwell...the list goes "ON&ON")IS SOUL MUSIC; fresh, original, emotional, life-affirming...music you feel. When they review this period of the genre, Ms. Badu will be one of the pioneers and "Mama's Gun" will be one of the CLASSICS.

"Mama's Gun" is an album of rare and unexpected depth. While some in the r&b camp resort to tired formulas and worn cliches as a cheap route to credibility, Erykah Badu gives us the real thing. Her second studio album has a potent mix of rock, funk, and jazzy soul layered around Badu's gusty voice. The disc's track of note is the arrow-to-the-heart ballad "I'm in Love With You," a duet with Stephen Marley (yes, THAT Marley, and he sounds just like Bob). Other tracks of note are the 10 minute "Green Eyes" and the sincerity of "Time's a Wastin'." This album didn't flop on the charts, but its performance was disappointing compared to its debut. That's a shame, because "Mama's Gun" is a startlingly great CD that reveals something new after each listen.

I already loved Erykah Badu, but this is her best work. This classic album is the soundtrack to a torrid love affair I had back in 2000. I love Badu's southern ways. We are both Texas natives. She is not afraid to be herself; dreads, afro, or bald.Her voice is so unique and Billie Holiday like. This is a must have album for all neo soul lovers. She teaches women to let go of any issues you carry through life, tells us of the plight of the black man, and she sang my heart's story in Green Eyes. To me, she is the essence of neo soul.