Customer Reviews

Phrenology (Limited Edition w/ Bonus DVD)

5 star:		(61)
4 star:		(25)
3 star:		(12)
2 star:		(7)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I'm not an exclusive rap fan, but I do like those rappers who take a serious approach to the musical and artistic sides of their sound, and are interested in taking their songwriting into new territory. The Roots succeed without a doubt on all those levels. Here we have great elements of rock, funk, and soul fully integrated into the Roots' intelligent hip hop sounds. They could be criticized for trying to latch on to the neo-soul movement, but that's a logical progression for these cats who are from the same town (Philly) as the neo-soulsters anyway. The best tracks here are the relentlessly funky "Thought @ Work" which features an incredible beat that sounds like an African Led Zep, plus the rock-oriented "Rolling With Heat" and "Rock You." There are some great cameo appearances like Jill Scott's in "Complexity" and outstanding vocals from Cody Chesnutt in "The Seed (2.0)." However some of the other big name cameos come out rather bland and under-utilized, like Musiq in "Break You Off" and Nelly Furtado in "Sacrifice." To prove that the Roots are true musical thinkers, check out the bizarre punk rock freakout "!!!!!!!" and the noise experimentation that makes up the second half of "Water," which really reminds me of fusion-era Miles Davis. This is a truly forward-thinking album from some very intelligent artists.

Of the two albums I own by this band, this one is probably the most accessible. 1999's Things Fall Apart is what music fans would call a "grower". Harsh and cacophonous, it takes several listens before one can embrace that album as a whole. That doesn't mean Phrenology is an easy listen. The Roots still traffic in the themes of personal drama ("Water"), social commentary ("Pussy Galore"), sticky love affairs ("Break You Off"), and, of course, critiques of the hip-hop genre ("Rock You"). They also execute collaborations more seamlessly than any other hip-hop artist on the planet (yes, that includes Missy Elliot). On this album, guest spots by Nelly Furtado Talib Kweli, Cody ChesnuTT, Musiq, and Jill Scott never smack of "stunt casting", nor do they detract from the overall feel of the album. For example, Furtado's vocals merely accent the songs on which she appears-the bouncy "Sacrifice" and the aforementioned "Pussy Galore"-instead of overwhelming them. Musiq lends soulful, yet unassuming vocals to the percolating R&B of "Break You Off"; and Talib Kweli effortlessly adds his distinctive raps to "Rolling With Heat" and the rollicking hidden track. Mid-way through the album, Cody ChestnuTT teams with Black Thought on the stunning "Seed (2.0)", a breathtaking narrative of childbirth and legacy. Among the most impressive things about this album is the diversity of the songs: from the punk screech of "!!!!!" to the acid jazz leanings of "Quills", there's something here for everyone. Throughout, the defiant, confident spirit of the band remains in tact. They manage to sound tight and explosive all at once. They never waver from their unique musical vision, in the process, creating a propulsive, thoughtful album that resonates deeply long after its last note has played.

I have to say that I didn't have much faith in the new Roots album. I've always been a fan but I also have always felt that they never really pushed the envelope like they could have with all the tools and talent available to them. The albums following Do You Want More?!!!??! seemed to be geared more toward mass appeal than really funky music. I could never really see the point of having a Hip Hop band when all the album tracks sound like samples. Well, that problem has been fixed with Phrenology.

For the first time in ages the Roots really cut loose and get raw the way I knew they could. I've heard many complaints about the album's mixing of genres and lack of cohesion. I say if you feel that way, you need to grow up. Making good music isn't about following the rules and giving everyone what they want to hear. In fact, the one song that the label demanded they record for the album ("Break You Off") happens to be the weakest one; syrupy and radio friendly. Otherwise, the project slams from beginning to end with forays into rock, punk, and even techno! Many folks don't like the punk song (Track #3) but think it's brilliant and could have stood to be longer. "The Seed" is another standout cut with a nice guest appearance from Cody ChesnuTT. "Water" slams raw hip hop for the first third then slips into some dark deconstruction reminicent of Sun Ra or Miles Davis. It's much more than just "weird sounds", especially if you understand what the song is about (Malik B's alleged drug addiction).

It's been a while since I was thoroughly impressed with a hip hop release. So much of the music is just boring and pointless now. The Roots have come up with a project that is alive and vital. Black Thought's lyrics have never been as on point and the band's music is inventive, creative and risky; traits that have been missing from black music for a long time now. If you're looking for Hip Hop that is new, edgy and different then run to pick this up. If you want an album that sounds like every thing else with a bunch of club-ready singles then you ought to stay away. On second thought, you should get it anyway and broaden your horizons. Bottom line: If you're not down for The Roots you're not down for music, period!

Oh yeah! The DVD is pretty cool too!

As 2002 draws to a close, the race for album of the year has been getting tighter and tighter. As of this writing, I haven't finalized my list of the year's best releases, but this much is certain: "Phrenology" is sure to be included. Like most great albums, this smokin' set transcends musical boundaries by embracing a respectable range of genres and flavors: straight-up hip hop, soul, amped-up punk, and (we're not kidding, here) techno. The lyrics flow with effortless grace, and the disc's choice of guest vocalists is tasteful. If you haven't yet heard of Cody ChestnuTT, then make sure you commit his name to memory, for he is a talent worth watching. He makes a solid impression on the standout rocker "The Seed," which is set to his blazingly soulful pipes. "Rolling With the Heat" and "Sacrifice" are other favorites, while the smoothed-out "Break You Off" featuring Musiq grooves along well. Not that the Roots can't hold their own, mind you. They save the best for last on the hard-hitting "P---y Galore." "Phrenology" also has a limited-edition bonus DVD that has some really cool promo clips and live performances. Music collectors who like to get all the bells and whistles should definitely get this edition. The track "Water" kicks off with the lyric: "a record ain't nuttin if it's not touchin'." Well, this fine CD does all that and much more. The Roots have released a fine effort that's both thought-provoking and groovilicious, and it's sure to get heavy rotation on my CD player.

This cd is basically good stuff. To be honest it took awhile to get used to it, but listening to it wit full stereo sound and on 2nd, 3rd, 4th listens etc, it has really grown on me. It's not as good as some fo their other stuff, esp Things fall Apart (which I cant believe some people have totally sh**ed on!?!?) but it's a good cd none the less. And the fact that there are only 11 or 12 songs still make it worth while, mayb even more so than some long weighty heavy hjanded production. I mean y be like every one else out there puttin out these long a$$ filler cds wit like 17-20 tracks?!?! Even those have a BUNCh of interludes n sh*t. Anyway...This was a solid effort over all. With each album The Roots bring somethin new and improved, but this time it may not neccesarily be improved but its definitely somethig wrth listening to.

I believe that is one of my biggest Pet Peeve of radio stations now-a-days. This group tears it up. I thoroughly appreciate the different approaches to music on this CD. Though mainly known for true Hip-Hop sound The Roots seem to have gone in another direction on this CD and their efforts are well received by this Ecletic listener. It has some stanky funk, acid jazz and rocky beats.

I have to say that the song with Cody Chestnut is probably my favorite, with the one with Musiq coming in close 2nd. If you like this CD check out also "Slum Village" latest CD.

Respectfully Reviewed

Long recognized as one of the top hip-hop acts in the game, by many of those who follow the hip-hop seen outside of the radio dial and heavy rotation on video shows, the Roots return to the scene with their fifth album, Phrenology. As someone who has followed The Roots I won't argue that this is their best album. Although it does contain a good share of quality material, the Roots have set the bar quite high for themselves. The mid-tempo and/or laid back cuts like "Break You Off", "Complexity", and "Sacrifice" are strong but missing are the really strong "b-boy" cuts that really highlight the skills of the often slept on, lead MC, Black Thought. Also absent is group member and fellow MC, Malik-B likely due to substance abuse as indicated by the song "Water", which is another strong cut. The indications that I received regarding this album was that it would generally be very uptempto, but too often it isn't or the songs that are simply don't work (i.e. "Rolling With Heat"). As someone very familiar with the Roots and their music, I have to say that this album is a little to much "Baby You Got Me" and not enough "Clones" to leave me fully satisfied (if you have the Roots last 2 albums you will follow that reference).

Surely it is not honestly suggested that this is an album of the year candidate?? The only Roots album worse than this is Ilapelph, which is really not saying alot anyway. A tremendous step down from Things Fall Apart, a sort of return to classic hip-hop colored by the uniques skills of the group's members. Missing and absolutely missed on this album are Malik and Rahzel. Futher, while you cannot argue with the fact that Thought is one of the better mc's (though nowhere close to the best), way too much of this ablum is about him and unfortunately he does not have the skills to carry the entire album. If you are a Roots fan, then you will want and enjoy this album regardless. However, and this is a slam on the album, if you are new or not a current fan of the roots, you will probably enjoy it much more than I did.

The latest effort from the Roots exhibits a new and different sound for the legendary crew--and that's commendable, innovation and originality are important and worth pursuing. ?uestlove had said that they made a list of all the things they'd never done on albums and tried to incorporate most of them onto this one. And even though I look for and respect endeavors to change things up, I can't help just wishing this were another "Things Fall Apart" or "Do You Want More!??" They were just so damn GOOD!
Though Black Thought was the better of the two, the absence of Malik B. is strongly felt in terms of variety and his unique flow. And the beats, while mostly good, sound over-produced and don't have that funky edge that made previous Roots stuff what it was. There are certainly standout songs--"Rolling with Heat" features Talib Kweli, who in my mind just keeps getting better with time; other faves are "thought @ work" and "quills." But, definitely don't expect a traditional roots album.
On a side note, the bonus DVD is a great addition. I wish more artists would include stuff like this.

The Legendary Roots Crew has returned with their much anticipated follow up to Things Fall Apart. Expecting disapointment, I pressed play on my stereo and sweet hip-hop heaven ensued. From the hard-hitting first track Rock You to the final true track Complexity feat. Jill Scott, this is at once the most accessible and most complex hip-hop album in the last few years. Stand out tracks include Seed 2.0 which features Cody Chestnutt, Pussy Galore, and Water. Seed is a sweet ode to rock n roll that will hit any fan of motown in the gut. Pussy Galore is a harsh indictment of the use of sex in our society wrapped and rapped in a such a slick, smooth groove that you're head will bounce and shake at the same time. Water is MC Black Thought's attempt to address his fellow MC Malik B's drug problem. It is an explosive 11 minutes full of constant surprises that show the Roots at their most experimental. The only small complaints I can level at this album are that upon first listening to it there seemed to be some over indulgence, especially the ending poem. As I listened more and more, all of the elements that at first felt extraneous became part the whole, making the album more adventurous than I had first assumed. In the end, The Roots have finally fullfilled their own prophecy: they have become true legends.