Sweetback

Sweetback | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 1, 2008)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sbme Special Mkts.
• ASIN: B0012GMXUQ
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (56 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #291,190 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Gaze

2. Softly Softly

3. Sensations

4. Au Natural

5. Arabesque

6. You Will Rise

7. Chord

8. Walk of Ju

9. Hope She'll Be Happier

10. Come Dubbing

11. Cloud People

12. Powder

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

44 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Sade's boys stand tall on their own, June 7, 2000

By 

John Jones "Musician" (Chicago IL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sweetback (Audio CD)

Apparently fans aren't the only ones getting tired of waiting for Sade to release another album: her band -keyboardist Andrew Hale, bassist Paul Denman, and guitar/sax man Stuart Matthewman, collectively redubbed Sweetback- decides to burn a little creative energy between Miss Adu's efforts, and the result is far more satisfying than you might expect. Instead of merely being an instrumental Sade record, "Sweetback" is an exciting foray into a world where lounge meets electronica, ending up in places a Sade record will never take you.

Of course, the boys are quite used to backing a singer, so there's no shortage of vocals onhand. Groove Theory alum Amel Larrieux lends some sexy, wordless vocals to the groovy etherealism of "Gaze," and offers a self-help lyric to "You Will Rise." Leroy Osbourne, frequent background vocalist for Sade (most notably on "Never as Good as the First Time" and "Nothing Can Come Between Us") makes the most of his time in the spotlight here on a stunning rendition of Bill Withers' "Hope She'll Be Happier," while rapper Bahamadia lays down a smooth spoken-word vibe on "Au Natural." And since Sweetback played a significant part of soul master Maxwell's debut, it's only natural he should lend a hand on the silky "Softly Softly," a song he co-wrote with Mathewman and offers the best elements of both Sweetback's and Maxwell's music.

But luckily, Sweetback doesn't need a mouthpiece to shine. "Sensations" is a smooth retro number with a gently percolating beat, and "Arabesque" is all down-and-dirty seduction; the muffled, sampled beat paired with heavy guitars is sexy as hell, and "Arabic synth" (as is credited, anyway) adds a unique twist. "Walk of Ju" mesmerizes between its sultry sax and World Music overtones, while "Come Dubbing" offers a atmospheric cross between World Music and Trance at a mellow tempo.

In fact, only the last two numbers -"Cloud People" and "Powder"- are unnecessary exercises, plodding along with minimum melody and treading dangerously close to the realm of New Age wallpaper. But the bulk of this record is as exciting and innovative as the band's missing singer, and Sweetback proves they have enough atmosphere and style to last them between Sade releases...and considering her recording timeline thus far, that's a good thing.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Why didn't Sweetback get any...Hype, December 16, 2002

By 

Anthony Hanes "anthony_hanes" (winston-salem, north carolina) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sweetback (Audio CD)

A Sade fans dream right here! I was walking through the record store about 4 years ago looking for Sade's "Diamond Life"..CD. The guy working the register asked me was I a huge fan of hers. Of course I replied with a positive head nod. I was escorted to the Jazz section where this dude handed me Sweetback. After i played this record on the way home i couldn't understand why there was no video's or radio play for Maxwell classic "Softly Softly". Amel Larrieux's "You Will Rise" and "Gaze" could have both easily been loved on the commercial tip. This talented band also touched hip hop with the underground MC Bahamadia on the jazzy track "Natural". Even though these are some great songs, the CD is highlighted by the countless instrumentals that would put the grumpiest individual in a good mood. This CD is lovely but the only problem i have with the project is that the artist didn't market this material and Sade didn't make one guest appearance. Don't get me wrong, it's still a ......CLASSIC

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sweetback., August 2, 2000

By 

WILLIE A YOUNG II "willow" (Houston, TX.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sweetback (Audio CD)

A masterpiece of modern musical minimalism. Stuart Matthewman, Paul S. Denman, Leroy Osborne and Andrew Hale have truly 'created' some great music on this disc. The opener "Gaze" is one of those moments of magic that comes back to haunt you after hearing it just once. Blessed by the presence of the lovely Amel Larrieux, it's a hypnotic track that both envelops you and amazes you with it's innovative sound. "Softly Softly" manages to reign in some of Maxwell's occasionally grating drama and allows him to deliver one of his most heartfelt performances (listen to him get 'open' on the line "tell me baby"! near the songs end) without getting on the listeners nerves. Instrumental highlights include:"Chord" (smooth as butter with a phat sax intro!). "Cloud People" (dreamy landscape music). "Sensations" (one of the best bass grooves on the album), and "Walk of Ju" (just downright entrancing). Leroy Osborne, after years of playing vocal foil to Sade on record and on stage, finally gets his chance to shine on the remake of Bill Withers' "Hope She'll Be Happier" turning the song into his own. Simply put, his interpretation of this classic is stunning and heartbreaking. Mrs. Larrieux also leads the bass-heavy, irresistable and inspirational "You Will Rise" and manages to be soulful and passionate without oversinging, a crime many young vocalists are guilty of. In closing, the most striking thing about this album is it's use of space. The vocals and instruments all have plenty of breathing room and the uncluttered production gives the album a relaxed, elegant feel, like the best jazz. This is music for quiet introspective times. It functions perfectly as either soothing background music or deep, thought-provoking listening (preferably with headphones) so one can hear all the intricate details. Highly Recommended. Another Modern Classic.