Customer Reviews

Wanderland

5 star:		(32)
4 star:		(21)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

That this record, after a critically-sound and respectable run of sale of Kelis's debut album, should be made unavailable in the States is a shame. It's very telling about the music industry and the sorry state of its last remaining scraps of actually good mainstream art (Maxwell, Glenn Lewis, Sade, Jill Scott, et al) that an artist can craft a still reasonably decent record and it still not get released because the status quo is so gratingly profitable. That Kelis could put more personality and production value into a record that still adheres to her previous outing's winning formula and still not get any play from the tin ears of the industry borders on criminal. If Michael Jackson can sue his company over woes garnered from his almost-decent record, then Kelis could have hit the lottery by comparison.

The record's tracks still retain their chrome-bright beats and thundering bumps, though they seem a little less fresh than they did on the first album. Some of it sounds the same, but not annoyingly so, and her daring lyrics (her strength) and voice catapult most of the tracks above the norm, which for her was already a bit left-of-center.

Get it. If you're a fan, you're already missing out on the kind of stuff you said you liked when you bought her first one. If your'e not a fan, listen to it first, then buy it anyway. It'll make you seem cool and un-average, but not in the weird way cubist art or mismatched socks do.

I admit it when Kelis Rogers first burst on the scene with her angry chick anthem "Caught Out There" I was not a fan. When I heard her first album "Kaliedoscope" I thought all the songs pretty much sounded the same.

Just last year I gave the album a second listen due to the fact that the producers of the album are the red hot producers The Neptunes who I became a big fan of. I actually appreciated the album more. I snapped up the chance to get the new album "Wanderland" because I knew the producing duo would deliver again. And yes they have. "Wanderland" is hands down one of the most innovative albums of 2001.

It looks like Kelis was looking to prove she was capable of more than just singing hooks on Neptunes produced rap songs. Her voice is smooth, and her lyrical style has matured. She shares writing credits on the majority of the album with The Neptunes. Her sound is now funky, like some 80's retrograde stuff, but we all know the 80's have been making a bit of a resurgence. Her songs are also well crafted. With cool verses and even better bridges.

On "Young, Fresh n' New" she starts out yelling but when the bridge comes her voice is soft angelic eventhough she is saying repeatedly "got to get away, runaway from home."

"Flash Back" is a fast little song that is typical Neptunes. It's not bad at all but one wishes that the duo would have saved the funky song they produced for Britney Spears "Boys" for Kelis.

"Daddy" starts out sounding like a striped down version of "I'm a Slave 4 U" but turns out to be one of the albums better songs.

"Perfect Day" has all the elements of a "No Doubt" song, that could be due to the fact that the band appears on the song and you can hear Ms. Stefani singing backing vocals. The song is cool and showcases the potential The Neptunes have with actual live instruments.

"Easy Come, Easy Go" & "Junkie" are two more funky tracks that just add to Kelis'new sound.

"Mr. UFO Man" has a bit of some old school R&B in it. Kelis' voice sounds very strong in it. John Ostby is featured on the track and his voice sounds like Bono of U2. The song is an album highlight.

"Little Suzie" has hands down the best lyrics on the CD. Call me a bit sick but the song is funny to me. "got credit cards in my pockets, but I walk past bums all day" "I date two people at the same time, knowing it is twice the sin" the song is cool.

The bonus track is a song called "Spot" a cool song that zips by fast. Why it wasn't included on the main track listing is a mystery to me.

All in all the CD is pretty tight. The Neptunes are just maturing with their sound. Kelis is getting more confident, and it showing in her music. One more thing the album runs about 70 minutes, longer than most CD's out now. One thing I can only hope for is that for her next album, she can step outside from working with The Neptunes and work with another innovative producer like Timbaland.

I have heard the whole album, and i can say for sure that Kelis tops the soul sisters of the US, eg alicia keys, faith evans, keke wyatt, angie stone, etc. not only does she have a great voice, but the rhythms are so much more catchy. just listen to her first single, Young Fresh N New. It will be in your head all day, even after you hear it one time. Other tracks like Daddy and Flashback are great as well. Its such a shame that Kelis isnt popular in the US... i guess her song "Caught Out There" was a little too uneasy for the average music buyer. But she has shown alot of growth on this CD, and the cd is so great. I enjoyed Songs in A Minor, but there is no comparison! Try this album now... if you want a breath of fresh air

Kelis has hit those soulful notes over the last 3 years, my favourite in particular - "Good Stuff" & "Get Along With You".

What more can anyone else expect from her fine & sometimes weird songs. Her debut effort "Kaleidoscope" was a breaker album which gave us a deep view into Kelis' life, such as relationships, parties & sex.

In her 2nd highly anticipated album "Wanderland", Kelis doesn't fail to deliver the urban style she is well known for killer tracks such as the lead single "Young Fresh N New" make Kelis my favourite R&B artist to incorporate angst/rock into her music.

I know I'm kinda late getting this album but I did not know it even existed!!. I purchased this album because it was produce by the Neptunes.

Kelis not only has a wonderful voice but she's a beautiful person inside and out. Her music is very refreshing and diverse. Kelis and The Neptunes out-did themselves on this one. I was really impressed with this album. It seems that the music industry doesn't care about artistic or creativity anymore it just all about the money! If this album was promoted and pushed I am sure it would have succeeded.

"Young, Fresh 'N New" definitely describes the sound and style of this album. Fresh with imaginative subject matter and anew with a left field approach of tackling a pop song, 'Wanderland' shines like a diamond it leads the listener from the heights of sonic pleasure to deepness of the albums two sociopolitical pieces "Little Suzie" and "Mr. UFO Man." Both songs serve as forward-thinking social commentary on the chaotic situation of our millennial world ("What if the holy Trinity was Christians, Muslims, Jews / Yet we bomb each other for coverage on the news") - written surprisingly before the attacks of Sept. 11. She molds her own unique musical landscape alongside the Neptunes start-stop beats.

My favorite tracks are "Young fresh N New," "Flash back," "Scared Money," "Shooting Stars," "Mr UFO Man," "Daddy," and "Little Suzie." Each song has its own beat and its own personality, just like Kelis.

The guest appearances on Wanderland are fruitful and noteworthy. Each featured artist adds their own distinct element to the album's already fantastical vibe. This one is a keeper.

Kelis and The Neptunes out-did themselves. I was really impressed with this album. Not that her first album wasn't impressive, but it's very rare that artists top what they've done in the past. In a lot of cases, it's usually always downhill after their debut.
Intro - 4/5 (Funny)
Young Fresh 'n New - 4/5 (Dope)
Flash Back - 5/5 (Intoxicating)
Popular Thug - 5/5 (Illmatic!)
Daddy - 5/5 (My favorite track)
Scared Money - 4/5
Shooting Stars - 5/5
Digital World - 5/5
Perfect Day - 4.5/5

Easy Come, Easy Go - 4/5
Junkie - 4/5 (Funny, too)
Get Even - 4/5
Mr. UFO Man - 5/5
Little Suzie - 5/5
I Don't Care Anymore - 5/5
Spot - 5/5 (DOPE)

The girl who delivered one of the most interesting hooks in pop music history ("I hate you so much right now") returns in stellar form on her second outing Wanderland. "Young, Fresh 'N New" is definitely what describes the sound and style of the album. Fresh with imaginative subject matter and anew with a leftfield approach of tackling a pop song, Wanderland shines like a revolving diamond: Morphing into one vivid musical fantasy after another.

The sophomore jinx is never a term that dares to frighten this record. Kelis pens a majority of the album's material and displays a surprising array of charisma and vocal growth. Already a household name overseas, the Harlem-bred R&B-er has yet to receive the same love stateside. Though widely remembered for her first single "Caught Out There," she has an arsenal of work that would put her contemporaries to shame.

Conceptually, Wanderland is a dizzyingly fun ride through an alternate universe, one unlike those cluttering the airwaves of urban radio. Equipped with a comprehensive range, Wanderland leads the listener from the heights of sonic pleasure to deepness of the albums two sociopolitical pieces "Little Suzie" and "Mr. UFO Man." Both songs serve as forward-thinking social commentary on the chaotic situation of our millennial world ("What if the holy Trinity was Christians, Muslims, Jews / Yet we bomb each other for coverage on the news") - written surprisingly before the attacks of Sept. 11.

In contrast, the elated erotica of the record is both rich and playful. Kelis takes on many masks, from the Blondie-esque rap narrative of "Daddy" to the pun-filled frolic "Flashback" ("You make me come ... alive"). The dichotomy of sex 'n' religion is one we haven't seen pulled off so well since Prince.

Working first with the Neptunes when they were virtual unknowns back in 1999 on her debut album Kaleidoscope, Kelis continues the artistic camaraderie on Wanderland. The Neptune sound doesn't define Kelis, if anything it complements it: She molds her own unique musical landscape alongside the Neptunes start-stop beats.

The guest appearances on Wanderland are fruitful and noteworthy. Each featured artist adds their own distinct element to the album's already fantastical vibe. Fieldy of Korn provides production on the Eazy-E looped banger "Easy Come, Easy Go." Gwen Stefani and the boys of No Doubt offer backing to Kelis on the euphoric rock track "Perfect Day." This album rolls along with goodie upon goodie, never letting up until its finale.

With Wanderland, Kelis might finally be able to achieve the same level of overseas love on her home turf. And if she doesn't this time, we'll only have ourselves to blame for not getting a ticket on this train.

I really love this album "Wanderland" she has hot beats produced by the Neptunes & hot tracks. She is a really great singer & I Think This Album Is Her Best Work So Far. My Favorites Tracks Are: Shooting Star, Get Even, Perfect Day feat. No Doubt,Little Suzie,Daddy,Young,Fresh,N New,Digital World, Scared Money, & Mr. UFO Man. When I was looking at the track names I thought Mr.UFO Man would be stupid but its a really great song. I wonder why didn't her album come out in the U.S yet, thats weird. For The people that wanna buy this album & wondering how is it, well by describing this album its very "Fantasy" & i think thats cool. So Everybody cop This album its great.

I really enjoyed this CD and I am amazed that it wasn't released in the United States. The first single, "Young, Fresh, and New" was a bit jarring with it's rock edge but this CD really deserves a chance because it's excellent. The songs "Daddy" and "Popular Thug" have a hip-hop edge. Pharrell from The Neptunes is on "Daddy" and Malice from Clipse is on "Popular Thug." The song "Get Even" is about a chick who wants to steal your man and how she should be dealt with. The song "Junkie" is about being a junkie for someones love. The song "Perfect Day" is another song with a rock edge and it's a greta song I could really see it featured in a film. "Lil Suzie" is a really good song. The bonus track "Spot" has a real nice track but it's kinda short. I think this is an excellent CD and it's one of my favorite CD's. It's not overly commercial but the lyrics and production are awesome. The #3 song "Flashback" is another good song and it's the only song from this collection that was featured on Kelis' third album "Tasty."

When I heard her first single "Caught Out There" I bought the album right away, it was great, I was surprised Kelis wasn't very popular. When I heard about Wanderland, I ordered it right away, but at first wasn't very thrilled. But the more I listened, the more I liked it, and now I know all the songs by heart. It's great, buy this CD!!