Customer Reviews

Wikked Lil Grrrls

5 star:		(37)
4 star:		(18)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Esthero is sure to win the hearts of disgruntled music fans everywhere, in the opening moments of her second album, "Wikked Lil' Grrrls." It opens with the announcement, "I'm so sick and tired/of the shit on the radio/on MTV they only play same thing/no matter where I go, I see Ashanti in the video/I want something MORE!" Well, who doesn't?

It takes a certain amount of guts and flair to successfully harpoon the flaws of the music industry, or to demand to know why "a grown-ass man can videotape a little girl/but we still see his mug up on our video screens." Alas, the rest of the album isn't quite as riveting or as bold. But the Toronto singer's jazzy-funky-trippy-retropoppy sound is colorful enough to keep listeners stuck there.

The songs after that tend to focus on sexy love, or on the loneliness of being betrayed romantically. That in itself isn't too exceptional -- what is exceptional is the sparkling trip-hop melodies, the catchy complexity, and the inclusion of piano, guitar, lots of horns and earthy, funky beats. They spice up what could have been a terribly ordinary pop album.

To grit things down, there's also some colorful rapping from Shakari Nite, Jemeni And Jeleestone, and some exceptional work in the swooning, funky "Junglebook" by Outkast's Andre 3000. The only one that doesn't work is a collaboration with Cee-lo Green, who sounds horribly out of place in a trippy ballad.

The songwriting is pretty good but not exceptional, though Esthero falls through in the occasional sour line like "would you let me lick you with alliteration and tie you up with similes?" Her husky voice makes up some of that lost ground, usually sticking to the jazz vocals, but sometimes shifting over to a sultry trip-pop style.

Esthero's "Wikked Lil' Grrrls" may not be the stuff of which musical revolutions are made, but it's a little rebellion all on its own. And a pretty funky, danceable one as well.

I absolutely love her voice, and hearing it I realize what a long wait it has been for this CD. The more I listen, the more I recognize its complexity. There is a lot to like, bits of jazz, lounge, rock, hip hop, and they all flow together nicely. I find myself reaching for it often. I admit I could live without the spoken word sections (never holds for repeated listening) but is not really intrusive. Hopefully we won't have to wait so long to hear from Esthero again! Highly recommended.

I must admit, when I was approached to review Esthero's album on my website I didn't know just how damn dope she was. Wikked Lil' Grrrls is the most awesome, complete album I have heard in YEARS. I will cherish it forever. Now if you read the reviews for the album a lot of people are saying things like, "If you like Nelly Furtado," or "This is the sophomore album that Nelly Furtado should have made," people need to realize that Esthero was out BEFORE Nelly Furtado. Esthero's debut album Breath from Another was released in 1998. They do have a similar style and sound but they are different artists. My favorite song on the album is "Fastlane." I also like "Everyday Is A Holiday" (with you). Sean Lennon is featured on this song. I can't say enough great things about this album. What can I say? Every song is great and I can't think of any flowery metaphors to describe each song. You must add this album to your collection. I was a bit curious as to why she decided to name check Ashanti on "We R n Need of a Musical Revolution." Oh well, I guess someone had to be called out. It's really a good album and you have to read her liner notes, they are hilarious.

To truly appreciate the depth, richness, and completeness of this album you will need to listen to it thoroughly several times. Now don't get me wrong the first time you listen to this album it will play through, you will find tracks to vibe, groove, and mellow out to. However, the complexity of the arrangements, the thoughtfulness, and sincerity in her words may not be seen as easily the first couple of go-rounds.

I became a fan reluctantly, my ex-boyfriend whom is into nothing "pop"ular and only likes old school soul and trip-hop, electronica, and other obscurities played Esthero & Portishead all the time. I purposely closed my mind & ears to his "alternative" music. However, once he bought this new Esthero I listen without knowing whom it was and fell in love.

*If you like Billie Holiday, Sade, Paula Cole, Nelly Furtardo you will love this album. For those thinking of giving another music "type" a try I can assure you will not be disappointed. With blends of Hip Hop, Soul, Electronica, Big Band, Jazz, and of course Trip-Hop... you will surprisingly find that her blend of genres is effortless, and not at all awkward or contrived...
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GIVE IT A SHOT! If you dare live out side the box...
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ps. Track Four is my favorite... the best love appreciation song I have heard in 3 years!

This is a really strong album, but it can't be compared to 'breath from another'. Her voice is amazing, as always, and I liked almost every song. The 'answering machine' messages in between songs are a bit annoying- they interrupt the flow (and who really cares if her friend is drinking wine and listening to Justin Timberlake? Boring.)

Overall, it's worth buying. I hope she continues to experiment and put out new albums- I'm looking forward to the next one already.

I just got back from seeing Esthero live and can I say that I love this album even more now.

In my opinion this album is better and a bit different than her 1998 breath from another album.

There are many tracks to jam to and the lyrics are sexy and smart.

I'm not sure if the album is truly a musical revolution but I will say that it's pretty damn close. No harm in trying though.

This album is a very interesting grab bag of styles, messages, and deliveries.

From the getgo we know that Esthero is NOT ok with cookie-cutter pop music. After proclaiming she's tired of seeing Ashanti and Britney, she states, "We R in Need of A Musical Revolution".

The album has varying degrees of genius and the lack-thereof. Personally I have a hard time focusing on the more jazzy tunes, as they are extremely downtempo and very atmospheric. These will work for some people, they just didn't work for me.

However, the upbeat songs are what truly draw me in. "Blanket Me In You (Never Is So Soon)" is one of my favorite songs right now, and it just happens to be on this album. It is a wonderful song, has some amazing beats and sounds to it, and her voice couldn't be more appealing.

Now I want you all reading to keep something in mind. I am not an Esthero fan. I am a casual listener who heard some stuff and picked up her latest. From some of the earlier reviews, I might pick up "Breath From Another" but I have to check it out first. These aren't the reviews of a rabid fanboy, but the ramblings of a true lover of music.

Esthero has aptitude in a great many styles, and I am extremely happy to have an artist such as her around, making beautiful music. She will help make this world a bit better.

I'd give it 6 stars if I could. Esthero has been my favorite singer for years and despite her multiple collaborations with different artists, it was definitely time for another full-length album!

Although her debut album will always be my favorite, this CD sounds much more mature and mixes a variety of sounds and rhythms that make it irresistible to listen over and over and over. My favorite: Bad Boy Clyde. Her voice sounds as sweet as ever.

I can't believe some people were "disappointed" by this album. No one said we should expect Breath from another Part 2, right?

Like many others, I couldn't wait for the next Esthero album. Now after 7 years, the wait was worth it. Even though "Wikked Lil' Grrrls" is a definite departure from her debut, you can still hear Esthero's amazing vocals. You can't keep an artist in a bubble and expect them to be the same on every album. Who cares if she's done collaborations with mainstream pop artists? It doesn't take away from her beautiful voice. Now I can't wait for the next Esthero release
Album Standouts:
5. Thank Heaven 4 You
8. Beautiful Lie
12. Gone (Absolutely beautiful!!!)
13. My Torture (Classic Esthero)
14. Melancholy Melody

Esthero, kicks butt on this great cd. This cd is the musical souljourn that Gwen Stefani tried to get to with her cd. L.A.M.B. Anyways, Esthero is back with yet another classic cd. What I like is that the cd is still underground and genre crossing without trying to sound like "Breath from another". She complete blurs the lines between trip hop, hip hop, rock, soul, and jazz, which is the sign of a true artists. I love all of the songs, but my two favorites are the bebop jazz of "Melancholy Melody" and "Fastlane".
This is a MUST HAVE CD if you are a True music listener.