1st Born Second [EXPLICIT LYRICS]

Bilal

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 31, 2001)
• Original Release Date: July 17, 2001
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Explicit Lyrics
• Label: Interscope Records
• ASIN: B00005ABN4
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (114 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #21,593 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com's Best of 2001

Riding in on a D'Angelo-spawned wave of shivery voodoo groove, 22-year-old Bilal Oliver tries to flip the neo-soul script on his long-awaited, oft-delayed debut. It's an ambitious effort, a collection of 17 tracks on which this latest inductee into the Soulquarians collective (who's made appearances on Common's Like Water for Chocolate and Guru's Streetsoul, and produced tracks on Erykah Badu's Mama's Gun) proves he's worth his salt in hype. A host of A-list producers--Mike City, James Poyser, Dr. Dre (who rolls out a fine slice of funk on "Fast Lane"), and the ubiquitous Raphael Saadiq (behind the slinky "Soul Sista," which first appeared on the Love and Basketball soundtrack)--provide backing tracks that show off the young singer-songwriter's depth and range. Equally at home in reggae riddims ("Home"), anguished balladry ("When Will You Call"), and carnivalesque, Busta Rhymes-style sardonics ("Sally"), Bilal wants to show us he can do it all, and winds up spreading himself a bit thin at times. The best moments on the album happen when the classically trained vocalist lands on solid, soulful hooks (as on the sweetly aching melody of "All That I Am" or the haunting hum of "Love Poems") that allow his limber pipes to swoop gorgeously from gravelly basso to full-bodied falsetto, evoking shades of Prince and Marvin Gaye along the way. --Sylvia W. Chan

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 1st class debut..., June 24, 2002

By	"essence_uk" (England, UK) - See all my reviews

Philadelphia native Bilal really came correct on this, his debut LP. He originally lept into spotlight with his performance of "International Lover" at NYC's 1999 tribute concert with Philly combo The Roots.

He's the most exciting talent to emerge since D'Angelo in my eyes. Although forget what you've been told the two artist's are not that similar. Bilal is far more jazz based with Miles Davis being massive influence on his music school training. They do share clear influences in Marvin Gaye and Prince which may be where comparisons stem from. Bilal also has done backing vocal chores for D'Angelo concerts.

With production credits like Jay Dee, Raphael Saadiq, Dr. Dre, Mike City, Soulquarians etc one would expect quality and you're right to.

Forget accusations of some tracks here being "too mainstream", the Dr. Dre joints ("Sally" and "Fast Lane") are tight, with the later bringing Curtis Mayfield-like reporting on society's ills.

Mike City's "Love It" also is a great jam with infectious chanted chorus. Mike has also produced hits for Sunshine Anderson and Dave Hollister.

The haunting "When Will You Call" and "Queen Of Sanity" are back to back spine tingling, beautiful ballads.

Other highlights on an album with no weak tracks are: the sparse affecting Soulquarian produced groove of "Sometimes", in which Bilal analyses his imperfections, "Soul Sista", the Raphael Saadiq produced ballad (Originally found on "Love & Basketball OST") and the self produced jazzy mid-tempo songs "All That I Am" and "Love Poems". Bilal even covers reggae in the Marley-ish "Home" and Funkadelic grooves on "Second Child".

Common and Mos Def assist on the laidback groove of "Reminisce" but aside from that it's Bilal all the way. For further Bilal collaborations check: "Certified" with Guru, Common's "Like Water For Chocolate" album, "I Can't Wait" on Jaguar Wright's debut, "Best Friend" on Tweet's "Southern Humming Bird" as well as work with Cherokee, Jermaine Dupri and DJ Scratch.

He also appears on "The Ali" and "The Wash" soundtracks.

Sadly the singles "Soul Sista", "Fast Lane" and "Love It" didn't really propel him into public consciousness. This album however is highly slept on, one of 2001's clear highlights and great things will be expected from his sophomore set.

For all the latest news and tour-info, check Bilal's official site: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Bilal/

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars WOW!!...........TIGHT!!.................LOVE IT!!!, August 2, 2001

By	"reggy-reg" (The Boogie Down, NY) - See all my reviews

First it was "Soul Sista" that shook me up because there was nothing else out like it. Then I heard "Sometimes", it had me saying to myself "this man got issues" but I still love the song. "Love It" came next and of course NYC didn't give it that much love on the radio, but I fell for it and then came the WNBA commercials. THE MAN IS HOT YALL........ All of these factors had me waiting outside of the record store for it to open, so that I could have it listen to on my way to work. LOVE THIS CD. "For You" must of replayed 3 times before I even went to the next track "Fast Lane". Bilal, Jadakis and Dr. Dre, who would've imagine that trio working together on one of the tightest jams on the disc.

Don't take my word on how good the CD is. Ask one of your friends who was smart enough to get before you.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the year's best- 10 star quality, August 3, 2001

By	"worldsend" (chicago, illinois Usa) - See all my reviews

This cd is the cream of the crop for NeoSoul. This Bilal Cd is one of the Years Best. It is a very soulful and emotional experience.With the guest appearances on Common, Guru, Love&Basketball Sndtrk and the Soul Sista single, Bilal was greatly anticipated. Now he is out, there is no dissappointment. Love Poems is a very beautiful ballad filled with love and emotions.This album builds on different emotional boundaries for instance, Fast Lane, All that I am, Sometimes deal with growing up and feelings perspective of life and thought. While Soul Sista, Love it and love Poems make you want to engage in love making especially Queen of Sanity. This cd is everything you need for a evening,ride or picnic with your significant. For all lovers and lovers of Neosoul this is a must have. One of the best Cds of the year. New artist of the year by far. Get this now. One. Peace.