Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
head-turning, September 29, 2003
Erykah Badu has always been a head-turner. Her exotic beauty, unique outfits, neo-soul song stylings and distinctive singing voice have garnered popular attention for over half a decade. The latest musical opus from Badu, the EP "Worldwide Underground," confirms what Badu fans have known for years: this woman has serious talent."Worldwide Underground" encompasses many of the familiar themes that listeners have enjoyed on past Badu releases, but adds on a layer of freedom and confidence not present on more serious-minded efforts like 1997's "Baduism." This new layer leads to extra long compositions like "Bump It" and "I Want You" that explore more complex musical ideas than typical neo-soul songs, including extended percussion solos on the former, and flashes of rock guitar on the latter. Both are excellent, reliving the fun parts of `70s and `80s R&B without sounding dated. Songs like "The Grind" and "Danger" are harder-edged and focus on street life, but smartly avoid hip-hop clichés and over dramatization. One track on this very brief CD is likely to be a hit if released as a single, the remixed "Love of My Life Worldwide." This track uses Badu's 2003 hit of the same name as a base, and layers on a retro party beat and several guest vocalists, including Queen Latifah, Angie Stone, and Bahamadia. Even if the rest of "Worldwide Underground" seems too bohemian for some casual listeners, this track will hit home. Buy this album without hesitation.
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11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Erykah jam session!, September 27, 2003
1. "Intro / World keeps turnin" : a nice little vibed out beat with warm keys and Ms. Badu adlibbing.... Chill.
2. "Bump it" - Quite possibly my favorite joint on the CD. This track has an UNDENIABLY catchy hook that'll have you hummin' it after hearing it one time! It clocks in at 8 minutes or so... Groovy congas and soulful vocal fills from Erykah make this one an instant classic for Badu fans.
3. "Back in the day" - Smoothed out track with an 80's feel (Patrice Rushen / Maze, etc). Again, incredibly catchy 'bop-bop-bop-bop-bop-ba-dop' vocal fills and Mr. Lenny Kravitz on guitar! Their first collaboration, but hopefully not their last.
4. "I want you" - This is quite a unique sound for Erykah. It starts off kinda 'out there' but the track makes sense as it builds. It slowwwwwwwwws all the way down towards the end and then there's a transition into a guitar/synth solo or sorts. An odd piece yes, but I can dig it!
5. "Woo!" - What a vibe this track has! It reminds one of a lounge act vamp. For those lucky enough to see Erykah on BET 106 & Park on 9.16.03 you know that this is one of the tracks she performed. A stand out piece without a doubt. WOOOOOOOO!!
6. "The grind" - OK, this is a track that I personally would have cut. Erykah's barely present on the track. While I am a HUGE fan of Hip-Hop, I just would rather not have any MC's on Erykah albums. This is the only track on the disc that I forward through. I'll give this song a C-.
7. "Danger" - As you are well aware, this is 'the single'. PLEASE NOTE: You MUST listen to this track SEVERAL times before you get it. The song structure is brilliant, and the hook! WHOA! Another chorus that gets in your head and won't leave you alone! The block's on LOCK!
8. "Think twice" - Nice Jazzed out little ditty complete with vintage sounds, and nice 'woop-dee-woop' scatting! Funkay!
9. "Love of my life" (worldwide) - Bangin' remix featuring New Jersey's own Queen Latifah, Illadelphia's Hip-Hop Queen Bahamadia, and vocalist extraordinairess Angie Stone. This remix samples the Hip-Hop classic 'Funk You Up' by Sequence. Did you know that Angie Stone was a member of Sequence?? Aha! You learn something new everyday don't you? Anyway, they also sing the 'Ring-ding-dong' chant ala Dr. Dre's "Keep their heads ringin". Without a doubt a party rocker with that old school block party vibe. Hot piece!
10. "Outro / World keeps turnin" - See track #1.~~~~~~~~~~~
So there you have it.. My review of Erykah Badu's new CD / EP "Worldwide Underground". Without question a solid CD @ a nice price. A perfect CD with the exception of track 6. DON'T SLEEP ON IT PEOPLE! Peace----WS
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Erykah's Other Side, September 23, 2003
Wow, Erykah really impressed me with this latest cd. I read something she stated "this is for high ceiling, when people were not afraid to play their music loud." I'm feeling what she putting down, and I'm would recommend this to anyone who enjoys head nodding, and simplicity. I notice there are some people who were disappointed that she didn't go deep with the lyrics, but she was showing here artsy side. She just wanted to kick a beat, set a mood with little words, and create some magic. I personally think she did an excellent job. I can't stop listening, and everytime I listen closely I discover something new in a track, and will hit repeat over and over. This is one of my fav's and it will definitely be with me on any road trip. I know some of you know what i'm talking about. A cd you can take on the road and let it ride without skipping to the next track. This is definite earcandy. Much props to Ms. Badu....
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