Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Rap the Future, January 4, 2003
I'm not an exclusive rap fan, but I do like those rappers who take a serious approach to the musical and artistic sides of their sound, and are interested in taking their songwriting into new territory. The Roots succeed without a doubt on all those levels. Here we have great elements of rock, funk, and soul fully integrated into the Roots' intelligent hip hop sounds. They could be criticized for trying to latch on to the neo-soul movement, but that's a logical progression for these cats who are from the same town (Philly) as the neo-soulsters anyway. The best tracks here are the relentlessly funky "Thought @ Work" which features an incredible beat that sounds like an African Led Zep, plus the rock-oriented "Rolling With Heat" and "Rock You." There are some great cameo appearances like Jill Scott's in "Complexity" and outstanding vocals from Cody Chesnutt in "The Seed (2.0)." However some of the other big name cameos come out rather bland and under-utilized, like Musiq in "Break You Off" and Nelly Furtado in "Sacrifice." To prove that the Roots are true musical thinkers, check out the bizarre punk rock freakout "!!!!!!!" and the noise experimentation that makes up the second half of "Water," which really reminds me of fusion-era Miles Davis. This is a truly forward-thinking album from some very intelligent artists.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Roots Rock, March 25, 2003
Of the two albums I own by this band, this one is probably the most accessible. 1999's Things Fall Apart is what music fans would call a "grower". Harsh and cacophonous, it takes several listens before one can embrace that album as a whole. That doesn't mean Phrenology is an easy listen. The Roots still traffic in the themes of personal drama ("Water"), social commentary ("Pussy Galore"), sticky love affairs ("Break You Off"), and, of course, critiques of the hip-hop genre ("Rock You"). They also execute collaborations more seamlessly than any other hip-hop artist on the planet (yes, that includes Missy Elliot). On this album, guest spots by Nelly Furtado Talib Kweli, Cody ChesnuTT, Musiq, and Jill Scott never smack of "stunt casting", nor do they detract from the overall feel of the album. For example, Furtado's vocals merely accent the songs on which she appears-the bouncy "Sacrifice" and the aforementioned "Pussy Galore"-instead of overwhelming them. Musiq lends soulful, yet unassuming vocals to the percolating R&B of "Break You Off"; and Talib Kweli effortlessly adds his distinctive raps to "Rolling With Heat" and the rollicking hidden track. Mid-way through the album, Cody ChestnuTT teams with Black Thought on the stunning "Seed (2.0)", a breathtaking narrative of childbirth and legacy. Among the most impressive things about this album is the diversity of the songs: from the punk screech of "!!!!!" to the acid jazz leanings of "Quills", there's something here for everyone. Throughout, the defiant, confident spirit of the band remains in tact. They manage to sound tight and explosive all at once. They never waver from their unique musical vision, in the process, creating a propulsive, thoughtful album that resonates deeply long after its last note has played.
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7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Finally, the Roots album I've been waiting for!, December 5, 2002
I have to say that I didn't have much faith in the new Roots album. I've always been a fan but I also have always felt that they never really pushed the envelope like they could have with all the tools and talent available to them. The albums following Do You Want More?!!!??! seemed to be geared more toward mass appeal than really funky music. I could never really see the point of having a Hip Hop band when all the album tracks sound like samples. Well, that problem has been fixed with Phrenology.For the first time in ages the Roots really cut loose and get raw the way I knew they could. I've heard many complaints about the album's mixing of genres and lack of cohesion. I say if you feel that way, you need to grow up. Making good music isn't about following the rules and giving everyone what they want to hear. In fact, the one song that the label demanded they record for the album ("Break You Off") happens to be the weakest one; syrupy and radio friendly. Otherwise, the project slams from beginning to end with forays into rock, punk, and even techno! Many folks don't like the punk song (Track #3) but think it's brilliant and could have stood to be longer. "The Seed" is another standout cut with a nice guest appearance from Cody ChesnuTT. "Water" slams raw hip hop for the first third then slips into some dark deconstruction reminicent of Sun Ra or Miles Davis. It's much more than just "weird sounds", especially if you understand what the song is about (Malik B's alleged drug addiction). It's been a while since I was thoroughly impressed with a hip hop release. So much of the music is just boring and pointless now. The Roots have come up with a project that is alive and vital. Black Thought's lyrics have never been as on point and the band's music is inventive, creative and risky; traits that have been missing from black music for a long time now. If you're looking for Hip Hop that is new, edgy and different then run to pick this up. If you want an album that sounds like every thing else with a bunch of club-ready singles then you ought to stay away. On second thought, you should get it anyway and broaden your horizons. Bottom line: If you're not down for The Roots you're not down for music, period! Oh yeah! The DVD is pretty cool too!
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