Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
About damn time!!!...., July 5, 2006
I actually thought this day would never come. By the time "All About The Funk" came out I was sure we would never see N'Dea reunite with the Heavies...But the stars must've been aligned. This album is better than I expected. It feels less polished. It's nice to hear the rawness of drums on "Sex God". "Music" sounds like the only song that may be programmed but it's live elements are just kickin'!! "Get Used To It", "Love Is" "I Don't Know Why" are among top favorites. They did a great job lyrically and musically. I am not knocking Siedah or Carleen. I truly enjoyed "Shelter" and "Trunk Funk" with Carleen's contributions. Every vocalist they've had have more than held their own but it's so great to hear them together and I can't wait to see them live. Welcome back!!! If you want a change of pace with RnB or Soul this won't disappoint. Did I say it was great to see/hear them back together?
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Reunion, October 18, 2006
N'Dea Davenport is back with the Brand New Heavies where she truly belongs and I couldn't be happier. I was devastated when she left back in the mid-90s. The Heavies tried to soldier on and 1997's "Shelter" with Seidah Garrett was a great album but I've always held the view that N'Dea and BNH go together like apple pie and ice cream - good enough separately but simply fantastic together.
The result is a return to form and one of the best records from the group in many years. The sound is totally funky, the classic funk of the Brand New Heavies all true fans know and love. And N'Dea is back on the vocals - soulful, rich and urgent as ever. On the lead single, "I Don't Know Why (I Love You)" for instance, there's not really much to the lyrics but her voice is so endearing, I couldn't care less. This girl could sing out the names in the phone book and I'd still want to listen to her.
Production is tight too, stripped down, and with the grittier, more soulful edges of the first few records. Drums are heavy, basslines are tight. The Heavies are very firmly back in the business of funky music with no hype, no gimmicks and a real back to basics album that's well overdue. I love all the songs but some firm favourites apart from the already mentioned, include "Get Used To It", "I Just Realized", "Sex God", "We Won't Stop", "Love Is" and "I've Been Touched".
This is a contender for any lover of acid jazz, soul or funk. Or if, like me, you're a BNH fan who found the last couple of efforts a bit lacking, you'll be pleased to find the magic has returned. (Although not quite to the heady levels of "Brother Sister" or the "Ultimate Trunk Funk" ep).
Check out a copy now.
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
It's everything I hoped, June 30, 2006
I was heartbroken when The Brand New Heavies went their separate ways. I understood the need to do different types of projects as one grows musically and personally but that still didn't stop me from wishing that it didn't have to end this way. I had long ago resigned myself to replayng my Brand New CDs from the 90s over and over again with no hope of anything new except for maybe an occasional remix CD every couple of years. I was SHOCKED to find out that a new CD was about to drop. I rushed to get it without even allowing myself to think that it could be anywhere near as good as the older stuff. IT'S EVEN BETTER!!! This CD is everytihng I've always loved always about the Brand New Heavies and even more. It's soulful, it's well produced, it's different, it's just smart, good, fun, sexy music. If anyone is look to groove to something that is familiar but also edgy and different then this is the CD for you. The Brand New Heavies are back in a big way and though I missed them while they were gone, this CD was so worth the wait! I only hope they are not teasing us and will continue to put out this type of music because it is desparately needed. In a culture that seems to value a semi-literate hook over a remixed song from the 70s it's refreshing to hear a group that actually cares about the art rather than staying in the Top 10. Bravo to The Brand New Heavies for staying true blue. I have a feeling that even those who are not aware of their earlier stuff are going to become new-found fans.
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