The first thing I noticed about this album was it's absolutely fantastic artwork. It isn't really alot, it's just a painting of a bus. But I think it's brilliant, and I would almost be proud to have it in my CD rack. However, I would never put it in my CD player.
Departure (intro) is a pretty horrible two minutes as far as music goes. I've never really listened to this genre a lot. I've heard bits of it from other people (Matt and Elliott listen to bits, so I've heard some stuff. I'd usually tell them to change it though). It's just not my sort of thing. Call me ignorant, but there are so many times I can listen to a group of black men tell me tales about drugs, women and money. I'm sure there are plenty of other themes in the album, I obviously just notice it more when this is what they talk about.
I think that the album sounds fairly well produced, and I also like the idea that the album seems to be about the strange journey the title suggests.
I don't really understand Hip-Hop, which is a shame as it is something I wish I knew more about, or had been more into when growing up. It's a fairly popular genre and a scene that I've never been a part of really. The best part of the album is the music, the beats that run throughout each track. What I don't like are the voices that tell the story over the top. Infact, I think the music is really good. I like a nice bit of music, so perhaps Roshan's album will be good. I have this idea in my head that most Hip-Hop music beats are taken from other people's music, and then the artist(s) rap over the top. I think this possibly thanks to Immortal Technique's Dance with the Devil - a song I actually really enjoy. And to be honest, I've heard nothing that tells me this isn't true. But it would be a bit mental if it was.
Another thing with Hip-Hop music is that there are often a variety of artists who do a little part in songs. Strange Journey doesn't fail to disappoint with this. I've got no problem with this at all, it's quite cool that they do this and it makes me wonder how well they all know each other. There must be a good fifteen featured artists in this album, not to mention how many members there are in CunninLynguists (I don't know how many, but I'm guessing at least two). So there could well be twenty different people who have participated in the creation of this album. Which I think must be a problem for live shows. I'm guessing they don't all tour together, and if I wanted to hear my favourite tracks of this album live I would be disappointed if 'Club Dub' wasn't there to do his/her/their part.
So to summarize: There is some pretty good music on this album and some occasionally clever lyrics (but usually not really) but I can't seem to find much enjoyment from listening to it. And there are some tracks I enjoy, but overall I don't like it. I think it's a well produced record, with some catchy beats and I'm sure that Hip-Hop fans love it.
2/5
Highlights:
[4]Move
[7]Hypnotize
[4]Move
[7]Hypnotize
Drugs feature in one song, Women are mentioned about the same as on the average rock album - maybe a little less. Money isn't mentioned in the slightest, there are no verses dedicated to the subject of money.
ReplyDeleteAlso Departure isn't a song... its an intro, of course its a horrible 2 mins the way music is concerned in the same way that a mouse mat is horrible at being a mouse.
I was almost certain this CD would gain this reaction :(
ReplyDeleteI wish the person talking over the intro didn't exist as much as you do Dan. He sets completely the wrong tone for the album.
In terms of guest appearances, this isn't really an "album" as such and therefore I don't find the "feat." too annoying.
In terms of lyrics being about "women", "money" and "drugs", they're not. You cannot sincerely tell me that "The Distance" falls under the stereotype of hip-hop that you addressed the CD as in the second paragraph :|
I never said Departure was a song. I just said it was horrible. It's a horrible noise completely, as an intro or as anything. But I would still say it is music.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I never once said the 'feat' was annoying. I like that they mix their sound with a lot of other people. Although what you (Elliott) mean by "this isn't really an album" I have no idea.
And regarding money, women and drugs, like I said, when I hear a line say "i love women" I think to myself 'Oh, there's a surprise'. I don't have much of a reaction when someone says 'I like chocolate' because it just seems normal.
If it was an album I would be annoyed that they had to get so many people to feature on the album to make it good. But because I've already got all of their albums, it doesn't annoy me because I already know they're capable of making an album without having hundreds of features.
ReplyDeleteI didn't realise that the feat. didn't annoy you. I don't get what you mean by the chocolate analogy :S
How many songs can you think of that say i like chocolate? Not a lot?
ReplyDeleteHow many hip hop songs can you think of about bitches?
So obviously when I hear one on this album, it doens't surprise me.
You said theres only so many times you can hear songs about "bitches"? Is that one time then because Hypnotize is the only song where they talk about girls.
ReplyDeleteI made a massive comment in here last night and its since gone. :(
They aren't degrading women in any way and it just sounds like you're sterotyping.
I am stereotyping. I always do it.
ReplyDelete