ixtlan22

Well folks, here's my first crack at an album review here... and my first opportunity to use this emoticon: So let the bottles fly. I've got a couch to protect me.

D'Angelo's Voodoo is the rare kind of record that is very obviously within a genre and yet redefines it. Voodoo is categorized in most stores as an R+B record but it is the pinnacle of Neo-Soul. It's also a record that, approaching 10 years old (rel. Jan. 11th, 2000), still feels fresher than ever. Boasting an all-star cast of musicians including but not limited to ?uest Love, Pino Pallidino, Bilal, Charlie Hunter, Raphael Saadiq, Method Man, and Redman... it delivers even more than one might think its cast could promise.

Included in the record is a new breed of smooth, yet sometimes offsetting funk/hip-hop, that since has been copied repeatedly. This record is all about grooves. ?quest and Palladino combine to form a whole new (still) kind of pocket that pushes and pulls constantly, yet somehow remains as steady as a Clyde Stubblefield (drummer for James Brown) break. The unique combination of smooth R+B with Hip-Hop is noticeable especially on the first three tracks: "Playa, Playa "Devil's Pie" and "Left & Right" which start the record off with a slightly harder edge before lulling you into a trance of silky ballads and coasting mid-tempo grooves.

Voodoo gets better and better as it goes on. In fact the last five tracks are probably its strongest. "Spanish Joint," has a semi-latin feel and features Charlie Hunter comping a slick bass line while playing infectious guitar lines on top. The tune has ?uestlove's most interesting groove of the record and Hargrove's horn lines add extra flavor. "Feel Like Makin' Love" (nothing to do with Bad Company or Kid Rock) and "Greatdaybootyindamornin'" move the album along smoothly into the ultra slow, but emotionally peaking "Untitled (How Does It Feel)," a song so sexual that it would make a sterile nun melt.

The record finishes with its strongest and softest track: "Africa," a beautiful ballad with hopeful lyrics and an infectious melody. Cradlesk music box sounds round out the tune's ultra mellow vibe. "Africa" is like the much needed cigarette after the passionate "Untitled."

Overall, Voodoo is a must have for music lovers. Those of you less inclined towards pop/hip-hop/R+B will probably find plenty to gripe about it. But if you're into simplicity and good songwriting with a slick feeling, Voodoo is a quality listen all the way through. It's great for the end of the night or the beginning of a mellow day. Enjoy!

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