Album: Erykah Badu - New Amerykah - Part One

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The third studio album from the philosophical yet grounded Ms Erykah Badu is a powerhouse of an album but not necessarily in the literal sense. New Amerykah – Part One (Part Two is entitled Return of the Ankh and due out late ’08) is Badu’s most eclectic release to date. Organically conceived and produced, New Amerykah continues Badu’s passionate resistance against the ‘neo-soul’ tag that has shadowed her since Baduizm (1997).

This is not what you would call a classic easy listening record because of how challenging, reflective and introspective the lyrics are. Society, war, relationships, politics, capitalism and globalization are all made an example of or studied by the observant and spiritual Badu. The listener and their conscience are compelled to hear out Badu’s arguments and philosophies and herein lay its strength due to its substance and relevance. However, some listeners could possibly feel they are being preached at or that Badu is too evangelical and esoteric in her causes and beliefs which dominate her songs.

Honey, the 9th Wonder produced first single samples I'm in Love by Nancy Wilson and We Made Love In The Room by Tweet. Me reflects on her individuality, spirituality, ten years in the game and past affairs with Andre 3000 (Outkast) and Common; ‘Everything around you see/the Ankhs the wraps the plus degrees/and yes even the mystery.. it’s all me… Had two babies different dudes/and for them both my love was true/this is my last interview/hey that’s me’. Bilal appears as a guest vocalist on My People, Soldier and Twinkle whilst Georgia Anne Muldrow of G&D features on Master Teacher. Producers include Mike 'Chav' Chavarria, James Poyser, Madlib, 9th Wonder, Sa-Ra, Georgia Anne Muldrow, Karriem Riggins and Badu herself.

New Amerykah – Part One is a fine effort. It cannot be pigeon holed or easily defined for that matter but it has heart and to some degree-reflections of contemporary societys collective conscious. Jazz, soul and hip hop only skim the surface on the true depth of this release. A myriad of sounds and vocal play enhance and blend together what could have been inconsistent and ordinary, but in Badu hands, somehow I don’t think that’s possible. Eccentric, cerebral and diverse encapuslates not only this album but Badu herself. Here’s hoping Part Two raises the bar again..

Available through Universal Motown Records