Return of DA FUNK with a Fresh Soulful voice
D. E Williams | Bridgeport, CT United States | 02/26/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The Brand New Heavies return from a brief hiatus with a funky album featuring the sassy Nicole Russo which is an a welcome addition to their catalog. What I like about this cd for those of us who long for the days that they work with N'Dea again or even cherish "Shelter" which they recorded with Siedah, BNH didn't try to recreate those recordings. What they did do is take their classic funk leanings and added more hip hop and club influences which adds freshness to the new material. Nicole Russo is another welcome addition. Sounding like a cross between Anastacia and early Teena Marie, Nicole brings accross the sass that is needed to carry these songs. My favorite tracks are "Feel Right", "Boogie", "What do you take me for" & "Waste my time", the other tracks are cool too, mos def no filler on this cd. I say check it out, but listen to it as if you have never heard a BNH cd before, trust me you won't be disappointed!"
Weak album from a wicked band
Motownphilly | France | 07/08/2005
(1 out of 5 stars)
"This brand new cd from the (no more) Brand New (no more) Heavies isn't funky at all, despite what the title say. The only track which can fit the album description is the single "Boogie". It's a nice danceable track. Another good track is latin-flavoured "Surrender". Well, let's be kind and say that "Need Some More", which is a dark reggae-tinged R&B track which recalls Ms Dynamite, is a decent track.
But I'm sorry to say all the other tracks are filler. Not exactly bland filler but more the kind of filler that is not unlistenable but not necessarily pleasurable either.
The new singer, Nicole Russo, isn't a bad singer... but it's clear she's no N'Dea Davenport.
One can see that The Brand New Heavies's brand new style is an attempt to redefine the band as the new Black Eyed Peas (and I'm talking of the new _ "pop" _ version of BEP with Fergie).
That's just a shame that a great band has nothing more to offer us than a weak and uninspired album. If it was a new band, I would have certainly given 2 stars because, after all, it's not worse than many of nowadays' commercial contemporary (so-called) R&B artists. But, hey! it's the Brand New Heavies and this album is just unworthy of their talent. Pass your way"
Nothing special-big disapointment
M. S Swanson | Elkhart, IN USA | 06/26/2005
(2 out of 5 stars)
"I waited along time for this one and was disapointed with the half-hearted writing, performances, and production. I much prefer their jazzier less oversimplified R&B styles. The new singer didn't do a thing for me as she is all attitude and less talent. I like to hear different vocalists, but the band doesn't help her much because of the dull songs and arrangements. There are three songs that are good: Boogie, I feel Right, and How we do This. Those songs have real grooves. The rest is filler. If you don't believe me read the reviews on Amazon UK."
Track Listings (14) - Disc #1