Search - Outkast :: Hey Ya

Andre 3000 will have you shaking like a Polaroid picture

Patrick L. Randall | Silver Spring, MD | 12/05/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Creative opposites who created a masterful product, Outkast's Big Boi and Andre 3000 took a bold step for the new album release "Speakerboxxx/The Love Below" by each recording a separate solo album and releasing them together under the Outkast name. "Speakerboxxx" is Big Boi's creation, while "The Love Below" is an Andre 3000 production. The first single off Andre 3000's "The Love Below" is called "Hey Ya" and it encapsulates Dre's wondrous musical talents.

"Hey Ya" is an undeniably infectious tune that showcases the full range of Andre 3000's talents. The vocals, drums, bass, keyboard, and acoustic guitar are all performed by Dre' and create a piece of music that stays with you without ever annoying you. As great as this song is, to be fully appreciated, one must watch the video for it. Unlike with artists like Busta Rhymes, who uses elaborate, visually compelling videos to mask poor music and terrible lyrics, Outkast's videos enhance already well-crafted songs, "Hey Ya" (and Big Boi's first "Speakerboxx" single "The Way You Move") being classic examples. In the "Hey Ya" video, Andre 3000 brings his band, The Love Below, to perform in London on an Ed Sullivan style show. The kick is that every member of the band is Andre 3000 dressed up in different outfits and given different names. You have Benjamin Andre on keys, Dookie on drums, Johnny Vulture on guitar, Possum Jenkins on bass, The Love Haters on backup vocals, and, of course, Andre "Ice Cold" 3000 on lead vocals. The originality and creativity of this video supplements the effect of this great song. It goes without saying that hearing (and seeing) "Hey Ya" (as well as Big Boi's "The Way You Move") will make one want to rush out right away and purchase the double album by these brilliant artists just to be able to hear what other gems will make there way through the radio speakers."

Outkast In a New Direction

David Anderson | St. Cloud, MN | 12/27/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Hey Ya" is from Outkast's latest double-album "The Love Below/Speakerboxxx". This features Andre 3000 singing rather than the rapping that made him famous. His wonderful singing stays a step above Prince. He also performs all his own instruments beautifully. This track experiments with R&B, electronica, and pop, offering a unique sound that everyone can dance to. Every detail on "Hey Ya" answers why it's Grammy nominated for Best Urban Performance and Record of the Year. This is, in no doubt, one of the best released songs on 2003.Its music video is brilliant! It features Andre 3000 and his band performing in an "Ed Sullivan Show" type TV series. There's one catch. The entire band is Andre 3000. Surprisingly, the screaming fans in the audience doesn't distract from the song. Rather, it adds a special extra flavor. The special effects and the editing are amazing. Those who have never heard of Outkast may mistake the band as actual different people who just look alike. Placing them on black & white TV's is also flawless. "Ghetto Musick", also featured on "The Love Below/Speakerboxxx", features Big Boi's signature rapping. His twists and turns in his performing offer extra listening interest. He wrote this song wonderfully, experimental with different rap and hip-hop sounds. The final result is another unique, creative song from Outkast. Its catchy beats keep everyone dancing for a long time. The remixed version of "Ghetto Musick" is also great, offering another perspective.This LP is great for hardcore Outkast fans. These tracks prove that they will be around for a long time and will continue to evolve in their music as they always have. Those wanting to hear more of their new experimental sound should also buy their smash double-album. Both offer a deep musical journey that nobody will forget."

Gangsta rap goes 70s looney!

OverTheMoon | overthemoonreview@hotmail.com | 03/05/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This track is AMAZING and UPLIFTING!!Hey ya!!!!!Everybody who has heard it loves it! The music video for it is mad. This is a great "Universal" tune done 70s styleeee. A simply "must have" for 2004. You got to get this track. Even if you have just come across this review by accident go out of your way to listen to this track. Its great! and extremely catchy!Hey ya!!!!!...... Heyyyy yaaaaaa!!!"