In their first 25 years, 22 different women sang in Sweet Honey in the Rock. That floating membership bespeaks not artistic turmoil, but the vitality of the band's communal, participatory democracy. No one singer dominates... more » the individual nuances of the five voices are preserved within the whole. The shape and sound of Sweet Honey's music--a daring survey of gospel, jazz, and African chanting--is itself political, but the group is still anchored by founder Bernice Johnson Reagon's vibrato-rich baritone, whether in her bold leads or doo-wop harmonies. To celebrate their silver anniversary, the group presents 13 new songs, mostly sung a cappella save some African drumming and tambourine, and focusing on original compositions with messages as intense as anything they've recorded. The most successful pieces, however, transcend the hectoring tone of songs such as "Greed" and "Run." And the biggest surprise comes in their doo-wop arrangement of Thomas A. Dorsey's "Standing By the Bedside of a Neighbor," in which the spiritual and the political merge seamlessly. --Roy Kasten« less
In their first 25 years, 22 different women sang in Sweet Honey in the Rock. That floating membership bespeaks not artistic turmoil, but the vitality of the band's communal, participatory democracy. No one singer dominates; the individual nuances of the five voices are preserved within the whole. The shape and sound of Sweet Honey's music--a daring survey of gospel, jazz, and African chanting--is itself political, but the group is still anchored by founder Bernice Johnson Reagon's vibrato-rich baritone, whether in her bold leads or doo-wop harmonies. To celebrate their silver anniversary, the group presents 13 new songs, mostly sung a cappella save some African drumming and tambourine, and focusing on original compositions with messages as intense as anything they've recorded. The most successful pieces, however, transcend the hectoring tone of songs such as "Greed" and "Run." And the biggest surprise comes in their doo-wop arrangement of Thomas A. Dorsey's "Standing By the Bedside of a Neighbor," in which the spiritual and the political merge seamlessly. --Roy Kasten
"As a big fan of Sweet Honey and owner of virtually all their CDs, I was disappointed with "twenty-five." While still delivering beautiful harmonies, Sweet Honey have written songs that are a bit more pop-ish than earlier works and the strongest songs seem to be the ones with more concentration on the solo singer rather than the innovation that comes with the group making melodies a cappella. If you're looking for a great Sweet Honey CD, go to some of their stronger works, such as: Selections 1976-1988, Sacred Ground, and In This Land."
Music for the soul
Tisa Dennard | Tallahassee, Florida | 03/08/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have had the honor of hearing SHIR, live for the past 3 years, since I have been a student here at FAMU. And I have been moved completely out of my seat each time. I actually felt the music in my heart, like my heart was the drum, my blood was the harmonious rhythm that flowed, and eyes that view their grace as they sang, was the entrance that allowed my insides to rumble the moment they open their mouths. I would like to encourage SHIR, to continue to provide the world with what I consider REAL music."
Inspiring
12/07/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"sweet honey in the rock does it again with an uplifting , thought-provoking, inspiring, beautiful collection of music. i found the use of percussion on "we are the ones" and "run" to complement the beautiful vocals very nicely. these two and others such as "sound bite from beijing" and "greed" are refreshingly thought-provoking in a positive way compared to much "popular" music i have listened to. their version of bob marley's "redemption song" is also very impressive"
Enhancements Fabulous!
Tisa Dennard | 11/10/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Most folks may not know that this is an enhanced CD, complete with text descriptions and web links to useful sites related to the lyrics. A terrific disc and, with the CD-ROM enhancement, even better! They even included a Netscape browswer for those without Net access. So pop it into your computer and check it out."
Powerful, beautifully-arranged, shimmering music.
Tisa Dennard | 10/28/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD has a momentum that is extraordinary. I felt lifted up. The selection of music, the order of songs, shifting leads, and arrangements are all excellent. Once again Sweet Honey presents a potent intertwining of message and music. Battered Earth, Motherless Chil', Greed, Sometime, and Anybody Here are particularly strong. The architecture and texture of these works are deeply gratifying. If you are an old fan of this a cappella group, you will encounter another rewarding musical experience. If you are new to Sweet Honey, you will discover something wondrous.Very highly recommended!"