Search - Swollen Members :: Heavy

Going to the mainstream

The archduke | Tokyo, Japan | 01/05/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Swollen Members are one of the strongest rap groups out there today, coming up with original beats and deliciously dark rhymes to go along. "Heavy", the group's fourth album, continues to deliver for the band. They are making strives, albeit perhaps not in the right direction. This album is full of more eclectic beats, some with a more distinctive latin feel to them, and the lyrics seem to be much more radio-friendly, much more mainstream. Not that I blame these guys, because they have to be considered one of the hardest working groups in all of music with the constant touring and four strong albums in only a few years, so they deserve everything they have worked so hard to earn. But I have to admit that I miss the darkness that was so enjoyable on "Balance" and "Bad Dreams". Aside from that, this is a very good rap album, destroying everything else that is out there today. I like the addition of Moka Only as a full-time member of the group, because he adds another distinct voice to the group, and he is an excellent rapper as well as engineer of the choruses. I am still most impressed with Mad Child, his lyrics can be as thoughtful as they are harsh and realistic. I hope the Members continue their torrid recording pace, because I always love hearing their new material, because they are a band that manages to grow along with staying with the roots that got them to where they are today."

Best Swollen Members CD Yet

Swollen's #1 Fan | Colorado | 11/15/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD is great! I have been a Swollen fan ever since Balance. I have all 4 of their CD's (Balance, Bad Dreams, Mosters In The Closet, and Heavy) and this new one is some of their best work yet. This album has 14 of the illest beats I've ever heard, sweet lyrics, and fat bass. The beats are somewhat different than their previous ones, but they are still great. Their lyrics are as good as ever and the addition of Moka Only has helped them out a lot in terms of his writing/singing abilities. Compared to Balance and Bad Dreams there are very few other rappers featured on this CD, but now that they have made more of a name for themselves, Swollen doesn't need to feature as many other rappers. However, the album does have Evidence, Abstract Rude, and Son Doobie. The Bonus DVD has some sweet backstage and live footage, interviews, and 6 kick-ass music videos. This is a must buy for any Swollen Members fan, or anyone else who wants to get into the stuff that Battle Axe Records has put out. Check out www.battleaxerecords.com for more info."