Search - The Roots :: Phrenology (Limited Edition w/ Bonus DVD)

Another Contender for Album of the Year.

The Groove | Boston, MA | 12/09/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As 2002 draws to a close, the race for album of the year has been getting tighter and tighter. As of this writing, I haven't finalized my list of the year's best releases, but this much is certain: "Phrenology" is sure to be included. Like most great albums, this smokin' set transcends musical boundaries by embracing a respectable range of genres and flavors: straight-up hip hop, soul, amped-up punk, and (we're not kidding, here) techno. The lyrics flow with effortless grace, and the disc's choice of guest vocalists is tasteful. If you haven't yet heard of Cody ChestnuTT, then make sure you commit his name to memory, for he is a talent worth watching. He makes a solid impression on the standout rocker "The Seed," which is set to his blazingly soulful pipes. "Rolling With the Heat" and "Sacrifice" are other favorites, while the smoothed-out "Break You Off" featuring Musiq grooves along well. Not that the Roots can't hold their own, mind you. They save the best for last on the hard-hitting "P---y Galore." "Phrenology" also has a limited-edition bonus DVD that has some really cool promo clips and live performances. Music collectors who like to get all the bells and whistles should definitely get this edition. The track "Water" kicks off with the lyric: "a record ain't nuttin if it's not touchin'." Well, this fine CD does all that and much more. The Roots have released a fine effort that's both thought-provoking and groovilicious, and it's sure to get heavy rotation on my CD player."

Rap the Future

doomsdayer520 | Pennsylvania | 01/05/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm not an exclusive rap fan, but I do like those rappers who take a serious approach to the musical and artistic sides of their sound, and are interested in taking their songwriting into new territory. The Roots succeed without a doubt on all those levels. Here we have great elements of rock, funk, and soul fully integrated into the Roots' intelligent hip hop sounds. They could be criticized for trying to latch on to the neo-soul movement, but that's a logical progression for these cats who are from the same town (Philly) as the neo-soulsters anyway. The best tracks here are the relentlessly funky "Thought @ Work" which features an incredible beat that sounds like an African Led Zep, plus the rock-oriented "Rolling With Heat" and "Rock You." There are some great cameo appearances like Jill Scott's in "Complexity" and outstanding vocals from Cody Chesnutt in "The Seed (2.0)." However some of the other big name cameos come out rather bland and under-utilized, like Musiq in "Break You Off" and Nelly Furtado in "Sacrifice." To prove that the Roots are true musical thinkers, check out the bizarre punk rock freakout "!!!!!!!" and the noise experimentation that makes up the second half of "Water," which really reminds me of fusion-era Miles Davis. This is a truly forward-thinking album from some very intelligent artists."

Finally, the Roots album I've been waiting for!

PFS | Chicago, IL United States | 12/06/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have to say that I didn't have much faith in the new Roots album. I've always been a fan but I also have always felt that they never really pushed the envelope like they could have with all the tools and talent available to them. The albums following Do You Want More?!!!??! seemed to be geared more toward mass appeal than really funky music. I could never really see the point of having a Hip Hop band when all the album tracks sound like samples. Well, that problem has been fixed with Phrenology.For the first time in ages the Roots really cut loose and get raw the way I knew they could. I've heard many complaints about the album's mixing of genres and lack of cohesion. I say if you feel that way, you need to grow up. Making good music isn't about following the rules and giving everyone what they want to hear. In fact, the one song that the label demanded they record for the album ("Break You Off") happens to be the weakest one; syrupy and radio friendly. Otherwise, the project slams from beginning to end with forays into rock, punk, and even techno! Many folks don't like the punk song (Track #3) but think it's brilliant and could have stood to be longer. "The Seed" is another standout cut with a nice guest appearance from Cody ChesnuTT. "Water" slams raw hip hop for the first third then slips into some dark deconstruction reminicent of Sun Ra or Miles Davis. It's much more than just "weird sounds", especially if you understand what the song is about (Malik B's alleged drug addiction).It's been a while since I was thoroughly impressed with a hip hop release. So much of the music is just boring and pointless now. The Roots have come up with a project that is alive and vital. Black Thought's lyrics have never been as on point and the band's music is inventive, creative and risky; traits that have been missing from black music for a long time now. If you're looking for Hip Hop that is new, edgy and different then run to pick this up. If you want an album that sounds like every thing else with a bunch of club-ready singles then you ought to stay away. On second thought, you should get it anyway and broaden your horizons. Bottom line: If you're not down for The Roots you're not down for music, period!Oh yeah! The DVD is pretty cool too!"