Search - Warren G :: Return of the Regulator

Warren's weakest effort, still worth a listen

ctrx | 'bout to show you how the EAST COAST rocks... | 11/22/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Warren G has always been and will always be among my favorite hip hop artists, one of the West Coast's most ingenious producing minds. His 2001 album "The Return of the Regulator" is his weakest effort, but one that's still worth a listen for his fans in my mind. This album succeeds in most of the areas that his earlier efforts do, but fails in a few notable areas. His first three albums, 1994's classic Regulate...G Funk Era, 1997's Take a Look Over Your Shoulder, and 1999's I Want It All were all marked by his wonderful production, his signature g-funk sound with rich instrumentation, laidback vibes and a soulful, slow-rolling feel that evoked images of his sunny California home. On "The Return of the Regulator," the sound is a little different, adjusting to the evolving West Coast sound following Dr. Dre's influential 2001 album. The beats are generally more upbeat and less smooth than before. Personally I find the beats here to be weaker than on any of his other LPs, but his musical talent remains. He still fills his tracks with clever arrangements, and they're always catchy, even if they don't have the irresistable soulfulness he's known for.



"The Return of the Regulator" has many good songs, but few really great ones. Time and time again, Warren has proven able to craft true anthems and classic songs, and there are none to be found on this effort. That's not to say it's not a solid album though, because there aren't any noticeably bad songs either. Overall, it's just not as memorable an album. Part of this is due to the subject matter. Warren's always been a producer first and a rapper second, but this is brought to the forefront here. Usually, he makes do by rapping about his Long Beach, California hometown and reminiscing over growing up, and his likable character makes his verses appealing. This doesn't happen enough here, and his crew of guests too often lacks the big names of his earlier albums, replacing them with more ordinary MCs like Mista Grimm, Boss Hogg and Damone. "The Return of the Regulator" is Warren G's weakest album, but despite its flaws it still showcases his talent as a producer and artist.



The album opens with a full-length intro, which consists of a simple, bouncy beat, Warren's commentary, and a verse by Damone. "Lookin' at You" is an eerie Dr. Dre production with an appearance from Ms. Toi on vocals, Warren's verses are a bit lackluster but it's a solid cut. The joyful-sounding "Here Comes Another Hit" features Nate Dogg on the hook and a verse from Mista Grimm for an early, energetic highlight. "Somethin' to Bounce To" is also upbeat and sunny, Soopafly and Warren display nice chemistry without any substantial lyricism. "This Gangsta S... Is Too Much" isn't quite as memorable, despite a cool beat and guest by Butch Cassidy. "Young Locs Slow Down" is probably the best song, featuring Butch Cassidy at his eerie best and WC with a nice guest as well. The beat is somber, catchy, and clever, using a twangy guitar line. The album takes a turn for the worse at this point, beginning with "Speed Dreamin'," an awkward collabo with George Clinton and Mista Grimm, and "Yo' Sassy Ways," a forgettable 213 collabo. After the okay posse cut "It Ain't Nothin' Wrong With U" comes one of my favorites, "Ghetto Village." This song makes use of a famous Stevie Wonder sample, and Warren speaks of growing up in his Long Beach neighborhood over a clever laidback beat. "They Lovin' Me Now" is cool, but like too much on this album, not substantial enough to be truly memorable. "Streets of LBC" is likably unsettling, and "G-Funk Is Here to Stay" is alright but just doesn't quite work. The album closes with a deep, well-executed ode to Warren's mother called "Keepin' It Strong." It's a more soulful, somber version of "Ola Mae" from I Want It All.



"The Return of the Regulator" has a few flaws, but the catchy production for the most part makes it a solid album that I recommend to his fans. The title and cover art recall his classic debut, and this album would never be compared to it. I highly recommend each of his other LPs, and this one should only be owned by those who already own and love his other four. If not for the wonderful quality of his earlier records, this album would be remembered as a better effort."