The origins of today's R&B groups are varied. Groups have come from different pathways and different influences. However, in the modern arena of R&B, it seems that new artists are not willing to reach very far back at all, settling for the stylings of whichever group last had the hot sound. Whatever happened to Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder or Jimi Hendrix? Well, the answer is their spirits have all been conjured up on D'Angelo's new album "Voodoo."
Calling most modern R&B shallow has meanings on many different levels, one of which is the unwillingness of most artists to the reach back and examine the musical spells cast by the mothers and fathers of real soul. However, in this latest effort, D'Angelo taps into this power and, using his skills, brings these old-school influences into very modern music.
One of the strongest traits of this album is that it runs like an album, sound-bridging from song to song in an effortless - and as an end result - very ear-friendly flow. He blends tracks with a hip-hop flavor effortlessly into tracks that show the strongest inklings towards an old-school feel. Although D'Angelo uses similar musical arrangements on all the tracks, the songs don't become repetitive. The base lines all come off as original and unique as does his trademark low, mumbling flow (for those interested in what he is saying, lyrics are printed in the liner notes). Also, the album is littered with what will most likely become new standards in slow jams and background music (Just turn the lights down low and let D'Angelo work his magic).
Another key convention of modern R&B and hip-hop that he shatters on "Voodoo" is the objectification of women as objects in both music and the media. In the liner notes, he addresses this problem, asking if women are the key to the continuance of the human race, why are they marginalized and dehumanized so often in hip-hop? And why are material possessions - "ice and a new car" - the current passions of choice for artists rather than experiences of the soul? As a result, his songs tend more towards "you make me satisfied" than "lets get naked." He chooses sensuality over sex and the outcome is a very desperate, while at the same time, passionate sound.
On the experimental side, D'Angelo uses some defiantly new-school techniques on his album that makes him more than a cover artist. His album - despite being R&B - has a strong hip-hop feel. Many of his tunes have lyrics that could be rapped just as well as sung. He even employs Redman and Method Man on "Left and Right," and DJ Premier on "Devil's Pie" - songs that show a true flow between D'Angelo and these artists; not just cameos.
Although the whole album is good, there are several tracks that stand out as great. The track "one Mo'Gin" has an amazing baseline and chorus, as do "The Root" and "Spanish Thing." The only cover on the album is the soul classic "Feel Like Makin' Love," and D'Angelo pulls it off amazingly well. Perhaps the most offbeat and unique track is the final one, "Africa," which employs backwards guitar loops and a lullaby-like keyboard hook. The track provides a very spiritual and strong ending to the album.
If there is one questionable point about the album, it is that D'Angelo may have a little case of Narcissism. Great, you're proud of your body. Congrats. But with all the pictures of him that are all over the insleave, coupled with his now notorious video for "Untitled," perhaps, D'Angelo is trying to focus on the female fans. But that's just speculation.
"Voodoo" pulls off an originality that is rare in modern hip-hop and R&B without straying too far from the fundamentals of music. Because D'Angelo was willing to dig deeper into the past of R&B greats than most artists, he comes up with a sound that will last rather than being the flavor of the month. The title of the album is significant because the album possesses elements that are distinctly both spiritual and very much rooted on the Earth.
So it's likely that the sounds of "Voodoo" will put a spell on you and the rhythms will put you in a trance. Or perhaps, at the very least, you'll feel the urge to tap your foot and nod your head to the beat.
Grade: A
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