Part Two concludes with the over-ten-minute opus "Out My Mind, Just in Time," which may be one of her most personal songs to date. The lyrics detail the crumbling of a relationship, from the woman's perspective: "I'm a recovering under cover over lover/Recovering from a love I can't over," she croons. She offers to do anything for her "common law lover," adding that she will "hate for you/And I'll hate you too." However, the second movement suggests that the narrator wants to move on. "I am numb," she declares, "bitter tree/fruit so raw/winter cold/let me thaw." Her voices takes on an angrier tone in movement three, in which she declares that "I'm tired of this/It's time for me to make some steps." She uses images of resurrection in her lyrics; "20 feet up out of ashes I can rise/Like birds and children I can fly." Thus the album concludes on a defiant note, with Badu declaring her independence from not only her lover, but also from what she considers confining musical forms. Indeed, swirling effects overtake her voice, giving the song an otherworldly quality. Listening to a woman develop the strength to walk away makes for a fascinating listen (and an amazingly fast ten minutes).
Overall, New Amerykah Part Two: Return of the Ankh represents Badu's strongest work in some time. Here she nods to her neo-soul past, yet incorporating the unique lyricism and vocal style that she has developed for over a decade. The album marks another chapter for the extraordinary Badu, and illustrates her artistic growth. Due to its creativity and originality, Part Two is a standout album for 2010.
For more information, visit Erykah Badu's official site and MySpace Music page.
Article comments
1 - Joann
Hey Kit, this sounds like a good album. I liked Baduizm, so it sounds like this new one might be along the same lines. I'm going to check this one out--thanks for the review!
2 - Kit O'Toole
Joann, I think you'll really like it, even though it isn't exactly like Baduizm. There are some similarities in sound, as I mentioned. Thanks for commenting!
3 - El Bicho
I don't know why she fell off my radar but she did. Will have to check this out. thanks
4 - Sandra Hdz
Very good post dude! a good summary!
I just went yesterday to my first concert of Erykah Badu in the Poble Espanyol, here in Barcelona. I really enjoy it. Erykah is a Godness in the earth, a muse, a constant inspiration. The Concert began with a Dj session to warm up the people. It really worked! After that appeared the musicians and then.... ERYKAH! It was beautiful! Beautiful wardrobe and lights, the neo soul sound and her voice.
It was fantastic! If you have the oportunity to go to an Erykah's Badu Concert don't let it go!
Sandra.