It’s hard to believe that this is only Erykah Badu’s sixth album. Since 1997, the beautiful and eccentric songstress has been putting out timeless music that not only makes you want to groove, but that also feeds your mind with greatness. She has a way of bringing out provoking thoughts and reminding you to step outside of your comfort zone all within her lyrics.
On New Amerykah Part Two – Return of the Ankh, we see a softer side of Badu in comparison to New Amerykah Part One where her lyrical content had more of a political tone where she addressed common issues within our society. Rather on this album she taps into the realm of relationships, which we all can relate to. On 20 Feet Tall (produced by 9th Wonder) she talks about how a love interest has built a wall up and shut her out of his life for reasons that she is unaware of. But we also see a side of Ms. Badu on this album where she is not the victim, but yet a femme fatale that takes men as prisoners. On Turn Me Away (Get Munny), which is an awesome sample of Junior Mafia’s Get Money with influences from Sylvia Striplin and then there is Fall in Love (Your Funeral) where she warns potential suitors about getting into deep.
From experiencing Agitation, burning Incense, and professing her Love (produced by J. Dilla) to a lucky male suitor New Amerykah Part Two is a solid album that will stimulate your heart and your mind. And similar to how Badu closed out Mama’s Gun with the powerful track entitled Green Eyes, which was a three part ballot in which you felt each stage of a relationship that had gone sour: jealousy, denial and then acceptance; she brings that same formula to us on this album with Out My Mind, Just In Time. When she opens with “I’m a recovering under cover over lover. Recovering from a love I can’t get over and now my common law lover thinks he wants another.” Within these words you can feel her pain as she tells a story of how she will do whatever it takes to rekindle a love that she once had until she realizes that she was blind and that she must take responsibility for her own actions.
With Erykah Badu there is a message behind the music, a meaning behind the melody, and there is passion with every word. She brings each song to life as if she is singing directly to you. Make sure you Return to the Ankh and purchase the album New Amerykah Part 2 on March 30th. It will soothe your ears and nourish your soul.
March 29, 2010 at 7:13 pm
I can appreciate artist like E. Badu who take time to put out albums that speak to the soul. As cooky as she is she is a consistent artist and appeals to her fan base.
March 31, 2010 at 2:07 pm
I LOVE E.BADU! NICE ARTICLE.. EVERYTHING SHE PUTS OUT IS AMAZING.. SHES MY SAVIOR! (OK LET ME STOP)