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Amazon.co.uk Review
However, as with her last album, Mama's Gun, it's her pioneering spirit that's actually Worldwide Underground's stumbling block. The gorgeous "I Want You" is a prime example. Starting off with the simple trick of chanted notes which mutate into a fantastically sexy groove, it's the album's woozy highlight until, inexplicably, it breaks into bizarre snarling synth riffs and jazz-fusion noodling. On the one hand it's a stroke of stripped-back brilliance; on the other it's a fragmented mess. Elsewhere the barrage of influences, ideas and production add-ons, while ensuring that things are never dull, make for confused and chaotic listening. Yet with "Bump It Up" and "Danger"'s hypnotic melodies, "Woo"'s head nodding sway and a raft of smooching soul tunes like "Think Twice" and Back in the Day (Puff)" to get lost in, she still manages to mesmerise, even when she's trying way too hard. --Dan Gennoe
Review
A succession of hit singles, a brace of acclaimed albums and a number of credible, and highly successful, guest appearances have lead us to where we are now - the arrival of Texan gal Erica Wright's third opus.
Living up to the acclaim of her five million selling debut Baduism was never going to be an easy task. Four Grammy Awards only added to the expectations. We shouldn't have worried, in Worldwide Underground she has achieved a far more rounded and accessible set then her sophomore collection, Mama's Gun.
Badu describes her latest album as the "struggle on a good day", a somewhat harsh self-assessment. This is the Badu that we've grown to love and trust; pure 100% uncut, uncompromising R&B that touches on folk, jazz, blues and hip-hop. No one does eclectic in quite the same style.
Reunited with her production team, Freakaquency,the formula is a trusted and familiar one. "Danger", the first single, is typical of this -oozing soulful sophistication with profound lyrical interplay and beats that would make the Neptunes proud. The abstract wordology is particularly evident on the albums opener, "Bump It". "Push up the fader/bust the meter/shake the tweeter" she sings atop an eighties embellished groove.
Guests are plenty: Lenny Kravitz plays guitar on the smooth and assured "Back In The Day"; Dead Prez drops science on the meatier "The Grind" and Queen Latifah, Angie Stone and Bahamadia lend their vocal support to "Love Of My Life Worldwide".
Since Erykah set the standard with Baduism her crown has been passed between a succession of contemporaries, in Worldwide Underground she rightly reclaims her place upon the throne. No one else comes close. --Lewis Dene
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Customer Reviews
The albums kicks off with a decent intro, before the first song: 'Bump It,' the beats on this track are excellent, great catchy song that ends in a wonderful collage of interesting, weird vocals. The next track, 'Back In The Day' is one of the album's highlights. Featuring Lenny Kravitz on the electric guitar, 'Back In The Day' is a smooth & funky soul track. Another highlight is the epic 'I Want You' - certainly the most unusual song Badu has ever recorded, but it works incredibly well, a gorgeous chill-out track that builds into something spectacular.
'Think Twice,' is the sweetest moment on the album, it's an electro/soul ballad with a great trumpet solo. On 'Love Of My Life (Worldwide),' Badu team up with Queen Latifah, Angie Stone & Bahamedia for a funky party track. Despite all these great songs, the best one on Worldwide Underground is the stunning 'Danger,' Badu's vocals are outstanding here - her most animated and the instruments are extraordinary.
The bonus track, 'Love Of My Life' won the 2003 Grammy for Best R&B song - produced by Raphael Saadiq and featuring a rap from Common. 'Hollywood,' another bonus, is also a fine song. Worldwide Underground is a strong album from Erykah Badu. With every album Badu manages to amaze. If you are new to this lady, then I suggest you purchase Baduizm first, then Mama's Gun, and then Worldwide Underground (just so that you understand where she's coming from).
The Love Of My Life came out as... Read more
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