Rising yet again
Wheelchair Assassin | The Great Concavity | 12/29/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"For most acts in any genre, the underwhelming sales of the Roots' largely dark, raw, and uncompromising 2006 effort Game Theory would result in a sleeker, more commercially palatable follow-up, but the Roots aren't most acts. If anything, Rising Down is an even more aggressive and stripped-down answer to its predecessor, and all the better for it. Aided by important contributions from a passel of distinguished guest stars, Rising Down is a twisted piece of sonic carnage that, like past Roots efforts, should please any fans of individualistic music regardless of style. Much like Game Theory, Rising Down frontloads the best tracks and lets their momentum carry the album to its conclusion. That's hardly a criticism, though: the first three proper tracks on this album are hands-down classics, and if what comes afterward suffers it's only in comparison.
Even though the Roots' sound has undergone some significant changes over the past decade, their top-notch musicianship and complex songwriting are still very much in evidence, and they've been joined by an increasingly disaffected lyrical sensibility that seems especially well suited to the current environment. After a brief intro, Rising Down fires out of the gate with the title track, a scathing manifesto of alienation driven as much by its angrily apocalyptic lyrics as its throbbing rhythms and ominous chorus. The next tune, the high-speed, high intensity Get Busy, packs even more of a punch, with icy, horror-movie synths underlying a series of confrontational raps that culminates with Peedi Peedi's caffeinated guest spot. Fittingly, though, the album's best track is also its most minimal, in the form of 75 Bars, which dispenses with such gratuitous devices as catchy hooks and special guest appearances and reduces the group's sound to litte more than a churning bass line, a profanity-laced rap, and an enjoyably frenetic drum performance from the great ?uestlove.
Following its initial burst of energy, the album moderates its pace a bit, mixing upbeat if less assaultive numbers (Criminal, Lost Desire, The Show) with slower, eerier fare (I Will not Apologize, I Can't Help It) to largely impressive results. There is a bit of a curveball at the end, though, in the form of the concluding anthem Rising Up, an everything-but-the-kitchen-sink attack that mixes its genre-bending sensory overload with some surprisingly alluring female vocals. It's the album's most accessible and commercial track, but still a great way to end yet another Roots release that, as usual, makes no apologies and takes no prisoners."
"Dope Although It Doesn't Slam Like Previous LP's" (Rating:
Chandler | Atlanta (College Park), Georgia | 10/23/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"It seemed like for me, this album just showed up one day. To be honest, I really didn't know this album was coming out during the summer (maybe with a little word of mouth), but it seemed like there was no kind of promotion prior to this album coming out. After it was released, I've started seeing promotion for it, including a few live performances from The Roots on TV (The band, along with Chrisette Michele performed on one show not too long ago).
Anyway, the Roots' second album on Def Jam is a pretty nice one. The production and the rhymes are still on point for the majority. I know I enjoyed "Rising Down" with Mos Def and Styles P. The track vibes pretty nicely, making it a huge standout. Another hot favorite of mine is the deep "I Can't Help It" featuring Malik B., Porn, Mercedes Martinez & Dice Raw. It's another track you can vibe to, something that the band is great for doing. Other tracks that are worth checking for are "Singing Man" featuring Porn, Truck North & Dice Raw, as well as "Rising Up" featuring Wale & Chrisette Michele.
The Roots missteps on such songs as "I Will Not Apologize" featuring Porn, Dice Raw, and Talib Kweli. For some reason, Kweli doesn't sound too well just doing hooks on other tracks (name a track where his guest appearance was only a hook. Maybe a Mos Def track, that's it if that.). Other tracks that weren't mentioned were not specifically bad tracks, but they were not standouts either.
Fans of The Roots should cop this album if not already. The album is kind of short, just like their recent Game Theory. Unfortunately, it doesn't slam like their album, or their others (my favorite is Illadelph Halflife). At the same time, this album gurantees definate satisfaction for any fan who is familiar with their music. This one I recommend. Peace.
Lyrics: A-
Production: B
Guest Appearances: B
Musical Vibes: A-
Top 5 Tracks:
1. I Can't Help It (featuring Malik B., Porn, Mercedes Martinez & Dice Raw)
2. Rising Down (featuring Mos Def & Styles P)
3. Rising Up (featuring Wale & Chrisette Michele)
4. Singing Man (featuring Porn, Truck North & Dice Raw)
5. The Show (featuring Common & Dice Raw)
Honorable Mention:
1. Criminal (featuring Truck North & Saigon)
2. Get Busy (featuring Dice Raw & Peedi Peedi)"
