Search - Spooks :: Faster Than You Know

Faster Than You Know - Hit Or Miss?

Kasino One | Newark, BRICK CITY | 10/24/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Spooks finally release a follow up to their S.I.O.S.O.S. Volume 1, but the question is, is it a Hit Or Miss? I personally don't care much for commercial albums because it's always about the same thing, I enjoy new innovative lyricism and music that just seems to capture you with either intelligent lyrics, metaphors, or harmony. This album, unlike their first release, is a blatent attempt to go commercial and hit the radio scene, which is evident from the very first track, and put into simple word form in the Second track "A Hit" where they discuss having to make a hot single. It's also evident in other tracks such as "Broke" where they mention they're trying to get commercial success, but can you blame them? What does the album achieve? Don't expect the same vibe as the first album, which had a darker essence, this album delivers clear messages, ranging from war, politics, love, sex, and money. Some of the beats are a little uneccessary and crazy, but once the star, Ming-Xia, begins singing, you fall in love with each track. Her 'Bjorkish' like voice integrated with soulful patterns of hiphop bring this album to life. She was the main reason I purchased this album, and she deliver powerful messages on several tracks. In retrospect, the album takes shots at the commercial mainstream while trying itself to slowly gain momentum into it. This is album is DEFINATELY worth a listen, it contains the best of both worlds, some tracks have a commercial-pop vibe, while others have that classic underground flavor."

Wow, wow, wow!

Kasino One | 12/10/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I first heard the Spooks when I saw them open for Rahzel at UNH. Wow, Rahzel should have opened for THEM! They are absolutely amazing. I bought the CD after the show, and it's nasty! Ming has the best voice ever, and sounds perfect live. The MCs have some mad skills too. This CD is really refreshing because they don't just rap and sing about drugs, money, women, and crime like mainstream rap. Even so, the CD pulls you in and there isn't a bad track on it. The only thing bad I could say about it is that it could use more of Ming's singing. After seeing the Spooks live and purchasing their CD, I can definitely say that they are on their way to making it big in the US. If you haven't heard this group yet, you have to, because you're missing out big time!"

Hot CD

Kasino One | 03/11/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This Cd has the right amount of flavor to it. It adds the realness of life and the right beats in songs which you can relate to. I recommend this Cd to anyone that get sick of listening to the same rap songs, over and over."