The Renaissance -- Album Review

I got my hands on Q-Tip's newest release, The Renaissance, and am extremely happy with it so far. As a longtime fan of A Tribe Called Quest, I hear all the elements that are most notably found in ATCQ's catalog. Of course, there are plenty of new-school infusions given the timing of the release, but I can't thank QT enough for staying true to old-school style.

Here's my take on each track:

(1) Johnny is Dead -- The synth sound that sparks this song made me optimistic for the song. That being said, the beat only midly interesting. The drums are sequenced in a slightly swung and off-tempo manner, a stye utitlized by many. For me, it doesn't allow the song to flow properly. In my opinion, it's a new school feel, and I've never liked it.

(2) Won't Trade -- This song moves the needle back in the old-school direction. Present are soul samples and a lo-fi beat. However, I'm finding myself bored midway through the song. As a whole, the song is interesting but when focusing on only the beat my listening experience becomes monotonous. Sure, I could listen to the song as a whole, but as a drummer I find myself never listening that way!

(3) Gettin' Up -- Wow. What a great beat here! It's sort of neo-soul smacks underground in the face. This is the kind of rhythmic flow that I can't get enough of. In the background, a P-bass lays down the funk. The piano is less than fantastic but clearly adds color to what I consider a more percussively oriented song.

(4) Official -- This song feels a lot like ATCQ to me, more so than the previous three. While not exactly like any particular song on Low End Theory, the song would fit well in the fabric of that classic album. Personally, the beat doesn't make me want to stand up and dance (while writing), but what I do like is it's simplicty. There aren't tons of samples, hits, and otherwise uncessary sounds. This beat accomplishes exactly what it was meant for -- complimenting QT's skills.

(5) You -- My comments about Gettin' Up apply here as well -- this is a great beat. Like I said in that blurb, this song blends different genres very effectively. In contrast to the piano used in Official, the piano here is perfect. So subtle in its presence but powerful in complimenting the percussion. I also love the crescendo in each hi-hat bar. Finally, that organ! So cool.

(6) We Fight/Love -- So far, this has been the most popular song on the album according to iTunes. What's interesting is that I completely disagree with that popularity. This is by far my least favorite track on the album.

(7) Manwomanboogie -- This is a bombastic track that radiates funk. Our friend P-Bass makes an appearance and is played at the highest level of funk on the album. Of course, the drums are awesome -- lo-fi in nature yet clean and crisp in order for the subtleties of the hats to be heard. Lyrically, this track isn't stellar, but I don't think it's worth focusing on the lyrics on this song in particular

(8) Move -- The title says it all -- MOVE! Easily my second favorite song on the album, and I think it's actually the best song on the album. That statement was contradictory in nature, so I'll clarify. Move is the best track on the album, but I have a tendency to like songs that sound like Life is Better -- that taste hasn't changed here. I will admit to being baffled by the completely different beat in the middle -- what's it doing there? Why?

(9) Dance on Glass -- The sequencing technique I mentioned in my comments about Johnny is Dead is used again here on the hats. I don't like it.

(10) Life is Better -- I've already written about this song in a previous post and won't rehash it all here. This is my favorite song on the album.

(11) Believe -- The beat definitely takes on a lo-fi feel and is complimented by funky guitar riffs hanging out in the background. More so than the other tracks, the keys play a key role in developing the atmosphere of this song. I don't know if I care about D'Angelo or not -- the jury is still in deliberating.

(12) Shaka -- I am bored with this one. I've listened a few times and tried to throw away the perspective I have every time, but it's not working. Quite honestly, I hear no hooks in this song.