We R in Need of a Musical Revolution

AMG Review of We R in Need of a Musical Revolution

Johnny Loftus
All Music Guide

Esthero follows her summer 2004 comeback single (and dancefloor hit) "O.G. Bitch" with the We R in Need of a Musical Revolution EP. The title track updates the sound of Esthero's 1998 debut with propulsive programming and more Björk in her vocal than ever before. While its beat'll get heads nodding, lyrics calling for a change at video and radio (and she name names, too) will raise a few uptight eyebrows. The rest of Revolution is refreshingly diverse, which is even more promising considering Esthero's lengthy hiatus. There are two Sean Lennon collaborations here, and they're both really strong. "Everyday Is a Holiday [With You]" is an irresistibly bouncy chamber pop piece, while "This Lull-a-Bye" fuses a foggy ossa nova rhythm to subtle electronics. "I Drive Alone" is a rip-hop throwback, and the gentle "Amber and Tiger's Eye" is seven minutes in dreamy Esthero heaven. Best might be "Gone," her collaboration with Cee-Lo that flutters between R&B, mournful harmony, and a mild electronic pace.