Rave Un2 The Joy Fantastic

OK, now that I have a few spare minutes (having just changed jobs and moved!), here's my take on Rave Un2 the Joy Fantastic, by the Artist. Obviously, I'm a huge fan of the man, but even taking that into consideration there is no doubt that this is about the strongest work he's done in some time.

It's rockin R&B the way it should be. I see a lot of things out these days (Brandy, Blackstreet, etc) that is the "new" R&B. Whatever happened to James Brown? Al Green? Barry White? P-Funk? They are all referenced here, along with many others. If there is any hope in this hip-hop age for a true revival, this is the man who can do it.

Title track is of course a holdover from the Dream Factory sessions (1985, I believe) updated for the 90's. I've heard many versions of it over the years and was sceptical of how it could not end up sounding dated. For shame! The Artist did some tweaking (though I'm assuming it was done updated a while back, early 90's-ish, as Prince is credited with everything on the song). Prince is also credited with producing the album, so maybe he's reached the point where he realizes that "Prince" and "The Artist" can peacefully co-exist. Remember "I've got 2 sides, and they're both friends" from My Name Is Prince?

Some great guest appearances on this CD, most especially Gwen Stefani of No Doubt (their voices blend so astoundingly well it's frightening). Hot Wit U seems like it could be a throwaway intended to appeal to a younger urban crowd, but if you listen to it, you realize that a lot went into it and it's got some great subtle layering in the mix as well. The cover of Everyday Is A Winding Road is pretty damn cool, and I like it better than the original (Oddly enough, Sheryl Crow guests on Manowar instead). Strange But True evokes a very Graffiti Bridge era vibe, and features a nicely minimalistic sound but with some interesting frills to it. Of course Maceo Parker adds such an awesome angle to Pretty Man, which is a great track in and of itself.

Hotspots:So Far, So Pleased; Rave Un2 The Joy Fantastic; I Love U But I Don't Trust U Anymore; Pretty Man; The Sun, The Moon And Stars Cool Factor:the whole damn thing!