basically, that was my first reaction to this, the new outkast single. several listens in now, i'm still trying to digest it all. andre only has time to get out an a capella "yeah" before the concussive melange of beats kicks in. from the jump, they grab you by the jugular and hang onto it for five incredible minutes. early reports about their new album, stankonia, indicate that this should be their most radical-sounding album yet: those southern boys, for whatever reason, are more open to other genres of music and incorporating those sounds into their own. if "bombs over baghdad" is anything to go by, we're in for a hell of a ride.
i've often said that outkast compatriots the goodie mob were the new version of public enemy: in their message, they remain so, but with "bombs over baghdad," outkast presents a 21st-century take on the p.e. sound. neither andre or big boi possess the vocal authority of chuck d. but both of them are more nimble and are more suited to the bpm's utilized on this track. "b.o.b." sounds like a collaboration between timbaland and the bomb squad: the former brings his knowledge and skill with cutting-edge sounds while the latter bring the apocalyptic noise. i've looked at the hip-hop newsgroup, and some have taken to labelling this booty music: sure, you'd likely here the drum programming on one of those tracks, but touches like the droning organ, guitar solos, and the prince-like synth bass are what differentiate "b.o.b" from your average luke record.
the song certainly justifies its length. it moves deftly from verse to refrain: outkast have proven in the past that they know the value of a strong chorus and on "bombs" it's no different as they employ gospel choir to sing the infectious hook. as they did with "rosa parks," outkast change up things midway through the song. they themselves are not heard within the last two minutes; instead, they give way to a spotlight on the drum programming, dueling guitars and some well-placed scratching. the song wraps up with a chant by a gospel choir: i have no idea what they're saying but it's catchy as all hell and is the perfect ending for what may be the best single i've heard this year. since their debut, every time outkast dropped product, they've blown minds; they're the rare group that just keeps getting better and better. "bombs over baghdad" promises much and i can only hope that stankonia delivers on it.
(c) 2000 - fred solinger -
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