Return of the Ankh

It's been a little over two years since we've heard from Erykah Badu and her first installment of New Amerykah. Part One explored a more socially aware and militant Badu; a"sinister" Erykah if you will. The second go 'round is a little bit lighter. Sweeter. Groovier. Part two starts off with the smooth first single "Window Seat" as drummer, ?uestlove of The Roots ushers in the groove. The keys fall into place and Erykah greets us with the fitting ad-lib, "Hey". Badu fans and neo-soulers alike know this feel-good feeling the song brings from it's melodic hook to its "take-a-second-listen" lyrics.

Journeying to the middle of the album, listener's are hit with one of my favorite joints on the album, "Umm Hmm". The funk-driven baseline and steady pocket of the snare immediately puts you in a summer state of mind. The song, perfect for cookouts or house cleaning, encourages a lover to "let your feelings show". Later, Badu finds herself warning a potential lover not to fall in love, or it may be the death of him. "Fall In Love (Your Funeral)" glides over the Eddie Kendrick's "Intimate Lover" sample (famous sample used in Alicia Keys' "Unbreakable" and Drake's "Goin In For Life") as she threatens that there will be "slow singin' and flower bringin' if her burglar alarm starts ringin'" (Thanks Biggie).

Possibly the most moving track is the last one. The brilliant lyrics of "Out My Mind, Just In Time" are delivered lazily over a sad and gloomy depressing piano. Honestly the song gives me a Billie Holiday "Good Morning, Heartache" kind of feel. For example, some of the lyrics go as follows:

"And I'd lie for you

I'd cry for you

And pop for you

And break for you

'N hate for you, and hate you too

If you want me to..."

I won't ruin the rest of the surprise of the song, but it gets interesting from there. Overall, I think Erykah Badu has dodged the curse of the sequel. Part Two's usually aren't as exciting and captivating and their predecessors, yet Return of the Ankh manages to do so. Quite well, may I add. Umm Hmm...

Download: Window Seat , Umm Hmm