The Art of Writing CD Reviews

November was a big month for hip-hop and R&B music. The first hot release was Cee-Lo Green's new album, "The Lady Killer."

In reviewing this album, I spent a lot of time listening to the album. I quickly uploaded all the music onto my iPod, so that I could listen to it while I was doing other things. I actually repeated it a few times, just to let the sound soak into my brain.

I liked the album, but I had a tough time putting those feelings into words. After writing everything to the end, I only had about 300 words. I then thought that there were quite a few things that I really wanted from the album.

Cee-Lo decided to go completely Motown for this album. Every song seemed to have a similar sound of soul music. However, Cee-Lo's solo performance still couldn't match the magic he had when he jammed in his side project band, Gnarls Barkley.

That band threw in every creative mish-mash imaginable. For instance, their song "Feng Shui," was a cool rap song to some funky mix of kung-fu-styled keyboards and string arrangements. To make matters even more interesting, Cee-Lo was rapping about how he perfected the art of Feng Shui whenever he produces music. It was the weirdest cross between Shaolin monk music and R&B. It was completely original.

I just didn't hear this funky influences in Cee-Lo's new album. Sure, the "F*** You" single on the album was pretty funny, but it just lacked that extra special spark. He needs his old partner in Gnarls Barkley. He needs DJ Danger Mouse.

Of course, Danger Mouse can't stay with him forever. After all, Danger Mouse often produces multiple albums for musicians. Right now, he's promoting an album with James Mercer in a new side band, Broken Bells. As much as I like Danger Mouse's projects, Broken Bells just isn't as interest as Gnarls Barkley. I wish Danger Mouse would stick with Gnarls Barkley, beccause they were the group that truly reinvented a new brand of hip-hop with Motown and psychedelic rock.

With all that said, it's been a while since I've listened to a good album. Cee-Lo Green always produces great music. I just hope that he gets together with Danger Mouse someday.

 Read my review here.