The men of Outkast have really outdone themselves this time around. Their new album, featuring two disks, is full of the raunchy lyrics and fast-paced beats that make Outkast such a well-loved group.
Speakerboxx/The Love Below
Outkast
Strange, yes, but entertaining nonetheless.
The Love Below, Andre Benjamin's half of the album, starts off by taking listeners on a rollercoaster ride of sounds.
From lounge music full of pianos and soothing voices spiraling into a jazz outburst with trumpets blaring, Benjamin leaves you asking, "What next?"
Of course, this is just one portion of his disc, which includes a hysterical interlude where Benjamin has a one-on-one with God herself, asking her to bring him a "sweet bitch."
"I've never cheated on my girlfriend/ except for that one time in Japan/ and that was just head/ head don't count."
While the lyrics will keep you laughing, the beats will keep you bouncing. "Spread," which has taken over the airwaves, is typical Outkast, if there is such a thing.
The music is unlike anything else out there, putting Outkast's in a category of its own. Fast-paced lyrics and non-rap oriented instruments are signature traits of the guys.
Speakerboxxx, the second of the two discs, is Antwan Pattor's stab at perfection. "The Way You Move" is Speakerboxxx's first single. Booty-shaking bass mixed with a salsa-style rhythm make for one hell of a combination. Pattor's half of the album isn't as abstract as The Love Below, but just as unique.
A little warning: The album may seem intimidating at first. You might not feel all the crazy things going on at the same time, but rest assured, after listening to it a couple times, an appreciation for the diverse musical styles Outkast represents will prevail.
And the best part is the two disk album runs at the cost of any regular just released CD, they've done it once again.
Reach the reporter at erika.wurst@asu.edu.
