Hip-hop pioneers the are back with their first album since ‘Hello Nasty' in '98 and it's a welcome return to their old skool New York sound.
Made legendary by their anthem; ‘Fight for your Right', the have dropped their hardcore sound to concentrate on hip-hop, and the result is an album full of funky beats and clever lyrics that won't disappoint Beastie fans. The first single ‘Ch-check It Out' is an upbeat thumper of a track that is reminiscent of their older hip hop tracks, using fat drum beats, crazy samples and lyrics that only the could write. To The 5 Boroughs is hip hop purists album - it takes you back in time with the slightly primitive beats and the old skool white boy, New York accents that only can achieve.
As well as lyrics about their music, hip hop and just stupid funny stuff, as it's technically called, the album is very politically aware, having a pop at George ‘dubya' Bush, world affairs and even touching on the OPEC petrol cartel. This makes me see think that the have turned into men and grown up. A worrying thought; does this mean they've left all their quirky rhyme styles, lyrics and attitude behind? Don't be silly - they're still in a league of their own, and still acting like kids - which is the beauty of this album - its proud old skool, sounds like it could have been made in 1993 and will send you looking for all your old Beastie cd's in an attempt to relive your mis-spent youth, like these guys.
Rating: 5/5
Release date: Out now!
Info: [url]www.beastieboys.com[/url]
Words By: Simon G
