Following up a
hit-packed album that sold in excess of 10 million copies is not an easy task,
but then again Outkast aren’t just any group. ‘Idlewild’ is new
album/soundtrack from the Atlanta
based rap duo that accompanies the film of the same name.
Counting in at
a whopping 25 tracks – including interludes – it would seem on first glance
that they’ve tried too hard, but after a few tracks it’s obvious that despite
the rumours of a split, Andre 3000 and Big Boi still have an admirable creative
partnership.
Current single
“Morris Brown” is one of many highlights but there’s also blues inspired
“Idlewild Blue” the jazz infused “When I look in Your Eyes” and Andre’s R &
B ode “Life Is Like A Musical”. “Call The Law” and “In Your Dreams” are the
better attempts at R & B mainly thanks to the wonderful vocals of the
unsigned, up and coming singer Janelle Monae.
First week
sales in the US indicate that this may be not be as big as “Speakerboxx/The
Love Below”, but when your music is an unbelievable and experimental melting
pot of genres, styles and tastes, most of the commercial market just won’t get
it. This album proves that Outkast are still miles ahead of anything and
everyone else.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Label: RCA
Words: Limara Salt
