Comments on: Review: Leave It All Behind

By: jojo.

jojo. — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 03:09:14 +0000

man, i’m just vibin’ to the instrumental right now to ‘all or nothing/coming home to you.’ this album will be in rotation for a few…

the only things i can say i don’t care for -slightly- (and i mean SLIGHTLY) are phonte’s rapped verses. like, i knew which songs he was gonna rap on (mostly because of him talking before them; i *heart* his continuous references to ike & tina, btw), and then i was like ‘okay, let’s continue the singing.’ wasn’t too crazy about ‘em. kinda felt out of place imo. album’s still on point. GREAT CAR MUSIC.

By: Jason

Jason — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 02:49:19 +0000

damn Kev! thats the name of the new city lights album?!
any word on another dutch masters mixtape??

By: Thomas

Thomas — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 01:46:16 +0000

Good review. I’m digging the album hard. When I found out that Phonte was singing the whole joint I shook my head. Gave it a try and definetly enjoy it. The production at first doesn’t seem like there is any variation, but after a few listens the differences in each song comes out. Need to get it on the iPod or in the car to hear everything.

The elephant in the room for me is the lack of verses from Phonte. I can appreicpate an artist spreading their wings, but gotta keep the natives happy somewhat.

This will do until a new LB album.

By: Kevin

Kevin — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 21:44:53 +0000

I just can’t get enough of Nicolay’s production. I’m looking forward to his next joint already, which will be a follow-up to City Lights…. Volume 2: Shibuya.

By: Anwar

Anwar — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 21:11:04 +0000

I definitely agree that this is mood music. You definitely feel it a lot more when you’re going through it. As far as the direction of the album, I can’t say that I was caught off guard. After hearing Daykeeper and Zo! and Tigallo Love the 80’s, I knew exactly what LIAB was going to be. For anybody needing a Tay rapping fix, check out Bless the Child on Jake One’s album.

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By: FlamesYall

FlamesYall — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 19:18:17 +0000

If Phonte is that talented, shouldn’t he be allowed to branch out when he feels the motivation to do so..? I know you’re all loving it, but the people who’re complaining should start relaxing and thinking outside the box… I’m sure Phonte will rap again, I’m sure he’ll sing again.
I’m enthused that Nicolay is spreading his wings and growing. Make other groups, rappers, singers, producers step their game up… It’s about being aspirational these days, surely?

By: Sean Deez

Sean Deez — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 19:06:42 +0000

well we should all listen to “when everything is new” to get a hint that this was coming..

apparently there were tidbits spotlighting the fact that it was gonna be phonte singing/soul…

i had no idea

it doesn’t help if you go into this album with high expectations

By: dar

dar — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 18:33:28 +0000

i’ll simply say that there is enough room in the world for Phonte the MC, and Phonte the singer.

By: Sean Deez

Sean Deez — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 16:40:15 +0000

Big Ups Will.. I just added that part about growing. I had to give the album a few listens, and I only got a chance to review when the digital copy came out. Not much time since KEVIN put me on a deadline.

With that said, Jason, great point on “leaving it all behind” but I refuse to ignore that elephant in the room. Specially when his trunk waves around a few times

By: Jason

Jason — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 16:21:50 +0000

nice review sean…especially on point about that comfortable ending to the LP

i dunno, it seems like i was just as disappointed/shocked as u that Tay doesnt spit, and that we dont get his witty lyricism over such beautiful beats…

but then i think, if we’re thinking like that, we’re not truly Leaving It All Behind…because if we came into this album expecting singing, or if an R&B singer did this album, we’d say album of the year!

best way to enjoy the album is to pretty much forget Tay the MC i think

By: Will Martyn

Will Martyn — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 15:49:59 +0000

I think you hit the nail on the head with your review Deez. It’s a ‘grower’, no doubt. Repeated listens with headphones bring out the sonic, sometimes genius production of Nicolay and Phonte’s voice is smooth as hell. I also agree with your standout tracks – Daykeeper is ridiculously good! I’d also give a mention to ‘All or Nothing/Coming Home to You’ which sounds incredible with repeat listens. In terms of Connected, it’s classic hip hop, and you’re right when you suggest that rather than make a ‘Connected pt.2′ they’ve spread their wings and pushed the musical boundaries. Ultimately whether this album beats Connnected is another question entirely, but you have to admire their ambition. Thanks for the review.

By: Sean Deez

Sean Deez — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 14:06:32 +0000

this album is mood music. take it (and my score) with a grain of salt

By: FlamesYall

FlamesYall — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 12:51:55 +0000

I absolutely love this album. It’s all about evolution, not constraints. It is a wall of sound to be zoned out to. I do the ironing while listening to it.

Perfect.