The 37th State Compilation | Various Artists
Album Review: The 37th State Compilation
by Brent Faulkner
Listen to "The 37th State" Compilation on our R&B/Soul Page by clicking here!
The 37th State Compilation is a contemporary Afrobeat album that straddles elements of funk, hip-hop, and R&B. Incorporating a modern bag of tricks production-wise alongside African percussion sounds and superbly orchestrated horns, the music is the highlight of this effort. While the grooves are always infectious and "in the pocket," sometimes overindulgence in length and 'minimalist' scope of The 37th State Compilation takes away from it ever so slightly. Overall, the compilation is one that is well produced and mixed, though not always incredibly distinct in its material. It may be the fact that with two separate discs (disc one is entitled 'Departures' while disc two, mostly a remix disc, is entitled 'Arrivals'), but it is a nice cultural contribution with African heritage at its forefront if nothing more.
The album opens strongly with the "groove-tastic" "Fire" featuring Keziah Jones. Well produced, the production is buttressed by a full bass line. The main quibbles? The track is too lengthy and the musicians overindulge into the same minimalist groove for over seven minutes. "Leaving You" features Terry Walker on vocals (a nice breathy performance) and legendary rap group Slum Village providing the rhymes. A more enjoyable track than the opening "Fire," "Not Leaving" lifts the same groove from its predecessor, which may be its only drawback despite its elite status.
"Best Bet" featuring Tony Allen differentiates the groove from the first couple of cuts though the vocals are hard to decipher. "All Get Down" featuring Ty is a highlight, for both its lyrical and production work. "Invisible Hands" keeps the "Afrobeat" vibe alive, though the production is the slightest bit too crisp - too mechanical if you will. "Mo Gba,” featuring Lyric L and Infinite Livez is enjoyable, but at over eight minutes, some edits could have made this pleasant track even more effective. “Concentration” is the effort’s briefest cut - again featuring Lyric L and Infinite Livez, packing a decent punch despite its brief length. “Time” featuring spoken word/rap artist BREIS is lengthier, but has more of the effect of ‘background’ as opposed to ‘forefront’ music. The enjoyable “Searching” featuring Giffy is more distinct, but still suffers a lack of distinction.
“Alaye” featuring Tony Allen & Dele Sosemi features some exceptional instrumental solos, not to mention the overall orchestration and sound. “Ladies UK” featuring Elle Holland (vocals) and Giffy (rhymes) is one of the best of the compilation, proving to be one of few tracks that transcends mere groove in favor of some solid songwriting. That said, “Ladies UK” lifts the same groove of “Fire” and “Leaving You” which goes to the idea that this compilation at times could stand more differentiation in sound.
“Tic Toc,” featuring Ikwunga is difficult to decipher as far as overall ‘scope,’ but it may be the album’s most interesting listen, enhanced by it diverse production work. “Throw Away Your Hands” focuses on the production more than BREIS’s rhymes (which are solid) while penultimate cut “Why,” featuring Tony Allen, Dele Sosemi and Lisa Lore suffers from its lengthiness. “Bombayjazz” closes the ‘Departures’ disc well with exceptional instrumental work.
‘Arrivals,’ disc two, is mostly a bonus track affair with a number of remixes, but there are some gems. “Found” opens the disc exceptionally with a great uptempo vibe and superb and tasteful orchestration. The interspersion of ‘African voices’ helps to make this track a highlight. “Invisible Hands” is remixed on three different occasions here (all unique) in addition to two remixes of “All Get Down” and a stellar, hip-hop remix of “Leaving You” entitled “Not Leaving Wit Cha (Jimmy Douglas Remix).” This disc does not really change the album after the jam packed first disc - the main attraction - but it does provide some extras that are worth the listen.
Overall, The 37th State Compilation is a great representation of the modern Afrobeat album. Like most compilation albums, it suffers from some sameness and overindulgence, but for the most part, if nothing else, the conception is brilliant. It is great to see this music being exposed to a new generation who may be unfamiliar with Afrobeat music or even the African culture. And with Grammy-winning mixer Jimmy Douglas at the boards, not to mention a slew of talent (BREIS, Lyric L, Slum Village, Keziah Jones, etc.), it is worthwhile listen.
Brent Faulkner
The Urban Music Scene
Posted by Administration at 2/14/2011 9:20 AM 
Categories: International, African Soul, Rhythm and Blues, Soul, World Music
Tags: Rhythm And Blues
Categories: International, African Soul, Rhythm and Blues, Soul, World Music
Tags: Rhythm And Blues
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