Admirable message, but the Voice is lacking
Published Oct. 31, 2006
It's always funny to hear musicians perform who clearly think that they have more fame than they actually do. It's even funnier when that individual's repertoire contain lyrics such as, "I got ass, I got titties/ What'd I want to turn the TV and see that for," or, "You don't know me ... I'm only here to bag your groceries."
When these two characteristics combine, you know you're bound to see some platinum and gold records start to fly. That or you'll see some career musician out on the street. Whichever end the artist reaches, it's certainly a surprise — especially if they don't fall flat on their faces.
On Voice's debut album, Gumbo, the singer lashes out against the corporations, the record deals and the overall poor quality of our contemporary society. There's no doubt that she has a great message and understands she has the power to make an impact with the widespread influence of her medium.
Unfortunately for her, she doesn't have the talent to do so, resulting in a collection of music that lacks the sparkle of a life-changing, or otherwise halfway decent, album.
Her critical opinions, best seen on such tracks as "La Contradiction" and "Clock In," offer up images of long-forgotten aspects of society. In every other situation, this would be great — an artist finally remembering the corruption of the entertainment industry and the impoverishment of the destitute. But despite the depth of her intended message, the lyrics remain bland and uninspired.
Also, regardless of the message, some aspects of Voice's music are sure to lead her audience to question her integrity as an artist. On "Sign Where?" she essentially claims credit for just about everything she has done of musical significance. She claims she "spits all the kicks," negotiates her own bookings, co-runs the label and manages herself. Yet, on the back of the album, it clearly states another name has written the words and another name has produced the music. She really did just provide the "Voice."
Throughout the entirety of the New Orleans native's debut album, she reaches back to her roots, which her social commentary clearly stems from. Some of her music even reflects her background in that the clarinets and synthetic brass on many of the tracks add a noticeable jazz feel to the hip-hop experience.
The album does have some redeeming qualities aside from the political messages, though they are few and far between. For example, because of "Sign Where?" I learned that to get signed, it's often necessary for artists to give head. But, being the rebel that she is, on the track, Voice declares, "Before I sign (my life away) my name away, I must include a clause. There will be no dick sucking, fucking, slurping, gurgling or anything of that nature." This is rather amusing, but then you remember, "This is supposed to be music." Then the fun ends.
The album as a whole isn't very impressive. The tracks don't seem to be mastered properly and Voice can't rap to save her life — a poor career choice on her part, I suppose. Although the message is good and Voice's voice is nice to listen to, neither aspect can save the album from the discount bin.
Artist: Voice
Album: Gumbo
Genre: Electric rap
Record Label: Public Transit
Release Date: Oct. 24
Most Listenworthy Track: 'La Contradiction'
Reviewer's Rating: 2 out of 5 Ms