gamblinfamily's Full Review: Bitter by Me'Shell Ndeg?ocello
Very few artists can tap into the pleasure and pain of love. Me'Shell NdegeOcello captures the tingling sensation of a lovers touch, the stinging effect of a lovers insults, or criticism with her vocals. Almost as daringly haunting is her instrumental touch to her songs.
As a blues fan I know good heart break and hurt when I hear it. I also know good accompaniment and vocals when I hear it as well. No one quite delivers the goods as well as Me'Shell NdegeOcello. Her music centrally focusing on sexes, sex and her politics bring this album to the front of my collection.
Starting out the album is the extremely haunting Adam, which seems to literally pull you into this album. It slowly builds up to a faster pace then drops you off into one of my favorite songs ever Fool Of Me . Which opens itself up with a slight beating much like the mental and physical games Me'Shell NdegeOcellos lover has laid on her.
I want to kiss you
does she want you with the pain that I do?
I smell you in my dreams
but now when we're face to face
you won't look me in the eye
This song speaks volumes about those of us who have been played and used in relationships. Her vocal delivery on this track is more pain than spit and vinegar and it speaks volumes. This track really drives home how well MeShell NdegeOcello can take her own feelings and makes your soul feel. Satisfy takes the pace up a bit, and shows that Me'Shell NdegeOcello can also praise a lover and love. This song is beautiful and the instruments on here are worth taking the time out for. Great song on those love mix tapes.
The last half of the album really tears into your emotions. Me'Shell NdegeOcello seems a lot more down, and beaten on this album than most of her others. It is that vulnerability that really draws me to her music. Sincerity features a story about a man who loves with his all, yet its not reciprocated.
In the morning he reaches out to feel her warmth
She pulls away
Closes his eyes
He's so ashamed
He's poor in all but truth
But what a fool is he
To wish for wine in her empty kiss
He loves with sweetness and sincerity
While she may only pretend
Beautiful quite frankly is one of those ambiguous songs. It doesnt use he or she typecasting. It speaks very few words but the message is just that, beautiful. Grace ends this album off more peacefully than you would imagine given the earlier songs. Me'Shell NdegeOcello sings about someone being her saving grace. She was never rooted, loved or faithful until she was given something, someone to love and bond with. Me'Shell NdegeOcello seems again to make love to your ears with her vocal delivery. The ending is not bitter at all, but quite beautiful.
Many may say that this is a downer, and not worth your time. Kick those people straight in their teeth. This is music you can feel the CD damn near cries. Get in touch with that side of yourself, with a little help from Me'Shell NdegeOcello
Track Listing
1. Adam
2. Fool Of Me
3. Faithful
4. Satisfy
5. Bitter
6. May This Be Love
7. Sincerity
8. Loyalty
9. Beautiful
10. Eve
11. Wasted Time
12. Grace
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