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Essence
by A Guy Called Gerald
Former 808 State-er Gerald Simpson returns with a follow-up to 1995's Black Secret Technology.
| LABEL: |
Stud!o K7 |
| RELEASE DATE: |
29 August 2000 |
| DISCS: |
1 disc |
| GENRE(S): |
Electronic |
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...
90
Launch.com
Essence is the album Roni Size's Breakbeat Era hoped to be, a song-based, drum 'n' bass epic that works on many levels.
80
Spin
The sound may be five years old, but Essence's insistence that jungle left something valuable behind back in '95 is a major part of its appeal. [Sept. 2000]
80
Urb
The stance on Essence is less confrontational than its precursor, more a life-affirming offering to elemental forces. [#79, p.128]
80
CDNow
This isn't just pop-inflected electronica: Gerald's compositions evince a depth and artistic integrity rare in albums of this ilk.
80
Sonicnet
Gerald ups the ante again, incorporating astounding vocalists, intricate bass and drum patterns, and mood-altering melodies and tones to take the electronic dance community by storm.
80
Alternative Press
He's created a bona-fide pop album--smokingly soulful, sure, but armed to the teeth with hooks and refrains, radio-ready and simultaneously transcendent. [#147, p.84]
74
Wall of Sound
Gerald's mastery of his own sound and style generally triumphs over his occasional lapses in focus.
60
Q Magazine
An LP of sleek, sophisticated and teasingly soulful tunes. Eerily introverted one moment, warm and open the next, Essence demands attention but makes for an intriguing, rewarding experience.
60
All Music Guide
Though his solo tracks are fine compositions, its when Gerald mixes the dark drum'n'bass beats with sultry elements and star female vocals, does his production come alive and the album become worthwhile.
56
Pitchfork
Infuriatingly sub-standard...
The average user rating for this album is 0.0 (out of 10) based on 0 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
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