Essence
by A Guy Called Gerald
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. AllMusic
    60
    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.
  2. Pitchfork
    56
    Infuriatingly sub-standard...
  3. Q Magazine
    60
    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.
  5. Spin
    80
    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]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. Alternative Press
    80
    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]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. Urb
    80
    The stance on Essence is less confrontational than its precursor, more a life-affirming offering to elemental forces. [#79, p.128]
    All this publication's reviews
  8. CDNow
    80
    This isn't just pop-inflected electronica: Gerald's compositions evince a depth and artistic integrity rare in albums of this ilk.
  9. Launch.com
    90
    Essence is the album Roni Size's Breakbeat Era hoped to be, a song-based, drum 'n' bass epic that works on many levels.
  10. Sonicnet
    80
    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.
  11. Wall of Sound
    74
    Gerald's mastery of his own sound and style generally triumphs over his occasional lapses in focus.

Awards & Rankings

61
#61 Best Album of 2000
97
#97 Most Shared Album of 2000

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
tbd

No user score yet- Awaiting 3 more ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 1
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 1
  3. Negative: 0 out of 1
  1. GamezGilmore
    Jun 12, 2022
    10
    If I'm being honest? I'm not a huge fan of album "reviews". Social Media has cultivated an era focusing too much on shared experiences, to theIf I'm being honest? I'm not a huge fan of album "reviews". Social Media has cultivated an era focusing too much on shared experiences, to the point of NOT acknowledging the artistic credibility of truly magnificent works. Don't get me wrong; great art CAN be renowned. But, the greatest and most impactful art, is polarizing in a sense...

    For the large group of people that may disregard it, there's the other, secular group that may have been deeply, profoundly impacted by it. In the case of A Guy Called Gerald's "Essence", consider me the latter. Prior to this album, I wasn't big on "Drum & Bass" nor "Jungle" genres. Not to say that I didn't or wouldn't like them; It's just that the music didn't warrant urgent exploration in my mind. Even if artists from the aforementioned genre's have influenced many other artists and producers, it's not like they're widely celebrated and accessible. "Drum & Bass", along with "Jungle", two genres A Guy Called Gerald pioneered, appeal only to a very niche market.

    Which brings me to this album; This is one of those rare albums that transcended it's genre, or restrictions, in other words.

    It's thought provoking, vulnerable, empathetic, emotional... It is lyrically human, while conceptionally spiritual and universal (Song titles like "The Universe", "First Breath", and "Humanity" help enforce that opinion). But, what makes this amazing album polarizing, however, is how wildly eccentric it is.

    If I had to recommend this album to someone? I would imagine them being a deeply self-aware individual that wears their emotions on their sleeves, for better AND for worse. Someone who rides their "highs" but is fearless in traversing and navigating the "lows". They may do drugs/psychedelics in their personal life, while being able to maintain a pristine professional image. That is essentially what this album personifies; The navigation of the spirit, as they navigate the physical world, making sure not to sever their connection from the Essence of God. This album is a true work of art; The kind that several people would walk past noting it as insignificant... But, that one individual would stop, take a glimpse, and then suddenly breakdown and cry. This Gerald individual is certainly more than just A Guy if I'm judging by this album.    … Full Review »