Twice as raw and thrice as hungry as anything the neo-soul mastermind has previously released, Hoping-from the title on down-is a full-throated, full-throttle challenge.
He sometimes comes off a bit like he's exploring the idea of a genre more than actually writing a song ("Eyes Like Pearls" get dangerously close to Kravitzing) but generally has enough enthusiasm and hooks to make his celebration of musical freedom worth riding along with.
Hunt manages to turn in his most intense and provocative album yet, a stunning mix of prog, punk and soul that can challenge even the most jaded listener. [#81, p. 57]
I've been a fan of Van Hunt ever since hearing his debut album back in 2004. Having never been an R&B fan per se, I picked up the album onI've been a fan of Van Hunt ever since hearing his debut album back in 2004. Having never been an R&B fan per se, I picked up the album on the strength of a review in People magazine of all places. What I heard transformed how I view music today. I've become more and more hooked with each subsequent album. His latest release "What Were You Hoping For" (www.vanhunt.com), finds Van at his most creative and free. I HIGHLY recommend you buy this CD! You may not be ready for what you're about to hear, but you will thank me later!
Van is a master lyricst, as usual on WWYHF. This album should finally do away with the "neo-soul" banner that people tried to hang on Van. Actually all labels of the sort need to be thrown out! The collection of songs ranges from all out rock, to punk, to R&B ballads, to futuristic to even country! There were a couple songs at first that threw me a little, but this is what I LIKE about Van. You can't get comfortable and expect the same-old same-old. Songs that I wasn't sure about at first have become favorites on repeated listens. There is not a bad song on the album, and most (oh hell, I say ALL) of them rate a 10 when you fully absorb the genius that is Van Hunt. This album should earn a Grammy. I think Van will be the Esperanza Spalding of 2011! BUY THIS ALBUM, and if you're lucky, you can catch him on tour!…Expand
If your looking for the Van Hunt from 2004 with songs like "Down Here in Hell (with you)" or songs from his On the Jungle Floor albums likeIf your looking for the Van Hunt from 2004 with songs like "Down Here in Hell (with you)" or songs from his On the Jungle Floor albums like "Being a girl" (which are both excellent songs...) Well your in wrong spot! That isn't that Van Hunt! What has emerged is a psychedelic punk-rock Van Hunt who still keeps in touch with the soul man inside him. This is Van Hunt's 4th studio release following 2008's Popular which was never officially released but has become a bit of a underground/bootleg sensation. As Hunt has done with his previous albums he continues to grow as an artists.. Going further away from his influences and deeper into his own self. Since Van Hunt's first release of his self titled 2004 album, Hunt has established himself as one of the most talented artists in music today. The singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist has laced his albums with infectious melodies, intelligent lyrics, and rich musicianship, and nothing is different with "What Were You Hoping For?" Van Hunt goes deeper into the deep end then ever before and I couldn't be anymore happier about it!
What Were You Hoping For? show us that Van Hunt is not afraid to take a chance, but also knows you must hit it out of the park when you do, and he always does! I'm not sure if this is Van Hunt's best album to date. It maybe too early to say that. "Popular" is one of my all time favirote albums, but this is better in my opinion then both the self titled album and On The Jungle Floor" and that's saying something cause both of those are EXCELLENT albums!
Bottom line: Buy the album you'll be very happy you did!…Expand
