After countless delays, Maurice White finally releases 'Interpretations - Celebrating The Music Of Earth, wind & Fire', and the results are good for the most part. Before I review this CD, it's important to know that Maurice personally chose each of the artists on the CD, and he didn't want them to rehash the old songs with the same old arrangements...He wanted them to INTERPRET the songs in their own way! Hence you get the title 'Interpretations'...NOT REMAKES. So give this CD a chance because NOBODY expects the artists to surpass the classic songs, and they don't, but it is pretty interesting to say the least.
Now for my review! 'Interpretations' starts with a BANG as Chaka Khan (backed by members of Soulive) tears through her reading of 'Shining Star', and with her high octane vocals up front (and in good form), the song turns out to be a serious funkfest (don't sleep on Soulive...they can PLAY!!).
'Be Ever Wonderful' is a STRANGE choice for the 2nd track, and it features Neo-Soul legend Angie Stone, who doesn't give me enough on this reading. She is simply TOO restrained and after hearing the song, I'm left wanting more. Don't get me wrong, Angie sounds good, but the song never fully develops (the original was almost 6 minutes long!) as it fades out with a quickness after only 4 minutes.
'September' is a perfect vehicle for Kirk Franklin, and his reading of the classic is a winner. He updated the lyrics and transformed EWF's classic into a Gospel stompfest.
'Devotion' by Ledisi really shines, and Maurice is to be commended for pairing the singer (no, the SANGER) with this jam. NO, Ledisi doesn't try to be Philip Bailey here, but her extensive range is on full display here. Like the original, I can actually FEEL her rendition, not just hear it!
'Can't Hide Love' was tastefully done by The Randy Watson Experience Feat.Bilal, and I have nothing against this track, but it really pales in comparison to D'Angelo's 1996 version (IMO). I've never paid much attention to Bilal, but I'm feeling this track, which will probably grow on me. The change in tempo halfway through the song was pretty interesting, and it gives the band a chance to stretch out a bit.
'Love's Holiday' by the one & only Lalah Hathaway was tastefully done, and her jazzy vocals are perfect for the song, which begins as a semi-accapella tune. Eventually, the rhythm section joins Lalah, but like Angie Stone, I was left wanting to hear more as the song faded out TOO EARLY!
'That's The Way Of The World' by Dwele is given a Neo-Soul makeover, and I'm really impressed. The driving beat and vocal (also ala D'Angelo) are quite exceptional, and I must applaud Dwele for his updated version of the 1975 anthem.
'After The Love Is Gone' is next, and Mint Condition does it's thing! I am SO happy that Maurice asked Mint to be on the CD because Stokely is such a talented vocalist (& drummer, etc). Mint doesn't really alter the original's arrangement, BUT it is tastefully updated at the same time. This track is a winner.
'Reasons' by Musiq Soulchild is next, and initially, I didn't have high expectations for him to do justice to Philip's classic performance. Well, I was pretty impressed with Musiq's take on 'Reasons' and his falsetto was very sweet, BUT not Bailey Glass Shattering, and he stays true to the original. Even though Musiq didn't inject his own flavor on 'Reasons', I'll say it's a highlight on the CD.
Closing the 10 track CD is 'Fantasy' (IMO, 'Be Ever Wonderful' would be a better CLOSER!!), and the ultra talented MeShell NdegeOcello transforms the classic into something um...different. She takes 'Fantasy' on some weird acid rock trip, and doesn't end the CD on a high note! Whew...
All n' All, 'Interpretations...' is a winner, and I enjoyed the informative linernotes by Maurice White & David Nathan, but where are the cool pictures that Maurice took with each of the artists ?? I also heard that a bonus 'making of Interpretations' DVD was supposed to be included...Hmmm!! Questionable sequencing of songs, and including ONLY 10 tracks on the CD is kind of WEAK when you think about 35+ years of music from EWF!! I must say that it would've been cool to have additional tracks like 'Head To The Sky' by Maysa, 'Wanna Be With You' by Urban Knights, 'Sun Goddess' by Doc Powell, and 'Serpentine Fire' by Brian Culbertson. Oh well, I'll extend my personal copy to include these great 'bonus' tracks, but I'd also recommend 'Interpretations...' to music lovers & fans of EWF alike. It'll do until we get a new CD from the Elements!
Peace, SD
(Chakasworld)