1. The Watcher (4/5)- It does have some interesting lyrics, and sets up for what will be the mood of the album, however the beat is rather sparse (although it does sound better the more I listen to it), especially coming from Dre.
2. F___ You (4/5)- The production is more vintage Dre, with the slinky synthesizer effect and heavy bassline. While it's a nice track (southern rapper Devin, comes off the best, providing a sloppy, yet tight hook), I can't give it a 5, since by 1999 I've heard one too many generic "I'm a pimp" songs.
3. Still D.R.E. (5/5) This is the best mesh of Dre's old style (apparent in the layered bassline) and his newer style (the pianos and violins instead of the synthesizers). Dre and Snoop both come in full force lyrically, aptly displaying that they never really fell off.
4. Big Ego's (5/5) Another great track, showcasing Dre's great use of piano keys, over a great bassline. Entertaining lyrics from Dre, while Hittman comes of especially nice on this track, overshadowing Dre lyrically (even though he probably wrote Dre's verse too).
5. XXplosive (5/5)- A laid back, acoutstic guitar laced, big pimpin' track, with an extremely tight beat. Dre comes along with Kurupt and Nate Dogg (who's singing goes perfect with the beat), which more than makes up for the tired subject matter. Reminds me of classic Death Row material.
6. What's The Difference (5/5)- An interesting horn laced beat. Dre speaks about his feelings towards MC Ren, DOC, and Eazy-E. Xzibit comes nice with some battle rhymes, but Eminem completely rips the track to shreds. The only problem with this track is that it lacks conception since everyone comes on a different subject, but it's too hot not to get a 5.
7. Light Speed (3.5/5)- 2001 isn't perfect, and songs like this are the reason why. He tries to hard to go for a futuristic spacey sound (it does have a tight 'whistle' though), that ends up sound kinda corny, especially coming from a vet like Dre. Not to mention a corny hook.
8. Forgot About Dre (5/5)- At first I was lukewarm to the idea of Dre doing a 'bounce' beat, but after a few listens, this song is one of the album's best. Dre speaks on how people seem to forget that he helped mold gangsta rap, and he's demanding respect is given where respect is due. As always, Eminem comes correct with a excellet hook and verse.
9. The Next Episode (5/5)- Dre comes with a high energy beat that never fails to get me amped (I can even overlook the fact that he reworks an overused sample). The beat has a futuristic feel to it, without becoming corny like Light Speed. This is the best collab between Dre and Snoop (the energy and chemistry is perfect) since the Doggystyle days. Nate Dogg rounds out the song with a fitting hook/verse.
10. Let's Get High (0/5)- Where can I start? This is a hideously blantant attempt at a club hit. For a moment I even thought I was listening to a Puff Daddy album. This garbage completely mars the album. Horrible. Luckily no other song on 2001 is this bad.
11. B___ N____z (5/5)- A tightly slow track with a slinky, mellow vibe, with some good ol' scratching for the hook (a technique that is underused lately). Like the majority of the album, the lyrics are aimed at the haters, but the guests (Snoop, Hittman Six-Two) keep it fresh. I personally like this one, but it may be too uneventful for some to completely feel.
12. Murder Ink (3/5) Dre reworks the theme song from the horror movie series Halloween. This creates an interestingly dark, frantic vibe, which the emcees don't live up to (Dre doesn't rhyme on this song). The vocal distortion techniuqe is helpful, but the psychotic lyrics sound like a weaker Geto Boys impression. Hitman is pretty good (if unoriginal), but Ms. Roq is lethargic at best, barely coming better than her horrible verse on Let's Get High.
13. Some L.A. N____z (5/5)- Another track in which Dre stay strictly behind the boards, this time bringing in a wide array for west coast's emcees. The results are great, over this extra tight laid back, on-and-off beat. I was hoping for a verse from MC Ren, who only talks, so I'll have to wait for the NWA reuinion.
14. Housewife (4/5) The second time on the album that Dre recycles a song title (The Next Episode being the first). This remake is much better than the original version that appeared on Kuruption!, but it's still not perfect. The beat is similar to the style used on F___ You (but better), and similarly, the subject matter is worn out, especially the tired hook. Still, it gets over by the beat alone.
15. Ackrite (2/5)- Another slip up from Dre, this track that should've never left the studio. The parts of the beat sounds like they were made on a cheap Casio keyboard. Along with some weak lyrics from Hittman, a less than average hook, this song is highly skipable material.
16. Bang Bang (4.5/5)- A more energetic song than on 2001. It also has a catchy, sound effect laced hook. Nothing spectacular lyric-wise, but still a nice joint.
17. The Message (5/5)- The only song that Dre didn't produce (highly underrated east coast producer Lord Finesse handled this one, which sounds a lot different than his usually hardcore beats) The harp/piano sounds nice, although it would fit better on a R&B album. The lyrics are emotional, portraying Dre setting aside all his personas and coming from the heart in a dedication to his deceased brother. While this song doesn't really fit in with the rest of 2001, I can't knock it due the the personal content of the lyrics, which I can definately feel (and is way better and heartfelt than the plethora of dedication tracks that are on wack No Limit albums).
OVERALL: 4/5 Granted that Dre has a few slip ups (including intrusive interludes that could've easily been left out), this is overall, a stellar album. Not quite up to the revolutionary caliber like The Chronic- but a solid album nonetheless. Wheras The Chronic changed the face of west coast rap, 2001 is merely a change of pace for Dre, who's new sound is orignal for him, but in hip hop as a whole it's too similar to a west coast spin on RZA's 'digital orchestra' sound to be completely revolutionary. While Dre used to be one to come with new styles that would revolutionize the west coast, he now seems content with just holding it down, and proving the haters wrong through his logenvity in the game, and in the process, coming with a tight album.
Track by track review (excluding interludes):
Good
22 tracks
