Search - Dr. Who Dat? :: Beat Journey

He's better without lyrics

C. W. Hall | Atlanta, GA USA | 01/26/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"A few months back I admitted to not really being a believer in Jneiro Jarel. This despite the fact that a gang of people whose opinions I respect co-sign for him. I made the argument that he was an incredible producer and a sub-par lyricist. On his solo album that came out earlier this year, the latter drug down the former with horrendous results. I don't know if I can claim credit for this, but I'm glad to announce that this is an instrumental album... and it's incredible.



This is Jneiro Jarel doing what he does best: making music based in jazz and blues instrumentation. It's hip-hop or as close to hip-hop as instrumental music can be, but the sensibility of the horns, vibes, etc. is from the older forms.



And make no mistake; this album is not like most instrumental albums. It's not tracks waiting for vocals. These are complete compositions lacking nothing. Going even further, Jneiro's music gets better in the absence of vocals. With no concerns over fitting lyrics, he is able to fully indulge his musicality. The result is extraordinary and brings me around in the Jneiro Jarel debate. As long as he doesn't start rapping again."