Gil Scott-Heron - I'm New Here (2010)

Artist: Gil Scott-Heron
Album: I'm New Here
Genre: Spoken Word, Hip-Hop
Release Date: January, 2010
Qualities: Short Length (28:16)
Mood: Dark, Moody, Gruff, Atmospheric

Rating: *****

Often times when bands make reunion albums after being split up for many years they are awful. But Gill Scott-Heron is an individual singer-songwriter with an intimate sense of the power of music and a sincere purpose. This is what ultimately makes his first record in 16 years incredible. His masterful poetry dominates the album, it contains much more spoken word than his most famous release, "Pieces of Man" (although there is plenty of singing here). And although the choice of updating his sound with trip-hop production may be a poor one, the dominance of his raspy vocals allows the listener to look past that. Most of the time this modern production becomes so ethereal and atmospheric that it simply provides a wonderful backdrop for Scott-Heron's poetry. As relief, it is offset by other styles as on the acoustic guitar title track and the clap rhythm of "New York is Killing Me". Filled with some of the master's best lyrics, this album is enjoyable every listen. Short and biting, Gil doesn't bother with filler, he packs every moment with a punch. Even the brief interludes fit perfectly. Highly recommended.

1. On Coming From a Broken Home (Pt. 1) *****!
2. Me and the Devil ****
3. I'm New Here *****
4. Your Soul and Mine ***
5. Parents (Interlude)
6. I'll Take Care of You ****
7. Being Blessed (Interlude)
8. Where Did the Night Go **
9. I Was Guided (Interlude)
10. New York is Killing Me *****
11. Certain Things (Interlude)
12. Running *****!
13. The The Crutch ***
14. I've Been Me (Interlude)
15. On Coming From a Broken Home (Pt. 2) *****!