Bringing Down the House Review
Queen Latifah really puts 110% into her film "Bringing Down The House"; not only is she the film's star and producer, but is also the executive producer on the soundtrack, and contributes two of her own tracks to it. All the song, except for "Better Than The Rest", were featured in the film; thus fans of the film should know what to expect. That said, this is a very solid collection of comtemparary hip-hop/R&B and traditional soul sounds; you'd be surprised how well everything meshes. Unfortunetly, only three were official singles (all prior to the film/album's release). Two so-so hip-hop tunes, and one legendary, soul masterpiece:
- Lil Wayne feat. Big Tymers & TQ "Way Of Life" C-. The Cash Money label has always been had as genius, but I feel that the discography is far too inconsistent. This tune really lacks all the style and edge of singles like Lil Wayne's "Block Is Hot" and Big Tymers' "#1 Stunna"; and comes off as standard and tiresome. Not a high point in the Cash Money archive.
- N.E.R.D. "Rock Star" C+. N.E.R.D. a.k.a. The Neptunes have always been better producers than rappers. This minor hit clearly shows talent, yet it lacks the focus to raise it higher than what it is. Many parts, including the chorus are totally mesmerizing, but it all gets lost elsewhere. It doesn't suceed but it's fun hearing it try.
- Barry White "I'm Gonna Love You Just A Little More Babe" A+. Do I even need to say anything? This is one of, if not THE, greatest love song in the history of music. The late, great Barry White always had a sly, seductive edge which changed the face of soul music. Every single beat and word is captivating. This classic has inspired so many other tracks over the years that it will never be forgotten. A perfect note to end an already solid album on.
It is a shame that those were the only singles; becuse there are many other excellent tracks here. Queen Latifah delivers two home runs with the crooning, soul of "Better Than The Rest", and the Mario Winans produced power-rap "Do Your Thing". Other notable hip-hop tracks include Eve & Jadakiss' infectiuos, party tune "Let Go (Hit The Dance Floor)" and the smooth, suductive vibe on Mr. Cheeks' "Move Somethin'" (he really is a VERY underrated artist). It's very refreshing to here some good, (somwwhat) clean, joyful hip-hop for a change. Soul/R&B has a tradtional representation with Kelly Price's classy "Ain't Nobody", and contemporary, courtesy of Floetry with the sweet, warm "Where's The Love". Both terrific soulful sounds; no matter what style.
The other singles may not be as stand-out, but they all fill in nicley and keep the album moving at a cinsistent pace and tone.
Bottom Line: ***. The soundtrack doesn't break the mold, yet it shows how to pull off a terrific urban-music soundtrack. It isn't too long; thus never feeling dragged out, and it has fun party vibe going throughout the whole disc. It is a joy to hear; pure and simple. In an age where many sondtracks lumber through ill fitting mediocre song, all dragged out to boredem; here is a nice cool breeze of a disc.
Bringing Down the House Overview
Lonely white yuppie lawyer meets woman on internet. Woman is street-smart soul-sister ex-con who teaches white boy a thing or two about Respect and Love. Much hilarity ensues. (Well, two out of three ain't bad.) But just as the odd couple vehicle for Queen Latifah and Steve Martin can't even seem to get its cartoonish formula down straight, the film's hip-hop laden song-score (co-produced by Latifah) offers up a few bright moments from some contemporary hip-hop royalty (Foxy Brown's sassy "Whatcha Gonna Do," Latifah's soulful "Better Than the Rest," the pop-R&B of Kelly Price's "Ain't Nobody"). N.E.R.D.'s hypnotic "Rock Star" and Mr. Cheeks slinky "Move Somethin'" inject some much-needed edge into proceedings that too often push tasty street beats off the plate for heaping rations of warmed over McHip-Hop. --Jerry McCulley
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