Erykah Badu "New Amerykah : Part One (4th World War)" (Universal Motown, 2008)

Erykah Badu's latest album "New Amerykah: Part One" presents the first of hopefully a series of two or three more albums to come. This album qualifies as her most intimate and politically charged albums to date. The album features production by Madlib, Karriem Riggins, and 9th Wonder with funky electro beats and jazzy horns which compliment Erykah's eclectic style. "New Amerykah: Party One" presents a confident 38-year-old woman; unafraid to take risks and experiment with her music. With previous seductive albums suchs as "Baduizm" and "Mama's Gun," Erykah takes a turn with "New Amerykah: Part One" tackling social issues such as poverty, corruption, and religion. Even the title of the album (4th World War) reminds us of the bold statements being made within the music.

Eryakh challenges the idea that Hip-Hop is dead through her second track " The Healer/Hip Hop, " by claiming that "it's bigger than religion," the people, and the government. With its melodic chants and chimes the track calls out to its audience, " we aint dead yet," making the listener want to get up and make the world awaare of their existence. Erykah continues to critique the government and speak out to the people with tracks such as "Soldier" and "The Cell."

From the very beginning Erykah gets personal, especially with the third track "Me." This track acts as an autobiography/confessional to the listener. Erykah softly sings of her faults but would still rather be herself than any other way. "Me" allows the listener to become intimate with Erykah while delivering a message of individuality. Much of the album flows like a train of thought or a doodle of a the subconscious mind, lacking much structure. Many of the tracks present repetitive chants making the album itself feel like a form of religious experience. The free form of the album leaves room for thought, allowing the listener to fully digest Erykah's messages. She even relates herself to the National Representative of the Nation of Islam, Louis Farrakhan, on the track "Me" where she claims "you [ Farrakhan] are me." She presents many of his views within her songs.

What makes "New Amerykah: Part One" different from her previous albums includes her use of electro-beats throughout many of the tracks. The beats give the album a fresh, futuristic feel. The album does offer some old school Erykah with the final track honey which does not exactly fit with the rest of the album. Ironically, "Honey" appears as Erykah's first and only single for the album.

"New Amerykah: Part One" displays an Erykah Badu that has evolved over time. Much of the tracks flow like a dream but each with underlying deeper meanings. The album speaks on the poor condition of society at the moment. It leaves room for many questions and also offers some fresh sounds for the ear from the usual empty pop music played on the radio.