Lyrically the three New Yorkers don't provide much. The lyrics are hard to impossible to interpret, most of them seem to talk about criminals and out of the perspective of such (hence, the band's name lol). Compared to "Come Find Yourself", most are more in a critical and melancholic way, with the exception of "Korean Bodega", "10th Street", "Southside" and "Big Night Out". It just perfectly fits into NYC, a city that is marked by crime, violence, drugs and poverty. Sometimes it is hard to see whether the lyrics are honest or sarcastic. At least it's still better than any "real" hip hop. "Southside" plays from the perspective of a rapist or perhaps even murderer. Not that I was much of a fan of that, but unlike Nine Inch Nails it at least doesn't give ya nightmares (sorry that I have to rant on NIN, I just despise music that gives you nightmares, I do like dark music like 16 Horsepower, but not music that is too crazy, which sadly also is the case for some jazz records, luckily not here). "Sugar" on the other hand is like a message to God, thanking a lifesaver ("and I don't know how to feel anymore, but I'm tryin, I'm tryin to tell ya"). While "We Are All Very Worried About You" is the most melancholic song of the album, in both lyrics and melody.
And now we are getting there. Luckily the instrumentals are way better than the lyrics, and honestly, usually we don't really pay attention to the lyrics. The beats usually affect us more. They are strongly influenced by Smooth Jazz, like already said, many songs like "Up On The Hill", "Love Unlimited", "The View Belongs To Everyone" and "We Are All Very Worried About You" sound pretty melancholic, but also with a strong summer atmosphere. While "Korean Bodega" follows the rock sound of the debut album and the closing track "Fisty Nuts" (an instrumental) has a strong influence of 50's country/rockabilly, sounds like an instrumental from an early Johnny Cash song. I honestly hate calling this hip hop, since this hip hop definitely focuses more in the lyrics, but here the lyrics, like already said, have little value. The only song from this album I wish that wasn't there is the tasteless "Big Night Out". Sorry, it just sounds awkward? Why did those three boys ever have to record it? Now it's one of their most suggested songs at concerts. I mean, I'm not a concert goer, so I don't care, but it still disguists me...
Overall however the three men are talented musicians. Huey Morgan has a soul influenced type of guitar playing (but isn't per se the best vocalist), Brian "Fast" Leiser is an allrounder, who plays bass guitar, trumpet, keyboard and harmonica and does a good job with all four, looks like he is the biggest talent in the band. And last but not least Steve "O" Borovini, who does a solid job at drumming, such a pity he would leave the band one year later.
Overall it isn't a must listen to, usually people with my taste of music won't like it, but if you do like smoth jazz sounds mixed with some melodic blues, this definitely is for you. Play this at a beach party or while driving in your car near the beach, people will love it. Nothing you will tell your kids about, but it is good for what it is and unlike gangsta or "concious" rap it at least can be enjoyed somehow - at least with the exception of the horrible "Big Night Out".
Most enjoyable tracks:
Up On The Hill
Love Unlimited
The View Belongs To Everyone
Sugar
All For Self
Mini Bar Blues (with the legendary BB King instead of Huey on the guitar!)
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