Rooty - Basement Jaxx > Reviews > Rooting for the best album of the year

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics	Thought-provoking
Quality and consistency of tracks	Mixed
Value for Money

Advantages:	Some tracks are fantastic  -  Romeo, Get me off etc  -  and the videos are great
Disadvantages:	Takes a while to get into

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

You've possibly read my Destiny's Child, Daft Punk and Dido reviews earlier and as you can see I have a very varied music taste. Well I have another album to add to my collection of oddity. Basement Jaxx have been around for many years but its only in their last two albums out of 4 that I have got interested in them. So this is my opinion on their latest album, Rooty.

I got this for my birthday a couple of months ago after it was recommended by my brother. I also got it because I absolutely adored the first song off the album, Romeo.

My bro also has the 3rd album, Remedy which is also a class compelation. However, I am here to review Rooty and thats what I'll review. Now I warn you that I am not a music boff - tempo and texture all went over my head when I was younger. But never mind, I will do my best.

1 ROMEO

This is probably my favourite track on the album becuause it was so different when it came out. I actually heard it a few months before it was released and I loved it. It had a few odd sounds in it which were appealing all the same - I love Daft Punk remember. With evocative lyrics sung fantastically by Kele, dumped by her record label, Le Roc, the song was bound to be a hit. And although 6 was high, it didn't do one of my favourite songs of the year justice. Although can I make a point that, Ms Le Roc didn't do any promotional work which could have restricted the songs success?

2 BREAKAWAY

This is also one of the best on the album. Breakaway is quite a repetative, deep beat, club tune with its addictive sounds. There aren't many lyrics but they repeat which just adds to the songs appeal. Expect this to possibly be the 4th song released off the album - I hope so anyway.

3 SFM

This is probably my least favourite song on the album. SFM stands for 'Sexy feline machine' and is a bit more R'n'B than the rest of the songs on the album. To me it just doesn't get going. Its not a bad song but it doesn't match the rest of the album.

4 KISSALUDE

No I haven't forgotton to put a space in, Kissalude is how its spelt. Another fantastic song on the album. Just 4 lines get repeated throughout the song. It may sound boring but with its fantastic beat it works very well. The lyrics by Alma Duah are brilliantly sung with her deep, sexy and smooth voice. If you've listened to it you'll know what I mean.

5 JUS 1 KISS

No I haven't forgotton the t either. Its spelt like that too. This was the 2nd song off the album and is quite similar to the previous Kissalude song but this has a more upbeat - Basement Jaxx like - feel to it. 14 in the charts wasn't good enough because this is also a great song off the album.

6 BROKEN DREAMS

Not the best but not the worst, this is quiet song compared to the previous 5 tracks. This is more of a proper song with lyrics from beginning to end. Thw lyrics by Sha are sung beautifully and are quite hypnotic too.

7 I WANT U

Sung by just 'Mandy' this is up there with the best. I want U is a song which primes itself on a good beat and relateable lyrics - 'Lost on Mars, got no paddle, not a super catch, aint no model'. I actually found it quite funny and I always crank it up when it comes on my CD player.

8 GET ME OFF

This probably joint second best in my tally of fave songs on this album. Called 'Get me off' there are a range of different vocals throughout the song and coupled to the fantastic beat it is just great to listen to. Definately one to watch if it gets released...

9 WHERES YOUR HEAD

'Get me off' sits joint second with this track, 'Wheres your head at' - or rather 'Wheres your ed at'. This screams a fantastic track. It has an insane and danceable beat with simple and even more manic lyrics which you dont sing to, just shout, scream or howl to. Its a song which you just cannot listen to with the volume down. A class track which should bea top 10 today in the top 40 charts - if anyone knows where it is could they tell me...

10 FREAKALUDE

After Kissalude comes Freakalude. This is definately a Basement Jaxx trademark track. Its an instrumental - the only one on the album - and although its not the best, its a bit of relief after the insnae previous track...

11 CRAZY GIRL

This is another track sung by 'Felix' - after Breakaway and Jus 1 kiss - and once again is expertly done. Its another short lyrics and repectative track but then again if I like it it doesn't really matter.

12 DO YOUR THING

This one of the most bizzare songs on the album. After all the dance tunes, this comes on like an old 30's Jazzy song which you do pirouettes too. It surprised me but you cant help but sing along, jig the hips and have a laugh. One of the best on the album, although you'll have to listen to it a few times first...

13 ALL I KNOW

The last song on the album basically follows the rest of the album but it breaks no new ground so it comes across as quite regular. But percivere and it'll be a smooth, chilled tonic after the upbeat tunes earlier in the album. Something to sit down and listen to.

So there is my attempt of one of my favourite albums. Oh I almost forgot I need to do my trademark rating system...

TRACK NAME RATING

1 ROMEO * * * * *
2 BREAKAWAY * * * * *
3 SFM * *
4 KISSALUDE * * * *
5 JUS 1 KISS * * * *
6 BROKEN DREAMS * * * AND A HALF
7 I WANT U * * * *
8 GET ME OFF * * * * *
9 WHERES YOUR HEAD AT * * * * *
10 FREAKALUDE * * *
11 CRAZY GIRL * * *
12 DO YOUR THING * * * *
13 ALL I KNOW * * *

I do recommend this album. It has a good mix of songs but the nest ones are the original and unique tracks. You may have to listen to it a few times to get into it so much. At least we have one thing. They do make fantastic videos - Romeo was a star!

Thanks for reading...

SOLEX/OLLIE

P.S Remember comments are always appreciated, as I love to read them - I find them very valuble as they can give me tips and thought about my writing. I find this important as I am young and interested in how to improve my work...