October 2002 Brown Sugar : Just Above Lukewarm

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Reviewed by Chika Chukudebelu Brown Sugar - Just Above Lukewarm Chronicling the love story between Dre and Sidney, childhood friends and lovers of hip-hop, the Brown Sugar soundtrack serves as a most appropriate musical accent to the film that poses the question: Can men and women truly be platonic friends? With an ensemble that includes Mos Def, Angie Stone, Erykah Badu, Common, Eric B. and Rakim, Jill Scott, The Roots and Cassandra Wilson, fans of these performers will definitely enjoy their respective tracks. Unfortunately, the album lacks the fever that forces you to keep it on your personal heavy rotation the way the legendary soundtracks of Waiting to Exhale and Love Jones did. The excitement behind the film fuels your excitement behind the soundtrack and the score of the movie piques your curiosity about the soundtrack. Cassandra Wilson’s rendition of Cindi Lauper’s “Time After Time” is so smooth that it serenades you to sleep. Jill Scott’s “Easy Conversation” tickles your insides and reminds you of a child’s innocent giggle. Erykah and Common team up again to deliver the track that sums up the film’s plot “Love of My Life (An Ode to Hip Hop)”. While the slow songs wind down the mood, the party songs fail to catch the fire that keeps the momentum flowing. While not all 15 tracks are gems, there are definitely enough quality tracks to warrant the CD’s purchase. Hip-hop interspersed with more mellow tracks effectively serve as a musical backdrop to your feel-good moments. Just don’t expect to be blown away.