Fusion of different elements of music to create your own sound is always a beautifully artistic means of expressing yourself. In that regard, Citizen Cope seems to be the epitome of an artistic genius in combining a bunch of different elements within every song on his sophomore album, “The Clarence Greenwood Recordings.” His lyrical wizardry is apparent in every song, and his conscientious mind is presented in every lyric. It is a very enjoyable, yet thought provoking album that demands the listener’s attention bringing them into a seemingly very personal reality that talks about many issues and concerns regarding the world of today through the eyes of one very articulate man, who obviously wears his emotions on his sleeve.
The soulful yet Hip Hop like flow of “Son’s Gonna Rise” is a great example of the combination of elements of music. You have the poetic lyrics of Cope, and then of course you have the beat that includes an electrical guitar that almost sounds like the production of Santana. Every part of the song it seems is carefully planned out and put together as an artistic ballad, supplementing everything Citizen Cope is trying to say on a beautifully artistic scale.
“Bullet and a Target” is another example of a deep song that describes the details inherent in a couple different subjects of problems in the society we see today. The melancholy beat supplants the poetic lyrics that make up the subject matter. It’s almost like one subject is sung about in one verse, then the second verse is telling a story that is completely different in every way, yet they are intertwined in a completely unique and soulful way.
Overall the album, “The Clarence Greenwood Recordings,” exhibits the musical talent and poetic genius of an artist that makes sure that he speaks the truth on every track. Citizen Cope is one that understands the bar that has been set for many different artists of his aesthetic and seeks to take that standard even further, and accomplishes that on almost every song. His lyrical genius and artistically relevant production on songs like “Sideways” and “Hurricane Waters,” along with the songs mentioned above, makes this album a uniquely attractive ensemble that engages the listener in a way that not many releases today can accomplish. |