getfunked said:

Ok, OP has been updated with links to outlets, lyrics, booklets and such. Just one thing... is this site legit... ? http://www.hdtracks.com/b...iah-209416 I don't see it in the list of official digital vendors on blackmessiah.co. Something smells fishy.

[Edited 12/16/14 20:22pm]

Ok. Russ checked this out with RCA and it is indeed legit. Extra note: If buying, make sure to get WAV since that's the only lossless format they approved. The others are conversions.

Nevermind, back to suspiscion. It seems that it just charged my credit card and told me there was an error processing the order, so I didn't get the product. I smell scam.

HDtracks is a legit site for high quality audio downloads (higher quality than CD). Don't know what site you've actually been on, but if it's www.hdtracks.com then that should be as legit as iTunes or Amazon. Prince has had some of his work there too.

Excuse the momentary panic, the issue resolved itself. Still, be warned, you'll have to download and install their proprietary download manager to get the tracks.

getfunked said:

I can't figure out why you have to be a Prince apologist if you don't like Black Messiah.

You aren't capable of seeing brilliance if you don't like Black Messiah? Really?

Maybe the album isn't brilliant. Maybe that ridiculous mumbling is NOT COOL, whether D'angelo was going for that sound or not.

I wouldn't mind the instrumental of the album; I really enjoy that aspect of the album.

As a whole, though, mainly due to "Sir-mumb-a-lot", I can not imagine ever thinking this album is even worth purchasing, let alone a masterpiece or an instant classic.

Replica said:

There's loads of differences between D'Angelo and his hero Prince...

Prince can go deeper, and higher.
D'angelo can go smoother and warmer.
Prince is often tight and on the one like James Brown.
D'angelo is often tight, but always loose, and never as strict as James Brown.
Prince is not stereotypical "black" in his sound, but when he wants to, he will prove he's the baddest.
D'angelo is always going for a sound that is referring to african roots/heritage.
Prince is usually very articulate.
D'angelo is going for a mumbling voice.
Prince talked about being a little bit behind the beat on Joy In Repetition.
Everything D'angelo does sounds like it's a little bit behind the beat.
Prince are usually making his choirs sound like big chords, and he is one of the best at putting different textures to it. Violet The Organ Grinder is a great example of a crazy choir.
D'angelo tends to make his choirs sound like many melodies at once that just fit together perfectly. It's smooth and sweet, and even though it doesn't sound as crazy as if Prince would do the same, it's perfect for its purpose.

As a whole I think Prince is a more interresting and versatile artist. However that shouldn't be a reason for not liking Black Messiah. Black Messiah is a fantastic collaboration with different legendary players, and the result is amazing. He doesn't need to be a one man band to make a good record, and a one man band doesn't make an album better. A one man band being behind the music just makes it more impressive. Impressive doesn't equal classic, and collaboration doesn't equal less good music.

[Edited 12/17/14 0:11am]

Very well said.

I agree for 100%.

pdiddy2011 said:

I can't figure out why you have to be a Prince apologist if you don't like Black Messiah.

You aren't capable of seeing brilliance if you don't like Black Messiah? Really?

Maybe the album isn't brilliant. Maybe that ridiculous mumbling is NOT COOL, whether D'angelo was going for that sound or not.

I wouldn't mind the instrumental of the album; I really enjoy that aspect of the album.

As a whole, though, mainly due to "Sir-mumb-a-lot", I can not imagine ever thinking this album is even worth purchasing, let alone a masterpiece or an instant classic.

People use excuses like 14 years of no music, mumbling, not a one man band etc for criticizing the album as a whole. How can that be taken seriously? It's all just personal preferences. The same of course goes to alot of people using Black Messiah to bash Prince. People love to take either side in a discussion.

Personally AOA and Black Messiah are so damn different that it's impossible to compare, other than comparing which I love the most. AOA has more strong standalone songs, while Black Messiah is a better album as a whole imho. I'm not saying this is the fact, but it's my opinion. To early for me to say if it's a classic though.

Superstition said:

getfunked said:

Excuse the momentary panic, the issue resolved itself. Still, be warned, you'll have to download and install their proprietary download manager to get the tracks.

Pretty much any web-based site for legit music downloads requires some sort of software (including Amazon.com). Also, if the site offers Apple Lossless or FLAC, those should be just as good as WAV files, as they're the same quality compressed into smaller containers (not unlike a .zip file). That's assuming they are all sourced from lossless versions.

Thanks for the info! My bad. I may have overreacted a bit trying to play it safe and cautious. The Download Manager is painless, btw. Really straightforward, simple and easy to use. Still, just so you're getting your money's max worth, wouldn't it be better to get the WAV anyways and make any conversion you need later yourself? I always thought lossless compressions weren't an issue too but maybe Russ is worried about something else (see tweets below). Maybe he's just not up to date on the digital workings seeing as he sticks to analog.

BTW, so far I think the strings on Really Love shine through on the hi-res. The other main thing I think I'm noticing is that the lower levels sound way clearer and distinct across the album.

Regarding the format, these were Russ' tweets:

https://twitter.com/RussElevado/status/545030035955281920

for those buying the hi res 96k version of #BlackMessiah select the WAV format, the original format we used. @questlove @RBMA @okayplayer

https://twitter.com/phili...0742960130

@RussElevado Aw, I already went with ALAC. Definitely worse, or is it just safer to avoid an extra conversion if you can?

https://twitter.com/RussElevado/status/545039266443960320

@philipmcardle exactly, avoid another conversion. we haven't approved any hi res formats other than WAV which means they're converting them.

[Edited 12/17/14 4:01am]

getfunked said:

Replica said:

People use excuses like 14 years of no music, mumbling, not a one man band etc for criticizing the album as a whole. How can that be taken seriously?

That can be taken seriously exactly as the always cliched excuse that an album has to be considered "as a whole" when people criticize individual tracks...

If people think a track is shit or unappealing it won't magically change into great music if they listen to the album "as a whole" whatever the fuck that may mean... We're not talking about a concept album here like "What's Going On", "The Downward Spiral", "The Wall", "Outside", "Tommy" or the uber epic "The Dark Side Of The Moon"...

This is just an average R&B record that took too long to be released and sounds dated as fuck... All just my humble opinion of course since I'm the one who typed this...

Neversin.

[Edited 12/17/14 4:34am]

Neversin said:

Replica said:

People use excuses like 14 years of no music, mumbling, not a one man band etc for criticizing the album as a whole. How can that be taken seriously?

That can be taken seriously exactly as the always cliched excuse that an album has to be considered "as a whole" when people criticize individual tracks...

If people think a track is shit or unappealing it won't magically change into great music if they listen to the album "as a whole" whatever the fuck that may mean... We're not talking about a concept album here like "What's Going On", "The Downward Spiral", "The Wall", "Outside", "Tommy" or the uber epic "The Dark Side Of The Moon"...

This is just an average R&B record that took too long to be released and sounds dated as fuck... All just my humble opinion of course since I'm the one who typed this...

Neversin.

[Edited 12/17/14 4:34am]

I respect your opinion, and I understand why some people feel that way about the album. It's not for everyone, even though it's already loved by many. The style of the album actually makes it a niche album even though he is blending in jazz, rock, "spanish guitar", orchestra("classical") etc. It still sounds like a follow up to voodoo with more guitar and even more drowned vocals. Imo it works very well as music to my ears, but I have not decided if I want to call it a modern classic.

Because of what you say about the standalone tracks, he's not able to create those "evergreens" that makes everyone think of the album as a classic. Part of the reason for the huge praise imo is that so damn many loved the sound of Voodo, and has been waiting endlessly for an album like that, but noone was able to pull it off. However when Black Messiah came, it gave us fans what we were missing, as well as some new textures. Some people would argue that Voodoo sounds like one LOOOOOONG song. Sonically I can't argue that. Black Messiah has more nuances and variation throughout, making it imo a smart move for D'angelo. He hasn't changed too much. He's just exploring a few new areas that he is blending with his own sound.

I want to be clear though. I respect all opinions. But too many people sound like they're forcing the "truth" on others. "Let's turn the atheist into believers". That goes to everyone of different views. Let's have this discussion without trying to make different opinions sound stupid.

Replica said:

Neversin said:

That can be taken seriously exactly as the always cliched excuse that an album has to be considered "as a whole" when people criticize individual tracks...

If people think a track is shit or unappealing it won't magically change into great music if they listen to the album "as a whole" whatever the fuck that may mean... We're not talking about a concept album here like "What's Going On", "The Downward Spiral", "The Wall", "Outside", "Tommy" or the uber epic "The Dark Side Of The Moon"...

This is just an average R&B record that took too long to be released and sounds dated as fuck... All just my humble opinion of course since I'm the one who typed this...

Neversin.

[Edited 12/17/14 4:34am]

I respect your opinion, and I understand why some people feel that way about the album. It's not for everyone, even though it's already loved by many. The style of the album actually makes it a niche album even though he is blending in jazz, rock, "spanish guitar", orchestra("classical") etc. It still sounds like a follow up to voodoo with more guitar and even more drowned vocals. Imo it works very well as music to my ears, but I have not decided if I want to call it a modern classic.

Because of what you say about the standalone tracks, he's not able to create those "evergreens" that makes everyone think of the album as a classic. Part of the reason for the huge praise imo is that so damn many loved the sound of Voodo, and has been waiting endlessly for an album like that, but noone was able to pull it off. However when Black Messiah came, it gave us fans what we were missing, as well as some new textures. Some people would argue that Voodoo sounds like one LOOOOOONG song. Sonically I can't argue that. Black Messiah has more nuances and variation throughout, making it imo a smart move for D'angelo. He hasn't changed too much. He's just exploring a few new areas that he is blending with his own sound.

I want to be clear though. I respect all opinions. But too many people sound like they're forcing the "truth" on others. "Let's turn the atheist into believers". That goes to everyone of different views. Let's have this discussion without trying to make different opinions sound stupid.

100% agree.

Replica said:

I want to be clear though. I respect all opinions. But too many people sound like they're forcing the "truth" on others. "Let's turn the atheist into believers". That goes to everyone of different views. Let's have this discussion without trying to make different opinions sound stupid.

Perfectly said!!

In my opinion I dont actually see the Voodoo comparisions that much , other than the vocal multi-tracking which is D's signature style and the "swampyness" of some of the music and vocals. The only tracks that would sound good on Voodoo would be Really Love or Betray My Heart (?uestlove has stated this track was actually started back in 00/01') and maybe Sugar Daddy.

Aside from that i definitely do hear progess and wouldnt consider the album "as a whole" similar to Voodoo.. in so much as Voodoo was full of interludes, jams and every track segued into the next one.. for me its easier to listen to each track on Black Messiah as a stand alone piece of music. Saying that.. it's definitely grown on me since Monday espesially the more guitar driven tracks.

I actually would of liked to of seen a cover make the final tracklist e.g Cruisin' + Feel like makin' love... maybe something left field ( I loved Black Hole Sun)...maybe something will come on an extended edition

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/17/arts/music/dangelos-black-messiah-was-released-in-a-rush.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&_r=1

some employees of RCA, D’Angelo’s label, were only then hearing the album for the first time. Before midnight, “Black Messiah” was available on iTunes, and by Monday the CD was in stores.

moved up the release of “Black Messiah” and spent the past month working many all-nighters to decide everything from the track list to the album art, according to interviews with D’Angelo’s collaborators and confidants.

RCA had planned to release “Black Messiah” in early 2015, but its reclusive singer was done waiting.

Afropunk’s work on “Black Messiah” often went until 4 a.m., including time spent deciphering the dense, distorted vocals for a lyric booklet. That was still too late to make the CD, but it will be included in the forthcoming vinyl version.

the cover shows a black-and-white still from a 16-millimeter film shot at Afropunk’s annual concert, which D’Angelo headlined last summer.

[Edited 12/17/14 7:49am]

I loved his first record, and never got into Voodoo (seemed way too simple and monotonous at the time, maybe I'll revisit it?), so I've kind of been indifferent about a D'Angelo return. Hearing Sugah Daddy made me intrigued to hear more, but the first time playing the actual album was a little jarring. Not enough to stop giving it a chance, but enough to temper my excitement.

Now that I've played it a few times, I have to say it really is a startling piece of work. It reminds me of the first few times I tried to play Lovesexy (and to a lesser extent, The Rainbow Children.) It was initially pretty hard to get into after Alphabet St. was over, but the more you played it, the more you heard, which made you want to keep playing it to discover the layers. Of course when you do that, you're not only discovering layers, you're becoming more familiar with the material which makes you like it more.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that I admire that approach to crafting an album, and can see this becoming one of my favorite records ever upon repeated listenings. And also, I need the vinyl in my life immediately.

[Edited 12/17/14 10:48am]

SchlomoThaHomo said:

SchlomoThaHomo said:

I need the vinyl in my life immediately.

It is available for pre-order on the D'Angelo Store website. Will be released in about 8 weeks.

namepeace said:

An imaginary review of James River: (from 2 years ago)

http://slopadelicanow.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/dangelo-james-river-review.html

ok, i admit, i'm only Four songs in right now on Spotify, four songs i could NEVER hear again and be ok, so unless the this thing takes a serious turn for the better, i'm afraid ppl just REALLY miss this guy and will dickride ANYTHING he puts out. so far, so forgettable. I hope to come back and recant this...

Replica said:

There's loads of differences between D'Angelo and his hero Prince...

Prince can go deeper, and higher.
D'angelo can go smoother and warmer.
Prince is often tight and on the one like James Brown.
D'angelo is often tight, but always loose, and never as strict as James Brown.
Prince is not stereotypical "black" in his sound, but when he wants to, he will prove he's the baddest.
D'angelo is always going for a sound that is referring to african roots/heritage.
Prince is usually very articulate.
D'angelo is going for a mumbling voice.
Prince talked about being a little bit behind the beat on Joy In Repetition.
Everything D'angelo does sounds like it's a little bit behind the beat.
Prince are usually making his choirs sound like big chords, and he is one of the best at putting different textures to it. Violet The Organ Grinder is a great example of a crazy choir.
D'angelo tends to make his choirs sound like many melodies at once that just fit together perfectly. It's smooth and sweet, and even though it doesn't sound as crazy as if Prince would do the same, it's perfect for its purpose.

As a whole I think Prince is a more interresting and versatile artist. However that shouldn't be a reason for not liking Black Messiah. Black Messiah is a fantastic collaboration with different legendary players, and the result is amazing. He doesn't need to be a one man band to make a good record, and a one man band doesn't make an album better. A one man band being behind the music just makes it more impressive. Impressive doesn't equal classic, and collaboration doesn't equal less good music.

[Edited 12/17/14 0:11am]

Good post with good points.

I really enjoyed Brown Sugan and Voodoo although they don't get much play anymore, and certainly did not hit me like Prince's best work.

This album on the other hand is fu**ing amazing and is so good it hurts. Takes about 10 listens on headphones to really have it unveiled to you - just like P's best stuff albeit a different vibe as many of you have so eloquently stated.

AOA and BM make 2014 a banner year.

KingSausage said:

SchlomoThaHomo said:

I loved his first record, and never got into Voodoo (seemed way too simple and monotonous at the time, maybe I'll revisit it?), so I've kind of been indifferent about a D'Angelo return. Hearing Sugah Daddy made me intrigued to hear more, but the first time playing the actual album was a little jarring. Not enough to stop giving it a chance, but enough to tamper my excitement.

Now that I've played it a few times, I have to say it really is a startling piece of work. It reminds of the first few times I tried to play Lovesexy (and to a lesser extent, The Rainbow Children.) It was initially pretty hard to get into after Alphabet St. was over, but the more you played it, the more you heard, which made you want to keep playing it to discover the layers. Of course when you do that, you're not only discovering layers, you're becoming more familiar with the material which makes you like it more.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that I admire that approach to crafting an album and can see this becoming one of my favorite records ever upon repeated listenings. And also, I need the vinyl in my life immediately.

Schlomo, as usual, nails it.

Agreed. It's a truly rich and brilliant album that grows with repeated listens. I'll probably have it on my headphones twice over again tonight.

OK I scrolled through every single page of this thread and I went to Okayplayer and Afropunk but I still can´t find the lyrics to this album. I also googled "D´Angelo Black Messiah album lyrics" but Google would only show me links to dozens and dozens of different articles and reviews.

.

Could someone please be so kind and orgnote me the lyrics to the album, please?

Thanks in advance.

Love the album but the vocals were much, much easier to decipher on Brown Sugar and Voodoo.

OK, see now how could I read through most of this thread and a bunch of reviews and only just discover that Roy fucking Hargrove does the horns!!!

And why does Jesse get no mention in any review either?

I've only been a casual listener for the previous albums and I'm loving this one. It's totally fair to compare to Prince, both because he's a big influence and because we're at the Org for f's sake. That said, I definitely feel the Sly, Curtis and Funkadelic influences at least as much, which is how it felt listening to P in the mid- to late-80s: you could hear him resembling all his influences crystal clear but the whole equals more than the sum of parts and he has his own distinctive sound through melding them and taking them somewhere else.

Sure, listening to Prince has more virtuoso moments and I respond differently to BM than to AOA, but the biggest difference for me is this: on nearly all P albums since Batman there have been tracks that I'm iffy about and some that I have to try hard not to dislike, with D there may be stylistic aspects that I don't fully buy (I don't mind the mumbling but it's sometimes too much, same with the similar tempo throughout), but I can ride with all the tracks and with the album as a whole, finding some tracks stand out and the whole package engrossing and intriguing.

Prince has better songs, vocals, instrumentation, lyrics and arrangements and yet D may have made a better album.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/12/17/dangelo-black-messiah_n_6341464.html?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000047

Replica said:

pdiddy2011 said:

I can't figure out why you have to be a Prince apologist if you don't like Black Messiah.

You aren't capable of seeing brilliance if you don't like Black Messiah? Really?

Maybe the album isn't brilliant. Maybe that ridiculous mumbling is NOT COOL, whether D'angelo was going for that sound or not.

I wouldn't mind the instrumental of the album; I really enjoy that aspect of the album.

As a whole, though, mainly due to "Sir-mumb-a-lot", I can not imagine ever thinking this album is even worth purchasing, let alone a masterpiece or an instant classic.

People use excuses like 14 years of no music, mumbling, not a one man band etc for criticizing the album as a whole. How can that be taken seriously? It's all just personal preferences. The same of course goes to alot of people using Black Messiah to bash Prince. People love to take either side in a discussion.

Personally AOA and Black Messiah are so damn different that it's impossible to compare, other than comparing which I love the most. AOA has more strong standalone songs, while Black Messiah is a better album as a whole imho. I'm not saying this is the fact, but it's my opinion. To early for me to say if it's a classic though.

Excuse?

Not being able to understand 95% of a grown man's words is a good reason to criticize an album. That "style" is ridiculous to me. And throughout the WHOLE album??? Every song???

As well, the album seems very, very "been there, done that" to be a 3rd album with so much time between albums.

I am not comparing D'angelo's album to anyone but D'angelo's albums.

But, good for him he doesn't have to depend on my support.

Again, I do not see this album as genius or classic.

http://www.nme.com/reviews/dangelo/15864

9/10

The good – no, the astonishing - news is that this constantly engrossing record repays a decade and a half's faith and patience. D'Angelo has scuttled down the digital chimney with an early Christmas gift with long-lasting rewards: not just one of the best records of 2014, but one that will stay with you throughout next year, too.
Read more at http://www.nme.com/review...B4JJU3X.99