#290 OutKast, 'Speakerboxxx/The Love Below' (2003)

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OutKast’s third album, ‘Aquemini,’ kicked off the list last time at #500. ‘Stankonia’ followed at #361. I was surprised that this album never made an appearance so I’m glad to see it pop up now. I was working in a CD store when this album came out. I remember borrowing the album (we were allowed to do that) and loving CD 2, but not so much CD 1. As I’ve said before, Hip Hop wasn’t my thing back then. I didn’t get it. Good to listen to this collection of songs in its entirety with fresh ears. It’s a bit weird that this is credited to OutKast. Essentially it’s two solo albums packaged together. The first album, ‘Speakerboxxx’ is Big Boi’s album. Southern Hip Hop inspired by George Clinton’s Parliament-Funkadelic (Hip Hop just seems to keep on returning to this group). ‘The Love Below,’ Andre 3000’s album, is more jazzy, poppy, experimental and reminded me A LOT of Prince.

It’s interesting to note that on each album, the respective “other” member contributed lead vocals on only one song and backing vocals on another. They were completely divided. As great as this album is, I think if the best songs from each were put into one single-disc album, it would make for an incredibly interesting record. Each album has its greats; ‘Ghetto Musick’ & ‘The Way You Move,’ from ‘Speakerboxxx’ and ‘Hey Ya’ & ‘Roses’ from ‘The Love Below.’ Those were just the hits, but each disc works so well and cohesively in its own respective right. I was surprised to hear the unmistakeable vocals of Killer Mike on ‘Bust’ and ‘Flip Flop Rock.’ Never realised he’d been around for that long. Other guests on each album include Jay-Z, Cee-Lo, Ludacris, Rosario Dawson, Kelis and Norah Jones. Each disc so different, but complementing each other so well to make this one great record.

#rs500albums