CD Review

Saul Williams, like many urban poets before him, has been a bridge of social consciousness. His poetry, which represents an evolution of thought, has garnered him many accolades, including rave reviews for his lead role in 1998’s feature film Slam. Obviously poetry comes naturally to Saul, but on his second full length album, the self-titled Saul Williams, the poet turned songwriter attempts to bridge another gap - music and words.

The album begins with the spoken word “Talk To Strangers,” where Williams gives a submissively honest look at his true self with the words: “No I wasn’t raised at gun point/and I’ve read too many books/To distract me from the mirror/when unhappy with my looks.”

Continuing with his brainy self-disclosure on “Grippo,” he admits- “I gave hip-hop to white boys when nobody was looking,” before provoking us to fearlessly let go of anger and oppression through guilt and depression. “Telegram,” a story-metal song knocking on the element of hip-hop culture that often celebrates murder and cash flows may make the urban crowd cringe in their Adidas, but these words will strike a chord with Williams’ suburban core. “List Of Dreams,” a barnstormer rocker that melds metal and hip-hop into a contagious song of taking action is a highlight. “African Student Movement" is a bit forceful, but Williams wins on his poignant breaches, while the steady musicianship is just a bonus.

His voice wavers from a flustered Lenny Kravitz high to a dark lower grumble, though Williams does an admirable job of molding the poetry, punk and rock and roll into a well produced stew. What audience this will connect with is the biggest uncertainty of the release. Although as Williams quotes in one of his songs- "There's nothing more powerful than an idea whose time has come." Perhaps the time for Saul Williams message to reach a mass audience has arrived.