Part 1

In the review of Lil Wayne’s “ I am not a human being II” author chose a casual style. Writer

chose precise words and fluent sentences to describe the artist’s perspective of using butterfly

moth as a metaphor for the stages of life. The author analyze the overall career path of the signer

throughout the review of this one album. At first the artist had to listen to the complete album of

“I am not a human being II”. In total album had 15 songs but the author also heard 18 songs

which were present in the deluxe album. As mentioned in the review that there are 18 songs in

deluxe album and the way the author has explained about different phrases used in the review I

came to know that they have listened to the whole album properly and also read about the

supporting rappers and singers. The author describes the music Lil Wayne is working on during a

song this draws a beautiful imagination for the reader and pursue them to listen to his work at

least once if they haven’t.

The second review is of “I look to you” by Whitney Houston. In the first line author gives an

overall review of the album. As the album does not have a classic Houston’s tone, it is different

than other songs of Houston. The author chose a formal tone of voice. The author compared

Houston’s work with other leading singers like Madonna, Bono and Bruce Springsteen. Here

author’s writing pattern is informative. On the other hand, in the review of Lil Wayne’s the

author was using simple language. In this respected review author wrote about the album idea

and overall singer personality. As author compared the artist’s work with other leading singer

this indicate that the author heard all leading songs of other famous stars. The author knows

about the overall singing style of Houston this shows that he listens to Houston regularly.
Both reviews have chosen a different style. The first one is simple and easily understandable. It

discussed about the metaphor Lil Wayne chose in his rapping style. The author openly tells about

different bold jokes Lil Wayne did in his songs. The review is discussing about the songs with in

the album and there styles mostly. On the contrary, second review is very informative, formal

and descriptive. Author compared Whitney’s singing style with other leading African American

singers. Along with this the writer also discuss about the songs and singing styles apart from

mentioned album. The review is telling about Houston’s singing patterns, styles and the team she

has been working with. I think the review about Whitney Houston is more informative and

descriptive. It helps the reader to know about the singer if the reader does not listen to Whiney

Houston. I can simply use these techniques for my review as well. I can compare the singer’s

working style with other singers and I can read about overall singing style and pattern so that I

can give maximum information to the reader about the album’s background and perspective of

the singer.

Part 2

Isaac Hayes; Hot Buttered Soul

September 23 1969

Style: Soul

African American music covers a wide range of genre from blues to ragtime. They introduced

rhythmic and soul music from the West. Most beats are blends of African style with European

instrumentals. Rapping, beat boxing, work song, blues, jazz, deep vocals and harmony are

common styles which can easily observed in African American music. Michael Jackson, Prince,

Beyonce and Shakria are the most popular African American singers. They have contributed to
revolutionize the modern music. On the other hand, if we talk about the classic music before

1980. We have many names which gave us tremendous, mesmerizing and romantic numbers to

sooth our nerves. The soul music is one of the genre which flourished in 1950 and 1960. One of

the leading names of that classic era is “Isaac Hayes”

Isaac Hayes was song writer and producer originally. In 1968 Isaac gave his first solo debut but

he was not successful, it was a flop. After the first failure Isaac claimed a complete creative

control before doing another individual task. The executive of Stax named as Bell encouraged

Isaac to do his solo debut at the first place so he agreed to give him complete control even after

the first flop. In 1969 Hot Buttered Soul was released, which was a major hit and made Isaac a

soul singer. It is now recognized a landmark in the soul music. There are four main tracks in the

album; Hayes wrote “Hyperbolicsyllabicsesquedalymistic” partnered with Alvertic Iserbell,

while all other songs were written by Burt, David, Jimmy and Charles. Hayes was mainly

working as an in house song writer and a session’s musician for Stax Records.

The song Soul Man was written by Hayes and David Porter and it has its historical value till

days. Along with Hot Buttered Soul, black Mosses are also one of its successful albums. Hayes

was identified with its distinct sound i.e. extended orchestral relying heavily on organs, horns,

guitars and deep base vocals etc. Soul music was originated in US during 1950s and 1960s. It

combines African American rhythms, jazz, gospel music and blues. Inspiring rhythms, stressed

handclaps and extemporaneous moves are important features of soul music. By putting is simply

soul music is the true representation of African American culture and enhance its pride by being

black.

The album opens up with slow orchestral music in “walk on by”. Hayes gives a devastating

sorrow at every turn. The weeping strings and trembling guitars riff of the famous Michael Toff
wraps it way for the psychedelic deep music. Every tune, hitch and moan of Hayes adds up to the

sadness and sorrow. The last part of the song create a mood of sadness and grieve. The

trembling notes of Toll’s guitar and Hayes shattering voice growls and stammers like a panicking

wild cat. This can be rated as the most intense and deep six minutes in the history of soul music.

The other two songs are ineffaceable extreme; “One Women” is affective and proves Hayes way

for an emotional impact. Most straight up sick, funk jam is a sole written song of Hayes i.e.

Hyperbolicsyllabicsesquedalymistic. It is latin phrase which is used humorously. The meaning to

this phase is “My gastronomical stupensity is really satisfied when you love me".

Soul music took its hype in the year 1950 and 1960. This was the time when Hayes album was

released and it got it recognition as the leading soul music album in the history. The

Temptations, Dionnie Werwick, Wilson Picket and Ray Charles are few of the famous soul

music singers and musicians. Hayes work is quite similar to their songs but we can easily

differentiate Hayes music due to his deep base voice, long orchestral sounds paired with blues

and jazz. Soul singers are considered to be the back bone or pillar of the modern music

movement. All soul musicians have their specialty but the main concept was similar. Otis

Redding worked on southern soul, blues and rock music. Sam Cooke has pop music, jazz rhythm

and blues in his portfolio. The Temptation ( leading band in 1960) use to sing songs with rock

music rhythm and doo-wop. (Easlea)

Hot Buttered Soul can be compared with music of James Brown, Sly Stone or George Clinton.

The major difference was length of the song. Hayes introduced long playing format in a genre of

three minute singles. The long instrumental parts in the four songs of the album reveled on their

repetition. The level of detailing in Hayes songs is breathtaking. (3000)

The first song of Hot Buttered Soul i.e. Walk on by resembles the work of Dionne Warwick as

both of them are definitive. Walk on by is a Burt Bacharach song actually sung by Dionne

Warwick. Dionne sung the song in “Dead Presidents”. In the version of Isaac Hayes the lyrics

are accompanied by swelling strings, trembling organs and deep intense voice of Hayes. The

song is 12 minutes long and as mentioned above the last part of the song is so deep and intense.

The song is carried by Hayes grooving an moaning , the lyrics are sad and Hayes sing them with

his deep and intensive voice e.g. "If you see me walking down the street and I-I-I-I-I start to cry /

walk on by!").

It will not be wrong to name Hayes work as the first Psychedelic work. The band was leaded by

Bar Kays rhythm section which was the touring band of Otis Redding, and it was produced Al

bell. Al Bell was the producer of his first album and he was the man behind persuading him to

work as a solo musician for the first time. Using blue notes is actually like a hall mark to the

black’s music. The rhythmic sophisticated off beat music are the most apparent tunes of Jazz

music.

The first song “Walk on by” and are the most interesting songs of the whole album. The long

length of each song gives them a unique and contemporary feel. Walk on By is sang uniquely

and intensely by Hayes. It gives mesmerizing and grooving affect to the listener. The whole song

is filled with grooves, sorrow and moaning. The song is embodied with orchestral beats. The last

five minutes of the track feature hot jam session or soul organs vs funk guitar wangs. The rise

and fall with beautifully trippy mixing of instrumental rhythms. This song is enriched with funk

and soul organs.

The second song “Hyperbolicsyllabicsesquedalymistic” is a blend of classic hip hop. The high

funk strings of guitar makes it quite mesmerizing. The piano section is the middle is amazingly

rhythmic. In this song, the rhythms and music is much more powerful than lyrics itself. Isaac’s

voice resembles Ben Webster or Coleman Hawkins on saxophone. The deep soulful voice paired

with rhythmic complexity has a language of its own. The base, drums accompanied with strings

of guitar solo blend of all instruments makes it mesmerizing and enthusiastic.

The other two songs of the album are heavy funk with romantic tone, still psychedelic soul

music. “One Women” is beautifully regale but the lyrics are least fancied.

"One woman's making my home / while the other woman's makin' me do wrong / I don't know

which one, which one to choose, no I don't / but neither one can this man bear to lose”

I feel like it is more like a textbook stuff. Hayes voice is no doubt melodious and it is

accompanied with romantic rhythms but out of the four this song has the weakest lyrics.

Fourth and last song of the album “Phoenix” is a corny song by Jim Webb. The tune is sung by

all American country singer Glen Campbell. Isaac made it a revelation. In the startup Isaac raps

for good ten minutes over a hypnotic organ drone and ONE NOTE bass vamp. The next stage of

the song where he takes a slow pace, and then he takes to the song further more like he is reading

a novel rather than singing a song. In the end, he glides into the original song after telling a story

of a man. The song is quite fascinating, and it takes you to the journey of 18 minutes.

The vibe and delivery of all songs are spiritual. By this album Isaac chose a generic way of

making all his songs i.e. 20 minute slow jam, pop cover, heavy orchestral music and most

importantly his deep intense voice. “Hot Buttered Soul” is the most mesmerizing, fascinating

and popular album of Isaac Hayes. (Perone)

After listening to all songs and briefly explaining the content of each song. I think this album

contributed well for overall soul music. Isaac Hayes was no doubt a remarkable musician and

singer. I can give good 3 stars to this album. It is soulful, spiritual and very fascinating. For a

music lover the beats are amazing and you don’t get bored due to large song or more

instrumental.

Bibliography
3000, Dog. Unsung . 05 09 2003. <https://www.headheritage.co.uk/unsung/review/842/>.

Easlea, Daryl. BBC. 2009. <http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/rhj9/>.

Perone, James E. "The Album: A Guide to Pop Music's Most Provocative, Influential ..., Volume 1." n.d.
257.