Review of Outkast's 'Roses' single - Tiscali Music Reviews

21/06/2004

Single release date: 21st June 2004

'Roses' is the third single from Outkast's album 'Speakerboxxx/The Love Below'.

Having been awarded The Best Album at The 2004 Grammy Awards, it's clear that this extremely clever bunch have taken Hip Hop to another dimension. And thank goodness for that.

In addition to their Grammy, they've also topped the US album charts five times since the albums release in September. Oh and they've gone platinum in the UK from the success of their first single...

So where can 'Roses', their latest release, take them?

It's the perfect example of Outkast's incredible ability to overtly challenge the boundaries of Hip Hop, Electro, Funk, Swing and Pop and come out on top - shining.

The opening piano leading into the up-beat drums and accompanying racing lyrical pace, highlights their rare and distinct sound.

The humorous lyrics 'Yeah, roses really smell like poo-oo-ooo' may at first seem a little basic but it's much, much more complex than that.

If there are to be any comparisons drawn (for there is only one sound that is Outkast) it has to be Prince.

The story flows just like Prince's improvised and yet at the same time amazingly well crafted tales.

The only way for Outkast is up. Buy it now.

Kate Marshall