Lisa Lopes - Supernova
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Music Reviews of Supernova
Music Review: Left Eye stands on her own
Rating: 4 Stars
During 1999, the late Lisa Lopes (aka Left Eye), feeling somewhat restless in a group setting after learning of some uncomplimentary things that her fellow TLC bandmates stated about her in an interview, issued a challenge to them: Let's all make solo CDs and see whose will sell the best. Tionne Watkins (aka T-Boz) and Rozonda Thomas (aka Chilli) refused, but Left Eye went ahead and recorded her own: SUPERNOVA, a straight hip-hop CD, which was released as an European import last year. It was a total disgrace that LaFace/Arista didn't feel like it was good enough to be released here in the United States - they obviously had no faith in this project and didn't support it at all. I have to admire the effort Lisa put into this, even though I've always felt that she did her best work as part of a group. Well, listening to this changed my mind! SUPERNOVA is an exceptional hip-hop CD - it's an eclectic mix of different beats that will have you listening and dancing at the same time.
With the exception of a few cuts, this CD showcases Left Eye's amazing rap and lyrical skills in a way we probably would never see within the bounds of TLC, so if you're expecting to hear smooth stuff like "Creep" and "Waterfalls", you won't find it here. A bold statement of confidence, it seemed as if she felt she had something to prove, because she addresses some extremely personal issues in some of her raps that are very telling. She even talks about the internal troubles in the group ("I Believe In Me"), and the message pretty much expresses to her TLC sisters: "Hey, recognize...I love TLC, but I have a professional life beyond this group...don't be upset because I choose to live it." She may very well have been saying that to them because with all the people she thanked on the album, she didn't mention them once. But then at the very bottom of the liner notes she says: "If there's anyone I forgot, please forgive me." Take that as you will.
There is a collaboration with her on again-off again boyfriend football star Andre Rison, "Rags To Riches" which is interesting, but to me Rison's presence was kind of annoying. Also the late Tupac Shakur, who dated Lisa for a while, is included on a track called "Untouchable", where Left Eye does a Natalie Cole: adding her vocals to an old track that featured Shakur and making it into a Left Eye featuring 2Pac song. "True Confessions" really shows Left Eye's ability to tell a story through her raps. I found the best songs on this CD were the dance jams "Hot!" and "Jenny", the spirituality of "The Universal Quest" and the haunting "A New Star Is Born", where she talks about death and is dedicated to her deceased father. Instead of straight rapping, she speaks over the music about how her life was affected by him. What is especially sad is when she says "So, Dad, I know you're listening...how ya been? Oh, I'm doin' fine...just passing time...submerged in sin...Everytime I take a bath, I just get all dirty again...and tryin' to cleanse my mind, cleanse my soul, and get in...into that place you've been. No, I'm not tryin' to rush anything...I just wanna visit you...because I miss you." This song makes me cry each time I hear it.
It's heartbreaking, because aside from the fact that Lisa was recording with TLC again (which was great news to fans of the group, like me) now we know that Lisa unfortunately would get her wish to see her father sooner than she might have expected. It will bring a tear to your eye. The world lost a great talent in Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes. For those of you who never really understood her, listening to TLC is cool. But SUPERNOVA is really Lisa's musical legacy. If you want to get to know the REAL Lisa - the Lisa beyond the media chatter and the drama - you have to get this. Like a female Marvin Gaye, she reveals her inner self to us, and you feel like you really know her. Maybe this was something that most TLC fans weren't ready for, but I am grateful that she made this CD because there was more to her persona than what you saw or read about her in the tabloids. After hearing it, you will no doubt comprehend this "crazy" chick a little more. RIP Left Eye!!
Music Review: "One of the Most artistic and innovative albums in HipHop!"
Rating: 5 Stars
It is quite obvious that lisa left eye lopes didn't care about the masses all she cared about was creativity and good music! This complex lp amplifies that in more than several ways. It is quite clear who were the innovators of TLC ..(Dallas Austin and Lisa Lopes.) After hearing TLC's last collection entitled 3D it was clear that it was no FANMAIL. "SuperNova" is a pure example that the music industry doesnot appreaciate creativity anylonger, all they want to promote is candy coated tunes. This Cd wasn't released nor promoted in the U.S. Why? because it was too far ahead of what is going on over here in HipHop! This is a fun Cd it takes me back when Hip Hop was fun and not about how much Gold and Cars and women you have. The Production ranges anywhere from Soft rock tunes to Hard futuristic beats. The egyptian "Let me Live" is an amazing track. "HOT" is a futuristic track with a rock influence. Then you have "I believe in Me" that is saying a message and has a fat "MC lyte" vibe to it! "I believe in Me" is just simply saying she doesn't need TLC, they need her. Then you have "A new star is born" and "Universal Quest" that are merely Trip Hop tracks. If anyone doesn't know about "TRIP HOP" it is an advanced Futuristic,Laid back,electronica artform of music that is mainly popular in Europe. And when I heard "Esthero" (Trip Hop Artist) feat on "Universal Quest" I knew he had done her homework. Then you have a (Unlisted Track)Called "Breathe" that is highly experimental. Then the cruising "Jenny" is so cool to ride to and fun. "Block Party" has such a feel good and bummpin' sound the bongo's and drum patterns are so complex. This was a girl that was out to show people how creative she was and in my opinion did a good job. Also at the end of "Untouchables Feat 2pac" you can hear a sample of "Single" By (TRIPHOP Artist) "Everything but the girl." This is a very well put together project definitley worth the money. Get the (Import) version spend the extra for the Explicit Version. I can't take nothing away from her,I really was expecting a failure! I would have expected T-Boz to be a better (Solo) artist but lisa showed who is the real talent in the group. I have heard some solo's from T-boz here and there and have been sadly disappointed! This is a winner take nothing from it! If you like complex diverse music that you have to think about this one is for you. The music industry and record buying public in the U.S has gotten to a point where simplicity is the way. If you have to think too hard about a record it gets the boot. I am a collector of Trip Hop and complex music My favorite Producers in "Hip Hop" are "Timbaland and The Neptunes" that is it. And to hear this project with out there contribution's, and it turned out just as creative was a breath of fresh air. Because noone else has been able to pull off anything this artistic independently. Without the help of Timbaland & Neptunes Hip Hop is dead ! Aaliyah and Lisa are the last of the innovators I am affraid. Aaliyah's last cd had 3 songs by Timbaland and the rest was still as impressive! Lisa used her own staff of unknown's and wrote her own lyrics and made a very diverse complex set. The only familiar name on the credits was "Rockwilder for (Hot!) known for is collaborations with Method Man, Janet and Christina Aguilara. Don't waste time get this release I was a fan before she died, so this review is modest, not just because she is no longer with us.Arish
Music Review: LISA NICOLE LOPES (52771-42502) Writer/Rap Vocalist/Poet
Rating: 5 Stars
This album was released internationally, due to a battle with Left-Eye and Arista Records in reference for it to be released on Left-Eye's father's day of death and her grandfather's day of birth, which is August 16. It was a special day to her for a mysterious reality in her family. Her father died on the day his father was born (Aug 16) and her father was born on the day his father died (Jan 30). Another reason for the album's non-release in the USA was the decision of Arista not wanting it to be released under criticism and judgement of the album in reference to hypothesis and the album's fate.Lisa "Left-Eye" Lopes steps away from her group TLC to establish her own creativity and identity with SUPERNOVA. But it's sad that we will be blind to what more she could have done within her 30 1/2 years on this earth as a human being. Being the unique and eccentric poet-driven rap vocalist that she was and will be remembered for, she didn't need to follow the traditional pattern of rapping that most female rap vocalists take. She used her poetic words and established her tone, setting, and path. Listening to this album will take a person of open-mindedness in being able to appreciate words and expression, instead of "how hard the album sounds". The album goes way beyond the beats. It about the LYRICS.
There are a lot of songs on this album that you have to pay attention to LYRICALLY. A lot of people don't do this, but they really need to. DON'T BE DEAF TO THE WORDS. LIFE IS A LIKE A PARK is a deep expression of Lisa preaching to women about making the choice of life, not death, due to being abused in a relationship. THE UNIVERSAL QUEST is a deep expression of Lisa poetically saying that you must rely on yourself for faith, peace, equality, Jesus, and the answers to your problems. Don't live your life under someone's policy, rules, or obligations. This is your life. You determine your destiny. I BELIEVE IN ME is a deep expression of Lisa explaining the misunderstandings and judgement of her perception of the group, nosy media in TLC's business, the price of unnecessary fame and fortune, and her contributions to the BLAQUE, TLC, and all that incorporated in those two groups and other things that people don't know about or realize. A NEW STAR IS BORN is a deep expression of Lisa saying that when someone dies, their spirit still exists among the earth. "I don't believe in death, I believe that we transcend...."(Lisa Lopes). Songs like HOT and LET ME LIVE go with the flow with Lisa showing that she can roll in with other rap chicks and can keep up with them. THE BLOCK PARTY is the most eccentric-sounding song on the album. With using an Earth, Wind, and Fire sample, she flows along with an old-school groove and eclectic-sounding background vocals.
SUPERNOVA-a rare celestial phenomenon involving the explosion of most of the material in a star, resulting in an extremely bright, short-lived object that emits vast amounts of energy
SUPERNOVA is a definite definition of her as a woman, individual, and human being.
Music Review: Super not SuperFicial
Rating: 5 Stars
-That line from the song "Hot!" says it all. "Supernova", the debut solo offering from the late Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes, delivers with an vast variety of musical styles. The opening track, "Life Is Like A Park", is a deeply souful song & is one of the albums highlights. Next up is "Hot!", Left Eyes mainstream rap song which was realesed as a promotional single to radio in july 2001. The albums fourth track "The Block Party" was also the albums first single. Track five, "Let Me Live", is another of the albums standout tracks with its hard beats & egyptian-like tunes. "Jenny" feat. Jazze Pha, one of my personal favorites, is a mid-tempo song about friends. "I Believe In Me" is my absolute favorite track on the album. In it she expresses her feelings & thoughts on how the media & people in general misunderstand her actions most of the time. "Rags To Riches" featuring on-off boyfriend Andre Rison is probably the albums weakest track though that isn't bad considering the album as a whole is consistantly strong. Track eight, "True Confessions", is a very unique 'love' song. Definitely gets the album back on track. "Untouchable" featuring Tupac was another weak point on the album. Both Tupac & Left Eye delivered vocally on the track but the production left a lot to be desired. Track ten, "Head To The Sky" features Blaque, a group founded by Left Eye herself. Thats about all to be said about that track. The song is good but it never really picks up. Just as you think the album may have lost its direction comes "The Universal Quest", a deep introspective look at life. Track twelve, "A New Star Is Born", is by far the most touching & heartfelt song on the album. Its message is profoundly spiritual & deep. Lastly, "Breathe" - a hidden bonus track, finishes off the album with a bang. Left Eyes vocals on this track are nothing short of perfect & the lyrics are very deep. A perfect end to a perfect album.-Music Review: A New Star Is Born
Rating: 5 Stars
This CD is simply a must-have. Although often shunned by critics, Supernova is, in my mind, a masterpiece, which proves Lisa Lopes to have been a premiere female lyricist. Each song deals with a different topic, and each comes with its own message. Love, a common cliche in music, in only talked about once ("True Confessions"). Carl Thomas adds a lot to "Life Is Like A Park" - making it my favourite song on the album, and a great intro.
The superficiality of "Hot" is made up for by the beat.
Orientally flavoured, "The Block Party" comes with a strange, high-pitched chorus - the only detrimental factor to the song. The beat and Lisa's vocals more than make up for it.
"Let Me Live", possibly the most catchy track, leads into "Jenny", which showcases Lefteye's ability to tell a story through her rapping.
This ability is extended in "Rags To Riches", whose chorus (featuring Andre Rison) furthers the emotion of the song. Rison's rap should have been omitted.
"True Confessions", although it *does* deal with love, takes a different look at it from any Top 40 song.
"Untouchable", orginally a freestyle by Tupac, deals with spirituality.
Natina and the rest of her group members from Blaque help out on "Head To The Sky", a plead by Lisa to her fellow musicians to be a positive influence on children.
"The Universal Quest", which talks about religion, sounds magical.
"A New Star Is Born" is impossible to hate, if you listen to the lyrics. Although as a song, it's my least favourite on the album, the sad, yet inspiring lyrics are my favourite.
"Breathe", the hidden track, is very close to perfect, with meaningful lyrics, a hot beat, a catchy chorus, and wonderful vocals.
Lopes is able to bring across whatever message she wants to articulately. Let's hope that more material is released and she finally gets the praise she deserves.