G. Love & Special Sauce - Philadelphonic

It's not terribly surprising that G. Love and Special Sauce were tapped to fill in for Sugar Ray when the band dropped out of Woodstock '99. It's not simply because of the smooth, muscle-shirted frontmen, but also because the same kind of easy soul, funk, and rap influences wash over their stronger cuts. The calypsolike "Rodeo Clowns" on Philadelphonic feeds on that radio-friendly vibe, all sunshine and broken hearts. Unfortunately, that cut is one of the few high points this time out. While it's nice to see G. Love step away from emulating Will Smith, which sank Yeah, It's That Easy, the answer to stronger material is not to try and channel Jamiroquai through Love's nasal Philly-soaked stoner raps ("Dreamin'"). But even more than that, this boy needs to get away from spacey soul jams, and fast--"Relax" sounds like G. fell asleep with a mouthful of syrup and woke up in love. --Jason Josephes Amazon.com

My summer of '06 music

This album has a cretain raw sound in the way it was recorded, almost like it was done live. This is very fun music perfect for carefree summer days, cool beats, funky bass lines, and laid back lyrics and delivery. This is the only g love album i own, it still satisfies me when i hear so i have no need to buy another one.I like the Rodeo clowns on this cd better than the original. It flows better with the beat. These guys are the masters of "cool" music. March 19, 2007

G -Lover

This group is SO Under Rated!
Honor, harmony and humor...I love dese guys! The unique, gutzy harmonizing in this CD reminds me of listening as a kid in bed to the street corner Acapella groups in South Philly...WAAAY before G.'s time. Combined with funk...ahhh. I've been looking for a funky, hip, contemporary group for ages...G.Love, where have you been all my life? June 14, 2006

A great CD for the summertime

G. Love is the master of rhymes for the summertime. Philadelphonic is filled with a number of bouncy pool party anthems as well as cool laid back lazy summer day music. The appearance of Jack Johnson is quite nice, and "Rodeo Clowns" is definately the strongest cut of the album. Other strong tracks include "Dreamin'," "Do It For Free," and "Friday Night." Granted, this isn't exactly deep stuff, but its really fun for breaking loose in the summertime.

It's fun to see how G. Love & Special Sauce have evolved since the release of their self titled debut in 1994. Philadelphonic is more electric, more richly instrumentated, higher fidelity, a fuller sound and the pace seems to be a little more bouncy, bright and fast-paced. The boys seem to lean less toward the slow laid back funky tracks that were released earlier and are doing more zesty uptempo stuff. While the first album had Philadelphia written all over it, the guest appearance by Jack Johnson, the surfy twangy guitars and the DJ scratching all give the album a much more southern california type feel. It's also really nice to hear a little more of G. Love's harmonica chops. It's a fun change of pace. Unlike most of the music that I listen to, G. Love is not music that I appreciate for the depth and mature musicianship, but its just plain fun. May 31, 2006

Definitely worthwhile!

If you only buy one cd, get Jack Johnson's Brushfire Fairytales. It's the bomb. If you buy two cd's, you should definitely check this one out. It is one of the best. I especially like tracks like rodeo clowns and numbers, but there isn't a dull track on this cd. Don't waste your money on 50 cent or Eminem. This guy kicks azz!! March 14, 2006

one of the best albums

I've been a G. Love fan since the beginning... and I have to say of all his albums, this is definitely the best.
GLASS come well into their own on this album, as G's voice is at its peak and their unique blend of all kinds of styles gels perfectly here. They mix folk, hip hop, rock, and blues together seamlessly, while presenting grooves that just keep you addicted. There isn't a track on this album that I don't find enjoyable. And for all of you Jack Johnson fans out there- he makes an appearance on the album with the debut of his song 'Rodeo Clowns.' Jack did his own version of the song on his sophomore album, as well. Interestingly, this seems to be most people's favorite song on Philadephonic. Personally, I think the beat/rhythm is spectacular but 'Numbers' and 'No Turning Back' are even better. 'Friday Night' is also a great song- the hip hop feel makes the song unique.

DEFINITELY give this album a chance if you listen to any kind of alternative rock, indie, or enjoy a unique sound... you will NOT be disappointed.
And if GLASS make it into your town, go check them out- they put on one of the best live shows that I've ever seen. November 16, 2005

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