A track by track Review. By Derek Spiller

[XL; 2010]

Links: Gil Scott-Heron | XL | buy it at insound!

1. On coming From A Broken Home (Part 1) – A very powerful tale of his youth bringing-up by his very dear grandmother. Recited over a sample of Kanye Wests “Flashing Lights”. A very strong opening for an album this morose in concept.  – 10/10

2. Me And The Devil – In a truly mood fitting continuation from the intro. Gil contemplates his death and his souls battle with many hardships.  - 9/10

3. I’m New Here – In a Bob Dylan-eske style Gil explains that no matter how far away from how you used to be you become, There is always a bit of the old you deep inside that will show itself. – 8/10

4. Your Soul And Mine – An interesting take on what I believe to be his version of death as a figure. - 8/10

5. Parents (Interlude) – Wise Words of Wisdom

6. I’ll Take Care Of You – In possibly the rawest example of his aged vocals ( though still amazingly remarkable) he speaks of past loves lost and a new undying love for a mystery woman. – 10/10

7. Where Did The Night Go – a fantastic storytelling experience by Mr. Heron. – 9/10

8. New York Is Killing Me – I love love love the beat used in this track. The simplicity hits my core as does his raw description of how new york is one heck of an overwhelming place. – 10/10

9. Certail Things (Interlude) – Wha now?!?

10. Running – One hell of a wild take on the concept of running.

11. The Crutch – More proto rap over a sufficiently downbeat beat. – 8/10

12. I’ve Been Me (Interlude) – N/A

13. On Coming From A Broken Home (Part 2) – A fitting end to an extremely short LP. – 10/10

Overall :

A fitting return to an artist that has gone through his share of tough times and is now focusing more on his own demons, rather than the corruption of the exterior world we live in. Many will complain on the length of the record but I do not feel that it’s grounds for a lowered score.

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