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Rating: Excellent |
It's been a while since we've heard from Erykah Badu. "But You Caint Use My Phone" marks the end of a five-year gap between releases and is her first complete collection of new recordings since then. Despite talk of a new album and recordings made last year, there's still no word on when it's expected, but for now, we can safely say the "But You Caint Use My Phone" mixtape will be more than enough to keep us occupied until then.
Erykah Badu's "But You Caint Use My Phone"—the most prominent track on the mixtape—is "Cel U Lar Device," Badu's own personal rewrite and remix of Drake's "Hotline Bling." While it opens with the same instrumental intro as the original track, it slowly evolves into a psychedelic sonic landscape before ending on a soothing R&B arrangement. In more ways than one, it perfectly sets the tone for the mixtape: The theme of phones and communication runs throughout the tracks, and the soothing R&B style that closes the track is the main sound that is further developed in the subsequent tracks—plus, most of the shorter tracks here feature more Hotline Bling samples.
The mixtape's sound was described by Badu himself as "TRap & B," which perfectly suits the tone; stuttering trap beats are a constant, but the tracks are never boisterous, even if they can sometimes be abrasive, as on "Dial'Afreaq" or the introductory track "Caint Use My Phone (Suite)." This is certainly a style that suits Badu perfectly, especially on the André 3000 collaboration "Hello," which blends his rapping with their soulful vocals in a serious collaboration that marks the album's highlight. "Phone Down" is similarly catchy, with the repeated use of the title as the song's hook and Badu's altered vocals providing a fitting counterpoint to the calm, murmuring tempo of "My Phone."
Across the album's entire length, it's rare to find a less enjoyable moment. While "Dial'Afreaq" marks the collection's most shocking moment, and "Cel U Lar Device" truly shines in the final moments, the accompanying tracks are consistently enjoyable. The mixtape's mellow, funky vibe makes it easy and enticing to listen to, and it certainly feels like a breath of fresh air among 2015's musical releases. While not a complete Badu album, "But You Caint Use My Phone" is a surprisingly satisfying package.
= Full Album Play List =
= Track List =
