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Sananda Maitreya // WildCard // Tungz Rates 4.5
(6/26/2003 11:24:56 PM)
Posted By: DJ Melodic
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Artist: Sananda Maitreya (aka Terence Trent D’Arby)
Album: “WildCard”
Rating: Tungz gives this CD a 4.5/5

 

Review:
In the guise of Sananda Maitreya, Terence Trent D’Arby comes to us through his higher consciousness to deliver a scroll of dulcet scriptures, with the intentions of enlightening and promoting not just self-love, but also for the love of Humanity in general. But first, to better understand the direction and mind-set of this album, it becomes necessary to understand the identity of its composer as Sananda Maitreya. Sananda – his name in other dimenstions - is a being who is a presence of Light and Love, and a great teacher whose purpose is to assist humanity at this time of rapid change. He helps all who choose to experience his energy to realize they’re “oneness” with Creation so that they may live their Higher Purpose. In Western Christian beliefs, this being is know as Jesus. Maitreya – meaning ‘universal love’ – is the fifth ascension of Buddha; who teaches people to practice the path of virtue as a means to spiritual maturity. Thus you have Sananda Maitreya, and his scroll – WildCard.

Although this may sound dogmatic or religion-infused to some, the truth of the matter is that this project is far from preachy or doctrinaire. In fact, the lyrics blend so finely with the funky, groove-laden tracks, that you don’t even realize that you’re being enlightened – until later. The universal message is supported by its’ universal sound - an amalgamation of genres – ranging from rock, to funk, to soul, with influences of hip-hop; which should really come as no surprise to D’Arby/Maitreya fans. Sananda’s raucous vocals prove more than impressive on every track. The set opens with a bouncy, metaphorical tune entitled “O Divina”, which reflects Sananda’s quest for the lady of “Divine Love, before snapping your neck on the pervasively funky, and catchy groover entitled, “Designated Fool”. Definitely a flagship!!! On the track entitled “Dark Places”, Sananda croons about dealing with his “personal demons” and fears. Lines like – “slaying my dragons by trying to love them / Let’s commit our souls to silvers / Let’s commit our heart to gold……” – mirrors Sananda’s belief in Self-Love. Other songs which follow this premise include the “stress-relieving”, rock-fused track entitled “The Inner Scream”, in which Sananda encourages you to just SCREAM (which he does); the up-tempo, throbbing, “Ev’rythang”, which personifies the desire to be one with all of creation; and the heated “Shadows”, which could potentially have you doing the Running Man.

To be honest, this album features too many gems to discuss without turning this review into a documentary. Soul heads - Neo-soul and otherwise – will be partial to the tracks entitled “Suga Free”, “Shalom”, and “Designated Fool” , while the Rockers will fiend for“…And They Will Never Know”, “Sayin’ About You”, and “The Inner Scream”, to name a few. The songs are composed in a manner in which an element of every genre is present in just about every track. However, if you just appreciate good music with meaningful lyrics – regardless of genre – you will find this album very appealing. It is complete with powerful vocals (understatement), great production, and lyrics that can be interpreted exoterically as well as esoterically. For example, songs like “Shalom” can be interpreted to be about a woman, or it can be about Peace. Just like the Bible (and other Spiritual texts), this is a piece that you’re just going to have to experience and interpret for yourself.

Of the five albums that D’Arby/Maitreya has dropped, this is by far my favorite. This CD will slide perfectly into your changer in between Me’shell Ndegeocello’s “Cookie: The Anthropolical Mixtape”, and Prince’s “Rainbow Children”, OR Common’s “Electric Circus”. Peaces!!!!!

TUNGZ