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Review of WildCard by T.T.D'Arby/Sananda Maitreya
Introducing the Hardline…, Terence Trent D’Arby’s/Sananda Maitreya's debut record from 1987 was an incredible album and one that he will be measured against for the rest of his career. The self-indulgent 1989 release Neither Fish Nor Flesh could be one of the greatest sophomore disappointments in the history of pop music. Symphony or Damn in 1993 was genius, full of different grooves and textures, which re-established D’Arby’s/Maitreya's credibility and affirmed his artistic potential. Then 1995’s Vibrator was a solid effort, but it lacked the consistency of material that the previous record offered. So after that, TTD/Sananda Maitreya took eight years off, changed his name to Sananda Maitreya, fought with his record company and has finally released a 75-minute collection of 19 songs entitled Wildcard on his own label. The wait was worth it. The bass lines on this record are infectious and funky. “Designated Fool,” the second track of the record, is as good of a funk/dance track as I have heard in years. Many cuts on the record involuntarily make your foot tap and your butt move in rhythm. Just try sitting still during “Suga Free.” I don’t think you can do it. In addition to fantastic lower ends, TTD/Sananda Maitreya lets his voice rip through the material. For my money, he’s the best soul singer making records today. Those that have laughed him off as a one hit wonder are ignoring the merit of his work. No TTD/Sananda Maitreya record would be complete without a few beautiful ballads and this album is no exception. “What Shall I Do” is the stand-out cut in that category in which his delivery and voice sound as good as they ever have. Wildcard is as solid and entertaining as any record that D’Arby/Maitreya has put out to date, and considering how high he set the bar with his first release, this record somehow measures up, a thought many believed was impossible. ~R. David Smola
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