Bitter
The angular, sensual funk-rock blend of Me'Shell Ndegeocello's 1996Peace Beyond Passionhere gives way to a hushed confessional mood that recalls classics byJoni MitchellandRosanne Cash. Ndegeocello puts her formidable bass skills far off to the side here--there's rarely even an electric guitar to be heard on these tracks--in favor of a mix often dominated by a small string section. Occasionally overripe, as on a cover ofHendrix's "May This Be Love,"Bitteris nonetheless an intriguing take on one woman's love, confusion, and ultimately, hope.--Rickey Wright