From Amazon.com
As could be ascertained from songs like "Play That Funky Music (White Boy)" and "Undercova Funk," the keyword for the nugget-filled
Undercover Brother soundtrack is
funk. In other words, prominently twanging bass lines, swinging saxophones and horns, and syncopated gymnastics abound on this instant party mix. Whether political (James Brown, Gil Scott-Heron), empowering women (Kool & the Gang, Cheryl Lynn), or championing good old-fashioned love (the O' Jays), the choice cuts included are timeless and (mostly) not too overplayed. Only when the album tries to modernize these classics does it lose its freshness. Snoop Dogg's version of "Undercova Funk" is successful thanks to guests like Bootsy Collins, but Lil' J's 2002 version of "I Need Luv" drags aimlessly for over six minutes, and the "Theme from
Undercover Brother" is a pale cool-cat imitator. Nevertheless, the album is undoubtedly a perfect funk compilation for any occasion--just add grooviness and stir.
--Annie Zaleski
