Hard 'n funky (Evil Empire - Rage Against The Machine)

Member Name: mo79

Product:	Evil Empire - Rage Against The Machine
Date:	05/07/00 (13 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Slightly different from their debut, chilled, funky, smooth, intelligent lyrics - less anal than the first album

Disadvantages: Overshadowed by their debut

Four years after their pioneering debut, RATM returned with a *hugely* anticipated follow-up, and one that would dissapoint some fans, but not a whole lot.
Atleast RATM progressed then, somewhat. If their debut was a mixture of metal and rap, 'EE' could well be described as a mixture of punk and hip-hop, with some extra funk.
Unlike their debut, most of these songs (we now find out) were mainly penned and crafted by shouty, intelligent lyricist Zack De La Rocha, and even though we don't see a proper collaboration, the band still input their roles individually, and this still makes for a very cohesive album, if just a little bit less stronger and edgy than their last; but still a little reminscent of it too.
First single 'Bulls On Parade' is the only song that really retains any kind of element from their debut with it's appealing metallic rap. Elsewhere though, songs like 'People Of The Sun', 'Revolver', 'Down Rodeo' and 'Roll Right' are smooth and funky than their tight offerings on their debut. Zack's lyrics sound a little more personal than political, and Tom Morello's guitar solos are less 'wanky', but still as zany and arty as ever; Brad Wilk and Tim Bob though remain a tight rhythm section as ever, but undoubtedly are more funky and chilled too on a number of the songs on here.
This is a great funky and punky follow-up to their debut and recommended to existing and newcomer RATM fans, but compared to their hard to follow-up debut, this is pales slightly; but is still a great effort, a suitable progression, and still a classic record!

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