Customer Reviews
Original and second best - By: the_reddest, 22 Mar 2007 
This is definitely one of the most original albums producedin the history of UK urban music & for this reason I don't think it received the wider exposure it deserved. It's an comforting deep bassy sound, which is almost uniquein my experience, one which completely mesmerized me 8 years ago, & still does today. I don't think he ever really improved on this personally, though others may feel the album is a bit disjointed. I have to say the second track 'dem phonies' does my headin & is probably worth 1 star at best, but the rest is fantastic, especially 'Inna', 'Strange Behaviour', 'Motion 5000' & 'Oh yeah'. It's getting on a bit now, but classics never really age & this certainly hasn't. It will always be one of my favourite albums by one of my favourite artists - check it out!
Yes, its very good, but... - By: R. Fraser, 21 Jun 2006 
...sometimes its just not cohesive enough to be given 5 stars. Not to say its a bad album, just doesn't flow well enough at times. The first time I listened to it, I was blown away by movements & motion 5000, I echo what other people have said, they are the two best tracks on the album & some of the finest tracks Roots Manuva has done ever. Although the problem lies with thisin a way, halfway through the album you need something amazing, inspirational, almost daunting to certify a full listen, & unfortunately I don't think it has that killer edge. Tracks like sinking sand & clockwork are good tunes but decidely average for Roots Manuva, & sometimes you just can't be bothered to persevere. In a way this can benefit itin some respects, when you can be arsed its a really good listen, & at the right time can really suck you in, let you engage, then spit you back out, but it just doesn't do enough to have you playing this on a regular rotation. I think the reason for this is the production, as lyrically Rodders is on superlative form with some beautifally insightful lyrics & his adverse perception of the world, but the beats aren't always adequate foundation for such profound articulation, & can make you change track all too easily sometimes. Luckily, this all changes with experience, & he picks up on the productionin the later albums, which are most excellent. So the album on a whole isn't quite 5 star material, but its definately worth buying for some tracks, as the standouts are momentous at times. There is the aforementioned Movents & Motion 5000, Strange Behaviour, Juggle Tings Proper & Fever for me which are the heavyweights, but i'm sure some people will disagree & have their own personal favourites.
Allin all, most excellent debut attempt & a must buy if your a fan of Roots Manuva, & if not buy it just for Movements, beyond words.
Very Very good.... - By: , 19 Jan 2006 Great album, he can't be matched for his lyric content here or across the pondin America. Run come save me, dub come save me, awfully deep, brandnew second hand all excellent albums & I’m not really a big hip hop fan but Rodney P is a very clever lyricist who you just can't help but listen too... Cheers Rodney P.
The roots-fi discotheque - By: ICI, 01 Oct 2004 Roots Manuva is definitely one of the big namesin hiphop not onlyin UK but througout. Nice lyrics, voice, different sorts of musics, plus hes wicked live..im not a mad hip-hop fan, but this album definitely visits my hi-fi often, it really worths listening to..As we move..This is my money, this is my pain, these are my drugs, this is my brain, & its never gonna be the same..
brand new 2nd hand. - By: Jon Boy, 27 Feb 2004 roots manuva is out & out my favourite british rapper - he's talents go far beyond he's smooth delivery & interesting content of his very british lyrics. he's production & beat writing is just as slick. these skills set him apart from the many other talented british rappers. (of which, I'm proud to say, there is an abundance; chester p, taskforce, jehst, dynamite, dizzie rascal & of course the veterans rodney p & daddy skitz.)
I love the fact that there is no mistaking he's english, I love the fact he sounds cockney & he talks about lifein britain - mr manuva is the barometer of england's' social climate (and has been for a number of years). his social comment is accurate & is eloquently delivered, it makes you listen intently on what he's got to say.
the first & last songs on this album are amazing ('movements' & 'motion 5000' respectively) they're are two tracks roots manuva doesn't often top (although 'swordsin the dirty' from his run come save me album does!!!). I love the calm, relaxed hookin 'movements' - roots manuva's voice seems to hypnotises you.
this album had a massive impact on the british hip hop scene - its paved the way for others to follow.
roots manuva is genius.
