July 15, 2005

REESE


Album Review: Missy Elliott

THE COOKBOOK
Missy's Cookbook doesn't sizzle
By -- Winnipeg Sun



Missy Elliott
The Cookbook
(Atlantic/Warner)

Can you smell what Missy Elliott is cooking? We can -- and it's definitely not Misdemeanor's original recipe.

On this sixth album, the hip-hop diva gets her tweak on, easing longtime producer and partner Timbaland out of the mix and replacing him with a smorgasbord of different (and mostly lesser-known) producers. Which is probably a nice way of emphasizing your independence, making a few new friends and saving a few bucks. But it isn't the best way of making an album that goes down smooth.

The main problem? Aside from The Neptunes, few of the novice knob-twiddlers can fashion a beat as bizarrely brilliant and instantly addictive as the mighty Timbaland -- though, ironically, Missy herself comes closest on the slammin' Lose Control. Other high points include cameos by the boastful Mike Jones, hip-hop soul mama Mary J. and the ever-freaky Slick Rick.

Most of the time, though, Missy's Cookbook feels less like a musical buffet created by a team of chefs, and more like what happens when you have too many cooks.

We'll pass on seconds.

Track Listing:

1. Joy (Featuring Mike Jones)
2. Party Time
3. Irresistable (Featuring Slick Rick)
4. Lose Control (Featuring Ciara & Fat Man Scoop)
5. My Struggles (Featuring Mary J. Blige & Grand Puba)
6. Meltdown
7. On & On
8. We Run This
9. Remember When
10. 4 My Man (Featuring Fantasia)
11. Can't Stop
12. Teary Eyed
13. Mommy
14. Click Clack
15. Time and Time Again
16. Bad Man (Featuring Vybez Cartel & M.I.A.)


Browse Reviews by Artist



HOT MUSIC HEADLINES
M.I.A. fiance slams split report
Perry, Brand reach divorce deal
SOCAN buys Songwriters Hall
Beach Boys to perform at Grammys
Cohen, Del Rey debut on charts
Busey files for bankruptcy
Aguilera to reconcile with dad?
Trench singer has music in DNA
Metallica launching music festival
Missy Elliott to make comeback
More Headlines
Howie D invites fans on Israel trip
Beyonce trademarking 'Blue Ivy'
Juno Award noms unveiled
Bieber guard in airport fight
Rep: No Del Rey tour to postpone
Lady Gaga reveals tour plans
Report: Brown to perform at Grammys
Garth Brooks turning 50
Love threatens to sue over court docs
Fray works it out for new album


Who's coming and when
Want to know when your favourite band is coming to town? Check out Clive, JAM Music's extensive Canadian concert listings.
TV Listings
Wondering what's on tonight? Check out our TV listings for the complete schedule in your area.
Movie Listings
Find out what's playing at a theatre near you.

1. Leonard Cohen: Old Ideas

2. Adele: 21

3. Lana Del Rey: Born To Die

4. Various: 2012 Grammy Noms

5. Gotye: Making Mirrors

Courtesy Nielsen SoundScan Cda








What did you think of Madonna’s halftime show?
She’s still got it
I wasn’t impressed


Results