Putting the funk on

The two CDs today come out of left field, giving us surprises as they defy expectations and preconceived notions we may have held about the artists concerned. Karylle shows off a more sassy, contemporary side to her; while N.E.R.D. fuses party with political overtones and displays influences that we have not seen in their previous output!

Karylle — Roadtrip (Polyeast Records). If Karylle’s last album was highlighted by ballads and weepy songs that have become the staple of most Filipino’s karaoke repertoire, this Roadtrip CD reveals a grittier, more urban music side to Karylle, and it’s great to hear her spreading her wings. Full of self-penned compositions, the funky opener, OMG, is complemented by the chill, techno vibe of Desert Drama. One of my immediate favorites is Kulang, a mid-tempo rocker in which Karylle’s mom, Zsa Zsa Padilla, joins the chorus. My Hero, My Angel has Robin Nievera guesting on the lead guitar; while for those who still need their ballads, there’s I Found My Smile Again and Basically. It’s the diversity of music that makes this such an eye-opener and pleaser!

N.E.R.D. — Nothing (Interscope Records). A concept band formed by R&B stalwarts Pharrell Williams, Chad Hugo (who’s half-Filipino), and Shae Haley, N.E.R.D., also known as the Neptunes, had a previous album where it credited Steely Dan as one of the major influences. With Nothing, it’s the music of The Doors and America that is surprisingly listed as inspiration. With Nelly Furtado on Hot ‘N Fun, and sweaty, summer club tracks like Party People, there’s still a lot of funk on this CD. On Hypnotize, Pharrell goes on falsetto mode, and it’s one charming, lady-killer display. Help Me would be the track where I detected the Doors reference; but by and large, this is one soulful showcase, where being sexy and political are not exclusive domains.