It's mid-week, and that means it's time for another Way Back Wednesday, let's get to it.Where would you rank Wu-Tang Clan in hip hop? Many critics laud the ensemble as the best in the game. Their legacy is unparalleled, with a style all their own and 10 rhyme-slinging members, each capable of expressing his own personality without stepping on his group-mates' toes. All of that talent bundled up into one fine package equates to alot of solo output and Wu alumni have released multiple solo albums, some of which remain relevant today. Remember the fly preppy style they sported in their videos? It prompted me to beg my mom for a Tommy Hilfiger jacket.
Background: Hailing from the boroughs of Staten Island and Brooklyn, Wu-Tang Clan — RZA, GZA, Method Man, Ghostface Killah, Raekwon, U-God, Inspectah Deck, Masta Killa, Cappadonna, and (the late) Ol' Dirty Bastard — burst onto the East Coast hip-hop scene in 1993 after catching rapper Biz Markie's attention. They became an immediate underground hip-hop favorite with a fresh original sound, but it didn't take long for the mainstream to jump on the Wu wagon. I'm sure everyone has their own favorite member. You could argue that Method Man is the most renown of all Wu members — he's landed the most film and TV roles at least — but I've always favored Ghostface Killah and Raekwon, who have equally expansive solo catalogs. And rapper/producer Rza is Wu's core member and mastermind, responsible for crafting their unique beats and instrumentals over the years that set martial art movie quotes over eerie violins and pianos. The Rza carved out a distinctive type of production that he employs to this day.
Notable Albums: Wu Tang Clan's first release was an independent single, "Protect Ya Neck" in 1993. The group shopped several labels, but had a strict request that was hard for most record companies to grant — a record deal that would allow each artist to record and issue solo albums at free will. Loud/RCA agreed, and the Wu delivered first full-length and insta-classic, Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) in November of 1993. Whether you were a fan of underground or more mainstream hip hop, 36 Chambers delivered on all fronts. The single that grabbed everyone's attention, "Protect Ya Neck," was included, along with now-beloved cuts "Method Man,""C.R.E.A.M." and "Can't It All Be So Simple." I remember each single dominating Yo MTV Raps, along with the Billboard hip-hop charts, for what seemed forever.
It was four years until a much anticipated follow-up came along, but each member stayed busy establishing solo careers. Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface, Cappadonna, ODB and GZA all dropped solo debuts. All saw success and created even more hype for Wu's sophomore follow-up.
By the summer of 1997, the time had come to drop Wu Tang Forever. Not only was it fresh material, but the release was a double album, and I recall waiting in line at my local record store for almost an hour to purchase it. Wu Tang Forever debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard charts and earned a Grammy nominattion. True Master and 4th Disciple cut their teeth producing some of the album in partnership with Rza. Lead single "Triumph" found each member spitting his own verse; the only two other singles were "It's Yourz" and "Reunited." Feelings about it were mixed; fans loved the album, critics weren't as thrilled. I thought it was solid, with some memorable songs, but it also contained a bit too much filler for my taste.
"Protect Ya Neck"
"C.R.E.A.M."
"Can't It All Be All So Simple"
"Triumph"
******
In the early '80s, loads of rock groups attempted to make a name for themselves, and Faith No More was no different. I know it's hard to fathom, but Faith No More has been around for more than three decades. When I first heard FNM, I thought they were a ripping off Red Hot Chili Peppers' funk metal sound, though I soon realized the similarities ended with Mike Patton and his distinctive vocals. My first experience with FNM was break-out hit, "Epic." Not only was it a catchy track, but the video was ahead of its time, not to mention entertaining. I remember it catching a lot of flack and firing up animal rights activists because of its scene with a goldfish flopping out water, which still didn't take away from the greatness of the song.
Background: Faith No More was formed in San Francisco in 1981, but has experienced several line-up changes over the years. Bassist Billy Gould, keyboardist Roddy Bottum and drummer Mike Bordin are all founding members; original lead singer Chuck Mosely appeared on the first two albums before he was dismissed due to his wacked-out behavior. Current lead singer Mike Patton became the voice of Faith No More in 1989, and from there the band took off. Patton brought much versatility to the band's sound with his vocal range (from deep to falsetto) and delivery (from crooning to screaming to rapping to sing-songing). With more popularity and two critically acclaimed albums, Patton started dabbling in side projects, raising questions about the group's longevity. Rumors flew about a possible break-up, which turned to fact in 1998 when Faith No More announced their impending split. In 2009, FNM put together a run of reunion dates, "The Second Coming Tour," and playing together prompted writing together and the eventual release of their first new studio album in 18 years this past May: Sol Invictus.
Notable albums: Both 1985 debut We Care A Lot and 1987 follow-up, Introduce Yourself were recorded with Mosely. Patton took over the lead vocals on the group's breakthrough third LP, The Real Thing, in 1989, marking a shift to more funk and heavy metal sonic territories. "From Out of Nowhere" was the first single, but "Epic" and "Falling To Pieces" carried the album. Both singles were huge hits and helped the band grab two Grammy noms, not to mention an entirely new audience of fans
With huge expectations spilling over from The Real Thing, FNM recorded critically-acclaimed fourth album, Angel Dust, and released it in June of '92,. Patton and Co. explored far more experimental (and far less accessible) realms this time around. Praised by critics, unexpected by fans, the LP included a cover of "Easy," the Motown hit by the Commodores that found Patton taking Lionel Richie's place on lead and showing off his crooning skills over a near perfect remake of percussion and piano. "A Small Victory" and "Midlife Crisis" both saw success, the latter incorporating more of a hip-hop sound.
King For A Day...Fool For A Lifetime (1995) and Album Of The Year (1997) proved inconsistent follow-ups. The Real Thing is still the most relevant of all Faith No More LPs, though Sol Invictus stands as a rather strong comeback.
"We Care A Lot"
"Epic"
"Falling To Pieces"
"A Small Victory"
Who is your favorite Wu-Tang member? What is your favorite FNM song? Did you give their new album a listen?