The Artist (since I don't have a key that will type his symbol) has compiled another album of innovative pieces in a variety of music styles. The gospel sound of the title track, the R&B in "Hot Wit U" and the lovely ballad sound of "Tangerine" all display The Artist's ability and desire to break free of any musical labeling.

RAVE is the first album produced by The Artist with a major record label since 1996. Of his association with Arista, The Artist says, "Things seem 2 work best when all parties agree, and we do!"

The title track, "RAVE un2 the Joy fantastic," is a driving celebration of self. It begins "World full o' lovers/ City full o' good times - Rave!" The music raves with a full, driving sound perfect for a Millenial New Year's Eve celebration. "Everybody got a new thang/ New fun/ Scandalous/ Rave!"

"Undisputed" could easily be The Artist's own personal affirmation of independence in music. The words feature Chuck D.'s Rhyme "Come 1, come all, 2 the download ball." The music has the rock 'n' funk sound that was usually associated with The Artist's work in the '70s and early '80s.

Several of the songs are ballad style. "Tangerine," sung by Gwen Stefani of No Doubt, accompanied by Rhonda Smith on the accoustic bass, and The Artist on other instruments, lilts across the ear with simple melody and harmony. "The Greatest Romance," "Love U, but I don't trust U anymore" featuring Ani DiFranco, and "Wherever U go, whatever U do" are delicate songs, sung lyrically. The chiming bells in "Wherever" give it an ethereal effect. On the other hand, "ManOwar"and "Silly Game" are pop style "love done me wrong" songs.

Nowhere is The Artist's innovativeness more evident than in "Strange but true." It's a blues style rap song with heavy drums that abruptly stop in the most unexpected places, and sudden bursts of melody here and there on a variety of instruments. The spoken voice is altered as it repeats the phrase "strange but true," making a very interesting listening experience.

Another "hard-edged groove excursion" is "Prettyman," the last track on the CD. "Prettyman" features Maceo Parker on the saxophone and begins "Don't hate me 'cause I'm beautiful." "The sun, the moon and stars" has a distinct reggae sound, including waves rushing over the beach - very nice effect.

There is always one track on an album that will grab a listener more than the others, and on this album the one that grabs me is "Everyday is a winding road." It is classic rock 'n'roll with a rolling melody line, heavy bass and drums, traditional harmonies, with the occasional different chord thrown in to grab attention, a great backup group made up of Larry Graham with Kip, DuJuan and Johnnie Blackshire of 3rd Day, and The Artist vocalizing high above the other voices. Included twice on the CD is a track titled "Segue" and sub-titled "a moment of silence" and it is just that! There is also a track with commercials for internet sites www.love4oneanother.com, www.arista.com, and www.newfunk.com. If you listen to the CD on your computer's CD-rom, it will surprise you by opening with a picture of the album cover! Clicking to the next page will give you more information on the above mentioned web sites.