Bitter
is an appropriate title for
Meshell Ndegeocello
's third album. Inspired by a torturous romantic relationship,
surges with emotions, and most of them are shaded with regret, remorse, or bitterness. Undoubtedly, the relationship was painful, but it has given
Ndegeocello
an artistic focus missing on her two previous albums. It provides a sorrowful, meditative emotional template that she matches with moody, slow songs that flow into each other. It's the kind of album that demands close listening, otherwise it has the tendency to fade into the background. For some listeners, concentrated listening may be a little difficult, given the bleak emotions of the music, but
's subtle songcraft truly reveals itself upon close inspection. And, with repeated plays,
reveals itself as the most personal -- and in many ways, most rewarding -- album of her career. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine