Album Review: The Roots – How I Got Over

Artist:  The Roots
Album: How I Got Over
Release Date: 06.22.10

The question has followed The Roots ever since the group agreed to work as Jimmy Fallon’s house band on his late night television show: has the Philly collective — the tireless, battle tested road warriors who created a niche as hip-hop’s only band — gotten over?

Some of The Roots’ long-time supporters criticized the move as an attempt to “sell out,” which is a term used far too often by fans who can no longer keep their favorite artists in safe, neat little boxes. Others praised the move as a logical step for a hard working musical outfit that buttered its bread on constant tour around the globe. It seemed long overdue for The Roots to “win,” and settle into a gig that would finally provide the group a consistent national exposure that was so greatly deserved.

With How I Got Over, The Roots’ ninth studio album and first recording since making the move to late night TV, it is apparent that the group has gotten over. But instead of killing time waxing poetic about their new successes, Black Thought, ?uestlove and company push their listeners to a profound level of introspection that examines the existing struggles in urban America, while also encouraging them to hold on to their respective rays of hope. With How I Got Over, the band has created a moody musical opus that reflects, broods and enlightens without sounding schizophrenic.

In many ways, How I Got Over serves as the perfect complement to the group’s Game Theory album, which was heavily influenced by the turmoil of Hurricane Katrina and the death of legendary producer J-Dilla, a person with whom The Roots collaborated with several times over the years. The result was a decent album that showed flashes of positive energy, but ultimately played like an overly dark composition of depression and self loathing. With How I Got Over, an album in which the title was taken from a 1950s gospel hymn, the tone is still slightly somber. The difference, however, is that the members of The Roots use society’s negative energy against itself, instead of letting it consume them. On “The Day,” for example, Black Thought, Blu, and Phonte from The Foreign Exchange rhyme about overcoming their daily routines to find that elusive utopia — a place where life is lived to the fullest and stress is non-existent.

“Now Or Never” is another example of such forward thinking, as the aforementioned Phonte joins Thought and Dice Raw discuss the need to evolve. “Everything’s changing around me, and I wanna change, too,” Dice Raw sings on the song’s hook. “’Cause one thing I know, it ain’t cool being no fool.” “Dear God 2.0” is arguably the album’s centerpiece, in my humble opinion, and easily one of the greatest songs The Roots have ever recorded. The song’s deep bassline and haunting piano keys serve as the perfect backdrop for Thought and Jim James from My Morning Jacket to pray for God’s blessings. “Lord, forgive me for my shortcomings, for going on tour and ignoring the court summons,” Thought rhymes on the song. “All I’m trying to do is live life to the fullest, they sent my daddy to you in a barrage of bullets.”

By the time “The Fire” rolls around, the album’s pace is much more upbeat and celebratory. While the beginning of How I Got Over seemed focused on moving beyond uncertainty, “The Fire,” which features John Legend, aims to claim victory. Those who have followed The Roots through the years can claim the same victory, because How I Got Over makes listeners believe they have “gotten over” as well. Upon completion of this recording, you feel much more connected to a band of brothers who have ascended to the pinnacle of their respective careers and somehow found time to bring you along as well. Therefore, the title of The Roots’ new album is inaccurate. It should’ve been called “How We Got Over”.

Sound-Savvy rates The Roots’ How I Got Over with 4 out of 5 platinum headphones.