Gil Scott-Heron

This deeply felt (and sometimes deeply funky) album helped break the pioneer of protest jazz-soul and rap to the general public with hit single "The Bottle." Today's club generation now delights in this 1973 release whose emotions run as sure as its grooves.

The jazz poet turns jazz singer--good idea, only he had a better beat and just slightly less melody when he was reading. Exception: "The Bottle," which you can dance to. (Grade - C+)