Meshell Ndegeocello Bitter (Dlx)

3.5 stars (out of 5) - "...could conceivably become a cult item, even a major hit....the melodies steadily gain resonance as the arrangements flower out into a jazzlike responsiveness..."
"...[Me'Shell's] misery has resulted in a stunning set of tough and tender sob stories....Bitter never tasted so sweet." - Rating: A
3 stars out of 5 - "...a more acoustic-based, pared-down sound....With its clipped, one-word songtitles and slightly sombre style, this is a very adult record with an oddly soothing effect..."
"...An impressionistic, rhythmic musicalization of that extended lost weekend....original, provocative, and...brilliant....BITTER is Album of the Year."
"...proves she can do the confessional, singer-songwriterly thing too. BITTER is a passage of rites from an unsatisfying relationship into a mere enriching one....admirers of anyone from Nina Samone to John Martyn could be converted rapturously."