Erykah Badu has been such a staple part of the R and B scene for such a long time that it's hard to believe this is only her second album proper. As you might expect from this fiercely independent singer it's a dark, murky affair which mixes jazzy tribal rhythms with languorous, seductive vocals. Mama's Gun is enjoyable for most of its length but its lack of variety and an over-reliance on weary hippy philosophy means that it falls some way short of greatness.
