This cd starts with something that I imagine many of Erykah's fans may not pick up on. The first minute or so of "Rimshot" is actually the Miles Davis masterpiece "So What" (originally appearing on the album, "Kind Of Blue"), with Erykah's backing vocalists chanting Badu over it. This leads to my only complaint... The liner-notes should have acknowledged the Miles tune, if for no other reason than to allow someone with no jazz knowledge to seek out the original Miles album if they are so inclined.

"Other Side Of The Game" and Chaka Khan's "Stay" both get incredible, all-out, going-for-it vocal fluorishes. These two songs alone would make this cd worth purchasing. "Ye Yo" is a song that says all the words that every child deserves to hear coming from their mothers lips, and it says them without being sappy and stupid. Again, this song sets Erykah far above the great majority of the R&B world. While others are yet again singing of wanting to get someone into bed, Erykah unleashes an emotional blessing for her unborn (at the time this was recorded) child.

I read a couple of the previous reviews that basically made it sound like this cd has no new material. That's incorrect. "Ye Yo", "Searching", "Boogie Nights/All Night", "Stay", and both versions of "Tyrone" (one is Live and one is studio) are not found on any of Erykah's other cd's. "Tyrone" is the ultimate kiss-off song, and her unique and spiritual vocal phrasings and lyrics permeate this great cd.


This CD is much better than the studio release.   June 27, 1998
7 out of 8 found this review helpful

I didn't own the studio album when I bought this CD. My only exposure the Ms. Badu was through the video for Tyronne that I just happen to catch. But never before have I truley heard an artist bare their soul the way that Badu does on this recording. Along with a voice sent from God, Badu's engagement with the audience, and a spiritualism that reaches back to her African heritage, Ms. Badu has taught the music world a lesson in what it means to love your craft. My advise is skip the studio album it is extremly flat in comparison and go straight to Live.


Ignore reviewer luke, this is LIVE!!!!!!!   April 30, 2006
Melancholy (Pico Rivera, Ca. United States)
4 out of 4 found this review helpful

Just wanted to point-out to those of you out there who are hesitant to purchase this because of the god-awful review by (luke).

What I'm reading from reviewer (Luke) about this gem is that he's reading the final credit's and coming to a false conclusion & totally overlooking the most obvious point that there are two recording crew's on this project. It's almost laughable that amazon let his review exploit falsehood's to us buyer's of real music.

(First)ofcourse is (The Live Recording & in-house Mixing Crew) which is stated (on the disc itself mind you) the vocal's(front & back)/instrument's/band & the wonderfully captured particapation of the audience which to me is just as important as the muisc in this case becasue the whole vibe is perfectly in sync.

(Second) is the Sony Music Stuido he's is talking about where they proceed(just like any other live show) with the final mixdown of this timeless (LIVE) cd.
This is the smoothess Live cd of 97'no doubt. Come on luke relax baby and don't mess with the structure and authentcity of grown folk's music, this is the real deal yah...


Amazing   March 27, 2005
C. Everett (Chicago IL)
4 out of 4 found this review helpful

I've been listening to this album for 7 years and every time I come back to it I'm reminded of how truly incredible it is. As a songwriter, I would consider it a huge accomplishment if one of my greatest album was the live one. "Live" was a big influence on me during a very crucial and influential time in my life:) it kind of opened the door to a lot of other stuff I listened to after hearing it. Erykah really lets you in on the jazz styles that have influenced her sound. Each track is a treat. Give it a spin. I would highly recommend this album to anyone.



You'd Better Call Badu   October 1, 2004
Westley (Stuck in my head)
4 out of 4 found this review helpful

Erykah Badu made the somewhat risky choice of following-up her triple platinum selling 1997 debut ("Baduizm") with a live CD. In fact, she released "Live" the same year, perhaps before "Baduizm" could be fully mined for hits. Fortunately for her and her fans, the risk paid off, as "Live" ended up going double platinum and further establishing her as one of the best of the late-90s neo-soul singers.

Live CDs from R&B artists sometimes miss their mark as stage presence and dance routines can play such a large role in shows. However, Erykah more than exceeds expectations. Her voice is nearly as smooth and soulful as it is on her studio CDs, and her playful repartee with the crowd comes through. Eight of the songs here are taken from "Baduizm," and they sound great. "On & On" - her #1 R&B hit - includes a rap addition by Erykah that makes the song even more fun. "Reprise" is a spoken-word song over the beat of "On & On" in which Erykah basically gives her philosphy of life - it may be a bit too much for some listeners, but she presents it with such sincerity.

Indeed, much of her stage patter reinforces her "earth mother" image. For example, one of the new songs, "Ye Yo," is Erykah's peon to her unborn child (she was pregnant when this CD was released, as witnessed by her back cover portrait). The liner notes are also in the same vein - with Erykah indicating that songs were "inspired by the Gods & the Earths" or "Reality." However, she lets loose a bit with an interesting medley of "Boogie Nights" by Heatwave and "All Night Long" by the Mary Jane Girls.

The highlight among the new songs, however, clearly is "Tyrone." Perhaps Erykah's most playful song, it tells about a man who uses women and is given his comeuppance by Erykah. The crowd goes really goes wild during this song and clearly appreciate the clever lyrics. Her ingenuity was rewarded with a 1998 Grammy nomination for R&B Female Volcalist for "Tyrone." A studio recording of the song is also included, although it pales in comparison to the live version.

"Live" ended up netting a deserved Grammy nomination for R&B Album. The only reason I wouldn't give this CD 5 stars is the lack of variety in the beat and groove. As with her debut CD, most of the songs keep a consistent simmer but never quite burn over. In addition, a few songs overstay their welcome - "Next Lifetime" clocks in at over 12 minutes. However, this CD is a top-notch live release from a talented artist.