''Saul Williams'' is the second solo studio album by
Saul Williams. It was released by
Fader Label
Fader Label is an independent record label based in New York City that has released albums by Slayyyter, Clairo, Matt and Kim, Yuna, Neon Indian, and more. It was founded in 2002 by Rob Stone and Jon Cohen.
History
Fader Label was founde ...
in 2004.
[ It features contributions from ]Serj Tankian
Serj Tankian (born August 21, 1967) is an Armenian-American singer, musician, songwriter, political activist and entrepreneur. He is best known as the lead vocalist, primary lyricist, keyboardist, and occasional rhythm guitarist of heavy metal ...
, Zack de la Rocha
Zacharias Manuel de la Rocha (born January 12, 1970) is an American musician, singer, songwriter, rapper, and political activist. He is best known as the vocalist and lyricist of the rock band Rage Against the Machine. Through both Rage Agains ...
, and Isaiah "Ikey" Owens
Randolph Isaiah "Ikey" Owens (December 1, 1974 – October 14, 2014) was an American keyboardist known for his work with The Mars Volta, Jack White and an array of bands from the Long Beach music scene.
Biography
He notably performed as a m ...
.[
]
Critical reception
Adam Greenberg of AllMusic
AllMusic (previously known as All Music Guide and AMG) is an American online music database. It catalogs more than three million album entries and 30 million tracks, as well as information on musicians and bands. Initiated in 1991, the databa ...
gave the album 4 stars out of 5, saying: "On his self-titled album, Williams moves toward a slightly more accessible format (compared to his previous, more poetry driven work) with twisted guitar lines, heavy bass thumps, and a closer stab at singing from time to time."[ Robert Gabriel of '']The Austin Chronicle
''The Austin Chronicle'' is an alternative weekly newspaper published every Thursday in Austin, Texas, United States. The paper is distributed through free news-stands, often at local eateries or coffee houses frequented by its targeted demogr ...
'' gave the album 3.5 stars out of 5, saying: "Social, psychological, and cultural mores are run through a ringer of rap transformed as punk, metal, and jungle with Williams self-producing much of his own inflammatory cache."[ Mike Diver of '' Drowned in Sound'' gave the album a 10 out of 10, saying: "Its importance is absolute."][ Ari Levenfeld of '']PopMatters
''PopMatters'' is an international online magazine of cultural criticism that covers aspects of popular culture. ''PopMatters'' publishes reviews, interviews, and essays on cultural products and expressions in areas such as music, television, fi ...
'' said, "Saul Williams' attempt to save hip hop is admirable, if not entirely successful."[
]
Track listing
Personnel
Credits adapted from liner notes.
Musicians
* Saul Williams – vocals, programming, production (3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
* Mickey P – co-production (3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12), programming (8), additional programming (2, 3, 5, 7), engineering, mixing
* Serj Tankian
Serj Tankian (born August 21, 1967) is an Armenian-American singer, musician, songwriter, political activist and entrepreneur. He is best known as the lead vocalist, primary lyricist, keyboardist, and occasional rhythm guitarist of heavy metal ...
– production (1), piano (1), background vocals (1)
* Ani Maljian – background vocals (1)
* Musa Bailey – production (2), programming (2)
* Thavius Beck
Thavius Beck (born July 31, 1979) is an American record producer and rapper. He has been a member of Global Phlowtations and Lab Waste. He has also put out solo releases under the moniker Adlib. He is a certified trainer of Ableton Live.
Biograp ...
– production (4)
* Zack de la Rocha
Zacharias Manuel de la Rocha (born January 12, 1970) is an American musician, singer, songwriter, rapper, and political activist. He is best known as the vocalist and lyricist of the rock band Rage Against the Machine. Through both Rage Agains ...
– additional vocals (4)
* Saturn – background vocals (5)
* Isaiah "Ikey" Owens
Randolph Isaiah "Ikey" Owens (December 1, 1974 – October 14, 2014) was an American keyboardist known for his work with The Mars Volta, Jack White and an array of bands from the Long Beach music scene.
Biography
He notably performed as a m ...
– piano (7), organ (7)
* Mia Doi Todd
Mia Doi Todd (born June 30, 1975) is an American singer-songwriter. She was described by ''Dusted Magazine'' as "one of those artists that seem to function not just as creators in their own right, but as connecting links between other musicians."
...
– additional vocals (11)
* Carmen – background vocals (11)
Technical personnel
* Brandy Flower – design, photography
* Keba Konte – photography
* Katina Parker – photography
* Varshini Soobiah – photography
* Bridgette Yellen – photography
Charts
References
External links
*
*
{{Authority control
2004 albums
Saul Williams albums
Albums produced by Serj Tankian
Fader Label albums
Albums produced by Thavius Beck