The Roots - The Tipping Point (Geffen)

Ever since the identity crisis the Roots exhibited on their last album, Phrenology, many of us have been hoping they could get it together again. The Tipping Point could be the Roots’, well, tipping point.

Indeed, opting for politically charged rhymes and melodic, accessible beats, Black Thought, ?uestlove, and company overflow with potential singles. “Why? What’s Going On”— over which Black Thought bemoans the state of humanity backed by riveting raggainspired wailing and Edie Brickell–influenced guitar riffs— is the gem of this album. “Somebody’s Gotta Do It” shows the Roots’ surprisingly successful assimilation of West Coast style, as Devin the Dude’s syrupy hook seems the perfect complement to Black Thought’s powerful rhyme scheme.

Also notable is the extended outro, an interpolation of George Kranz’s ’80s hit “Din Daa Daa.” It builds into an orgy of scat and drums, then climaxes into a beautiful, disco-inspired instrumental. The Roots revert to their original formula, and after one listen to The Tipping Point, you’ll wonder why you ever doubted them.