Big World, Small World - Smith & Mighty

Big World, Small World improves on Bass Is Maternal's too experimentalist streak with a refined set of tracks that float easily into each other. The problems are that it's almost too refined and slick, and by 1999 the sound had grown a bit stale with the public -- unfortunate as the duo largely pioneered this style. Vocal contributions from six distinct voices are juggled throughout the course of the album without deteriorating the cohesion. Torchy orchestral lurchers are linked with natty drum'n'bass workouts, clubby vocal tracks, and hip-hop meditations. Though it might have been released after its sell-by date, there's no denying its quality. It's just a little disappointing that S&M couldn't bring any innovations to the table here, as they have in the far too distant past. ~ Andy Kellman, All Music Guide