Smith & Mighty Albums (4)
What The Critics Say
Rob Smith and Ray Mighty unroll the old blueprint they devised for Big World, Small World and tighten their focus on contemporary modern soul and trip-hop for Life Is.... Since Life Is... was released over two years after its predecessor, it's rather puzzling that it comes off as something of a replication of it. A handful of talented vocalists pass the mic around and ruminate on the struggles of going through life and finding the perseverance to make it through. Most of the productions make no attempt to surpass mid-tempo velocity and throw in the occasional drum'n'bass inflection, sticking to those patented Smith & Mighty bass figures and lush textures that they do so well. There's no denying Smith & Mighty's status as an excellent and accomplished production team. From a technical standpoint, they haven't slipped one bit here. Unfortunately, there's also no denying that these pioneers of the Bristol sound seem to be in a bit of a rut, regardless of this record's pleasant, immaculately crafted features. For if there is one word that classifies Life Is... in relation to the remainder of Smith & Mighty's discography, it's stasis. And if there is a second, it's safe. ~ Andy Kellman, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
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
What The Critics Say
Packed with their own productions and remixes, Smith & Mighty's volume in the DJ-Kicks series does a very good job at blending beat-heavy tracks with the pair's occasional experimentalist flair. Including the early Bacharach covers "Walk on By" and "Anyone Who Had a Heart," plus a remix of another longtime pop classic ("The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face") and tracks by other Bristol massives like DJ Krust, DJ-Kicks showcases the Smith & Mighty production team better than Bass Is Maternal. ~ John Bush, All Music Guide
'Bass Is Maternal'
Release Date 1/1/1995
Tracks 15
Label More Rockers
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Unfortunately, there's too much experimentation and not enough hooks on Smith & Mighty's long-awaited album debut. The duo simply don't find a happy medium between jungle and reggae on Bass Is Maternal, recorded for their own More Rockers label. ~ John Bush, All Music Guide
