Description
Erykah Badu – New Amerykah Part Two: Return Of The Ankh – Double Vinyl Records
Erykah Badu’s New Amerykah Part Two: Return of the Ankh, released on March 30, 2010, is a lush and soulful follow-up to the more politically charged New Amerykah Part One (4th World War). With its focus on love, introspection, and emotional exploration, the album balances Badu’s signature neo-soul sound with experimental flourishes and deeply personal storytelling. Featuring standout tracks like Window Seat, Gone Baby, Don’t Be Long, and Out My Mind, Just in Time, this project showcases Badu’s ability to channel vulnerability and groove into a cohesive, timeless work.
With Return of the Ankh, Badu crafts a warm, organic soundscape rooted in live instrumentation and classic soul while incorporating elements of hip-hop and psychedelia. The result is an intimate journey into the complexities of love and the human experience.
By 2010, Erykah Badu was already a defining voice in neo-soul, known for her genre-defying approach and spiritually infused lyricism. While New Amerykah Part One delved into societal issues with dense, futuristic production, Part Two: Return of the Ankh marked a return to softer, more personal themes. The Ankh, a symbol of life in ancient Egyptian culture, underscores the album’s focus on love, creativity, and self-reflection.
Collaborating with a stellar lineup of producers, including Madlib, J Dilla, Questlove, James Poyser, and others, Badu constructed a sound that feels both timeless and forward-thinking.
Musically, Return of the Ankh is built around live instrumentation, warm analog textures, and layered grooves. Harps, strings, and soulful basslines provide a lush backdrop for Badu’s ethereal vocals. Thematically, the album explores love in its many forms—desire, heartbreak, and self-love—while maintaining Badu’s spiritual and introspective essence.
Compared to its predecessor, the album feels freer and more fluid, embracing the improvisational spirit that has always been central to Badu’s artistry.
Track Highlights
20 Feet Tall
The album opens with a gentle, introspective ballad where Badu reflects on strength and personal growth. The stripped-down arrangement highlights her ethereal vocals.
Window Seat
One of Badu’s most iconic tracks, this soulful groove combines vulnerability with a longing for escape and freedom. Its accompanying music video sparked widespread conversation for its bold statement on individuality and societal expectations.
Agitation
A brief, jazzy interlude that captures a feeling of restlessness, showcasing Badu’s ability to channel emotion into even the shortest pieces.
Turn Me Away (Get MuNNY)
A playful, funky track that reimagines Sylvia Striplin’s You Can’t Turn Me Away, blending humor and groove in a commentary on materialism.
Gone Baby, Don’t Be Long
Built around a Madlib-produced beat, this track pairs soulful longing with hypnotic rhythms, creating a sense of bittersweet nostalgia.
Love
A dreamy and sparse arrangement, this track features swirling harp melodies and Badu’s tender vocals, evoking the feeling of falling deeply in love.
Umm Hmm
A feel-good groove with an infectious rhythm, this song celebrates positivity and self-confidence, punctuated by Badu’s playful ad-libs.
Fall in Love (Your Funeral)
A sultry, self-assured track warning a lover of the dangers of falling too deeply, combining humor and seduction with a steady groove.
Out My Mind, Just in Time
The album’s closing track is a three-part suite that serves as an emotional centerpiece. Starting with a tender ballad, it evolves into a jazz-inspired exploration of heartbreak and healing, ending on a hopeful note of self-discovery.
New Amerykah Part Two received widespread critical acclaim for its introspective themes and lush production. Critics praised Badu’s ability to create an emotionally resonant album while pushing the boundaries of neo-soul. The album debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 and became a favorite among fans for its warmth and intimacy.
Tracks like Window Seat and Out My Mind, Just in Time have become staples of Badu’s live performances, showcasing the enduring appeal of her artistry.
With Return of the Ankh, Erykah Badu reaffirmed her status as a visionary in contemporary music. The album’s emphasis on love and self-reflection resonated deeply with listeners, offering a counterbalance to the heavier, politically charged themes of its predecessor.
The album also highlighted Badu’s ability to blend influences seamlessly, from the classic soul of the 1970s to the experimental beats of hip-hop producers like J Dilla and Madlib, paving the way for a new generation of artists inspired by her genre-defying approach.
New Amerykah Part Two: Return of the Ankh is a masterclass in blending emotional depth with musical innovation. With its lush instrumentation, heartfelt lyrics, and timeless grooves, the album stands as a testament to Erykah Badu’s artistry and her ability to connect deeply with her audience. Whether exploring heartbreak in Window Seat or spiritual healing in Out My Mind, Just in Time, Badu invites listeners on an intimate journey that lingers long after the final note fades.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic sealed
Track Listing
20 Feet Tall
Window Seat
Agitation
Turn Me Away (Get MuNNY)
Gone Baby, Don’t Be Long
Umm Hmm
Love
You Loving Me (Session)
Fall In Love (Your Funeral)
Strawberry Incense
Out My Mind, Just In Time
Movement I
Movement I
Movement I
