Jurassic 5's new album finds them without the services of the DJ and producer Cut Chemist, who left the group to pursue a solo career. Nonetheless, J5 stay true to their embrace of the old-school approach to hip-hop. Moments of Feedback are positively Sugar Hill, blending clap-your-hands, light-disco percussion with raps so innocent they practically sound sweet. Throughout the album, Jurassic 5 shine when they lock down into an easygoing hip-hop/soul groove.
Fortunately, this is often. "Work It Out" is J5's collaboration with the Dave Matthews Band, and it's an irresistible call to optimism, part spoken-word citation of life problems. Were J5 able to hold this vibe over 15 songs, Feedback might have been a classic. Intermittently, though, the album falls into the high-production gimmicks of contemporary hit radio. Despite this, the dreamy, sublime mood Jurassic 5 master on tracks like "Back 4U" makes Feedback recommended listening when you want to chill out.
