Classic Album Retrospect (Body Count - Body Count)

Body Count - Body Count

 Body Count was the first album from Ice T's thrash metal band of the same name. Originally released in 1992, Body Count was the center of controversy due to the track Cop Killer and was subsequently removed in later releases. The album focuses on social issues but primarily the issue of police brutality. At release, Body Count received mixed reviews and peaked at #26 in the Billboard 200. Body Count was released through Warner Bros. records.

 Notable Tracks

 Body Count - Body Count starts off with a stripped down acoustic guitar with some spoken word about the depiction of the police in other media. After a minute the track explodes into a its full potential with alternating vocal and instruments sections. This track stands out because of its almost live tone; Ice T addresses other band members directly making for a fun listening experience.

 Voodoo - Voodoo is featured towards the halfway mark of the album and depicts the (probably fictional) story of Ice T's encounter with a witch doctor in New Orleans. The track feature two main riffs that alternate between verses adding to the story telling element immensely. The story in Voodoo is continued in Body Counts latest album on the track Black Voodoo Sex.

 The Winner Loses - The Winner Loses is a more serious track compared to the others on the album. The Winner Loses is a ballad about a friend that abuse drugs and his eventual demise. The Winner Loses feature two distinct riffs with different styles adding to the progression and narrative of the track. The Winner Loses also features backing vocals that compliment Ice T well and adds a more somber tone to the track.

 There Goes The Neighborhood - There Goes The Neighborhood was the only single released from the album and represents Body Count's invasion of the rock scene. The track fights back at stereotyping in the music scene. TGTN features an awesome drum solo that showcases Body Count's skill.

 Cop Killer - Cop Killer was the source of the album controversy at release mainly due to its themes. Cop Killer comes after a thirty second intro where Ice T says he shoots pigs in a parking lot. The actual record is quite good, The track feature samples of firing guns to add to the overall theme of the track as well as the use of named examples such as Rodney King.

 After a couple of playthroughs, Body Count is still quite a solid album and if anything quite avant-garde of the year it was released. In recent years, rap and metal have had quite the relationship and are sprouting love children left, right and center. With the inclusion of intermissions throughout the album, the album remains refreshing and immersive. (check out our review of Body Count's latest album Manslaughter here)

 To finish off, here is the video (that features the censored lyric) that accompanied the single from the album, There Goes The Neighborhood (Video linked here for mobile users)