Missy Elliott – This Is Not A Test

Missy Elliott’s New album comes up short

Missy Elliott is back yet again with her fifth album, This Is Not A Test, which upon multiple listens is an accurate description. Test is clean, smooth, and doesn’t deviate much from the style or flow of her 2002 release, Under Construction. Some parts of the album are really well done, but others seem moreso to be rehashes off of her last album.The whole album is smattered with the production of Timbaland, his style being immediately noticeable and undeniable. Some of the tracks sound as if Timbaland recycled many of the same beats and styles from Missy’s last album. “Pass That Dutch”, the second track, sounds like a clone of “Work It”, with even some of the lyrical content being the same. This happens often, which can be somewhat boring for people who were expecting a new album.



The guest list on this album is huge, with some of the best in hip-hop and r&b, including Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige, Nelly, R. Kelly, and many others. “I’m Not Perfect”, which has a strong 80’s style influence, with the hollow kick drum sound, even has the Clark Sisters on it.



The title, This Is Not A Test, in some ways is a warning. Missy has found a formula that works, and is now using at again. It’s a good album, with strong hooks and beats, but seems too much to be the stepchild of her last album. One would think with all of Ms. Elliott’s talent and great vocals that her latest album would be a much stronger outing.