A superior effort. Once again Hunt manages to embody his diverse influences and interests without sounding derivative. Yes, one can say that Hunt's most direct influences are Prince, Sly & the Family Stone, the Ohio Players, and others (Terence Trent D'Arby a.k.a Sananda Maitreya comes to mind) but Hunt is simply too clever to wear that stuff directly on his sleeve. One can sense Hunt's desire to stretch out and develop a vocabulary of his own, and this album offers more proof that his musical skills in that direction are progressing nicely. Hunt is also clearly not the ultra control freak that Prince was in the 1980's and has obviously learned those lessons as well.

Enlisting Bill Bottrell as a producer was a smart choice, as was Hunt's choice to co-write some of the songs with others. The diversity of musical stylings on this album is considerable and does not confuse genuine braggadocio with showy or arrogant musical showmanship. The mood is quirky and upbeat and the lyrics are strong. The arrangements (more strings, female accompaniment) are more developed than on Hunt's debut record, and Hunt's singing is also better.

The record does fall short in terms of being a comprehensive statement of purpose in terms of lyrical subject matter, but this is a minor critique as this was probably never the purpose of the record and is overshadowed by the genuine musical virtuosity on display here. Another shortcoming is the inclusion of the Nikka Costa collaboration "Mean Sleep." The Lenny Kravitz produced version on Cree Summer's 1999 album is better. That song could and probably should have been left off this record altogether.

Another fine effort by a supremely talented musician.

Okay I have tended to notice some people dismiss this album at first. As others have mentioned ( aside from a few songs ) its not immediately catchy. But dont let that fool you. This is a masterpiece. Its the kind of CD that grows on you... in a big way. I myself being a HUGE fan of the first release wasnt blown away after my first listen. But man , after it played through a few times, it kept me listening...and listening... and listening. The more I listen the more I love this album. Its one of those things where if you only hear it once, you might say whats the big deal? But if you take the time to digest what Van is laying down he will make a convert of you ... it WILL happen.

Let's get this straight... For those not in the know, this is NOT a Neo-Soul albuml!!! So don't expect any watery, dreamy, smooth, cheesy, black love poetry music happening here. This is no Jill Scott or Floetry type material - this is Van "MuthaF'n" Hunt. On the Jungle Floor is certainly a banging album well worth the wait. Comparing this to his debut, OTJF is an extension of his first album pumped on steriods as he would say. So comparing this to Rahsaan Patterson is a major no no. Here you will find alot of musical color, variation, and experimentation going on that works extremely well. Though he produced Rahsaan's albums, this is Van Hunt doing it Big! My biggest dissapointment was his version of "Mean Sleep", which is a song he wrote and we all loved on Cree Summer's album. I found this version VERY demo-ish and out of tune at times. Even with Nikka Costa - whom I LOVE - did no real justice. They both over sang the song which sounded more like a drunken jam session that accidentally fell on the album. Certainly not a favorite of mine but nonetheless, OTJF is a sure shot album that'll get played til the day I die along with his first. I would love to see Van Hunt produce a Prince album, but I HIGHLY doubt that'll ever happen. Gotta love the thought though!

Van Hunt debuted two long years ago with a great self titled album that was miles ahead of his contemporaries. This time out, he has grown as both singer and composer and his emerging confidence shows in every single song. "Hot Stage Lights" is great old shool funk of the highest order. "Mean Sleep", which he originally contributed to Cree Summer's album seven years ago, reemerges here as a sultry duet with Nikka Costa. He even has the good taste to cover an ultra obscure Iggy Pop track, "No Sense Of Crime". "At The End Of A Slow Dance" recreates 80's romantic synth pop better than any song I've heard since the 80's ended. His current single "Character" is burning up soul stations everywhere and along with the rest of the album is R&B the way God(and Prince)originally intended it. I guarantee you, there will not be a better R&B album than this one all year.

I'm not feeling this one quite as much as his debut but there are still moments of brilliance here. Songs like "If I Take You Home (Upon...)", "Being A Girl", "Mean Sleep" (featuring Nikka Costa), "At The End Of A Slow Dance", "The Thrill Of This Love" and the surprise closer, "The Night Is Young" are showcases of sheer bold artistry and a creativity that defies categorisation. I'm pretty sure the other songs will grow on me in time.

All said, much respect to a dude with the stones to step outside the mainstream, dare to be himself and give us something different. My kinda guy! I hope he's getting the props he deserves.