This is a pretty good cd to listen to, just let it play, but before you but it, you should know what kind of cd this is. Even though you've herd "what it's like" on the radio and maybe "ends" too, those are the only two songs on the cd that are mainly a smooth accustic sound. The rest of the cd is all rap, with turn tables.However if, and only if you listen very carefully there is the guitar in the backround. So before you go out and buy the cd, take this re-view into conccideration. If you have a friend that has the cd, i would addvise you to ask him if he could play it for you or let you borrow it, so you can hear it and be sure if you want it or not.

As soon as I started up "Whitey" I feared for the worst with the awful opener: "The white boy is back", but as soon as "Money" started I knew this was just an early blip which I'm glad Everlast got out of his system. "Ends", though, is the song which really starts this album in the right direction. The amazing "What it's like" just softens the tone down a little before jumping into the funky "Get down". A mixture of experimental tracks follow, each and everyone different, but equally brilliant. "Hot to death" ,for example, would be welcomed on a "Crowbar" album. Then one of the best songs on the album; "Painkillers" appears before a hilarious intro from Prince Paul to anther gem: "Praise the Lord". The slow and 'simple' "Today" follows before the funky and easily dance-able tune:"Death comes callin'"-even if you are a white boy. Another funky Grand Master type tune follows only to be followed by a ballad. Yes I did write ballad, but this is brilliant espacially if you've just broken up with your girl. The second last song, "7 years" starts with that intro to "Hard to handle" by Otis Redding and the piano and trumpets only go to make the song another classic on one of finest and most varied albums I've ever heard. Don't expect House of Pain. Just expect a near perfect album.

I'm not sure if anybody saw this coming, except for us loyal "Everlast" fans of course. This got alot of attention for the song "What it's Like", partly because of the mix of rap and acoustic guitar, but also because it was pretty deep lyrically. Even though a few tracks are like that one, especially "Ends", the majority of the disc is still "House Of Pain" type rap, which for me is a win-win situation. Other phat tracks are "Get Down", "Today (watch me shine)", "Funky Beat", and the rockin' "Hot To Death". I also think the intro is cool, and a nice nod to the "Fat Boys". Overall it's an impressive mix of songs. Some will have you tappin' your toe, others might make you "Jump Around".

This CD is ok. Marky Mark and Vanilla Ice were practically crucified for being white boy rappers. But now Everlast and Eminem are totally accepted as white boy rappers. I guess as long as you look like a gangsta or a thug, then it is ok. Well, I did like House of Pain's "Jump Around". And I did like "What It's Like" when it came out (although I would hardly call it a "rap" song). If you are into this kind of rap/rock music, I am sure you will enjoy this CD. If you just liked "What It's Like", you might not like this entire CD. "What It's Like" is more like a male vocalist singer/songwriter tune in the tradition of Shawn Mullins, Duncan Sheik, etc. The rest of this CD is more rap oriented. So if you are looking for a CD full of male vocalist introspective tunes, you won't find it here.

Ryan here, with another review. This time, it's Everlast's second solo shot in ten years, "Whitey Ford Sings the Blues". As an "at-home" music critic, I'm going to have to go with what I say whenever I'm reviewing a new album - it depends what degree of hip-hop/rock you like. If you like the aggressive, hardcore party stuff, this album's not for you. Still, Everlast, AKA Long Island's Erick Schrody dishes out some pretty bad-boy rap/rock. He takes a unique mix of hip-hop and rock music and twists and turns it into an 18-track, with 4-interludes, solid album that will bump out of an all-around hip hop fan's stereo. Here's a quick review of my personal favorite tracks.

#2 Money, Dollar Bill Y'All - This track, featuring Sadat X is a real winner among hip hop fans. Even though Whitey is white (hence the name), this track is gangsta. With thumping bass and aggressive lyrics, this is sure to satisfy any hip hop fan. Not for rockers, though.

#4 What It's Like - A major hit on alternative stations nationwide, this song focuses more on the guitar-influenced parts of Everlast's style. A slow, solemn song telling a couple stories about people that may be encountered in any community along with a great acoustic guitar performance by Everlast make this track a sure winner - among hip hop and rock fans.

#5 Get Down - This one is truly a very interesting blend of hip hop and rock. Vigorous acoustic guitar chords bang in the backround while Whitey spits his bad-boy style lyrics. This is one to love.

#7 Tired - If you need something to listen to when about to go wild, Tired is the song just for that. With bumping and consistent bass, Tired is probably one of the most hip-hop orientated songs on the album. Lyrics are quite aggressive - which sums up Everlast's style.

#9 Painkillers - This one tells about the story of a man getting shot while on a return to his hometown, New York. This is not true for Everlast - I believe he's telling another man's story. With a slow beat meant for a rap song, along with lyrics that tell quite a story, this track will appeal to all rap fans.

#11 Praise the Lord - Another hip hop orientated song, Praise the Lord helps everyone remember that the Creator himself must be remembered. E spits a few nice lyrics in the short song, with a consistent chorus. Could be longer, though.

#15 Funky Beat - A sure party anthem. Featuring Sadat X and Casual, this song has some of the most clever rhymes I've heard since Gin and Juice - dropped by these three underated hip-hoppers.

Overall, my opinion of "Whitey Ford Sings the Blues" is overall good, but a few things could have been a bit better. He turns his bad-boy style into kind of a tender style with slow beats and mellow acoustic solos on tracks 12 and 17. Otherwise, I think this album is a sure winner. But as I said earlier - it depends on what kind of hip-hop or rock you like - but for an all around hip hop fan like me, it's sure to be in my CD tray often.