Let me begin by saying that I respect the hell of J Medeiros. After getting burnt by Rawkus, first as a member of the Procussions and then as a solo artist, he’s been working as independently as possible. In the case of his latest solo album, Saudade, he appealed to his fans to help fund and distribute the album, and they responded enthusiastically. I don’t know what the long-term ramifications of a business model like this are, but I’m certainly intrigued by the possibility.

As for the music on this album, I’m still not sure what I think about it. I’ve been listening to it for several weeks, and I still waver from track to track how I feel about his musical choices. He’s a talented lyricist, and I appreciate that he works with non-profits like Habitat for Humanity and Americorps NCCC, amongst others. Where I really struggle with Saudade is that there are a lot of musical elements from genres that I don’t necessarily care for or am familiar. Songs like “The Weak End” feel pretty emo to me, and “Stand Down” featuring A Mouse Named Wolf goes into some thrash metal territory that is well out of my depth. That said, I don’t entirely dislike these tracks. Medeiros is a talented lyricist and has plenty of charisma, plus there is enough hip hop to these tracks that there is still appeal even when he ventures into musical territories that aren’t my bag.

Other tracks have a more straightforward appeal. In fact, Saudade is such a long and varied album, I will approach other sections and get lost in a few songs that are more reminiscent of the Procussions and forget that I’m listening to the same album. Then I’ll get lost further, as the music slows down and the poetry intertwines with J. Kyle Gregory on trumpet on the closing track, “Shower Curtains.”

What I’m trying to say is that while I have trouble with a few tracks on this album, overall it is smart and eclectic. Medeiros is always pushing himself as an artist, and while I don’t always like everything he does, I appreciate that he’s trying new things. Saudade isn’t perfect, but it’s an interesting and enjoyable listen.