Just about three weeks after announcing their new album “… And Then You Shoot Your Cousin” with the song “When the People Cheer,” The Roots have returned with a second track from the record, a cheerful tune about living in the moment called “Tomorrow.”
Like “When the People Cheer,” “Tomorrow” opens with a piano, but the similarity ends there. While the first track featured a minor-key intro leading into a complex and winding arrangement of socially conscious rhymes, “Tomorrow” opens with cheerful vintage-soul chords, accompanied by whistling. The vocals are sung throughout by R&B crooner Raheem DeVaughn, with no rapping to be found, and the ballad maintains an optimistic simplicity.
“…And Then You Shoot Your Cousin” will be The Roots’ 11th studio album (aside from collaborative projects) and their first since 2011’s “Undun.” The album is due for release on May 13 through the Def Jam record label.
Shortly after the new album comes out, the “Tonight Show” house band is hosting its annual Roots Picnic at the Festival Pier at Penn’s Landing in Philadelphia on May 31. The group will be playing a set on its own as well as one backing Snoop Dogg, and the festival lineup also features performances by Janelle Monáe, Action Bronson, A$AP Ferg and Biz Markie, among others.
source: rollingstone.com
