CD Review | Chris Rock: Never Scared
Reviewed by: Katherine Brodsky

MODA MAG.COM -- Everyone was waiting for Chris Rock to say something so funny that it would get a paramedic in the building at this year’s Academy Awards.  Well, the paramedics never came, but that didn’t ward off Chris Rock from releasing the “Never Scared” CD on Geffen Records.  That won’t stop his fans from grabbing a copy either. 

The CD borrows bits & pieces from Rock’s HBO comedy concert special of the same name and it’s exactly the sort of work you’d expect from Rock. And unlike the Oscars, Rock’s CD is certainly not restricted to a PG rating. Something that he takes full advantage of.  Scandalous, ain’t it? 

Included in the CD are also a number of comic audio sketches from “Thug Radio” and music parodies scattered about.

What Chris Rock sure isn’t scared of is poking fun.  Michael Jackson?  Easy target.  George W. Bush? A snap.  Relationships?  Oh yes, he goes there too.  Read on paper, some bits are seriously funny, while many others would fall flat.  But the secret is in the delivery.  Rock’s voice, persona and frantic delivery often carry as much meaning as the words themselves.  Anger, desperation, and a sense of ridicule all embody his stand-up bits.   And admittedly, some of his racy discourse on marriage, sex, men, sex, women, and of course, sex are sure to irk more than a few people.  But that’s the point, isn’t it?  Walking the fine line…and jumping over it.  Sometimes it’s a bit obvious though (eg. “Tip Your Hat  To Whitey”)… But perhaps that’s the point as well.

Well, one thing is for sure. Chris Rock was never scared pointing out the absurdity of life and our society - and he sure isn't about to start.

Track listing

Grade: B+