Released 30 years ago
Peace Beyond Passion
Meshell Ndegeocello · 1996
59 min · 12 tracks · hip-hop
A fusion of soulful melodies, intricate grooves, and introspective lyrics that traverse themes of identity and spirituality.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
The Way Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
-
→
Deuteronomy: Niggerman — This track boldly tackles racial identity and societal oppression through its raw lyrics and compelling musical arrangement, making it a standout statement within the album.
-
→
Leviticus: Faggot — By confronting homophobia head-on, this song blends vulnerability with defiance, showcasing Ndegeocello’s fearless approach to discuss taboo subjects.
-
→
Who Is He and What Is He to You — A reimagining of the classic song, this track highlights Ndegeocello's ability to infuse deep emotionality into her interpretations while maintaining a modern sound.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's intricate grooves and thematic depth create a compelling listening experience.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a spoken word piece that sets a contemplative tone, followed by tracks that blend hip-hop rhythms with soulful melodies.
- Lyrical themes often shift between personal introspection and broader social commentary, with some songs incorporating call-and-response vocal techniques.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady pacing with gradual climax
- soulful melodies for introspection
- exploration of identity themes
- rich grooves for deep listening
- afternoon reflection and contemplation
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer standalone singles
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album solidified her reputation and explored significant themes, gaining critical acclaim.
- Themes
- racial identity struggle· homophobia confrontation
- Career context
- Released in 1996, Peace Beyond Passion was Meshell Ndegeocello's second studio album, following her acclaimed debut, Plantation Lullabies. By this time, she had established herself as a unique voice in the music scene, blending elements of R&B, jazz, and hip-hop with socially conscious themes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Erykah Badu· Lauryn Hill· Robert Glasper
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
-
Leviticus: Faggot
The narrative shifts to confront societal judgment directly challenges listeners to reflect on their biases.
This choice to break from personal reflection to address external perceptions creates a powerful commentary on acceptance and identity.
Tracklist
- 1 The Womb 1:25
- 2 The Way Start here 4:58
- 3 Deuteronomy: Niggerman 4:01
- 4 Ecclesiastes: Free My Heart 5:22
- 5 Leviticus: Faggot 6:08
- 6 Mary Magdalene 5:51
- 7 God Shiva 4:09
- 8 Who Is He and What Is He to You 4:49
- 9 Stay 4:30
- 10 Bittersweet 5:17
- 11 A Tear and a Smile 3:49
- 12 Make Me Wanna Holler 8:53
What to play next
Bitter
1999
Continues the exploration of identity with deeper grooves and emotional intensity.
Plantation Lullabies
1993
Sets the stage with a similar fusion of soul and introspection.
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.