Music Review

Roxanne '97 Puff Daddy Remix (1997)

EW's GRADE
B+

Details Lead Performance: Various Artists; Genre: Singles

Only hitmaker Sean ''Puffy'' Combs could pull off merging the Police's melancholy '79 hit with UTFO's hip-hop chestnut ''Roxanne, Roxanne.'' Other than the awkward cameo rap from the Fugees' Pras, the update works surprisingly well: Sting's distinctive wail fits perfectly with Puffy's thumping break beats. Then again, listening to the original reggae-tinged ''Roxanne'' it becomes clear the Police were all about laying pop hooks over serious rhythm, anyway. B+

Originally posted Nov 28, 1997 Published in issue #407 Nov 28, 1997 Order article reprints

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