LL Cool J (standing for Ladies Love Cool James) The album reached number 16 in the US, and raised LL Cool J's status, with the veteran of the scene at the age of 22 going double platinum, and featuring in many lists of greatest hip hop albums of all time. In following up on a disappointing third album (Walk Like a Panther), it was heralded as a triumphant return to form.
The Boomin' System is a simple track, with an in your face sample and laid back vocal delivery. It is catchy, but a bit too lightweight for my taste. Around the Way Girl is a ballad which sounds like a Will Smith track that didn't make the cut. Eat Em Up L Chill has a decent sample, and some good, aggressive rapping that is compellingly delivered. Mr Good Bar has some pretty good lines, and some nice crisp licks. Murdergram has too much going on at once, making the lyrics hard to follow, and the samples difficult to enjoy. Cheesy Rat Blues has a very catchy chorus, but it is Farmers Blvd (Our Anthem) that brings everything together in the most successful manner for me. There is purpose in the lyrics, and the samples are funky and sharp, with a decent array of different instruments used. The title track has got some real aggression to it, but is a bit samey musically, not really deviating from a well-worn groove, although it was the main hit single off the album. Milky Cereal is one of the cleverest hip hop songs I've heard lyrically, with some witty and well thought through references, whereas Jingling Baby is all hook and no line to reel you in. To Da Break of Dawn has a great sample, but doesn't quite take off for me, although there are some decent lines. 6 Minutes of Pleasure has a laidback nature to the delivery that makes it pretty compelling, and an obscene horn section. The Power of God is again stronger on sample than on content.
In general it is a fine hip-hop album. It is not particularly insightful, and maybe less full of filler than many, but also lacking in true killer. It is slightly underwhelming, and won't turn a relative hip-hop novice into a full convert. It is less full of chat about money and murder, which is undoubtedly worthy of praise, but also hardly a ringing endorsement. I can't imagine returning to this album any time soon, as it just didn't grab my attention.
Chloe's album rating: 6
Chloe's favourite track: 3. Eat Em Up L Chill
Olly's album rating: 5
Olly's favourite track: 7. Farmers Blvd (Our Anthem)
Next week is 798. Jagged Little Pill by Alanis Morissette; Chloe is a bit excited.
No comments:
Post a Comment