As I said in my previous post, I intended to review JME's debut album Famous? as soon as I bought it. I got hold of this about a week after release but due to other commitments, I haven't been able to find the time to break it down. However, here goes...
Firstly, I'm not going to review or even refer to the tracks included which should already be classified as Grime staples. This means that AWOH, 1,2,3, Shh Hut Yuh Muh & Serious have been omitted. For simplicities (and laziness') sake, I'm simply giving each track a mark out of 5:
Standard - 3.5/5 Heavy beat, the use of the sample is reminiscent of Wiley's 'Gangster's' or Jammers 'Marksman' and is a successful tried and tested formula within the scene.
Show - 4/5
P - 5/5 This is purely for the beat and bassline, heavy.
Go On My Own - 4/5 Great bassline and hypnotic synths. Strong message regarding doing things for yourself which is exactly what JME's done up to this point.
Punch In The Face - 4/5 A decent track reflecting on the state of 'urban' Britain today.
Road Runner - 4/5
Ghetto Superstar - 4/5
Famous - 4/5
Power - 3/5 Great beat (previously torn apart by Durrty Goods) but bringing Westwood in for the intro is simply embarrassing. Nonetheless, JME's confident flow/swagger does make it a fun track.
Boogiedown Bass - 1/5 I just cant get on with this track full stop, the beat and lyrics don't seem to fit together too well.
Sun, Sea & Sand - 5/5 This, in my opinion, is the best track on the album. Great tale of holidaying abroad which obviously, can bring back lots of good memories for the listener. Although I have to add that the tune itself does sound like a ropey late night quiz show.
Overall, this is an impressive and confident debut album from Jamie Adenuga which is sure to expand his ever increasing fanbase. Credit also has to be given to him for producing a high quality album without any major label backing. This now show's that Grime artists can 'go on thier own' if they put the time/money/effort in which puts paid to the genral understanding that you need a deal to forge a career. For this, JME should be seen as an example and role model for young up and coming artists to aspire to.
Overall Score - 8/10
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
PErsonally i think that JME's new album could be better since seeing him on the catch 22 tour his original style is way better that what he has resulted to now.