Akon- Freedom
Universal
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When Akon broke through in 2004, his slightly off-key, robotic croon was distinctive among the throng of Usher wannabes and ‘Lean Wit’ It, Rock Wit’ It’ snap dancers populating the urban music landscape. Four years later, T-Pain’s AutoTunes-enhanced vocalizations has taken over the airwaves and Pain has jacked the Senegalese superstar’s spot as the go-to collaborator of the moment. Instead of attempting to beat the dread-locked Floridian at his own game; on his latest effort, Freedom, Akon decides to skip over hip-hop/R&B almost entirely. He’s moving in a more dance pop direction, specifically Europop. The music is slick and catchy; (“Troublemaker” is a highlight) but it’s definitely more in the vein of what you might here at an after-party in Amsterdam. Lead single, “Right Now (Na Na Na)” is also one of the standout tracks, in a set that can get a little monotonous. The backdrop sometimes makes Akon sound uninspired. Though Freedom works as just ear-candy for the dancefloor; some fans may have preferred Akon when he was “Locked Up.” – dusty culpepper
