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Old 04-13-05, 07:05 PM   #1
metaman
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From: Detroit
Will Smith - Lost & Found

IP:

I think this album is much better than anyone thought possible for a Will Smith album, so I think it warrants a review. Here's what I think:

1. Here He Comes - This is a great opener. Pulls off the Spiderman theme well and sets the tone for a more personal kind of album with still enough fun to play in the clubs. 8/10

2. Party-Starter - This is a club anthem with substance. The beat is addictive, and hook is simple but catchy. Lyrics generally address his place in the rap game and his evolution from when he first started. 7/10

3. Switch - This is your typical first single from Big Willie. Fresh new beat, on par with Gettin' Jiggy Wit It and much better than Will2k... 6/10

4. Mr. Nice Guy - This is the much talked about diss track. Some people liked it, most people didn't. Me personally? I think everything in it needed to be said, but that humpty-dumpty shit at the end KILLED it. Otherwise, the lyrics are on-point and don't really compromise what Will Smith has stood for all of these years. 7/10

5. Ms. Holy Roller - This is one of my favorite songs on the album just for the concept. I think the beat is great, Will's flow is nice, and he eloquently puts into words what most people feel about people like Ms. Holy Roller. 8/10

6. Lost & Found - This is a great song. The beat is catchy, and the lyrics are totally on point. Will does a great job of pointing out the good and bad of hip-hop and does it with intensity and conviction clearly stemming from his love for the game. 9/10

7. Tell Me Why - Best song on the album. Only negative is that the topics may have come a little late, but that's forgivable since Will has just recently decided to turn in this direction. I think he jacked the concept from Jadakiss and nailed it. Great beat, great use of soul from Mary J. Blige, nice flow, and I like the fire. 10/10

8. I Wish I Made That / Swagga - This is an interesting look at how Will sees himself in the rap game. He basically admits that he's openly jealous of other rappers who are putting out smash hits. Then he seemingly talks about getting his swagga back from confidence in putting himself out there without fear of backlash. 8/10

9. Pump Ya Brakes - I don't mind songs like this. Beat and flow are real old-school. Snoop doesn't add much to the song in my opinion, and lyrics are kinda wack. Probably the worst song on the album. 5/10

10. If You Can't Dance - This is a fun song, and so you have to take it for what it is. I was feeling the beat though, so that's a plus. 7/10

11. Could You Love Me - I really like this song. His flow is nice, the beat is real tight, and the concept is honest and sincere. A real mellow joint that's hot. 8/10

12. Loretta - I love this song. A true story about one of Will's stalkers. The beat is tight, flow is alright, and the emotion by the end of the song is great. Will's real-life Stan. 8/10

13. Wave Em Off - I like the beat to this song. Lyrics are somewhat wack, and the concept is played by the end of the album. But on its own merits, its a decent song by Will's standards. 7/10

14. Scary Story - This is Will telling the story of his rise in the rap game. Insightful, but nothing too exciting. 7/10

Overall - This album is a good attempt by Will to step his rap game into 2005. He's finally realized that you don't have to have a history of experience with death and poverty to make a personal album that the fans can feel. And that sincerity, honesty, and confidence allow Will to put out one of the best albums of his career. So long as he keeps his creativity up, he should be able to put out similar quality albums headed into the future. Score: 7.5/10
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