One of the most anticipated albums of 2011 in the rap world was Lupe Fiasco's latest studio album "Lasers". This album was supposed to be released months ago but kept getting delayed by his music label Atlantic.
Over the past few months, I've really gotten into Lupe Fiasco and love his style and was anxiously awaiting this album like everyone else. Last night, I finally got my hands on every song and I came away very disappointed as did a lot of Lupe's fanbase. This is an album the casual rap fan is going to love but fans of Lupe Fiasco will come away unhappy with the end result and a lot of it might have to do with his record label who must have really pushed to make this a mainstream album something Lupe Fiasco is not. I've seen comparisons to Kanye West's bust of an album "808's and Heartbreaks" and that might be a perfect comparison to this album. I love "The Cool" and "Food and Liquor" but this album really doesn't even come close to comparing to those two albums.
Here's my quick thoughts on all the songs and what I would rate them out of 5. This is just my 2nd listen to each song so my thoughts might chance after a week or so. I actually thought the bonus songs were better than the songs on the actual album:
Letting Go (Ft. Sarah Green)---Not too bad of a song. Really like the chorus and the instrumental. Not Lupe's best lyrical work though. 3/5
Words I Never Said (Ft. Skylar Grey)---After the first listen to this song when Lupe released it online a few weeks ago, I was digging this song. Now? Not so much. Think Lupe is too preachy in this song and I'm really growing tired of the course. Not to mention I don't agree a lot with Lupe has to say in the song such as the fact that 9/11 was an inside job. Hate people who think this. 2/5
Till I Get There---If only his whole album was like this song. Really digging the instrumental in this song. Not the best lyrics but one of the better songs on this album. 4/5
I Don't Wanna Care Right Now (Ft. MDMA)---Kind of reminds me of Common's Universal Mind Control in a way. Just not a very good song at all. This is one of those songs the casual rap fan will enjoy. 2/5
Out Of My Head (Ft. Trey Songz)---Another song the casual rap fan will enjoy. Again, don't think this is the best song and is very forgettable. 2/5
The Show Goes On---This is the radio song on this album and it actually isn't that bad. Sampled from Modest Mouse's Float On. A lot of Lupe fans aren't fans of this song but I find it okay. 3/5
Beautiful Lasers (Ft. MDMA)---I think this one is just okay. Basically solid everywhere around (chorus, instrumental, lyrics, flow). 3/5
Coming Up (Ft. MDMA)---Another song that reminds me of Food and Liquor and The Cool. 4/5
State Run Radio (Ft. Matt Mahffey)---This is challenging for worst song on the album. Kind of rap and rock mixed together and doesn't work very well to go with a terrible chorus. 1/5
Break The Chain (Ft. Eric Turner & Sway)---Another song probably challenging for worst song of the album. Not a fan of the instrumental and chorus and the flow is pretty weak. 1/5
All Black Everything---Another preachy song and this was actually Lupe's favorite song on the album. Personally, I like this more than Words I Never Said. 3/5
Never Forget You (Ft. John Legend)---Favorite song on the album and if there's a song to take away from Lasers, this is it. John Legend as expected has an amazing hook and I love the instrumental as well as Lupe's lyrics and flow. 5/5
Bonus Songs:I'm Beaming---If this was on the album as a regular track, it would challenge Never Forget You for my favorite song. The lyrics are very meaningful and it has a good beat. 5/5
Shining Down (ft. Matthew Santos)---Wish we could have a song with these two on the album because they're really a great duo. Have had this song on repeat since I downloaded a few months ago. 4/5
Go To Sleep---Probably my least favorite of the bonus songs but still a very solid song. 3/5
Overall:Overall, I'd probably give this album a 2/5. Maybe it's just because I anticipated a better album out of Lupe as this really disappointed. There's a few good songs but most of it is pure crap. Hopefully Lupe drops Atlantic and gets back to making his music.
Lasers comes out on March 8th.
