Rating: NN
Two things worried us in the lead-up to the release of Major Lazer’s second album: it was repeatedly delayed, and Diplo’s original partner in crime, Switch, was no longer an official member of the dancehall/reggae-inspired project.
According to Diplo, Switch’s absence is the result of his inability to actually finish a song. But given that Switch receives a writing credit on Free The Universe’s most song-oriented tracks, it’s fair to assume he was vital to the partnership after all.
Diplo is skilled at bringing talented people together and recognizing a hot new beat in places others aren’t looking, so he still managed to put together an album full of no-brainer club bangers, which is all some people want.
Too bad the missteps and poorly executed collaborations stink badly enough to make the borderline stupid/genius party rockers get tainted by proximity.
Top track: Get Free
