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Album reviews Music

PARTYNEXTDOOR

Rating: NNN


The second song on PARTYNEXTDOOR’s self-produced second project is a rare break from his electro-skittery norm: the track Sls’s piano-driven melody, soulful backup ahhing and finger-snap vibe – filtered through characteristic woozy distortion, of course – is the closest thing Party’s got to a Boyz II Men ballad.

But he’s got another thing in common with 90s vocal groups: tender lovin’ care. Unlike his debut, Party is as much about the ladies as he wants them to be about him. He still loves strippers, but he’s also reflective, remorseful, aware in his own still obscene way. “I promise to love you and obey,” he croons on Thirsty, before more unsavoury proclamations. Another highlight: the return of smooth sax interludes – delightfully at odds with his posturing, often crude lyrics.

Unfortunately, Party hasn’t kicked all his bad habits. Drake’s alt-R&B protege is a singer who sometimes slow-raps. Too bad that his singing and speaking voices – his sound in general – are so startlingly like Drake’s that sometimes you wonder who is actually on the mic: mentor or mentee.

Top track: Sls

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