Apparently, ladies got their looks from their mother.
If nothing else is taken from Will.I.Am’s third solo album, he wants every girl to acknowledge the root of her appearance.
While offering no scientific proof to back his hypothesis in the humorous, club-going single “I Got It From My Mama,” Will celebrates this “fact” as if it were gravity.
The single ironically downplays the theme of his entire third studio album, as “Songs About Girls” delves much deeper into relationships and women.
A self-described “semi-autobiographical” reflection on his rollercoaster ride of a failed seven-year relationship and the budding and anticipation of new ones, the album takes the listener into Will’s heart.
Probably one of the most emo-flavored male hip hop albums ever recorded, Will shows he is much more sensitive than most rappers and hip hop artists.
“One More Chance” is the radio highlight of the album, combining elements Will made so famous with the Black Eyed Peas to produce an introspective and pleading take on the end of his relationship. The Ray Lynch-esque opening synth lines create a deep and textural sound that is unparalleled in modern hip hop.
The brightest and most unexpected surprise of the album is “Invisible,” a fantastic song with an alternative rock feel combined with bouncy rhythm, soft harmonies and heartfelt emotional lyrics.
Yet another surprise Will throws in is the electronica song “Impatient,” a rythmic number that sounds remiscent of a European house compilation. The beat and rhythm is undeniably catchy and could take the most somber person out of a funk and into a dance mood.
The album, however, does fail in some aspects. While his collaboration with Snoop Dogg on “The Donque Song” will most likely climb the charts, musically it is one of the worst tracks on the album; the synthesizer blitz is more of a cacophony of noise rather than a beat. “Make It Funky” also never gets off the ground with an obnoxious chorus and a weak beat, along with the repetitive “Heartbreaker.”
As with his fashion sense, Will.I.Am diversifies his music into a refreshing new album. Those tired of the stale, vulgar hip hop permeating today’s radio should give this record a listen.