The Official OFWGKTA thread

[SGR]

Originally Posted by Surell

OK so my initial response is that this album is definitely a little harder to swallow even than Goblin. Making it so long with Tyler's signature but sometimes static style (especially in tempo) is probably the biggest problem. He also is very short on focus, which I think he recognizes in his concept on this album - there's, like, five characters who come and go as they please and you just have to pay attention to actually know who's saying what when (i still don't know who Salem is). Some songs probably break the story, and sometimes these are the best - "Trashwang" is killer as the "Tina" or "BSD" track here. Though the production doesn't vary much on the album, it is distinct from his earlier stuff (the percussion aside, which has been the primary anchor of the sound). His rhymes are on point, but he does seem like he kind of backed into a corner at times, especially concerning the storyline. It's kinda like watching the season of a show that was really great and on point for the first couple of seasons, but then kinda started to disintegrate the next time around; even though it's still really entertaining, it's just not as ingenious as before.

But some songs are definitely among his best: "Colossus," though still a bit much, is much better as a heartfelt tune than the drag of "Radicals;" "Lone" is equally poignant for its content and the extremely jazzy, Ghostface reminiscent beat; "48" for its interesting experiment in topic for Tyler and a solid beat as well; and then the superb beats on songs like "Pigs," "Jamba" (a good song in its own right), "Rusty" (a great song in its own right), and, of course, "Bimmer," definitely a highlight which should have gotten its own track. I did like "Partyisntover" and "Campfire" is good but it's just a drag all together and doesn't culminate properly. Overall, there are a lot of moments to love, but it's just too long and a little monotonous. Lady Gaga's "Born This Way" suffered a similar fate: though it had a lot of great ideas and solid songwriting and all, it was just too long, actually the same track length as this.

So though I'm sliiightly disappointed (though that word seems too harsh) I am really enjoying it. It's also got a lot of fun, kinda colorful moments, much more than either album before had. Plus! i feel like the lack of focus in the concept is really a great conceit for what his predicament seems to be right now. I guess that doesn't really justify his fragmentation of his own narrative though.

Great review man! I agree with you on pretty much every level. I've only listened to it 4 times though, need to give it more listens. It's definitely a warm and inviting record that so far, seems very replayable. Not only is his production great, but his rhymes are more on point than ever.