P's Proposal: F.A.M.E. (Album) - Chris Brown




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One of the many triumphs an artist can hope to achieve is being able to produce good material & a solid catalogue of work through adversity. Considering the violent & tumultuous whirlwind that has been the life and times of R&B/Pop statement, Chris Brown, I have no qualms about stating that he is one of those artists. Having spent a childhood in a broken home, to then be rocketed to superstardom before being able to legally drink or join the US military, and then commit egregious crimes for which it is clear he has received neither real retribution nor self-forgiveness & healing, I think it is safe to say that whatever you think of this young man, he is dedicated to his job & his fans. Hence, the highly publicized return to the music scene with the new album, "F.A.M.E."

It seems apparent to this humble musician that "F.A.M.E." is the album "Team Breezy" faithfuls have been anticipating from the artist who is known for his fancy footwork and easy-to-grasp but animated & enjoyable songs. While I personally hold his previous project, "Graffiti," in high regard for its musical boldness & markedly left-field approach, "F.A.M.E." allows CB to make his return to the mainstage, with records that take a two-sided strategy to the listener.  On one side, we have the effervescent, breakneck-paced dance cuts for which Brown has now become quite popular (ex: if you're one of the last few folks who haven't seen the YouTube video of the wedding procession choreographed to "Forever," Click Here and you'll see what I mean). On the other side, we have the highly explicit yet smoothly executed ballads & mid-tempo songs, perfect for some quality time with your mate - if you're feeling freaky, of course. On either side, Chris happily shows off his vocal growth (e.g. much less usage of pitch-correction plug-ins with the obvious exceptions being the electro-Pop records), his content maturity, and his versatility as a recording artist. If you want the instant effect of what I'm talking about, listen to "Say It With Me," then switch to "Up 2 You."


With all these welcome colors prevalent on the album, what draws me the most is the steady commitment to newer & different sounds than the ones to which fans may be accustomed. Tracks like "All Back," written by industry newcomer Timothy Bloom, "She Ain't You," a direct reference to both Michael Jackson and SWV, and the progressive Euro-Dance cut "Beautiful People (feat. Benny Benassi)" are definitely on the borders of the CB music brand, but they are welcome additives to it. In general, the production could have used a more mature touch in regards to sequencing and overall flow of the records; it's clear that the writers and producers on many of the songs are newer creators who may have just been excited to have the opportunity to be placed on the album & thus caused them to neglect a few more listens to the first mixes before sending the records out to be mastered. Still, this does not greatly hinder the finished product, and everyone is to be commended for their work.

So at this point, your question would be, "So P., do I get the album or not?" My answer? Sure thing, I think you're going to like it. Everything one might expect from a Chris Brown LP is there, and there are a few surprises as well that I feel add just the right amount of edge to an already well-prepared product. I mean, let's face it, there's no point in adding too much Lawry's Seasoning Salt if the meal is already dope.  It seems, therefore, that Chris & his team have gone to great lengths to ensure consumers that "F.A.M.E." is an first-rate body of music, and we are certain to appreciate every helping.  I mean, song. That being said, this Colombian-born, Irish-adopted gentleman says to you all, buy it, 'Salud," "Sláinte," and enjoy "F.A.M.E."

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