T-PAIN
Epiphany
Konvict Music/Sony BMG
· This R&B sensation’s latest entered at number 1 on the U.S. charts.
The intro track "Tallahassee Love" starts off with T-Pain spouting off the definition of the album title. Starting off a piece with a definition is just plain tired. It serves as a warning sign of what to expect for the rest of Epiphany: a batch of predictable and clichéd R&B tracks.
There’s the lead single, "Buy U A Drank (Shawty Snappin’)," a catchy tune which finds him picking up women by – wait for it – buying them drinks (like there’s any other way, right?). There’s the second single, "Bartender," a tired track with its inclusion of the annoyingly ubiquitous singer Akon. Of course, can’t forget the obligatory R. Kelly impression ("Backseat Action"), reggae-tinged track ("Shottas" featuring Kardinal Offishall and Cham) and the ones where T-Pain shows you that he knows the issues (two tracks, "I Got It" and "Suicide" discuss HIV/AIDS – an otherwise respectable move that is made questionable by the sexually irresponsible nature of the rest of Epiphany).
Where is the enjoyment in listening to music wrapped up in endless clichés? Well, it comes through in T-Pain’s vocals. Think Cher’s "Believe" by way of R. Kelly. His vocals are so processed that it would make any first-time listener question whether T-Pain is human. It may sound gimmicky, and it is, but it is undeniably enjoyable, whether you truly like his vocals or find them laughable. Can he sing without studio vocal effects? As evidenced by his recent performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, absolutely not. Really, what did you expect?
3/5
1/5 (after the novelty of his voice wears off)
KALLEN LAW
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