Wiley’s most mainstream album to date was released officially on 1st April (let’s not mention the leak situation). I listened to the album approximately 10 times in a row to make an informed decision on how I feel about it.
Listen 1:
I don’t get it. Is it grime or dancey hip hop? Or pop? I don’t know. The audience is so confused. It’s nice to hear Heatwave again though, it’s been a few months. Oh and I definitely like My Heart A LOT.
Listen 2:
There are actually some pretty good features on here. Lethal B, LEEEAVE IT. Kano and Angel are winners as well. Far East Movement are questionable though, I bet the label loved that one.
listen 3:
I think I’m starting to get it. Grime AND the dancey hip hop. Everyone involved must have been happy with this. There are some nice beats in here.
Listen 4:
The more I listen, the more I like it. It definitely sounds like a complete album after listening a few times rather than a genre tug-of-war with a big mish-mash of songs. Yep, it works.
Listen 5:
LOVE IT. Excuse me while I sing along and have a cheeky bop. Still nice to hear Heatwave again.
Listen 6:
Hmm, maybe I just started liking it because it became familiar. Some of these lyrics are questionable. Did someone just use the word ‘clunge-mobile’?
Listen 7:
Wiley hasn’t really got into a full flow on here. There’s too many features, some of his lyrics seem to be thrown together with no thought given. “Red sky at night, shepherd’s delight”. That isn’t necessary.
Listen 8:
If I never heard Heatwave again it wouldn’t be the end of the world.
Listen 9:
I think I’ve had enough now. One more, for luck.
Listen 10:
Average. Nice beats, lyrics don’t make a lot of sense, and the artist should probably be listed as ‘Everyone You’ve Ever Heard Of feat. Wiley’. I doubt I’ll be digging this out again in a year’s time, this isn’t even remotely timeless. That’ll do.
