Grade: 85/100
In 2011, Ryan Gosling starred in a movie called “Drive.” Its soundtrack was 19 songs of electro-pop barrage which critics said was a vital part of experiencing the film.
That same year, rapper Theophilus London released his debut album “Timez Are Hard These Days,” which was well received, but London hadn’t reached his full potential. Three years later, London returns with his second effort “Vibes” where the electro-pop sound is prevalent and each song is reminiscent of the same experience the “Drive” soundtrack gave.
Over 12 tracks, London methodically delivers lines about love, loss and self-reflection. It’s clear to tell how much fun London had creating this album from his charismatic attitude which is refreshing for the current state of music.
Everyone wants the best possible production for their album, but London struck gold having Kanye West as the executive producer of “Vibes.” West is a conceptual artist and adheres to the sound of “Vibes” so each song flows nicely into one another, but could also be a standalone track.
Songs such as “Tribe,” “Need Somebody” and “Take and Look,” serve as high points to the album.
The crown jewel of London’s sophomore record is the West assisted “Can’t Stop” where the artists try to convince a girl that their persistance of her perfection will not end.
The true fault in this album comes from the possibility of the record being too good. The beats hold the potential to be so transic that the listener forgets the lyrics are there as well. It’s an unfortunate flaw, but sometimes overthinking or overdoing a project can result in losing sight of the overall goal.
Still, after about 15 seconds into any song on the album, heads will begin to nod and toes will innately tap. “Vibes” is a fresh take on a sound that hasn’t been heard in decades.
There’s a strong ’80s feel from “Vibes” and it isn’t a bad thing. London’s style of rapping and the way he carries himself are not similar to this current generation of artists. There’s a certain magic about “Vibes” that sucks a listener into that time warp for a thorough cochlear experience.
The album’s final song is appropriately titled, “Figure It Out,” because London has taken three years to build himself as an artist, decide what does and doesn’t work for him and allow his music to reflect that growth.