After the expansive four-song intro "B," "L," "U," and "E" - a thematic exploration that summarizes SYRE's spirit - Smith launches straight into "Breakfast," an old-school, Wu-Tang-sounding collaboration with A$AP Rocky. He even channels "Black Skinhead" on the propulsive standout "Watch Me." Although Smith still has quite a way to go before he reaches West levels, SYRE is a satisfying collection of inspired production and thoughtful lyrics. Influenced by Kanye West, SYRE shares the sensitivity and frustration of 808s & Heartbreak, while at the same time reaching for the grandeur of My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy ("Icon") and flirting with the messiness of Life of Pablo ("U"). Released soon after his sister Willow's debut, SYRE is also a coming-of-age journey that finds the son of Will and Jada processing the pains wrought by personal romantic drama and tackling wide-reaching social issues, from the prison industrial complex to misogyny in the hip-hop world. As his first official full-length, there are enough high points to foreshadow exciting potential, while the moments that don't land as smoothly simply illustrate that Smith is willing to take risks. Titled after the rapper's middle name, SYRE finds Jaden Smith striving toward artistic maturity, searching for his own voice with often impressive results.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |