Chris Brown's new album has taught me a valuable life lesson: never listen too closely to the lyrics of an R&B song. You will be grossed out.
Questionable lyrical content is nothing new, but on X it becomes completely unnecessary.
It kicks off with echoed voices and synth notes ofthe title track, which builds with an electro dance vibe then drops into gritty sirens. Brown then goes from proclaiming "these hoes ain't loyal" with Lil Wayne and Tyga (Loyal), to trying to snag chicks in the club with Usher (New Flame). It marks the first of many simplistic and slightly boring slow jams containing varying degrees of sexually explicit lyrics, which get old very quickly.
Try Drown In It, featuring R Kelly, a completely uncomfortable, cringe-worthy track with the delightful line, "Drown in it, down in it / Just like a male mermaid, babe".
X's guest stars - Aaliyah, Akon, Kendrick Lamar, Trey Songz and Nicki Minaj - all overshadow Brown. It's unfortunate, as he has a decent voice.
The controversial crooner shines on the 80s pop vibe of Time For Love, and Fine China, the funk-heavy final track on the album's deluxe edition. But See You Around is an obvious attempt to be different and sounds like it was written for One Direction.
Label:
RCA
Verdict:
Ridiculous X-rated lyrics take away from the sound
