1st Listen: Chris Brown Grafitti

1st Listen: Chris Brown Grafitti

25 Magazine Kylee Coney gives Chris Brown third studio album Grafitti, a first listen.

Words by Kylee Coney

Chris Brown released his long awaited third album Graffiti on December 8, 2009. The title represents the different mix of up-tempo and low-tempo songs he offers on his latest release. From slow songs like “Sing Like Me” to exciting fast paced songs that make you dance like “I Can Transform Ya,” the album offers a variety of music that does not disappoint. No longer a teenager, he boldly expresses his feelings with an “I’m my own man attitude.” Brown gives more personality this time around than on his two previous albums Chris Brown (2005) and Exclusive (2007), as he shares his thoughts on life and love. The entire album conveys an apologetic tone towards losing love. Brown’s lyrics, “But if you don’t come back, girl your love was worth it, that’s the one thing I know,” in “I’ll Go” shows he still believes in love and has learned from previous mishaps. In height of the recent negative media attention of physical abuse upon his ex-girlfriend Rihanna, Brown’s album is obviously part of an attempt to reconcile with his fans and reclaim his image.

1. I Can Transform Ya

Brown does an awesome collaboration with Wayne and Swizz beats with this one. Definitely starts off the CD right letting the girls know he can “upgrade em.” Shoes you got it, bags you got it, cars you got it….ok Brown!

2. Sing Like Me

Apparently Brown loves the ladies and they love him, so much that he got them singing his songs on the regular! Don’t want to get to cocky do we now? This is a great slow song that you’ll learn to love.

3. Crawl

Brown pours out his heart out into this song. It’s a passionate song that shows his strong belief in love and r.conciliation.

4. So Cold

Come on-we’ve all had that broken heart that makes us wanna plead for our ex to come back right? Brown sings of a love lost because of the mistakes that he made during the relationship.

5. What I Do

“When they ask me ‘bout the cars, and the girls, and the cribs I just tell ‘em its what I do.” Brown does some stuntin’. The unexpected and interesting collaboration with Plies undeniably brings the hood aspect to the song.

6. Famous Girl

Tales of another relationship gone wrong. “You’re famous girl, shoulda known you’d break my heart.” The theme is kind of cliché, but the rhythmic beat of the song will want to make you get up and do your best Chris Brown dance impersonation.

7. Take My Time

Whoa “Take You Down” was one thing but Chris, along with singer Tank, made this song scream sensual and sexy.

8. I.Y.A. (In Your Arms)

Techno beat and auto-tune effects on this song is a tad different from the rest of the CD. The song expresses how Brown wants nothing more than to be with the girl he loves in her arms. It may take some time to get used to the music though.

9. Pass Out

Once again, he explores into the pop genre with the ultra-techno beat and auto-tune. However, this song goes way overboard with the high pitched sounds and the song just sounds noisy. Sorry, not a good look.

10. Wait

Put Chris Brown, Trey Songz, and the Game together and you know it’s a hit. They all brag about how great they are at spending the cash and getting the girls. It’s an intense up-beat song that shows off their immense swag.

11. Lucky Me

He really opened up in this song, confessing how difficult it is sometimes to always be in the spotlight and have an image to maintain.

12. Fallin Down

This one feels a little Michael Jackson-ish. Interesting and catchy song that talks of how hard it is to live under intense scrutiny with little understanding. “Someone pick me up ‘cause I’m fallin’ down…”

13. I’ll Go

Chris explains how deep his love is for that special someone, insisting he’d go get the stars and bring them back just for her. He reveals that even if she doesn’t love him back, he’d still think making the trip was worth it just for her. Awww, sweet.

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This entry was posted on Tuesday, December 8th, 2009 at 12:48 pm and is filed under 1st Listen and tagged with 1st Listen, chris brown, grafitti, third album. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.

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