It’s possible you’ll bear in mind Cleveland artist JayR Metropolis from his single, “Good and Sluggish,” which we lined right here on Spice on the Beat final 12 months. The younger singer is again along with his new album, Development to Greatness, which will be streamed all over the place now.
Development to Greatness begins with the tune “Wavy.” It’s a enjoyable, catchy beat with small, intricate particulars. Though I’m not the largest fan of two of essentially the most distinguished stylistic decisions on this observe; auto-tune and closely trap-inspired beats, I really feel like it really works as an excellent intro observe. If there’s one thing JayR is aware of find out how to do, it’s to flaunt his charming, cocky demeanor with clean, horny vocals that know find out how to entice his feminine listeners. It’s a promising begin to the mission, however I hope we see some selection within the hooks and manufacturing.
Off the bat, the one factor that stands out in regards to the second observe, “Superb,” is the shortage of transition. There appears to be a slight disconnect between “Wavy” and “Superb”; the songs sound like they need to be on the identical mission, but it surely doesn’t really feel like a lot thought went into connecting the songs up to now. I additionally hate to say it, however this hook isn’t considered one of my favorites. There’s little question it’s catchy, however nothing about it stands out for me, particularly when it’s positioned this early on within the album. It’s one of many extra melodic tracks I’ve heard about “catching a physique,” however I don’t really feel notably impacted or moved in any approach by this observe.
Once more, we don’t see a lot of a transition into “Murder.” Lyrically, that is my favourite observe out of the three I’ve heard. The visible imagery and story-telling parts are entertaining and imaginative. Nevertheless, past that, I haven’t heard something that separates any of the songs as but. All of them really feel fairly formulated, with the identical buildings to every observe. There isn’t an excessive amount of taking place when it comes to cadence or dynamics, so the songs have all began to mix collectively. JayR’s voice sounds lovely as at all times; there’s little question there. However I’m starting to really feel underwhelmed, and I’m ready for one thing to blow me out of the water. I’m holding onto hope, although!
The usage of Plies and T-Ache’s “Shawty” was one of many first stylistic decisions to catch my consideration. Once I first heard JayR’s music, it was of his cowl of “Come Via,” which lived as much as the unique, so seeing him re-visit covers and re-work them proves to be considered one of his strengths. The tune is cute and enjoyable and incorporates the observe in a enjoyable, nostalgic approach, serving to it to face out among the many others. However when it comes to manufacturing, I nonetheless need one thing extra fascinating.
You’ll be able to learn in regards to the subsequent observe, “Good and Sluggish,” right here. I first lined the observe final 12 months when it was launched as a single. I’m not notably loopy about putting 2 covers proper after each other, particularly after they make the most of the tracks in comparable manners, however individually, this might be a stand-out.
I just like the dynamics, beat, and hook to “Sufficient” rather a lot, however the songs aren’t tackling something thrilling. I at all times advocate for a few turn-up songs and the concept that Hip-Hop doesn’t should at all times be aware and significant, however the first 4/6 songs have primarily handled the identical subjects with remarkably comparable beats and hooks. I really like JayR’s music, so I’m rooting for one thing new and dope as a result of I’m losing interest by this level.
Alright! Now “Time” is what I’m speaking about! Give me horny and sensual! I’ve been ready for it! Though the beat jogs my memory an excessive amount of of “Birthday Intercourse,” it’s a basic 2000s intercourse tune, and boy, am I right here for it! That is the place JayR excels, and it’s one thing lastly new amongst a plethora of vanilla lure beats. The tune leaves me wanting extra, identical to how I felt when JayR re-worked “Come Via,” and that’s exactly the sensation I’ve been ready for. Now let’s see what else he can do!
How did we take this lengthy to get right here?! Simply the manufacturing for “Don’t Play” affords one thing so new and refreshing. It’s not considered one of my favorites, but it surely’s a unique and light-hearted aspect of JayR that completely contrasts with the horny zaddy aspect we simply witnessed within the observe earlier than. A wonderfully curated album, for my part, ought to have the ability to spotlight all of an artist’s strengths whereas nonetheless making a mission the place every tune works with each other to carry it to completion. It may well have overarching themes and comparable sounds, however every bit ought to be identifiable. Moreover the tracks that sampled widespread songs, these final two have been ones that I might pinpoint from the album, which brings me a lot pleasure. I’m so proud!
The manufacturing in “Nearer” is definitely my favourite beat up to now. That is extra of what I envisioned once I heard that JayR dropped a brand new album, and even then, these small particulars are past what I might have imagined. This mission has taken a whole flip, and whereas it bums me out that it took this lengthy to get so far as a result of I used to be getting discouraged, I’m so joyful I waited. That is the R&B that formed all of our awkward sexy teen years, and I adore it! The lyrics are easy however embody intelligent zingers which can be a lot enjoyable to hear for. This tune showcases JayR’s talents in a few of the greatest mild.
The start of “Gang” gave me Lil Nas X vibes, and I’m not mad about it. We received one other lure beat, but it surely works effectively when it’s positioned after three very completely different songs! If something, I really like the bounce to this. I’m in absolute disbelief that my thoughts could possibly be modified this rapidly about an album. This tune hits. Nevertheless, that’s till we get to the characteristic. It isn’t that the half is dangerous, but when there may be something I’m choosy about, it’s when the standard of a characteristic doesn’t match the standard of the observe. Spend cash in your mixing and mastering, please!!! The characteristic ought to by no means sound as if it’s been recorded elsewhere; it ought to sound like they hopped within the sales space proper with you. The ending was additionally extraordinarily disappointing, primarily as a result of it ended on that high quality and since the observe felt unfinished.
Fret not, as a result of the album rapidly redeemed itself once I heard “Taken.” This tune is sensual and electrical, seducing the listener with the small parts within the manufacturing paired oh-so delicately with JayR’s vocals. And the introduction of AngelDust’s vocals was simply pure perfection! Her voice is like honey, matching JayR’s impeccably when it comes to intercourse attraction and ability. I felt like I wanted to offer the two of them some privateness! I’m as soon as once more not fully offered on the ending, however I did really love the way it transitioned into the following observe, “Erica’s Interlude II.”
“Erica’s Interlude II” is… Goodness. Simply quick sufficient to tease you however lengthy sufficient to make your thoughts wander. The manufacturing is gorgeous and easy, but in addition dynamic and layered. Stunning addition to the album.
“Osix” felt prefer it took some time to achieve some momentum. I’d have most well-liked this tune earlier within the album with a shorter introduction. It’s a cool piece, however a bit slower, so putting it after a intercourse tune slows the album’s tempo total, whereas it might match after one of many lure beats so as to add some selection. With that being stated, the tremendous dope manufacturing felt considerably underutilized, ensuing within the tune feeling incomplete, particularly with the shortage of ending. Additionally, going again to that concept of a few of the songs feeling formulaic, the pattern fade-in has been achieved a number of occasions all through the album, and I don’t assume it was needed with this observe.
“Nights within the Previous” options many lovely parts, however a few of the horny lyrics have turn into redundant, dropping their appeal. As soon as once more, I principally imagine that if the album have been arrange otherwise, it wouldn’t really feel this fashion. However due to it, the songs are beginning to mix once more. Once more, the shortage of ending feels lackluster.
I’m uncertain if I’d finish with “Classes,” however I really like this observe. Tatiana destroyed this observe, and her female stamp on the album is exceptionally horny. With that being stated, I believe she outshines JayR! They work effectively collectively, however Tatiana is most positively the star of this observe. General, the females killed it on this album! The final 30 seconds of the tune are raunchy however delicate and make me not thoughts the pointed ending.
I believe the largest concern with this album is the construction. My earlier grievance was that I wasn’t seeing each aspect of JayR, however as I dug deeper into the mission, I noticed that the album showcased his versatility, but it surely was simply too grouped collectively. Reasonably than focusing the entrance of the album on his heavier lyrics and sound and leaving his horny R&B sound for the second half, I’d combine it up in order that the songs don’t begin to really feel the identical after some time. Whereas I believe the album was a little bit on the safer aspect, it was robust, particularly on the R&B aspect. I’d like to see JayR take some dangers, although; there’s little question that he has the vocal skill to again it up.
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