I literally did everything in my power to make sure I got this review right. I listened to Khaled interviews (Hot97 was my favorite), reviewed previous albums, and even annotated the album track by track to make that I was getting the full effect of the album. Still, my results came up the same and my reaction to the album was simple. The album was disappointing.
Khaled kept saying that Grateful was his “best album ever”. All I could think after listening is what was he measuring it up against. I think the pure excitement around ASAHD –side note: ask yourself, if you don’t capitalize ASAHD are you really referring to DJ Khaled’s son?Anyway, ASAHD mania hyped my expectations for this album. Don’t get me wrong it was far from trash, but is it something that I would request to be played on the AUX? No.
Khaled went out on a limb when he made Grateful a double disc cd. If you doing more than 13 songs, then at least half of your songs must have “bop potinential” ( a term I just thought of). However on this album after track 14, I was kinda over it. The lineup made all the released singles back to back, so listeners had nothing to look forward to. It went from “Shining” to “To the Max” to “Wild Thoughts”. I needed a break. Introduce me to some new music between the songs I already know.
Even with the underwhelming overall listening experience, there were some standouts:
- Disc 1, Track 7 “It’s Secured ft. Nas and Travis Scott”: Honestly, Nas is the only reason it stood out to me. I didn’t think think Travis was needed and if I’m keeping it 100, I didn’t think the beat blended with Nas’s tone. But Nas is Nas and he will always be on my list.
- Disc 1, Track 9 “Nobody ft. Alicia Keys and Nicki Minaj” : This song had me rockin in my seat. The production, verses, and blending of both Alicia Keys and Nicki’s voice were top notch. I was scared because sometimes Alicia is iffy with the vocals ( no shade, all love)
- Disc 1, Track 10 “I Love You So Much ft. Chance the Rapper”: Chance’s spirit was clear in the production of this song. They even sampled Marvin Sapp’s “Never Would Have Made It”. It’s an ode to ASAHD and Kensli and it was cute.
- Disc 2, Track 14 “Major Bag Alert ft. Migos”: You know how they says Migos can make anything a hit? Well its true because this song is proof for any non-believer.
Honorable Mentions:
“Interlude (Hallelujah) ft. Betty Wright” Auntie took me to church.
“Good Man ft. Pusha T and Jadakis” Um, it’s Pusha T and Jadakiss on a song…together.
Let me know you think about Grateful!
