Oxnard – Anderson .Paak

Harry

With two singles leading up to Paak’s new album that frankly didn’t blow me away, I was very much unsure how I’d take to it. The first couple of songs feature some brass and strings over catchy beats pulled off with class and finesse (I would expect nothing less from Paak). Then the singles come piling in, which are surprisingly elevated in the context of the album (particularly Tints, which I now admit is flames). In 6 Summers, Anderson treads some very well trodden lyrical ground (nowadays you’re legally obliged to take shots at Trump if you want to appeal to the ____ liberal youths). However, his charisma and delivery is sublime and a particularly interesting take that changes to win me over. After a mid album lull, a string of some seriously well executed songs, loaded with class features (sadly sometimes showing up Paak in the verses) gives the latter end some serious strength. Frankly, I’m still on the fence about whether this is Paak at his best, but had a good listen anyway.

77/100

Zach

To say I was anticipating the release of Oxnard would be an understatement. I have been a massive fan of his previous work. However, when listening to this album I thought a similar thing to his previous albums. There always seem to be a couple of songs which I LOVE but the albums never stick in my mind as being ‘game-changing’, which is a shame. Oxnard is full of tracks that groove extremely hard, which is a direct result of Paak’s strong inherent sense of rhythm, and this particularly comes through in every instrument part, which are used tastefully and rhythmically. Frequent beat switch-ups are used with purpose, and the album (especially the beginning) is extremely well thought through. It is also worth mentioning that the featured artists all do an excellent job of lifting this album. While it is is still a joy to listen to, I don’t think it is Paak at his best.

Fave Tracks: Tints, Trippy, Cheers

74/100