- Label
- Atlantic
- Release date
- 31st August 2009
- Genre
- Dancehall
- Buy this album
- Order CD
Party songs for the perpetually jiggy.
Sean Paul's sales figures are impressive, after Bob Marley he's the second biggest selling Jamaican artist of all time with just three albums under his belt. So the man is entitled to a spot of self-aggrandisement, but such fronting is largely ignored in favour of the relentless pursuit of a good time and more specifically a good lady to spend it with. Not that Paul — whose signature corn roll hair and raised eyebrow remain unchanged — is particularly modest, promising his conquests "maximum pleasure" (Evening Ride) and some fun she will "never forget" during Press It Up.
Paul's lyrics aren't his strong point — during the sensitive opening to So Fine he suggests to his partner that "you'll be a wind chime/ I'll be the rhyme" which is possibly marginally better than being "my Pepperpot" (Pepperpot). His flow, the dancehall rhythm and excellent production though make this a tough album to dislike - particularly if you've been partial to his previous output (no danger here of breaking the winning formula) - even if it does get slightly monotonous. There is some light relief from the bump and grind in the form of R&B ballad Hold Your Hand featuring serial guest artist Keri Hilson and Straight From My Heart, a tribute to his mum. But if it’s the party you’re here for 18 of the 20 tracks deliver it.
More to try:
Tinchy Stryder: Catch 22
Da’ville: On My Mind
Wayne Wonder: No Holding Back
Shaggy: Hot Shot
