On Attention Deficit, Wale has put together a great debut full of excellent signs that there will be a bright future ahead.
Attention Deficit offers the best of both worlds; it’s pop music with integrity and brains. And, in the parlance of American Bandstand, you can dance to it!
His debut album isn't quite as off the wall, but taps an irrepressible post-Kanye West mood.
The rookie blunders are kept to a minimum, and Wale’s mesmeric talent -- the left-field punchlines, the charmingly laid-back flows, the nakedly emotional storytelling -- is enhanced by lively beats that juggle eclectic synth-pop with throwback soul.
Working with an all-star list of producers, Wale sounds as comfortable on indie fare ... His lyrical themes also cover a lot of ground, from the lothario come-ons of “Pretty Girls” to the cautious tale of superficiality told on “90210.”
In its ambitious attempts to revive conscious rap and push the envelope sonically, Attention Deficit may be one of the best rap releases of the year, even while it lacks the focus of a central persona.
Overall, Attention: Deficit shows that Wale isn’t all about the hype. In fact, it continues to demonstrate the talent that was heard on his various mix tape releases. Nevertheless, it lacks the luster, personal touches and engaging qualities that often make debut albums memorable.
Overall, Attention: Deficit should be considered a successful debut, albeit mildly uneven.
Straddling the line between street and pop, Attention: Deficit doesn’t quite capture the pop zeitgeist. But it sheds light on Wale’s evolving personality, and his circuitous story raps reward deep listening.
Ultimately, Attention Deficit stands as a solid introduction, though in venturing to bridge the gap between backpackers and the masses, Wale has clearly lost some of what set him apart in the first place.
Internal rhyme schemes, halting phrasing, thoughtful self-exploration; this is Wale at his best. Not as a preening star filling in the gaps for a king-making debut. A regular person, with doubts and sadness, joy and confidence. There's just not enough of it on Attention Deficit.
The darker moments like "Contemplate," where he explores insecurity against an elegiac Rihanna sample, prove he's best as a doubter, not a hater.
Wale is a fledgling lyricist with an assortment of beats behind him, ranging from interesting and big to shallow and boring. Stacked with some great features but never outdone, Wale proves himself to have a great deal of potential.
As Wale said on a radio interview I heard, he was just trying to bring joy back into hip hop. He had some fun tracks but really spoke on some things as well - suicide, bulimia, chasing fame, being black in a world of shades, and more. The features are memorable, such as J.Cole's brilliant verse or Jazmine Sullivan's high-powered chorus. I like almost everything about this album.
Most underappriciated album of all time, and one of the greatest debuts of all time. This album is so, so amazing with a unique happy and joyful sound.
1 | Triumph 2:25 | 77 |
2 | Mama Told Me 3:37 | 84 |
3 | Mirrors 4:17 feat. Bun B | 85 |
4 | Pretty Girls 4:11 feat. Gucci Mane, Weensey | 91 |
5 | World Tour 3:47 feat. Jazmine Sullivan | 70 |
6 | Let It Loose 4:49 feat. Pharrell Williams | 38 |
7 | 90210 3:27 | 85 |
8 | Shades 3:56 feat. Chrisette Michele | 84 |
9 | Chillin 3:24 feat. Lady Gaga | 75 |
10 | TV in the Radio 3:20 feat. K'naan | 67 |
11 | Contemplate 3:33 | 73 |
12 | Diary 4:31 feat. Marsha Ambrosius | 68 |
13 | Beautiful Bliss 5:04 feat. Melanie Fiona, J. Cole | 90 |
14 | Prescription 3:27 | 78 |
#8 | / | Consequence of Sound |