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Meek Mill is an artist that you never know what you're going to receive when you listen to him. His fifth album, "Expensive Pain," was launched on October 1 and is a wonderful illustration of that concept. The titular song, "Expensive Pain", tries to maintain an appeal but the remainder of the album is dragged down by terribly uninspired lyrics and rhythms.
Let's dig in more to find out how Meek failed to impress his fans.
A Rushed Release
Everything about the album sounds disorganized and extremely turbulent for the rapper, from the release, to the rushed delivery, and the poor sequencing. The thoughtful lyrics are still evident on his fifth studio album, Expensive Pain, but the issue is with the production that submerges the sensitivity and sentimental aim of his tale.
Meek Mill is known for his piercing introductions - his 2012 underdog ballad 'Dreams And Nightmares' is regarded as one of rap's finest milestones – but the first track on his new album falls short.
'Hate on Me' seems like a throwaway track than a classic opening. Meek's usage of unneeded backing tracks on his voice kills the song's delicacy.
Lacks Listener's Staying Quality
The title "Expensive Pain" foreshadows the album's themes but is eclipsed by a few disappointing and monotonous lines. The album contains powerful beats; however, the majority of the tracks don't stick with fans.
Mill has some odd lines, such as "You know I be hangin' wit' Jews / Get money wit' Russians, I'm makin' my moves," while continuing the very same beat into another song, "Outside (100 MPH)." Both tracks are nearly six minutes of Mill ranting with no meaningful chorus.
Excessive Use of Autotune
Although most rappers today use autotune, Mill has mostly avoided utilizing it until now, when he uses it in the songs "On My Soul" and "Love Money."
While Mill is probably using it to convey more intensity and focus on specific phrases, it seems more like a terrible imitation of a rapper Lil Baby.
Flat Beats
Meek's beats on Expensive Pain's, are mostly uninteresting and certainly fall flat.However, in the beat on "Blue Notes 2" - one of the album's most upbeat tracks, there are some high notes that you will enjoy.
Another track, 'Hot,' with a blend of techno sounds and Mill's fast delivery of vocals, immediately grabs your attention.
The chorus of a variety of voices in the back of "Sharing Locations" saves an otherwise dull track and effectively conveys each phrase.
Struggle to Keep up with The Energy
The album's guest appearances are a bit hit or miss. On "Ride for You," Kehlani's soothing voice takes center stage, while Mill tries to maintain the same level of enthusiasm. Even though Mill does not offer her a verse, Kehlani's chorus is the highlight of the song, which feels like a Meek Mill appearance on a Kehlani song than the other way around.
The Album Faded into Rap Genre
Expensive Pain fills the majority of its work with uninspired lyrics and unfinished events that, if taken even further, might have given the record an insightful picture of Mill's path through the prison life and criminal justice system.
Mill might have resurfaced to the music industry after a break from recording, but his album "Expensive Pain" isn't what we were hoping in his come back.
If you want to know more about Merek Mill album reviews, check out SpoiledCabbage.com.
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