Akon: Freedom

It would be easy to get the wrong idea about Akon if you judged him solely by his conduct on stage. Throwing members of the crowd on to the heads of other paying fans? Why, that’s merely an initiation ritual for his band. And grinding his pelvis up against a buxom child? Why, that was simply a lesson for the venue’s security on the importance of ID screening. It would also be easy to get the wrong idea about Akon by listening to the words that come out of his mouth, such as the ones about the car theft ring it turns out he didn’t run. So the only way we can truly understand Akon is through his music. And whaddya know, he’s an average guy.

While the popularity of Akon’s underpowered nasal whine is a mystery as enduring as ‘The Mousetrap’, there’s no denying that he knows how to pick a producer. He also knows the precise market value of an earwormy hook, repeated as often as necessary or possible, whichever is the greater. ‘Freedom’ is effectively an updated repackaging of Akon’s existing schtick, as if he were picking a new theme for his web browser.

In “I’m So Paid” f/Lil’ Wayne - Weezy brings vocals that sound like he hit the helium luckily Young Jeezy kills on the song and steals the show. “Right Now (Na Na Na)” - Right from the beginning when Akon throws the electronically-altered vocals is when its all over. Akon doesn’t need the effects on his vocals so why do it? It’s over done and cliche now. “Troublemaker” - There are occasions when Akon could win the heart of women everywhere and then he loses it. The album lacks the dynamism of a Kanye, a Rihanna or even a Chris Brown – mostly due to the limitations of Akon’s delivery – but it’s certain to go down well with Akon’s existing acolytes.

Akon did it the wrong way. He ran his vocals through the seriously ridiculous robotic effects and blew the whole album. Whenever you hear vocals like that the first thing that comes to mind is someone that isn’t confident in their vocals. And Akon has no excuse–except perhaps he doesn’t have the abilities to pull this album off without the effects.