Back in the summer of 2015, hip-hop/r&b artist Anderson .Paak grabbed my attention thanks to his contributions to Dr. Dre's Compton. It was an album I enjoyed quite a bit upon it's release, and that was in large part due to the great guest features, including those of Paak's. He released his debut album Venice, a year before Compton, but remained fairly unknown until Dr. Dre's release, which really helped bring him into the public eye. So, with the new found popularity, lofty expectations, and some fantastic producers and guest features to help out, Paak set his sights on Malibu, his second full-length LP.
The warm production style and the intricate, personal lyrics that Paak puts on display throughout the album are immediately evident during the first few tracks. We see the California native sharing details of his childhood and his current age, as the topic matter ranges from the struggles he endured growing up to the love he shares for his family, as well as a woman who is continuously part of the album's theme throughout. When this is combined with the soulful bass lines, the laid back drum patterns, and Paak's own fantastic voice, it makes for a very welcoming sound. Not only does it invoke the feeling of spending a warm day on a beautiful Malibu beach, but it also has a certain nostalgic feeling that truly can't be explained.
Heart Don't Stand a Chance, one of the earlier tracks in the listing, is a stellar display of Paak's talents. As we are introduced to a love interest that as I mentioned is often discussed as the album progresses. On the song he states bravely, yet with confidence "Your heart don't stand a chance." This confidence is something that carries over track after track as the record progresses. Not only does he seem to be beyond comfortable with his newfound popularity on this album, but he also seems to have no problem taking risks and putting his life on display. Am I Wrong is a track that features an interesting risk instrumentally, as rather than the more soulful, west-coast production seen on the other tracks, we get a synth-based beat that really makes for a funky, enjoyable cut. The feature by TDE's ScHoolboy Q only helps add to what is already a great change of pace for the album.
The wonderful production throughout the project can be in-large part related to the great list of guest producers who helped out with it's creation. We see iconic names such as 9th Wonder and Madlib pop up multiple times throughout the record. However, Paak also showcases his own ability behind the boards on a handful of tracks. Parking Lot, perhaps the most enjoyable cut on the whole album is produced by Paak, and the combination of the claps and cymbals with the fast paced drum pattern make for a tap your feet, sing-a-long song. He also produced Celebrate, a song that features a loud, soul inspired groovy bass line, alongside some simple yet effective guitar and piano work. For me, just as much as he proved himself as a singer and songwriter, he also proved himself as a producer on Malibu.
With that being said, there are a few tracks on the album that even the production can't save. The chorus of "What's behind them tig ol' bitties" on Silicon Valley is an example of a rather cringe worthy moment of lyricism, which while clearly an attempt to be clever, just doesn't resonate with me personally. The instrumental for Water Fall (Interluuube) makes for another track I could certainly do without, as the drum driven beat really doesn't do too much for me. It spends too much time trying to be jazzy, and while it's an ambitious choice, it fails to excite or impress.
Even with the legendary producers and gifted emcee's on this album, Anderson Paak still manages to be the shining star on tracks that feature the likes of fellow r&b artist BJ the Chicago Kid, talented female emcee Rapsody, and iconic rappers Game and Talib Kweli. Malibu is nothing short of fantastic, and if Anderson Paak didn't captivate you with his work on Compton, he certainly will with this release.
Favorite Tracks: The Bird, Heart Don't Stand a Chance, The Season/Carry Me, Am I Wrong, Your Prime, Come Down, Celebrate
Least Favorite Tracks: Water Fall (Interluuube), Silicon Valley
Rating: 4/5
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