'Demonstration'
The first voice we hear on Tinie Tempah's new album is actually that of Ella Eyre - a talented musician that we should be hearing more of in the future.
The song - 'Someday (Place In The Sun)' is smartly placed at the beginning of the album, hooking any listener instantly
Almost every song features a guest appearance - whether it's Paloma Faith, Emeli Sandé or Dizzee Rascal - which would lead some to believe that Tinie's relying on the talents of others as well as his own to ensure his career is as illustrious as it can be. While I'm sure he could pump out a whole host of tunes solo, the features certainly do help to add another dimension to the collection - a flavour that may be missing if he was on his own.
Some tracks - 'Trampoline' for example - aren't the most redefining, exciting statements we're used to seeing from artists nowadays, but could easily get freshers and nightclub goers bouncing after a few drinks.
Most of the songs here seem to be trying too hard to cater to every single need. You can't be a heavy rapper, EDM star and dubstep king all at once. The talent is obvious, it's just overshadowed by overproduction.
Tinie does show signs of evolution as a crafter of his work, and his lyrics stand-up in their own right as being smart and unique, but there just seems to be something lacking from this record. It all seems a little 'heard it all before'.
'It's OK' and 'Lover Not A Fighter' - both featuring Labrinth - have the power to make you listen more than once, and Labrinth is on top form with his vocal prowess as he weaves between Tinie's rhymes.
Not the best, with a lack of emotion, but if you mine away at the album for long enough you'll find a few gems.
'Demonstration' is released November 4.
Tagged in Tinie Tempah