ALBUM REVIEW: "I Decided." by Big Sean

Having never listened to any of Michigan rapper Big Sean's previous material, for me his fourth studio album I Decided wasn't the huge departure it seemed to be to a lot of people. In fact, I had a tough job in identifying things that separated this project from others in the genre. This isn't necessarily a bad thing - you don't have to be smashing boundaries and expectations to make an enjoyable album - and Big Sean has his own lyrical voice that marks his music as recognisably his own, while staying comfortably within what has been proven as a working formula.
There is a definite rage and bitterness to Big Sean's lyrics, but there is a sense of underlying melancholy that provides the album with a sense of maturity and jadedness. There are lots of clever lines and good songs, but it never quite feels like these songs quite come together as something passably singular and cohesive. The best moments are the pop songs, though, "Bounce Back" being instantly memorable in a throbbing, cathartic way. Unfortunately much of the rest of the track-listing seems about to fold together on itself in a messy heap. Strong flow and some great guest spots (especially the menacing verse from Eminem on "No Favours") hold it all together, though, and I Decided eventuates to be a fairly enjoyable, if not entirely compelling and memorable, collection of songs.

Favourite Tracks: Bounce Back, No Favours, Moves and Sacrifices

Least Favourite Tracks: Owe Me and Sunday Morning Jetpack

Rating: C+

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1 YEAR LATER: "22, A Million" by Bon Iver

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