Get ready to get your grown folk on because this album may be the most musically and lyrically mature album you hear all year. Nicolay is now a developed producer working in North Carolina with Phonte, and his Foreign Exchange counterpart has got his Sunday suit on with the vocal chords warmed up. Leave It All Behind comes after the very impressive Connected with high expectations to exceed the first drop by the internationally stringed duo. Do they sadly leave everything great behind on the LP, or do they evolve to a more retrospective, yet, proactive state of mind?
I should warn you (and I’m sure most reviewers will) that there are a few things one should know about the album. Firstly, Phonte doesn’t rap. Aside from 2 short verses, the listener never gets treated to the witty and intelligent rhymes of Mr. Coleman. Moreover, this is not a hip hop album in the literal sense. While the aura of the album and of the two artists scream hip hop, the overall feel is a very “Quiet Storm” type. Lastly, Nicolay steals the show. It is extremely impressive to see a producer evolve to such a vast array of sounds and create fusions of beautiful melodies on a variety of tracks. Phonte takes a backseat to Nic even though his singing is fantastic, but it does give much more room for Nic to spread his mastermind.
Rapping aside, great music is great music. So, does LIAB deliver in that sense? Essentially, the album works like a mountainous journey. The first 4 tracks are all stellar at building up to a climax, but, that climax (or tip of the mountain) never comes. The middle of the album undoubtedly drags on. The seamless transitions of Nicolay could be seen as a flaw because it does feel that 4 songs string together for one complete song. The fusion of sounds suddenly stays steady, but the walk gets to a comforting conclusion by the end of the LP.
“Something to Behold” is clearly the stand out track both lyrically and in execution. The added and much needed ‘zing’ in here is Phonte’s verse. It’s extremely bittersweet because one will start thinking about a whole album full of 16’s like that over this production. What will irk me the most will be those who think Phonte should just drop the singing. I disagree, the man has a talent that needs to be exposed and his voice is another piece of weaponry for his seemingly endless arsenal of talent. The fear is that it becomes used inappropriately or untimely.
The issue is that Phonte, the singer, is not enough to overpower the super-production of Nicolay. The musical display on “House of Cards” is beautiful, the drums and the kick-in at the chorus is unreal, but unfortunately the singing does nothing to evolve the track and instead, brings it down. The same could be said for a multiple number of the tracks. But, I do state this again…Phonte is a GREAT singer, perhaps, it is just that Nicolay is such a strong producer.
The evolution of Nicolay from Connected is almost uncanny. The production, as great as it was on Connected, seems to trump much of his other work. Phonte is simply a better rapper, but it really isn’t his fault that he is also a great singer. The direction of this album is clear; it is a mature and serious album focused heavily on relationships. There wasn’t much that many would want to leave behind with Connected, and instead, elements that made that album so great could’ve been divulged into this album a little bit more. It’s important to realize that this is an album one will need to sit down and get to know. The first few listens may not appeal, but the next few over a couple of weeks may inspire a higher appreciation and enjoyment.
As a side note: the photography for this album cover is masterful. Not only does it capture an unsettling and kind of haunting mood, it also captures the rather dark and mysterious production style that Nicolay displays through the overall sound. It is a small piece of the large puzzle that makes the Foreign Exchange listening, an experience.
Overall Score: 77.5/100
Standout Tracks:
“Daykeeper”
“Something to Behold”
“Take Off the Blues”
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{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
I absolutely love this album. It’s all about evolution, not constraints. It is a wall of sound to be zoned out to. I do the ironing while listening to it.
Perfect.
this album is mood music. take it (and my score) with a grain of salt
I think you hit the nail on the head with your review Deez. It’s a ‘grower’, no doubt. Repeated listens with headphones bring out the sonic, sometimes genius production of Nicolay and Phonte’s voice is smooth as hell. I also agree with your standout tracks – Daykeeper is ridiculously good! I’d also give a mention to ‘All or Nothing/Coming Home to You’ which sounds incredible with repeat listens. In terms of Connected, it’s classic hip hop, and you’re right when you suggest that rather than make a ‘Connected pt.2′ they’ve spread their wings and pushed the musical boundaries. Ultimately whether this album beats Connnected is another question entirely, but you have to admire their ambition. Thanks for the review.
nice review sean…especially on point about that comfortable ending to the LP
i dunno, it seems like i was just as disappointed/shocked as u that Tay doesnt spit, and that we dont get his witty lyricism over such beautiful beats…
but then i think, if we’re thinking like that, we’re not truly Leaving It All Behind…because if we came into this album expecting singing, or if an R&B singer did this album, we’d say album of the year!
best way to enjoy the album is to pretty much forget Tay the MC i think
Big Ups Will.. I just added that part about growing. I had to give the album a few listens, and I only got a chance to review when the digital copy came out. Not much time since KEVIN put me on a deadline.
With that said, Jason, great point on “leaving it all behind” but I refuse to ignore that elephant in the room. Specially when his trunk waves around a few times
i’ll simply say that there is enough room in the world for Phonte the MC, and Phonte the singer.
well we should all listen to “when everything is new” to get a hint that this was coming..
apparently there were tidbits spotlighting the fact that it was gonna be phonte singing/soul…
i had no idea
it doesn’t help if you go into this album with high expectations
If Phonte is that talented, shouldn’t he be allowed to branch out when he feels the motivation to do so..? I know you’re all loving it, but the people who’re complaining should start relaxing and thinking outside the box… I’m sure Phonte will rap again, I’m sure he’ll sing again.
I’m enthused that Nicolay is spreading his wings and growing. Make other groups, rappers, singers, producers step their game up… It’s about being aspirational these days, surely?
I definitely agree that this is mood music. You definitely feel it a lot more when you’re going through it. As far as the direction of the album, I can’t say that I was caught off guard. After hearing Daykeeper and Zo! and Tigallo Love the 80’s, I knew exactly what LIAB was going to be. For anybody needing a Tay rapping fix, check out Bless the Child on Jake One’s album.
I just can’t get enough of Nicolay’s production. I’m looking forward to his next joint already, which will be a follow-up to City Lights…. Volume 2: Shibuya.
Good review. I’m digging the album hard. When I found out that Phonte was singing the whole joint I shook my head. Gave it a try and definetly enjoy it. The production at first doesn’t seem like there is any variation, but after a few listens the differences in each song comes out. Need to get it on the iPod or in the car to hear everything.
The elephant in the room for me is the lack of verses from Phonte. I can appreicpate an artist spreading their wings, but gotta keep the natives happy somewhat.
This will do until a new LB album.
damn Kev! thats the name of the new city lights album?!
any word on another dutch masters mixtape??
man, i’m just vibin’ to the instrumental right now to ‘all or nothing/coming home to you.’ this album will be in rotation for a few…
the only things i can say i don’t care for -slightly- (and i mean SLIGHTLY) are phonte’s rapped verses. like, i knew which songs he was gonna rap on (mostly because of him talking before them; i *heart* his continuous references to ike & tina, btw), and then i was like ‘okay, let’s continue the singing.’ wasn’t too crazy about ‘em. kinda felt out of place imo. album’s still on point. GREAT CAR MUSIC.