Akon - Freedom

Akon - Freedom

Review by Roger Hung

Freedom is a radical overhaul of Akon’s approach to music-making. His nasal vocal tone and catchy melodies are still present, but the third installment of his convict saga deviates from his previous mix of R&B, Hip Hop, and Reggae. In its place is an opening pace set by several Eurodance-inspired songs. The electric beat of “Right Now” is an uptempo mashup, and “Beautiful” is reminiscent of Alice Deejay’s dance hit “Better Off Alone.” Akon embraces a completley different direction on these party-ready songs, especially on the familiar “Troublemaker.” An electric guitar and handclap backing does little to improve upon the flat thug charm lyrics like, “I’m that type of guy that like kissin’/I’m that type of guy that will pop the clip in.”
Akon recovers from his early stumbles by continuing the message from his 2007 hit “Don’t Matter.” “Be With You” is an electronic reggae backbeat as Akon reassures his love that nothing will stand in their way. The song illustrates his more cheerful tone. Though he has uplifting songs in his this album, his previous work relied more on the darker side of crime stories and moments of despair. Other than a few reflective moments on his past sins, Freedom is about a troubled man’s search for serenity. “Sunny Day” captures this made-it-through-the-storm experience, as does the less-than-gracious “I’m So Paid.” whereby the rappers Jeezy and Wayne flaunt their wealth, Akon relapses into hustler territory. In the midst of talking about the wonders of the good life, he claims, “I’m the boss, it only takes one call/For Jah to hit you up and dump you off and that’s all/(Guess what) I won’t be taking that fall/Homie, I got cake, that’s what I’m paying him for.”

The tone of Freedom finds Akon focused on reaping the benefits of success. Whether singing about his family’s immigrant struggles or his own misguided path, he just wants all roads to lead to a place of contentment. He has had plenty of reasons to sulk in his life, but he would rather party, love, and revel in his progress. Having already been locked up and convicted, he’d chooses not to focus on the dark days that has inspired his music. Freedom is Akon’s chance to break away from his many trials and head towards more victories.