Rihanna totally threw us under the bus when she released ANTI. The world was waiting for EDM kicker, and we got a great R’n’b album. The music scene was never this competitive before. Her LP came as a refreshment. It sounds like a revitalization of soul music. I know it sounds weird coming from me, a big fan of alternative music, to glorify Rihanna but I guess Persephone has come out of the underground (it’s spring in Belgrade, get it?)
Why am I talking about Rihanna? Because she serves as an introduction for Anderson Paak, another artist who released a stellar r’n’b album and proved African culture is dominating mainstream pop music. This author is capable to set the trend that is a complete opposite of what is considered to be commercial. Malibu is his second studio release. It is more mature than his debut. While the previous was more narrative by its nature, similar to Kendrick Lamar’s style, this time he is digging r’n’b. The theme is healthy satisfaction that success brings into one’s life. It is also a love album inspired by Anderson’s wife. No wonder why Malibu sounds so soulful. Anderson wears his heart around his neck. And I should take this heart and pawn it at the auction, I don't need it, I'mma slay this bitch and take ya shoppin', Cause what good is any heart if it can break in pieces?, I would rather have no feelings, than cryin' and sobbin', When I met you, I was broke as the rope on the faucet, I had dreams that I would blow like a Nintendo Cartridge, I was hungry, I was dirty, I needed a shower, Since you found me, you clothed me, you packed me a sack lunch
His emotional generosity and music diversity makes Malibu my favorite album of the year. I highly recommend you to listen to following tracks: The Bird, Room In Here, Without You, Your Prime and The Dreamer.
