Akon – Freedom

• 12th Dec 2008

R+B superstar Akon has clearly worked out a winning formula when it comes to writing his albums. On this, his third release, he presents another dose of radio-friendly, polished, pop tunes each one with an incessantly catchy chorus and danceable beat. The problem seems to be that it’s the exact same catchy chorus and danceable beat recycled 13 times.

‘Freedom’ sees Akon moving away from the rags-to-riches tales of his previous releases ‘Trouble’ and ‘Konvicted’ and focusing squarely on his endless love of the ladies. Smash hit ‘Right Now’ is infectiously catchy and will be stuck in your head for days after hearing it. Other efforts like ‘Beautiful’, Troublemaker’ and ‘I’m So Paid’ follow the familiar pattern as Akon’s distinctively slick vocals deliver love-lorn lyrics over a generic digitalised beat. In each instance the chorus is repeated an excessive number of times, almost drilling the point home, pounding you into submission until you can’t help but hum along.

‘Freedom’ is a neat and tidy effort from this urban superstar, a couple of tracks here and there are perfectly enjoyable, but after a whole album, the formula becomes incredibly tedious. With 8 million albums now sold worldwide, it’s hard to see Akon varying too far from his safety zone anytime soon. Undeniably good at what he does, Akon can write a poppy rap tune with the bet of them, but overall this release merely emphasises his unavoidable repetitiveness.