Akon Album: “Konvicted [PA] [Limited]”

I'm a white male over 50 years old, not exactly in the target market. But this guy speaks to me musically, lyrically, emotionally.

Open your mind and give Konvicted a fair listen. Akon is great!

This is the first cd i brought by akon. I was surprised at his music talent. The music is oringinal & good. I would recomend this to anyone who knows and likes good music.

I REALLY ENJOY LISTENING TO AKON HIS VOICE IS VERY DIFFERENT FROM OTHER ARTIST WHICH MAKES HIM STAND OUT. THE GUY HAS TALENT THE ALBUM IS REALLY GOOD. IT MIGHT NOT BE A 10 BUT I WOULD PURCHASE IT HE GOT JOINTS THAT WILL MAKE YOU MOVE AND ALSO THINK!

Senegalese-American Akon (Actually born in St. Louis) came from nowhere 2 years ago and scored Multi Platinum with his debut"Trouble" and had many single hits like prison anthem "Locked Up" love song cover "Lonely" and "Ghetto". Eventually Akon appeared on loads of other artists albums and almost became an established artist all of sudden. Akon most significant quality is his versability as a musician. He got a very un-orthodox voice that is easy to notice and he's both a rapper and a singer(perhaps he should stick to singing?) and he came out as a man with a troubled past just like 50 Cent, The Game and others. Akon spent time in prison which many of his songs are also about. Thus, Akon was interesting enough 2 years ago even if he's album "Trouble" was only decent. Now, 2 years later we all got higher expectations of Akon, he's appeared on countless of other albums and even produced songs on his own. So what is the verdict?

"Konvicted" that further deals with his time in prison (Shake Down) and macho thug life (Blown Away, Smack That, Gangsta Bop) and from time to time some love songs also (where Akon is best) but the album seems to pick up where "Trouble" left off. There are no major surprises, Akon do what he can to not dissapear and he gets help from the likes of Master P, Eminem and Snoop Dogg in form of guest appearances. None of the appearances are anyting special though and I'm a little surprised that no female artist is feautured. The Snoop duet "I Wanna Love You" is called "I Wanna F*ck You" on the explicit version and is embarrasing lyrically, although Snoop's lyrics are the same on both versions. "The Rain" seems to deal with how it is to be a celebrity and is ok, however like I said before, Akon shines most on love-ballads without guests where he sings and not raps. "Never Took the Time" is great and defenitely my favorite here. "Tired Of Running" where Akon confesses he's tired of Gangsta Life is also a good slow tempo. "Once in A While" with Kanye West esque speed up hook is also a great song and sounds like "Lonely Part 2". Ditto with "Don't Matter" which is simular. The song "Mama Africa" is quite unique with an African feeling, a song where Akon pay tribute to his African Roots (and other black folks too).

Overall, Akon picks up where his last album left, but it seems like Akon hasn't yet realized where his gift is and which direction he should chose. I really like Akon and I think with the right producers and guidance he could become a top notch artist. The problem is this, Akon should stick to singing and stick to mid-tempo or love-songs. He's a good singer and his very unique voice is always welcomed. It's all those thug-like, Prison themes and party songs that makes this album weaker. I also think that none of the guest-artist improved this album one bit. The good songs are good, but the bad songs are bad here, hence It's a typical 3 star album. If you liked his last album you will get more of the same and probably enjoy it but if you just like me knew the quality that this man and wanted an major improvement you will be a little dissapointed. The album is not bad though.

After Akon's first album Trouble (although there were a lot of albums released in 2004 with that title), I really didn't think he would have a lasting impression because a substantial career as a hardcore R&B singer is not an easy task (just ask TQ). But his latest album Konvicted is quite the improvement.

For one thing, the established rappers that guest on here do much better performances than the unknowns that filled the last album. Here, you'll find nice additions to already quality songs from the likes of Snoop Dogg ("I Wanna Love You") and Eminem ("Smack That" -- but what is Em doing on a song about sex?), as well as another collaboration with Styles P ("Blown Away"). But Akon also does a good job by himself, as evidenced on the #1 hit "Don't Matter" and his tribute to his homeland, "Mama Africa".

But one thing that does cause problems is when Akon tries a little too hard NOT to be hardcore. Case in point: "Never Took the Time" might be suitable had it been sung by any other artist, but from Akon, it seems like it came out of left field, especially how he breaks it down at the final chorus. And "Tired of Runnin'" has him talking about being sick of the gangster lifestyle, which seems to contradict the rest of the album. Speaking of that, "Gangsta Bop" is lazy.

While not a flawless album, Konvicted shows that Akon has some promise after all. If you can stand to have your R&B not 100% radio-friendly, then give it a try.

Anthony Rupert