Akon:
Trouble

Release Date: 31 January 2005

Reviewed By: Rachel Burley

1. Locked Up

2. Trouble Nobody

3. Bananza (Belly Dancer)

4. Gangsta

5. Ghetto

6. Pot Of Gold

7. Show Out

8. Lonely (old version)

9. When The Time's Right

10. Journey

11. Don't Let Up

12. Easy Road

13. Locked Up (remix)

14. Gunshot

15. Locked Up (Taz remix)

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Akon’s debut is not just an album, it’s a masterpiece. The theme throughout ‘Trouble’ evolves from Akon’s past struggles, what he’s done and what he is doing to correct those things. The distinction of his tracks reveal Akon for the genius he really is. Each track has its own special quality and is written and produced to a high standard.

Opening with his most recent single ‘Locked Up’ the album starts on an influential high. The straight lyrics and haunting beats of the track make you want to hear more. Track two, ‘Trouble Nobody’ continues this outstanding flow. The lyrics are honest, realistic and straight to the point.

‘Bananza (Belly Dancer)’ is a fast moving, feisty track that will certainly fill the UK dance floors. It’s much lighter to digest than the other tracks but it still has Akon written all over it. ‘Gangster’, featuring Daddy T, Picklehead and Devyne begins with the sound of gunshots. The dominating track that follows is full of anger, tension and energy. It builds up your adrenaline, as its beats pulsate through your veins.

‘Ghetto’, on the other hand, is a dark, soulful and brooding track. The opening lyrics: “These streets remind me of quicksand when you’re on it you’ll keep going down” create an image and insight of how Akon’s younger years were spent. ‘Ghetto’, in my opinion, is written and performed with the most feeling and realness of the entire album. It grips you with its chilling yet fascinating lyrics.

‘Lonely’ is going to be the follow up single to ‘Locked Up’ but it is not Akon’s hottest track. It is a decent song, but I would have preferred it if smooth real vocals were used for the hook rather than synthesized ones. Real vocals would have put the lyrics in their true context. I believe the synthesized vocals take some meaning away from the song.

The album’s artwork is dominated by the bare upper body of Akon. This is appropriate as the image is very intimate. ‘Trouble’ is a personal album as it lets the listener deep inside Akon’s thoughts and feelings. The artwork and the title are both relevant and suitable to reflect the content of the album.

As a debut album, ‘Trouble’ is amazing, and Akon is definitely paving his way to success. This album is easy to listen to and the lyrics captivate you from the start, making you desire to know more about Akon’s life. The intimacy and meaning behind the tracks give ‘Trouble’ a special quality; everyone who hears the album will be able to relate to it and take something from it.

Akon’s album is definitely worth the investment; the only problem is that once you buy it, you’ll be anticipating his next. Let’s hope that his follow up will be as incredible or even more outstanding than his debut.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Three favourite tracks:

1. Locked Up
2. Trouble Nobody
5. Ghetto

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