The Delos Diaries

Chris Breezy Returns, Jay Sean tries to capitalize on the hit "Down."

There has been a lot of CDs that I have recently bought and listened to, and I really didn’t have the time to review them. So instead of just reviewing one album, I’m going to give you two for the price of one in this blog post.

I’ll be reviewing Chris Brown’s “Graffiti” and Jay Sean’s “All or Nothing” in this post and at the bottom. I’ll tell you which one I liked better.

In the blue corner, Chris Brown’s return to the music scene in “Graffiti.”

CHRIS BROWN — GRAFFITI
TRACKS: 14
LENGTH: 56 Minutes
RELEASED SINGLES: “I Can Transform Ya”, “Crawl

Chris Brown’s third album “Graffiti” is an interesting comeback album, if I must say so myself. There is no question that he is experimenting with other musical styles and the usually stuff artist try and sell you with their albums.

But Chris did try. That’s the imperative word.

Try.

The opening track is a top-20 track that people have probably heard by now, “I Can Transform Ya.” The track is a great club track, and the mechanical beat really works with Chris Brown’s apparently love of the Autotune to help fix his less than impressive vocal range. The next song is a nice groove track called “Sing Like Me,” where the use of Asian strings and a nice mellow drum riff behind it, create the mood so to speak. There are rumors that this song might become a single, and it’s not a bad track for that purpose. The third track is Brown’s second single “Crawl.”

By miles, “Crawl” is the best track on the album. I’m not surprised to see however that it was co-written by others. The sad truth is that the album really loses traction after the first three tracks, ironically which are released singles or songs tabbed to singles.

From tracks four to eight, I brought myself asking “What the F***?!” And not in the good way, if there is a good way to say that. Within that four track span, you see two songs (So Cold and Famous Girl) probably pointed towards a certain pop starlet from Barbados, a really confusing hip-hop track where it sounds like things I usually despise in hip-hop (What I Do) and an attempt at a R. Kelly song gone horribly, horribly awry (Take My Time).

Here’s the kicker: All of the problems aren’t in the musical beats and riffs. In fact, they’re really catchy and good. The problem is Brown’s really poor to average song writing ability. Now, he’s probably writing from the heart, which is never a bad thing. But the problem is they sound better in the poetry book and on the shelf rather than being released to the general public.

The album, if it didn’t lose your after the eighth track, recaptures some luster with three tracks that are solid and got me feeling good again. The three have a dance feel, which is what Brown does really well.

Sadly, the album once again delves into a whiny side of Brown, that quite frankly, his loyal fans that have stuck with him for don’t need to listen through.

I would be lying if I didn’t say the album is growing on me, but on this initial review, “Graffiti” is a listen for his loyal fans, but let’s just say he’s not going to win over the ones he lost with this one.

*Note: I only reviewed the standard edition, meaning this album can possibly drop or gain a half star with the deluxe.

Delos Diaries Score: 2.5 out of 5

Now in the red corner, hailing from the United Kingom, Jay Sean with his album “All or Nothing.”

Jay Sean — All or Nothing
Tracks: 14
Length: 51:42
Released Singles: “Down”, “Do You Remember?”

Jay Sean burst onto the U.S. scene with his single “Down” featuring Lil Wayne, and let’s just say that song is on constant play in my car, iPod, radio and even in my head. It’s just so damn catchy and good, that I call it one of my favorite tracks of 2009.

But “Down” seemed to only tip the iceberg of how much Jay Sean I can tolerate or even want to listen to. The 14-track performance is by far an impressive American debut for the British-Asian singer. The CD really flows quickly, producing dance song, dance song after dance song with the occasional slow jam sprinkled in.

The centerpiece of the album is really Jay Sean’s voice and how each song is perfectly tailored for his talents. The song writing is solid, but not the greatest thing.

“War” is such a powerful track, and it’s a great song that should be the next single after “Do You Remember?” runs its course as Jay Sean’s second single, but I’m not complaining. Any of the songs would be a serviceable as a single, the album is just that good.

Now, it would be fair to say the bad about it. The bad: The tracks have little variation in terms of beats, rhythm, cord progression and even uses of instruments. But that is just a small gripe it seems like, but sadly, it takes a lot away from what Jay Sean is fully capable of.  It’s a formula that’s meant for success, and one that can properly build off his budding superstardom in the United States.

As for the rating, it’s a 4-star album out of 5. Now, how can I talk up an album and not give it the highest possible rating? Well, it’s not an instant classic. It lacks the feel of a five-star album feel.

However, it’s a very good album, and I’d suggest you pick it up if you’re looking for another Hip-Hop/R&B album to add to your collection. It also has the appeal to non-Hip-Hop fans.

Delos Diaries Score: 4 out of 5

If you didn’t get the impression on which album, I liked more, let me beat you over the head with it: Jay Sean’s “All or Nothing” is a lot better album than Chris Brown’s “Graffiti.” Star ratings can’t really properly show the discrepancy in the two albums. The major thing is Chris Brown is at a different stage of his career than Jay Sean. Jay Sean makes an impressive debut, while Chris Brown is trying out new things with his music. That shows clearly. Brown is trying to reclaim old fans, while Jay Sean is trying to capture a new, solid fan base.

Either way, Jay Sean’s album is the winner of this album duel.

Jay Sean's Album is a lot better. Grab that before you get "Graffiti."