So, The Game is back. After the initial success of The Documentary and the relative success of the sequel, The Doctors Advocate, Game returns with his third, and supposedly final, LP - LAX, Los Angeles Times, to give it it's full title.
After having been pushed back from its July 26th, original release date, I have to admit I was very keen to see what the album had in store for us this time. While it would be true to say that Game doesn't disapoint, it would also be a lie to say that the album fulfilled all my expectations.
The major flaw seems to be that he just has not grown as an artist - in fact, many of the songs are interchangeable from the previous two albums. There are definitely some classics mixed in, with gentlemans affair, my life, games pain and money being stand out, head nodding tracks.
It is fair to say; however, that game has definitely chosen two of the best songs to release as singles, in Games Pain and My life. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, especially if you haven't paid attention to his singles releases. Do expect the standard name dropping that you get on all Game albums, with 50 cent, Dr Dre and particularly Jay Z mentioned numerous times!
However, the album is let down badly by an over reliance on guest's, many of which are simply not needed and appear to have watered down the album. Ludacris shines on his track, whereas Ice Cube is left to simply sing the hook on his collaboration. Game also does not stray far from the formulaic west coast music which has made him the artist he is today.
In summary, whilst it is difficult to thoroughly recommend LAX, i can definitely recommend giving it a listen, im certain most fans will find at least 5 or 6 songs they can keep on repeat!
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