Although this album has not in my opinion met Dizzee's stated aim of breaking into the pop market it is still a successful move away from his earloer two albums. However, although there are some strong songs contained in the album such as "Sirens" and "Da Fellin" taken as a whole the album does not have the collection of original and lyrically diverse songs featured in Boy in da corner and showtime.
Fans of Dizzee Rascal will probably be satisfied but not blown away. A newcomer cold easily be pursuaded to buy more Dizzee CDs of the back of this one though.
Throughout the album there are clear snippets highlighting Dizzees lyrical ability, and his ability to find unusual riffs and beats. eg "and another thing, buy a house before you buy a car , dont tell knowone where you are, even better if your far. everybody knows your gangsta and that porsche looks great. but do you really want it sittin on a council estate?"
Dizzee has moved somewhat out of the underground theme with this album in an attempt to gain a more mainstream audience. Songs such as Hardback (industry) detail the ups and downs within a record label and his use of other artists such as the arctic monkeys and lily allen add to this.
Hardcore fans may feel betrayed by such a move seeing it as catering to the middle classes whom obviously have the bigger pockets. On the other hand Maths and English still retains Dizzees distinctive offbeat sound and well delivered interesting lyrics detailing his life and the lives of those around him.
I think that Dizzee was attempting to do what Mike Skinner and the Streets achieved with a Grand Dont Come For Free. Trying to widen the fan base dramatically after the underground success of Pirate Material.
I think it is clear that Dizzee has not succeeded yet. But the album is not a failure. It is on a parr with Boy in Da Corner with snippets of the genius of showtime.
In conclusion i think that it is an album worth buying for anyone who likes original and exciting music. And definately if you are already a Dizzee fan.
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Aug 1st, 2007
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