Apart from the small matter of Dre's album release this year, I think it's fair to say that Lasers was by far the most anticipated Hip-Hop album of 2011; from disputes with the label to fan petitions demanding a release, it’s fair to say Mr Fiasco hasn't had the easiest of 12 months. Before I review the album I think it's important to say that I'm a massive fan of Lupe's work and like many of his followers I found myself praying for a hat-trick of superb albums that would cement Fiasco's work in Hip-Hop history. Sadly, I initially found the album to be a fair few tracks away from brilliance.
Many 'purist' and reviewers alike have been quick to condemn lasers because of its 'pop-y' feel. Indeed, some of the songs seem a little bit made for radio but this is no doubt Atlantic Records' doing rather than Fiasco's. What I love within this is that Lupe is able to put a positive spin on the situation, finding the middle ground ensuring that his message is no less powerful regardless of who listens to it. This is not commercialisation or selling out, this is intelligent distribution.
The album itself consists of two main themes - commercial, pop-y tunes with excellent content and powerful, experimental tracks with a strong message. It is the first of the two themes that surprisingly grabs my ear; a perfect example of this is "The Show Goes On" which, in my opinion would have provided a perfect close to the album. Intensely uplifting and catchy, this is definitely the "Superstar" of the album and could be absolutely massive this summer. "Til I Get There" provides the same sort of feel and shows the listeners that the old Lupe is still with us - cool, easy going and truly enjoyable, I dare you not to like this track.
The second of these themes is what will surely intrigue the listener over time. Undoubtedly, "Words I Never Said" is Lupe's showpiece of the album and encapsulates everything he stands for. Hard hitting lyrics compliment a heavy beat, Fiasco addresses issues here other rappers would not go within 20 miles of and manages to do so so eloquently its almost indescribable. The Track seems to note everything wrong with the world in 4 minutes and 17 seconds, absolute genius.
Similarly, "All Black Everything" is an incredibly clever account of black history and is filled with depth. What at first seemed like the lesser theme of the album is steadily becoming the air of brilliance I demanded, was I mistaken? Is this actually a great album? Only time will tell.
The inclusion of Break The Chain ft. Sway was definitely a commercial decision, included to boost UK sales and was something I was very excited about. The beat consists of a trance-y vibe which is more suited to a grimey-style delivery and hence reflects the inclusion of Sway. Despite my anticipation, it seems to me like a bit of an album-filler, in which even the mighty Sway sounded mediocre - something that disheartened me immensely.
The album was not what I was expecting nor was it what I wanted but what I was left with has stuck with me since I first got the album. From what seemed like a fairly average album after first listen, Lasers is slowly becoming number 1 on my playlist and I'm starting to believe that over time this may become the third brilliant album that places Lupe Fiasco in Hip-Hop folklore.
4.0 / 5 (Subject to change over time !)
I didn't want to post a song from the album because I believe you should go and get it ! In the meantime here is a recent freestlye from 1Xtra from both Lupe and Sway. I could easily listen to this 10 times in a row and not catch all the metaphors that are flying about. Enjoy !
