Chipmunk "Transition" Album Review

FROM A BOY TO A MAN

Chipmunk first appeared on our radio's with his own Slim Shady type anthem, “Chip Diddy Chip” back in 2009 and now he's back with his brand new album, “Transition”

Preceded by his massive hit single “Champion” featuring Chris Brown, hopes for Chipmunk's second album were certainly high.

Having recruited a plethora of US superstars for the album – Keri Hilson, Trey Songz, Kalenna Harper (of Diddy's Dirty Money) – the album has a definitive formula. First you get yourself a smooth radio refined beat, then you add a couple self indulgent bars and finally, call up every American RnB singer whose number you can find on your blackberry and ask them to lay down a highly infectious chorus. Successful formula, maybe, but it certainly doesn't show any growth on Chipmunks part.

It's as if he is being primed for world domination but not by standing out in his own lane. Instead, by becoming part of the “music by numbers” brigade that swamp the US billboard chart on a weekly basis.

For the most part, it sounds like he's been lyrically restrained. His cheeky rhymes and brash delivery seem to have been watered down for commercial purposes.

That said there are a few shimmers of hope on the album. The Wretch 32 assisted “Armageddon” goes in gritty with its heavy beats and 'I can never fail' type attitude. The pair assert:

“There ain't no liar in me, just fire in me/ I don't know how to quit, blame the trier in me.”

The Jamaican infused “Every Gyal” is a catchy club number which deals with the very important issue of picking up girls. Cliché subject matter, yes, but it provides a necessary change in direction from the predictability of the rest of the disc.

'Foul', however, is certainly the only standout track. It showcases Chip's sharp tongued, I don't give f*ck wit over a dirty grime beat in a way the rest of the album failed to do. It is a shame that this fearless, lyrically aggressive Chipmunk was in hiding for the rest of disc or this review could read very differently. 'Foul' seems to have been thrown in as a curve ball, teasing the listener with what they could have had.

After leading the pack in opening up doors for the underground grime scene in the UK, Mr Munk appears to have turned his back on it in favour of making music for teenage girls.

Chipmunk may have undergone a personal 'transition', but this album certainly doesn't show any musical growth. Any glimpses of hope are quickly darkened by the sound of yet another generic pop chorus.

Stand out tracks: “Foul” and “Armageddon”

My Verdict: 5/10