Having thankfully abandoned his shortlived career as a reggae artist, Snoop Lion returns as Snoop Dogg with this brand new record Bush, the title of which could refer to
many things. Personally, I think it’s a tribute to the ex-president.
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| Clearly the inspiration behind this album |
In recent years lots of artists have been jumping on the
70s-revival bandwagon. Snoop is the latest to hop on board (although given his
90s g-funk roots it’s hardly new territory), half-rapping/half-singing over slinky
instrumentals loaded with bow-chikka-wow-wow guitars, groovy basslines designed
for making babies to and gratuitious use of the 808 cowbell. It’s unashamedly cheesy,
particularly the melodramatic male backing vocals layered over each hook (they
did make me chuckle), but Snoop – being as smooth as he is – is able to get
away with it, resulting in an album that’s charmingly feelgood.
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| Snoop |
Handling the production is Pharrell Williams. Some of you
may have heard of him. He turns out to be one of many guest artists on the
record, others being Stevie Wonder, Gwen Stefani, Kendrick Lamar, T.I. and Rick
Ross. Together, this horde of guest artists help to conceal the fact that Snoop
can’t sing or rap any more (or most likely isn’t trying). Snoop’s vocals are
largely flat and auto-tuned and his lyrics consist of largely weed-related throwaway
scrap, but underneath the carnival of backing vocals and Pharrell-produced funk
this seems irrelevant, that is until you remember that this is a Snoop Dogg
album.
Choosing to take a backseat throughout the whole album, the
record never feels quite as vibrant as it could be. I can just picture Snoop
lying back with a joint in his hand whilst the rest of his entourage do the
work around him. That said, this is an enjoyable listen and there are standout
moments. ‘Run Away’ and ‘This City’ contain some of Pharrell’s most velvety
beats yet and ‘Peaches N Cream’ is clearly the new ‘Gin and Juice’.
★★★☆☆
TRACK TASTER: