フォーマット |
CD |
---|---|
構成数 |
1 |
国内/輸入 |
輸入 (ヨーロッパ盤) |
パッケージ仕様 |
- |
発売日 |
2017年03月17日 |
---|---|
規格品番 |
9029697927 |
レーベル |
|
SKU |
190296979279 |
構成数 | 1枚
合計収録時間 | 00:58:47
Recording information: Air Edel, London; Blast Off Studios, NYC; Esonia Studios, NYC; Myaudiotonic Studios (The Matrix), London. Photographer: John Ross . For all the talk of new wave grime artists, Stormzy has long been standing head and shoulders -- literally and figuratively -- above his peers. Whether you agree or not with the term "new wave," it's arguably irrelevant to Michael Omari, who, on his debut album, continues to ascend the sometimes restrictive nature of the genre. The opening tracks feature plenty of the characteristic chest puffing and hostility associated with grime, ticking boxes such as declaring the hard work put in on "First Things First," an Eskibeat homage titled "Cold," and features from heavy-hitters Ghetts and J HUS on "Bad Boys." But as Gang Signs & Prayer unfolds, a lot of the bravado falls away, revealing Omari's inner workings, his roots, and his desire to elevate grime to the next level. "Blinded by Your Grace, Pt. 1" is the first sign that this isn't your typical grime album, offering a touch of gospel and a respite to the proceedings. Whereas Omari has turned his hand to slower numbers in the past -- notably on his 2014 EP Dreamers Disease -- here his singing and the accompanying backing piano feel impassioned and organic. The album continues to shift, gradually at first, with harder tracks alternating with R&B or gospel numbers; by the halfway point, "Cigarettes & Kush," mellow vibes dominate the record. The refusal to pack the track list with bangers is the differentiating factor between Stormzy the grime MC and Stormzy the artist, elegantly showcasing that grime doesn't have to play by the rules, and that artists can express themselves outside of boasting and smack talk, acting as ammo for the argument that diversity and creativity are still prevalent in the scene. The guest spots featured in the latter half of the album are perfectly chosen, with appearances from Kehlani, Wretch 32, MNEK, and Raleigh Ritchie, who all act as counterweights to Omari's deeper tones. Conversely, one of the most touching moments doesn't feature any names; instead, "100 Bags" finds Omari sharing an open letter to his mum, apologizing for past actions that wouldn't have made her proud, and promising to look after her as thanks for raising him alone. During the album's final interlude, Omari's phone rings in the booth, and on the other end is old-era MC Crazy Titch. He's calling from prison -- as he's still serving a life sentence for murder -- just to drop his endorsement: it provides a perfect summation of Stormzy the artist, in the process calling out any MCs from his generation who impose boundaries on grime. Directly afterward, Gang Signs & Prayer hits you with Stormzy's breaking track "Shut Up," reminding haters to hush; quite rightly as "Shut Up" is easily one of the biggest grime tracks in recent years. It's a bold move to go against the grain in a genre where adherence to style can equal respect, but Stormzy's ambition exceeds potential judgment from purists. He's more concerned with expressing himself and adapting to survive, so that he can express further for years to come. ~ Liam Martin
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1.[CD]
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1.First Things First
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2.Cold
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3.Bad Boys (feat. Ghetts and J Hus)
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4.Blinded By Your Grace, Pt. 1
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5.Big For Your Boots
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6.Velvet / Jenny Francis (Interlude)
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7.Mr Skeng
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8.Cigarettes & Cush (feat. Kehlani)
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9.21 Gun Salute (feat. Wretch 32) [Interlude]
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10.Blinded By Your Grace, Pt. 2 (feat. MNEK)
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11.Return Of The Rucksack
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12.100 Bags
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13.Don't Cry For Me (feat. Raleigh Ritchie)
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14.Crazy Titch (Interlude)
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15.Shut Up
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16.Lay Me Bare
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こちらのブツは純粋なグライム作品が全英アルバム・チャートNo.1を獲得した初の例になるそうで……何ともモニュメンタルな勲章もオマケに付いた、ストームジーのファースト・アルバム。例によってワイリーら先達の作品に抜擢され、大ヒット"Shut Up"(2015年)を生み出す前からシーン期待の存在だったサウス・ロンドン出身のラッパー。今回ほぼ全編に渡ってプロデュースを担当したのは、今年に入ってからの豪快な先行ヒット"Big For Your Boots"も手掛けていた名匠フレイザーT・スミスだ。いわゆるド直球なグライム作品の印象はあまりないものの、USアーバンに通じる意匠も交えた手腕が、スケプタらのラフネスとは異なる越境性を作中に持ち込んだのかもしれない。ケラーニとの"Cigarettes & Cush"では往年のカクテル系2ステップ風味に乗ったり、"Don't Cry For Me"は馴染みのラレイ・リッチーに寄せてみたり、無頼に見えて主役の対応力も見事。何にせよ今年のUKシーンを象徴する一枚になることは間違いない!
bounce (C)出嶌孝次タワーレコード (vol.401(2017年3月25日発行号)掲載)
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