Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Album Review: Richard Osborne "Nothing Personal" EP

Nothing Personal is the third EP that Osborne has released. Unfortunately, it's also the least cohesive.
When played separately, each of tracks has something special about them, but as a unit, it's not all there, which is disappointing when you reflect on the singer's previous material. The "Late Night Thoughts" EP was a nice mix of slower slinky bedroom tunes that wouldn't seem out of place on a Drake record, while "Hooks and Melodies" did a perfect job of introducing Osborne as an artist who seemed sure of what he was trying to accomplish musically. One can appreciate the singer trying to showcase his versatility by adding rappers to half of the tracks. The production also doesn't do the singer justice. Opener "Wherever I Fall" is overwhelmed by bass, which distracts the listener from the cheeky lyrical content about making whenever him and his lady friend land is fair game for sex. The EP's title track is a more relaxed affair and stands out as the project's crown jewel, but also suffers from the same production qualms in the previous track in addition to an extremely sharp snare. "Right Time", another solo track, puts the production problems in check but lacks proper conviction. The listener doesn't feel. The cockiness seemed forced on "Motive" but the old school vibe and Ca$his's and Mistah Fab's contributions keeps the song afloat. Closing with "Wherever 2.0" the soundbite that sounds like someone is sucking their teeth and the rapid fire, yet forgettable rap from Kid Bookie doesn't connect as a finisher. Richard is quite a capable musician, but "Nothing Personal" just seems like a lost in the sauce affair that could have benefited from better mastering and a more focused approach.
Recommended Tracks: Nothing Personal, Motive.

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