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Freedom - Akon

December 4, 2008 | Author: Rhydian H.M.

Senegalese singer, songwriter and producer Akon has released his third album “Freedom”, seeking to follow up the success of his sophomore LP “Konvict” (2006). The album features a number of collaborations including hit artists Lil Wayne, Young Jeezy, T-Pain and Wyclef, amongst others. “Freedom” was rumored to feature Micheal Jackson, but he didn’t materialize in any of the track collaborations. Akon also originally wanted to name it “Acquitted”, however the name “Freedom” was preferred by label Universal. “Feedom” is a feel good album, in which Akon brings together tracks with up tempo electronic beats and less frequent mellow, whilst still soulful, moods such as in “Sunny Days” with Wyclef. An epitomizing track is “Beautiful” [listen to it here], as Akon tunes his voice to a catchy, upbeat Euro dance sound, accompanied by Colby O’Donis before Kardinal Offishall joins in with a contrasting rap verse. The track treats you to two choruses shared between Akon and Colby O’Donis, in which they essentially loop “You’re beautiful” while Akon focuses on the girl he adores, singing “‘I wouldn’t leave you, cause you’re that type of girl to make me stay”. Seemingly the adulation is from a distance as they are yet to meet, as Akon rhymes “I see you in the club, you gettin’ down good”, which causes him to feel like “I wanna get with you”. Kardinal Offishall’s rapid lyrical contribution wastes no time to illustrate his lust “Hourglass shape make the place go (oohh), waistline makes my soldier salute”, pinpointing further “High from your high heel game, high heels push up ya a*s last name”, as he gives a more beastly flavor to this “Beautiful” track. The second single on the album “I’m So Paid” brings together a mix of Auto-Tune vocals from Lil Wayne and raspy lines from Young Jeezy with Akon’s smoother harmonizing, as the eclectic trio rhyme to a cool and lively beat. In “Keep You Much Longer”, Akon goes solo to soulfully plead to be able to spend more time with a girl that doesn’t have time to satisfy his yearning. Akon makes his feelings clear, heart fully singing “I know you gotta go, cause you got things to do..wish I could keep you much longer”, repeating throughout “Wish I could just stop by, and lay by your side” and “As long as I’m alive, baby I’ll die for you”. The track continues the trend of electronic beats on the album, as Akon combines his vocals with the upbeat rhythms to broadcast his sentiments to good effect. “Freedom” was on released on December 2 and has a number of tracks worth listening to, as Akon takes a rare step into foreign sounds (check it out here).

“Freedom” track listing: