Playboi Carti’s long-awaited album Music is a testament to his ability to push sonic boundaries. Known for his innovative approach to production and ad-lib-heavy delivery, Carti delivers a project that is both sonically impressive and, at times, frustratingly inconsistent. While the production across the album is undeniably top-tier, featuring hypnotic beats, eerie synths, and hard-hitting bass, the album’s overall cohesion and lyrical content leave some tracks feeling underdeveloped.
Strengths of the Album
One of the biggest strengths of Music is the production quality. The beats are a blend of distorted rage, atmospheric soundscapes, and pulsating energy that keeps the listener engaged. Producers like F1lthy and Kanye West, among others, ensure that the album maintains an ethereal yet aggressive tone throughout. Each track is layered with detailed instrumentals, making it clear that a lot of effort went into crafting an immersive listening experience.
Weakness
However, while the production shines, Carti’s approach to songwriting is more divisive. His signature repetitive flows and high-energy ad-libs are engaging in some instances but feel redundant in others. Certain songs lack the depth or variety needed to match the ambitious instrumentals. While Carti has never been known for intricate lyricism, some moments on this album feel like missed opportunities to elevate the music beyond just vibes.
Favorite Tracks
"Rather Lie"
"Crush" (featuring Travis Scott)
"Evil Jordan"
"Toxic"
"HBA"
Despite these inconsistencies, there are undeniable highlights on the album. "Crush"Â (featuring Travis Scott) stands out with its infectious hook and chemistry between the two artists. "Evil Jordan"Â is another high-energy track that embodies Carti's chaotic yet controlled aesthetic. "HBA" and "Toxic"Â showcase his ability to create electrifying anthems that stick with listeners long after the first play.
In my opinion, the best track on the album is "Rather Lie," featuring The Weeknd. This song stands out as a rare moment where Carti’s vocal performance and production align perfectly with a feature that enhances the track rather than overshadowing it. The Weeknd’s ethereal presence adds a layer of emotion, making "Rather Lie" one of the most memorable moments on Music.
Verdict
Overall, Music is an ambitious effort that succeeds in creating a unique sonic experience but falls short in some areas of execution. The production is undeniably impressive, and the high-energy tracks deliver what fans expect from Playboi Carti. However, the lack of lyrical variety and occasional redundancy hold the album back from reaching its full potential. Despite its flaws, Music is still a solid project with enough highlights to make it worth multiple listens. Final rating: 7/10.
