Yassss!  So excited for Big Sean’s 4th studio album.  I had the opportunity to preview the album last night at his listening party in LA (thanks to Beats by Dre and DefJam).  And dang was it good.  We were encouraged to not post anything until the album officially came out, so thank goodness dropped the following day.  Everyone needs to hear this!

Okay, the review –

Intro | Nice little one minute intro to get this thing started.  It definitely sets the mood and gets the fans ready for what’s about to come.  The speaking also makes you question what this album will be about.

Light ft. Jeremih | And a beautiful transition right into the second track featuring the talented Jeremih.  Since we’re at the very beginning of the album, I’m a fan how this track focuses on Big Sean’s lyrics and voice.  There’s no music overpowering the two.  I like this approach for the album kickoff… you have to lead up to the bigger moments!  This track is almost like the Intro, Pt. 2.  I dig it.

Bounce Back | This song is fire!  Love that it’s at the top of the tracklist.  I woke up in beast mooooode.  You and I already know this song is amazing.  This is the Big Sean we all know and love.  You can bounce to it and rap along to it.  The ending of this song might be my favorite.  “Is you a real one?”  And the ending beat.  Dope.

No Favors ft. Eminem | The music on this.  Ultimate.  You can tell it’s leading up to something epic or someone epic aka Eminem.  The rap master himself.  In 8th grade I wrote a poem that I wanted to see Eminem in concert – have yet to do that.  Eminem’s voice has this boss sound to it.  Empowerment.  You can do anything.  Strong.  I’m typing this literally as I listen to the music.  And the creepy piano sounds make it that much more EPIC.  Yeah, we’ve all been waiting for this one.

Jump Out the Window | Wowwww.  This beat!!!  And the quick pause right before he goes into the lyrics.  “Your time was the only thing I wished was mine.”  What a lyric.  Definitely one of my favorites on this album.

Moves | I LOVE THIS SONG.  THE BEAT IS ULTIMATE.  While it’s one of the shorter tracks on the album coming in at 2:22min, it’s two minutes and 22 seconds of pure vibes.  Could I ask for anything more?  And if you haven’t seen the music video, watch it here.

Same Time, Pt. 1 (ft. TWENTY88) |  Another short track.  But I feel this is so because it’s listed as Pt. 1.  I don’t like assuming things, but I feel as if Pt. 2 may appear on either a Jhene Aiko project or on a second TWENTY88 project.  Wherever it appears next, I’m ready for it.  Their voices go together so well.  Magic.

Owe Me | “The smile on your face the only thing I can’t read.”  WOW.  This song keeps the vibe of the album going.  And Big Sean tells it like it is on this one.  I’m here for it.  And knowing that the next track is “Halfway Off the Balcony,” which we’ve already been blessed with, “Owe Me” is a great lead into it.  It’s a good transition, sound wise.

Halfway Off the Balcony | Out of “Bounce Back,” “Moves,” and this track – all songs he dropped before the album – this one is always stuck in my head.  So catchy.  In a good way!  “Chemistry means way more than anatomy.”  Hello.  Where are all these boys who think this way?  DM me if you know.

Voices In My Head / Stick To the Plan | I remember this song from the listening party.  Everyone was VIBING to it.  I love the switch up – the fact Metro Boomin produced this makes it even better.  And I like how “Metro Boomin want some more” doesn’t happen until the switch up.  And you’ll notice the tempo of the song picks up in “Stick To the Plan.”  Fire.  This song for me is motivation.  For what?  I don’t really know, but it just sounds like it.  And the ending… I hear you, Big Sean!

Sunday Morning Jetpack ft. The-Dream | Okay, this song is beautiful.  I first heard this when he premiered it on SNL a few Saturdays ago.  I’m glad he dropped this particular track by performing it live.  While all the songs are meaningful to Big Sean, I feel like this track is one of the more special ones, and you could tell that by watching him perform.  A rap song with real meaning – yes, please.

Inspire Me | This song was inspired by his mom.  During his listening party, she was not only there, but she was front and center when this track played.  She sat right next to her son with the biggest smile on her face.  It was really heartwarming to witness.  You definitely had a few “aww” moments in the crowd.

Sacrifices ft. Migos | Banger alert.  It’s pretty safe to say that any track with Migos featured on it is probably going to get you pumped up.  I’m sort of surprised this track is in between “Inspire Me” and “Bigger Than Me” – two songs that are more mellow and have a more serious meaning.  Not mad about it, but I feel like after hearing “Sacrifices,” I want the album to keep going with the fire.  On to the last track!

Bigger Than Me ft. The Flint Chozen Choir & Starrah | Okay, can we please acknowledge that Big Sean is always showing love and support for his home state that is Michigan?  I love it.  As an avid supporter of my hometown, I can relate to this and respect those who show constant love for and SUPPORT of where they came from.  What a beautiful way to end an album.  And a rap album of all things!

Overall Big Sean has grown so much as an artist over the past few years, and that is especially apparent on this album.  While I was selfishly hoping for an 18-track album, the above 14 songs satisfy my hunger for new music from the Detroit native.

So big props to Sean and his team on this one.  Go and support, yinz!  You can download on iTunes or stream on Apple Music.

Want to watch my review?  Check that here.

serge out!