Album Review : Master Shortie - A.D.H.D.
- Written by Helen Szczupak
Master Shortie's sound is a fusion of electro-pop, rap and hip hop that gives him broad appeal and is sure to create a stir on the music scene. We head down to Heaven nightclub in Central London for the album launch party to check out the man himself. Hip hop and rap does not normally float this particular Muso's boat, but pre-conceived ideas aside we will take this album as we find it, and surprised we are.
Album opener 'A.D.H.D' is an attention grabbing start that introduces us to the multi-faceted sound of the album. Where many others have failed with album intros, Master Shortie has achieved in drawing us in and making us want to hear more.
'Bringing It Back' is the album's gem. With its 80s influences it is a jam packed blend of electro, and urban that errs very much on the pop side. Perhaps one would describe this sound as hip-pop. Right from the word go we are hooked. It is a song that you will not be able to avoid dancing to, we dare you to keep your feet still to this one. "I'm-a keep it old school like Thundercats". The song makes reference to things we know and love from the '80s like Dirty Dancing, mohicans, Kevin Keegan; there is something for everyone! "Old school style" is what it says and what it does. This is the track that will set Master Shortie apart from all other hip hop artists on the scene at the moment.
'Nothing To Be Scared Of (Prince Charming)' is original, with catchy choruses and rap infused verses that will have you grinding and grooving on the dance floor. The songs allow Master Shortie to demonstrate vocal talent as well as his ability to mix lyrics like Eminem in a blender. The middle eight breaks down for a slightly Black Eyed Peas sounding mix, slightly obscure but soon gets back on track for an all out rap-fest.
'Under The Moon' showcases a smoother and softer side to Shortie, with romantic vibes and more atmospheric choruses. The interwoven rapping over the smooth pop vocals works well in providing a point of difference and showing just what he has to offer. "Forget about your past/let me exfoliate your mind...". So his lyrics aren't going to win him a Grammy Award but he can be related to and he makes enough sense not to alienate people who aren't "down with the kids".
'Swagger Chick' sites a definitive Kanye West influence and is certainly a track for the charts. The multi-vocal male/female combo gives this track a point of difference. It certainly prompts the thought that Master Shortie has already proven himself to be a credible artist. There is a lot of potential here and it is good to see some quality British talent making an indentation in the charts.
'Groupie Love' is another catch-fest with a chorus that makes you want to take to the dance floor. By now Master Shortie has set the standard high and we are under no illusion that this album is anything other than a hit. We are yet to find a track that does not meet the mark.
Debut single 'Rope Chain' is a little predictable and repetitive, a self-name check fest that works far better live than on the album. This shows a harder rap side to the album and as a single release does not really do Master Shortie any favours; there are far better tracks with commercial appeal. But maybe he's saving the gems for later...
'Right Time' echoes vibes of Kanye's 'Stronger' with its smooth chorus electro vibes fused with heavier verses and beats. This is not a bad thing and this track fits in perfectly on this album. A definite album track but takes a few listens to reach its full potential. Interlude 'Why' allows clear vocals to do the talking against a simplistic and minimal backing track. The pace drops in anticipation for a killer ending to a killer album.
A building sound with multi-layered vocals bursts into frenzied 'Dance Like A White Boy' that will get venues buzzing with its high energy choruses and simmering bridges. Think The Prodigy enveloped in Kanye West and Dizzee Rascal with an injection of Timbaland. And who can forget that classic line "Little fish, big fish, cardboard box". Rooms will be-a-bouncing and Master Shortie proves that he can step up to the challenge for a show-stopping ending to his debut release.
Latest single 'Dead End' will draw things to a close with a bubbling track with a clap beat rhythm and another 80s pop injection. Another foot mover that blends multi tempos and vibes for a great chart offering, yet perhaps not the strongest track on here, Master Shortie should ensure that he makes his next single choice wisely It would be a shame to miss out on success with this album when there is so much on here to offer.
Prediction: a single radio play of 'Bringing It Back' and the nation will be hooked.