Virgin Records
Audio CD: Rs. 295
He’s been known in the world of Rap as the king of singles and with his fourth studio album, American rapper Flo Rida tries to maintain his title although he collaborates with artistes like Sia and Jennifer Lopez. “Wild Ones” was released globally in 2012.
The album is off to a clubby start with the third single of the album, “Whistle”. Despite the sexual undertones expressed in the lyrics, the song is quite catchy, mostly because of the stellar production. In some sense, the track surprises the listener because it doesn’t open with groovy beats but with an acoustic guitar and of course some whistling.
Up next is the title track “Wild Ones” where Sia joins Flo Rida on the hook and certainly steals his thunder. The chorus is mellifluous and Flo Rida works his charm on the verses. “Let it Roll” which comes next takes the listener into Rock n’ Roll territory. The chorus of this track features a sonically brilliant sample from Freddie King’s “Let the Good Times Roll”.
“Good Feeling” follows. Written by Flo Rida, Dr. Luke, Cirkut, Breyan Isaac, Arash Pournouri and Tim Bergling, it has a vocal sample of Etta James’ “Something's Got a Hold on Me” and Avicii’s “Levels” employed under Flo Rida's rapping. This track which features acoustic-driven guitars, mechanised beats and some berserk keyboards is among the best songs on this record.
“In My Mind, (Part 2)” feat Georgi Kay is a strong song with boisterous beats juxtaposing Flo Rida's fast-paced verses with a graceful vocal hook by Australian indie pop artiste Georgi Kay. The steamy duet “Sweet Spot” with Jennifer Lopez is a rather feeble offering and you cannot help but notice the distasteful lyrics that are sexually suggestive and overly so!
With “Thinking of You”, Flo Rida gets emotional as he sings of lost love. While on its own, the track isn’t too bad, it somehow just doesn’t sync with the mood and beat of the rest of the album. “I Cry” is among the best picks on this album. Although you may not take to it at first, the rising beats and the pop-laced peaks might somehow get you hooked to it.
This album features four bonus tracks- the upbeat “Run” feat Redfoo of LMFAO, “Broke it Down”, “Louder” and “Sweet Spot” feat Jennifer Lopez (Tom Swoon remix).
“Wild Ones” isn’t as wild as the title suggests neither is it really phenomenal or groundbreaking per se. It is fairly enjoyable for the most part. It is the production of the album that deserves adulation. The good thing is that Flo Rida has proved his mettle with his hit singles on this album and that sure suffices to draw a decent audience.
