88-Keys “The Death Of Adam”

After I saw that Real Detroit Weekly trashed this album and how much the review pissed off Ketchums, I decided I had to give it a listen.

This album is a perfect example of when concepts go wrong. It chronicles a guy named Adam’s sex life and death. At the end of each song there is a female narrator that sums up the song that follows in 20 seconds or less. Not only does she tell the story better than 88 does, she also gives away enough information that nothing comes as a surprise in the song that follows.

Besides the failed concept, 88 uses an annoying filter on his voice throughout the album. He also sings most of the songs. I don’t have a problem with singing if it’s done right (or at least interesting), but just like the concept album, it’s not pulled off correctly.

There are 3 upsides to this album: the song with Phonte, the song with Redman and the production. Both the song with Phonte and the song with Redman are lyrically solid but probably could have been pulled off a little better in 1 verse and not stretched out over a song. As for the production, 88-keys is a solid producer. Combined with the proper Emcees, songs he produced can be very nice (see Black Star “Thieves In The Night”).

Very few artists can pull off a good concept album and 88-Keys is definitely not one of them. I have to side with Real Detroit on this one. Hopefully on his next album he’ll just stick to production.

Posted: November 28th, 2008
at 1:24am by M.O.S.


Categories: Music

Comments: 5 comments



 

5 Responses to '88-Keys “The Death Of Adam”'

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  1. I disagree, but I definitely respect this review more than the one in Real Detroit. I think the concept works well, but having a narrator there was a risk – and with a risk like that, you’ve gotta live with the praise and the criticism. And as much as I like the album, that voice filter is wack to me – I think it’s pointless as hell.

    Good review though. Told you, you can actually hate with a purpose

    SpeechIsMyHammer.com

    28 Nov 08 at 1:53 am

     

  2. lol, I knew you wouldn’t agree but I’m glad you atleast respect it.

    I think the narrator was necessary in the album, just not properly executed (like the concept).

    P.S. I pride myself in my purposeful hating, that’s why i have this blog.

    M.O.S.

    28 Nov 08 at 2:03 am

     

  3. MILF is the best thing 88 keys ever did in his life.

    sweeneykovar

    28 Nov 08 at 2:28 am

     

  4. [...] if you were trying to do something different and/or be happy and uplifting, but just like 88-Keys shouldn’t of made a concept album you shouldn’t of made this album. While UMC is less then 39 minutes long, it took over twice [...]

    Common “Universal Mind Control” at Hater Central

    14 Dec 08 at 12:39 am

     

  5. [...] MOSoligist’s favorite rapper/my homie 88-Keys had an interview/photo shoot with Italian magazine Basement. I obviously can’t read the article at all, but I thought that the photos were well done. And of course, I’ve got to give dude kudos on his Polo collection: he literally wears only Polo Ralph Lauren, head to toe, every day. I don’t even fuck with their clothing like that, but I respect the dedication. [...]

    88-Keys x Polo Ralph Lauren x Basement Magazine Photo Shoot « Speech Is My Hammer…

    16 Mar 09 at 1:26 am

     


 

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