After being released from jail and dropping a slew of mix tapes, Gucci Mane is back with his studio album, “The Appeal — Georgia’s Most Wanted.” Mane considers himself to be at hip-hop’s elite, and if this album is supposed to state case, then it’s about as successful as his defense trial.
The “Appeal -- Georgia’s Most Wanted” kicks off with “Little Friend,” a Scarfacelike anthem that isn’t bad and has a smooth hook. The song can easily be blasted excessively loud while driving around town.
The next two songs, “Trap Talk” and “Missing,” are very generic and are filled with too many reminders that you’re listening to Gucci Mane. They are paired with the unannounced, useless yelling of “Burr.”
“Gucci Time” is the next song to stand out positively, thanks to Swizz Beats. The beat pounds while inviting people to the dance floor and is for sure a club hit.
Mane then changes up his string of party music with “Remember When.” Which is a horrible love song featuring Ray J, who’s comes off as a poor man’s Usher. The song features pitiful lyrics like “We go together like hamburgers and French fries”
“Haterade” follows and features Pharrell and Nicki Minaj, who save the song from Gucci’s mumbled rapping. Pharrell nails the soft-spoken hook and steals the song, not to discredit Minaj, who’s verse sticks with the listener due to her now trademark voice.
A string of more played out party songs follow until you hit the worst song of album, “Weirdo.” “Weirdo” is Mane’s version of Lil’s Wayne’s Martian persona. The lyrics are just plain creepy and have made female listeners feel awkward.
The last song on the album and by far the best is “Grown Man,” which features Estelle. Her soulful and catchy chorus compliments Mane’s honest and open lyrics. The song serves as Mane’s reflection of his jail time.
As a whole the album lacks the creativity and range Mane needs to legitimize himself to be at the forefront of hip-hop. Until he releases something besides a collection of mostly party songs, he will be on hip-hop’s B-Team.