Customer Reviews

Graffiti

5 star:		(51)
4 star:		(17)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

Graffiti is truly a good album, there's a little bit of everything here...dance tracks, deep beautiful ballads, and bangers. I have to say that Chris has definitely grown with this album. I just hope that more people actually give it a chance and a listen without automatically casting it off as a failure because of his actions...you're missing out on good music if you don't.

If you guessed that the new album would inevitably contain some sort of deep self regret by what was one of the most noticeable star scandals this year, well you guessed right - The song is called "So Cold" and it's the fourth track of "Graffiti", the newest effort by Chris Brown. When he sings "Damn I want my baby back"/"it's so cold without her"/"she's gone" and on, one can't help but remember the incident involving him and his then girlfriend, Rihanna. A subtle message asking for forgiveness, a chance of saying - once again - what probably he had not the chance to do in person. Subtle because it's not really directed to a person specifically, but we all know who she is...

In general, "Graffiti" could be called a remarkable evolution from both of his previous albums, "Chris Brown" and "Exclusive". More mature, self-reflective in many moments (listen to "Lucky Me", "Fallin' Down" and "I'll Go", the three which wraps up the record), even less annoying I should say. Fairly balanced between dancing and slow tunes, far from being a "deja vu" thing. Except for one moment or another, the concept is all brand new. Much to my delight, it was nice to find that "Pass Out", besides having an uplifting vibe, contains samples of one of my Steve Winwood's favorites, "Valerie". I have never heard Chris trying a sample before - at least one which was noticeable to me - and if this is correct, it's just one more evidence that this album is entirely different in creative terms, and therefore it's worth listening.

When Chris was just a kid and came out with 'Run It' he had the music industry sitting back in awe. Despite his world-wide success he was just a teen with an average voice but great performance skills. On "Graffiti" Chris Brown shows the world his maturity as a musician. This is very evident especially in songs like 'Sing Like Me' and 'Crawl'. Other songs like 'Pass Out' and 'I Can Transform Ya' are upbeat and will definitely keep you on your toes and 'Wait' with Trey Songz is for everyone that ever considered themself a true RnB fan. As I remember someone else saying "'Graffiti' is an accurate portrayal of Chris. Lighthearted at times, very deep and introspective at others and an overdose of pure, raw talent". I really cannot do this album any justice no matter how much I try to. This is definitely one of Chris Brown's best albums.

Chris Brown releases another cd that is well worth the money spent on it. Brown has released two successful cds prior to this one and does not disappoint in Graffiti. It is obvious his voice has matured and his range is amazing (although often enhanced by auto-tune). Chris Brown delivers a cd with several sure-fire hits, which can be a hard feat after his second cd Exclusive. This cd brings with it catchy hooks and subject matter that is sure to get the fans to talk about who he may be singing about.

I Can Transform Ya - great hip-hop/pop track that feat Li'l Wayne and Swizz Beatz
Sing Like Me - beautiful mid-tempo song and catchy melody & hook
Crawl - a beautiful song about regret and repairing a damaged relationship
So Cold - catchy pop tune about a loved one who is gone
What I Do - catchy pop tune feat Plies
Famous Girl - great songwriting with a twist on the title; you might keep this one on replay
Take My Time - a follow up attempt to Take You Down feat producer/singer Tank; may be a bit racy for the young fans
I.Y.A. - dance track; catchy hook; think of Forever or an 80s track; it reminds me of Prince for some reason
Pass Out - another dance track; think of Forever or even Keri Hilson/Timbaland; my daughter LOVES this one
Wait feat Trey Songz & Game - lyrically raunchy and double meanings, but the beat and melody are HOTTT!
Lucky Me - a conflicted perspective - torn between stardom and being normal (the weight of the world on his shoulders)
Falling Down - well written track; my daughter loves this song as well
I'll Go - one of the only songs that lets his beautiful and natural voice shine as he sings about agreeing to leave a relationship if he is unwanted; some may think it is a boring track, but I thought it was nice to hear his voice without the autotune and other effects

Troubles aside, Chris Brown is a talent that cannot be ignored.

Transform Ya - 10/10 - Very good vocals, hot beat, and Lil Wayne pushed it up a couple of notches. If you like Chris Brown and/or Lil Wayne, this song is hot.

Sing Like Me - 8/10 - Nice beat, better vocals.

Crawl - 9/10 - Sounds like an Backstreet Boys song, but it works very well in the context. Lovely song.

So Cold - 9/10 - Nice beat and love the message behind the song.

What I Do - 7/10 - Okay lyrics, but pretty cool music.

Famous Girl - 8/10 - Nice rhythm, and I like how the song acknowledges both people in the relationship were wrong at some point without pointing blame. I feel this song was really good at hitting points without crossing the edge. But I guess with two heartbroken men writing it sounds jaded to some folks.

Take My Time - 7/10 - Would have been a better song if there were no other people on the song. I love Tank and all, but I think sexy songs like this should be solo attempts. Other than that, I like Chris' energy on it.

I.Y.A. - 7/10 - In and of itself, it's not a bad song. however, for the other mature songs on here, it stands out as a bubblegum song. This would have been really good on his first album, it would have been good on Exclusive. It just didn't seem to fit on a mature, emotional album.

Pass Out - 8/10 - Cool little techno bit, had a Forever feel to it. I wasn't feeling the Rihanna lyrics that the girl did on her verse, nor her voice, but it is a nice song to relax and dance to.

Wait - 10/10 - Hot beat and love Trey Songz in this. Very good song. If you don't get the album, this one is worth downloading.

Lucky Me - 7/10 - Song that has to grow on me, like the message, but not the way it was executed. Probably worth listening to a few times before you give up on it.

Fallin Down - 10/10 - Hands down IMO the best song on the album (every version). Mellow music for a melancholy song. Great lyrics since almost everyone can relate to it at some point in their lives, if they can't, more power to them. Definite download if you don't get the album.

I'll Go - 8/10 - What makes this song is what hurts it as well: no end. I can understand as it can be interpreted as an open ending with no resolution as of yet, which is very good writing technique, but I wished the song would have climaxed to reflect the vocal range I know he has.

Gotta Be Ur Man - 9/10 - Reflects the Chris Brown I grew up with and loved; very good vocal and music.

Movie - 10/10 - A sexy song he sings perfectly. Nothing more to ask for in this song.

For Ur Love - 8/10 - Has an OC music feel to it, the song is good, music is kind of nice.

I Need This - 9/10 - Song to hear if you're in the "leave me alone" mood. EXCELLENT vocals and mellow, cool music. Some lyrics seem odd, though.

I Love U - 8/10 - Love the music, nice lyrics.

Brown Skin Girl - 6/10 - Not my favorite, I'm not feeling Chris doing the Caribbean feel too much. It doesn't fit him too well. Nevertheless, I will try to let the song grow on me before I give it less than a five. Though I'm sure lots of people love this song, I just wasn't into it.

If you like Chris Brown, worth the money to buy the deluxe. If you're on the fence, buy the regular for $7; you'll get pretty good play from it.

first of all the Bible says He who has not sinned throw the first stone...we've all done something in our life that we regret. Everyone is always ready to judge! I am not saying that what he did was not wrong but if they've moved on why can't we???

Now with that said....the cd is a HIT!!! i love every song!! i have been a fan of chris brown since he began his career and he has not disappointed me yet. I love his music. You can tell that he has grown up and i love it. His voice is beautiful, he can dance his butt off and I love his videos. I have to say my favorites on this cd is Crawl, So Cold & I'll go. if you are a TRUE chris brown fan you will not be disappointed!!! this cd gets plenty of rotation in my cd player!!!!

I just got Graffiti the other day. Having read some of the professional views, I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy it, but I couldn't have been more wrong. The album is in my opinion his best one to date, venturing into new territory while he holds on to his musical and lyrical strengths.

Many of the elements that made his previous albums hits are present and expanded upon in this album. In particular, the synth work and effects in "Pass Out" remind me much of the core elements of "Forever". He works with a variety of styles, ranging from hip hop to R and B to electric to a slow jam (in "Take my Time") without coming off as scattered or stretched too thin. Its a truly diverse and complex piece of work. Not every artist can balance ballads against more "hard" songs, but Chris does it smoothly.

I make it a point not to judge this album in terms of his domestic abuse case, because the two are seperate issues. If one is truly judging the music and not the man, then this is unequivocally one of the most innovative R and B albums of 2009.

The media may have taken an effect on Chris Browns image however, this album Graffiti is his best material. Graffiti opens up with "I Can Transform Ya" "Sing Like Me" and the inspiring "Crawl" single. "So Cold" is an apologetic track possibly directed toward Chris Brown's ex girlfriend Rihanna. I'm not favoring "What I Do" feat Plies(It may have to grow on me) although "Famous Girl" which is crafted by genius Producer Ryan Leslie is a standout. The baby maker song of the album is "Take my time" feat R&B veteran Tank. "I.Y.A", "Pass Out" are both techo-pop songs which will get you moving."Wait" feat Trey Songz & rapper GAME has producers Polo Da Don's infamous (wait a min) and (sirens) which are played out however do well for this type of song. Album ends with "Lucky Me", "Fallen Down" and "I'll Go". Graffiti is Chris Brown's most mature sound to date. If you can put the Media Drama aside and move forward you can hear that Chris Brown is going in the same direction. Forward. -Konrad Kasza

Must Listen Tracks

4) So Cold
6) Famous Girl
8) I.Y.A
9) Pass Out
12)Fallen Down

I thank Chris for making such a great album. I ordered it from Amazon, but was so anxious to get it, i ended up downloading from on itunes. I was so impressed. I'm still going to keep my Amazon CD. But also going to order some more to give as gifts for the holiday. He has songs on this album for everyone. Pop fans, RnB, Gospel,Reggae even some rock. I love great music and he produces it.
Crawl is such an Amazing song he shows emotions and vulnerability. I have so many favorites on this album i can't name them all. My recommend getting the deluxe, the bonus song are just as great.

I also believe in the power of forgiveness and change. I know if my worse moment was plastered on TV and the world knew of my mistakes i might also look as mad as Chris did at one point. I pray people move on and give this young man a chance to continue to do what he love. But also blessing others in the process, and helping others through he situation. It wasn't a accident that this came to light, i hope society gives him a chance.

Keep making good music Chris and i will continue to support.

I wasn't too sure I was gong to like this album because I heard all of his songs were about his ex. I happened to preview this on I-tunes and purchased it immediately, this CD is hott from song to song. He opens himself up and sings about his life not necessarily about the relationship he was in, although it is in there.

I don't know that I can pick a fave but these would be my choices & why

Sing Like Me - love the arrogance he displays in this song.
Crawl - cause we all must at some point
So Cold - who hasn't felt this, really?
What I Do - it's one of those feel good songs
Take My Time - I like that he is trying to be grown & sexy here
I.Y.A. - again, who hasn't felt like this about that certain someone who was in our lives
Lucky Me - because even though you are hurting, sick or whatever, you still gotta get up put on that happy face & get to work.
Fallin Down - has a jazzy old skool feel and expresses how it feels to be kicked when you are already down
I'll Go - because sometimes you just gotta walk away, regardless of how you feel about the person / situation or whatever.
Movie - here's him doing the grown & sexy thing again
I Need This - just let me be me & feel how I feel & not care what anyone thinks
I Luve U - reminds me of what it was like to be young & in love
Brown Skin Girl - I just simply like this one

I am so happy with this purchase & the fact that there are 19 tracks included that are all a very good.
Chris is truly talented and this is a great buy.