Album Review: Chris Brown, F.A.M.E. (Deluxe Edition)

Chris Brown


F.A.M.E. (Deluxe Edition) (released March 23, 2011)


When I said earlier this week that I hadn’t planned to blog about my delinquent Cousin Chris Brown, I wasn’t joking. I know #TeamBreezy was wetting its collective pants (so to speak) in anticipation of their hero’s comeback album, F.A.M.E. (which I hear stands for Fans Are My Everything, Forgiving All My Enemies, or F*** All My Enemies, depending whom you ask). But I wasn’t caught up in the hype.


But then he had to go all Incredible Hulk on Good Morning America and I had no choice but to speak out.


After that post, I received tons of requests for this album review. GM readers apparently wanted more of the Sisqo-haired Chris Brown.


Who would have thought that Chrisqo’s album review would be the most demanded post in Georgia Mae history? And as much as I’d love to diss it, I simply can’t – it’s probably his strongest album to date.


Odd as it might sound, CB is at his best when he unleashes unabashed anger and arrogance. I contend that “Deuces,” where Breezy tells off his ex-lover, is the best track he has ever recorded. It easily my favorite radio track last year. But get this – Cousin Chris dismisses his fictional lady over an altered version of the very same beat used by his former girl Rihanna. What gall!


On the surface, “No BS” sounds like the sweet seduction of a young lady, till the hook drops in and it’s clear that Breezy is not taking no for an answer. Watch out, ladies. CB goes fully hip-hop and shockingly out-rhymes Lil’ Wayne on the braggadocious “Look At Me Now” (although Busta Rhymes steals the show). Back in the world of R&B Breezy blatantly admits to his woman that he’s cheating on “She Ain’t You” but assures her that he isn’t leaving. How comforting. But you’ve gotta love the Michael Jackson’s “Human Nature” sample. In fact, the sample actually might be lifted from SWV’s “Right Here” remake – it’s a lot more hard-hitting than MJ’s original. And I was ready to hate on “Wet The Bed” but CB’s improved vocals and Ludacris’ fun verse make the juvenile lyrics bearable.


As defiant R&B thug, Brown is light-years ahead of his peers. But sorry #TeamBreezy, in the world of pop, Cousin Chris just doesn’t measure up. The second half of the album is cluttered with generic club tracks. “Say It With Me” and “Yeah 3X” aren’t bad but they sure are bland. I didn’t even recognize Justin Bieber on “Next 2 You” – I honestly thought he was a female backup singer! It’s ironic that Michael Jackson’s so-called successor can out-moonwalk everyone but struggles to drop a decent pop song.


The deluxe version of F.A.M.E. has about five additional tracks, but they’re a mixed bag. “Bomb” is sorta notable but you won’t miss the rest.


My personal issues with Chris aside, F.A.M.E. is much better than I expected. The more aggressive the song, the more confident he seems. But when he cools his jets, he becomes a bit unfocused and dull. It’s almost like he’s fueled by his inner frustrations.


Remind me to sit far away from Cousin Chris at the next family reunion.




Best tracks: “Deuces,” “No BS,” “Look At Me Now”


3.5 stars out of 5