Debut album from Aliaune Akon, son of legendary African percussionist and jazz musician Mor Thiam. On this first offering, Akon delivers his own unique blend of rap, hip-hop and even a hint of ragga thrown in for good meas... more »ure. Includes the single 'Locked Up'.« less
Debut album from Aliaune Akon, son of legendary African percussionist and jazz musician Mor Thiam. On this first offering, Akon delivers his own unique blend of rap, hip-hop and even a hint of ragga thrown in for good measure. Includes the single 'Locked Up'.
"I happen to find this album in a store for $8.99, and I knew I loved the song Bananza so I decided to pick up the CD. I knew I could not beat the price. Well this album actually surprised me, and it's really, really good. Unlike some of the other reviewers I never heard the song Locked up until I listened to the CD. I don't listen to the radio because I'm sick of hearing the same songs, over, and over, and over again.
Akon has a nice melodious voice. You hear his voice, and you instantly think Caribbean, but he is singing some really meaningful R&B songs. He also produced all the songs on his debut CD. He does not sound like anyone else out there, which makes me appreciate his material that much more. The songs he sings are about different phases in his life. He has lived a tough life. So he gives you a peek into his life through his songs. This album makes you sit up and take notice when you listen to the words. It's very refreshing to hear an album that is not laced with lyrics full of sexual innuendo, and the materialistic life. This brother is singing about being in jail, and life after. The song I love the most is Bananza. I remember hearing that song in 2003, and it took me about a two weeks to finally find out who this brother was. He was getting radio play, but I could never catch the name if the Artist. That's my favorite song to workout too when I'm jogging along the trail I jog on.
My favorite songs are:
3. Bananza
4. Gangta
5. Ghetto
7. Show Out
9. When the Time is right
10. Journey
12. Easy road
This album is a good first effort, and if you pick it up you won't be disappointed.
"
Showing his roots
Amanda Richards | Georgetown, Guyana | 06/03/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Like most people, I got my first Akon experience with Bananza (Belly Dancer), a fresh, original dance track with an infectious beat. The next track that grabbed my attention was the unusual sampling of Bobby Vinton's hit on "Lonely".
Originally from Senegal, Akon (formerly Aliaune Thiam) blends his heritage, his inherited musical talent and the experiences of a troubled youth, into an exciting debut album of hip hop and R&B.
His strength is in the soulful R&B songs, his unique accent giving the lyrics an extra edge, but his rapping isn't too bad either.
Despite the x-rated lyrics on Gangsta (featuring Daddy T. Picklehead and Devyne), it has a compelling driving beat, and is one of the better songs on the album. Other picks are "Locked Up", "Ghetto", "Pot of Gold", "Show Out" and "Trouble Nobody".
The version I have has 15 tracks, corresponding to the listing on the UK album. There are two extra versions of "Locked Up" and the bonus song "Gunshot", which has a catchy Caribbean style chorus.
An excellent debut album from a young man finally on the right side of the tracks.
Amanda Richards, June 2, 2005
"
Akon: Trouble
Amanda Richards | 04/02/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I heard Locked Up on the radio and i hated it! It wasn't until i heard the song Bananza (Belly Dancer) when i decided to check his cd out... I listened to it in the mall an downloaded all 12 tracks as soon as i got home... Heres my thoughts on the album*
1. Locked Up- 8/10 It took some time for me to like it, but Akons voice really saves this song...
2. Trouble Nodody- 10/10 I liked this song the first time i heard it, great track!
3. Bananza (Belly Dancer)- 10/10 One of my favorite songs on the cd!!!
4. Gangsta- 5/10 It's the worst song on the album, the verses are terrible...
5. Ghetto- 10/10 Amazing song, the course is great!!!
6. Pot Of Gold- 6/10 Not sure about this song...
7. Show Out- 9/10 Fun song, ...show ouT!!
8. Lonely- 10/10 I listen to this song every day... "Cus ain't nowhere in the globe i'd rather be, an ain't nowone in the globe i'd rather see, then the girl of my dreams that makes me be, so happy but now i'm so lonely"!!!!!!! LOVE IT!!
9. When The Time's Right- 7/10 ..ok, but the lyrics suck!
10. Journy- 10/10 Just another great song on the album...
11. Don't Let Up- 10/10 Tight beat, great vocals, even better lyrics!!!
12. Easy Road- 10/10 cool way to end the album...
AKON's ON TOP!!!"
Gangsta R&B with a West-Indian accent
Jet Money | Raleigh, NC USA | 08/08/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Akon's cd "Trouble" was awesome from beginnin to the end. I really cannot stand todays r&b.. but Akon bring's it fresh with a different and unique singing style complimented by that nerve-calming West Indian accent.. and at the same time, the cd comes off gangsta to you.. it almost doesn't seem possible, but for once there is actually a hard r&b cat, whose music is worthwhile. particularly, "Ghetto" stood out as a heartfelt gangsta ballad.. while tracks like "Journey" can undoubtedly get it crunked. All in all, Akon's cd "Trouble" is not a con. it is worth your money.. At least now i know what im gonna be bumpin at the start of this school year. Hell yeah!"
One of those CDs that's actually worth your money...
Eddie Fellers | CA | 08/01/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"
I'm not really into R&B but I definitely made an exception with Akon's "Trouble"
First heard Akon on BET with Styles P. "Locked up" and I was hooked after that. I just had to check this dude out. Picked up his CD shortafter and I was just amazed at how good the CD was. It's one of those CDs you buy with no regrets afterwards, which is very rare nowadays.
Touching, soothing, and moving songs with meaningful lyrics and most of all: It's real, no fake sh*t here.
Favorite tracks are: 13) Locked up Remix, 5) Ghetto (awesome track), 6) Pot of Gold, 10) Journey, and 8) Lonely
If you've downloaded/heard some of his songs and enjoyed them, try buying his CD. A quality CD like this really deserves your support.
Akon is like a breath of fresh air, it's something new to listen to instead of the crappy, meaningless hiphop music that's out nowadays. Definitely looking forward to this guy in the future."