Artist: Tai Lawanson
Album: Chemical Imbalance
Reviewed by Jason Randall Smith
When hearing Tai Lawanson’s lyrical content and flow on the microphone, one pictures a brainy and somewhat timid kid in high school finally getting a chance to express their thoughts and feelings, turning the heads of those within earshot. Chemical Imbalance is the notebook of that shy genius in album form, marking Tai’s full-length debut. Independently released, this work sounds much larger than its DIY efforts, thanks to the production and musicianship of Cristopher Rivas and Estuardo Figueroa. Through their ears, rap music wriggles its way through pop music’s constrictions, emerging from the other end as a polished and slick project akin to The Black Eyed Peas.Tai dares to spit the kind of lyrics that some would write off as “emo” in hip-hop, clearly wearing his heart on his sleeve. As he serenades the object of his desire on “All I Need Is You,” his only accompaniment consists of light percussive taps and dueling acoustic guitars. The chorus is so sweet that it’s saccharine, particularly when Tai hits that exaggerated “you-oo-ooh” on the vocal hook. The instrumentation gets beefed up on “Can I Call You” with syrupy synthesized harmonies behind Tai’s lyrical chase. “Love You More” features a sophisticated arrangement of live drums and sensitive keyboard chords that unfold into solos as Tai reminisces upon a failed relationship, not realizing what he had until it was far too late.Since true love rarely lasts forever, it’s no surprise when a cut like “One Night Stand” rears its head. Bursting at the seams with verbal innuendos and high-energy bravado, Tai goes on the prowl over vocoder-laced harmonies and snare splats, resulting in a frivolous pop techno cut that overstays its welcome. The sexual speak reaches its peak on “Feel So High,” which sports a live funk arrangement during the verses and switches up to disco on the chorus. With unnecessarily crass lines like “I just wanna hit that ‘til I’m charged with battery and assault for hittin’ that p***y so hard,” you have to wonder where the nice guy went from just a few songs ago. It feels like overcompensating for the feelings displayed on “All I Need Is You,” going blue with a few bars in order to not be seen as too sensitive.Besides, when a song like “Material Girls” appears on your album, your cover’s pretty much blown. Fawning after a woman who is clearly out of Tai’s price range, both the lyrics and production are rich in wit and melody, respectively. Rivas and Figueroa pour on the pianos and sentimental guitars for a backing track that has more in common with adult alternative than present-day rap music. Just the chorus structure alone is more Counting Crows than Common. “Let’s Have A Good Night” resides on the other side of the sonic spectrum, consisting of sparking celebratory tones and filtered acidic accents. With its Auto Tune-enhanced hook and “hey-ho” supported chorus, it’s probably the immediate choice for a single and this album’s “Let’s Get It Started,” echoing the Black Eyed Peas in terms of sing-along accessibility.Chemical Imbalance is an apt title for an album that’s uneven at times, torn between being lyrically honest and brutally frank. Thankfully for the listener, Tai was wise to put his trust in the dynamic duo of Rivas and Figueroa, who often smooth out the rough edges on this album and contribute greatly to the finished product. Considering that there are literally tons of major label releases that don’t possess this kind of care and attention to detail, Tai Lawanson’s debut ought to get the shot on pop radio usually reserved for bigger names. While that may be wishful thinking, here’s hoping that heavy rotation doesn’t elude him entirely.
Reviewed by Jason Randall Smith
Rating: 3 stars (out of 5)