Rap-Up.com || Review Roundup: Chris Brown

The last two years have been anything but breezy for Chris Brown as he worked to repair his tarnished image and regain his following. After 2009’s underwhelming Graffiti, the R&B star bounced back to the top last summer with singles “Deuces” and “No BS.” Now he faces his critics once again with his fourth album F.A.M.E. (Forgiving All My Enemies), available now. Did they raise him up or tear him down? Find out below.

USA Today: But it is a more mature, confident, and adventurous Brown who has emerged in the wake of all the drama, and he has delivered the strongest album of his career. He’s much edgier than before, which is a good thing, since the 22-year-old has clearly outgrown that nice-kid-next-door persona he had six years ago. 3 out of 4

Rolling Stone: F.A.M.E. is a pop ‘n’ b album with something for everyone: bedroom ballads, dance-floor thumpers and even “Next 2 You,” a puppy-love declaration with guest vocals by Justin Bieber. 3 out of 5

Entertainment Weekly: Graffiti clearly came too soon. And some still think Brown should go—and stay—away. But on its own merits, F.A.M.E. deserves to be heard. B+

The New York Times: This album’s highlight is “Look at Me Now,” a fabulous, insidiously catchy production by Diplo and Afrojack on which Mr. Brown double-time-raps about stealing girlfriends. At least here Mr. Brown is clever, funny, and pushing himself technically.

Los Angeles Times: All of it is done capably, even superbly in some cases, though F.A.M.E. also feels strained and sometimes downright desperate. That said, there’s no denying he pulls off some neat coups. “She Ain’t You” is carried aloft on a gussied up sample from Jackson’s “Human Nature” and the sentiment of the song is refreshingly complex. 2.5 out of 4

The Boston Globe: Only a handful of tracks truly showcase Brown’s strengths. “She Ain’t You” derives much of its charm from a hefty sample of Michael Jackson’s “Human Nature.” It is totally shameless and completely effective.

The Associated Press: Even on smooth grooves that aren’t sexually charged, Brown sounds top-notch. “Deuces,” a No. 1 R&B hit, was one of last year’s best songs, and like it, “Up to You” is destined to hit the top spot—and it deserves to be.

The Guardian: This record’s syrupy mid-section makes good on his desire to write “songs that your grandma can love,” while Justin Bieber duet “Next to You” will appeal only to your tweenie sister.

Rap-Up’s Favorite Tracks: “Look at Me Now,” “She Ain’t You,” “Yeah 3X,” “Paper, Scissors, Rock”

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42 Comments

Thami
March 22nd, 2011 at 6:49 am
Yeeeeah Man *—————*

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watta
March 22nd, 2011 at 6:51 am
I only like Deuces and She Ain’t You. All Back would be an amazing song, but I hate that he used auto-tune on the chorus. Just messes up the emotional feeling that builds up during the verses. :-/

I say just buy the songs you like on iTunes. Not worth it to buy the whole thing.

[Reply]
Mimi Reply:
March 22nd, 2011 at 7:34 am
@watta, you’re an asshole.. if you don’t wanna buy the whole thing then shut the fuck up and don’t ask peeps not to buy it…

[Reply]
TowandaW Reply:
March 22nd, 2011 at 1:00 pm
@watta, Stupid Fool……Go and Fly with your broke ass self’

[Reply]
mimi Reply:
April 11th, 2011 at 7:04 pm
@TowandaW, You idiot, I own a Cadillac and I’m fucking rich, I bought 12 FAME album for my friends and whores… I ma feed your family for Eighty years….

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Beauty
March 22nd, 2011 at 6:51 am
Congrats Chris! He still he so deserves it!

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MariBreezy
March 22nd, 2011 at 6:53 am
yea, this album will make revolution,, I belive Chris, u really deserve to be on the top,, u are the best,, love u MY MAN <3

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Kyle
March 22nd, 2011 at 7:06 am
I have heard nothing but good things about this album. I like the way USA Today summed it up and I definitely agree that this is his edgiest album.

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SP
March 22nd, 2011 at 7:07 am
The album sucks.

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Yowza
March 22nd, 2011 at 7:09 am
I already bought the album when it came out in the UK yesterday (… and I never really buy albums just tracks) and love it! Chris has come a long way and I’m supporting him 100% – talented in many ways.

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Sandra
March 22nd, 2011 at 7:10 am
Just got the Album I’m 45 and i love it! Chris Brown Is Back!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Reply]
word Reply:
March 22nd, 2011 at 7:31 am
@Sandra, haha midlife crisis

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Alicias certified homewrecka Reply:
March 22nd, 2011 at 4:40 pm
@word, Lol! DONE

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Coolcoolcool Reply:
March 24th, 2011 at 2:17 pm
@word, rotflmao!

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Reyyan
March 22nd, 2011 at 7:31 am
Talent=CB. He deserves all the good things.I love him and always support him.This album rocks!

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Kidd R@pp
March 22nd, 2011 at 7:39 am
@Sandra GTFOH with that Bullsh*t you aint no damn 45 years old, if you are you need to jump off a ledge still listening to teeny bopper sh*T

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Yeah
March 22nd, 2011 at 7:43 am
not one song I like on here

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Heminem
March 22nd, 2011 at 7:44 am
Chris’s best album! Thats not saying enough though. Looking forward to listening to the full thing.

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Trechellee
March 22nd, 2011 at 7:47 am
Ohemmqeee i lovee chriss not as muchh as Trey Sonqzz but i lovee him his sonqzz on the album is amazinqq && afterr i qet out of school todayy im qoinqq to buyy the album i already bouqht it on i Tuness :)) Chriss sayy f*ckk the haterss && do yuu babyy ! & @watta stfuu wee dont caree yuu need to qet a lifee the album is qratee!!!

[Reply]
Lady
March 22nd, 2011 at 9:21 am
It’s actually FANS ARE MY EVERYTHING = FAME…..-_-

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Breezy4life Reply:
March 22nd, 2011 at 9:24 am
@Lady, it’s not called that. he changed it later out of convenience. the cover also says FORGIVING ALL MY ENEMIES. you would know if you bought his album. SMH

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Lady Reply:
March 22nd, 2011 at 9:29 am
@Breezy4life, SMH chill heffa

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GRRRR Reply:
March 22nd, 2011 at 4:17 pm
@Lady, LOL @ YOU

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Noringtone
March 22nd, 2011 at 10:40 am
So it’s only ALRIGHT. 3/5 at most.

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Miszi
March 22nd, 2011 at 11:16 am
The best album from Chris Brown so far. My picks would be: All Back / Up 2 You / She ain’t you / Paper, Scissors, Rock but i enjoyed all of the songs. Definately give it a listen!

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tiffany
March 22nd, 2011 at 12:20 pm
congrats

haha all the haters who was waiting for bad comments from the medias….

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tyler
March 22nd, 2011 at 3:37 pm
PURE GARBAGE!!!!GO HIT ANOTHER GIRL CUZ THATS ALL U GOOD AT DUMB N#$%A

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ERICA
March 22nd, 2011 at 3:40 pm
AGREE..LIL PENCIL DICQ..his muzik fell off hard!!!Never will touch MJ nor Usher..he on omarions level!!!hahahahaha

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Brixonne Reply:
March 22nd, 2011 at 7:07 pm
@ERICA, hahah Omarion only wishes. And he’s Chris Brown not MJ or asthmatic usher..

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Um.Well.Sure. Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 10:11 pm
@Brixonne, Usher has and always will be shitting on Chris Brown’s career. When the last time ANY of Chris Brown’s album’s go Diamond?

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Neickha
March 22nd, 2011 at 7:07 pm
#TEAMBREEZY!!!!

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maya
March 22nd, 2011 at 7:26 pm
So pissed, shit was sold out :’(

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Olivia
March 22nd, 2011 at 10:57 pm
BOOOOOOOOO..no more classics from shady wannabe lookin clown!!chris = poor mans usher..will never compare..STOP with AUTOTUNE!!!

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KIM
March 22nd, 2011 at 11:00 pm
@ Olivia
I couldnt agree more..JUST a kid in a grown mans buiz!!leave it to the VETs..URsher,KELLS,MUSIQ,hell..id even take Ginuwine over dis skinny nicka!

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fizzle
March 22nd, 2011 at 11:05 pm
ummmm yall leaving out “wet the bed”,”all my love”, and my faaaavvvv “say it with me”!

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melody
March 23rd, 2011 at 6:46 am
I don’t understand why all these negative comments. I really think it’s a waste of time. Well, anyway I went to Best Buy and FAME was sold out. I went and bought it from target and I will buy more this week. I love Chris Brown so much. I support him 100%. I love being apart of Teambrezzy. We are definitely the best fan base in the world. Let’s get FAME numbers to 1 million.

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Lexx_Janay
March 23rd, 2011 at 11:07 am
When i first heard some of the leaks i thought i wouldnt like the album…but i fell in love with it! All his tracks arent the same and thats what i love about the album! Some people are just stuck in one deminsion and wouldnt understand his creativity!

TeamBreezy all day! F.A.M.E in stores now!!!

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Jay
March 23rd, 2011 at 1:49 pm
I got my copy! The album is amazing!

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Terra
March 23rd, 2011 at 2:42 pm
GOD…jus giv up all ready!!!TRASH ASS RECORD!!!

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Whatcha_Sayin
March 23rd, 2011 at 4:49 pm
True fans would know this is not chris’ best album by far. Your just saying that because its new and exciting. Exclusive is truly his best album. Limited autotune and a real good r&b album. I would say this album is tied with his debut as his 2nd best albums. I have to say I appreciate F.A.M.E for its experimental tone though

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Um.Well.Sure. Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 10:19 pm
@Whatcha_Sayin, OMG, thank you! None of these stans want to hear that, but as a real fan I agree with you. His 2nd album was his best and really still shits on BOTH Graffiti and F.A.M.E. Graffiti had like 2 songs I liked and honestly, after buying F.A.M.E., I’m actually quite disappointed.

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pilot will
May 4th, 2011 at 6:03 pm
I like the album… but he could do without all the songs about u know what. I wish he would shut up with that and one more time be a young chris brown who an 11 year old like me could listen 2 without using audacity to edit everything inapropriate. I like his style and expansion on this and cant wait for fortune but like i said I wish chris would be clean. 4/5

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