5 / 10
THE EARLY SIGNALS ARE perversely unpromising. Prince Be and JC's only briefly brilliant, hippy-trippy rap combo return with an album dedicated to Be's fear for his newborn child. That album title in full: 'Dearest Christian, I'm So Sorry For Bringing You Here, Love Dad'. At which point all those without sprogs doubtless feel The Fear. Nappies, vomit that's not your own making, responsibility - run for your youth!
Yet, it's too late for Be to escape parenthood's mix-up of woes and joys and this is what they sound like to him - like Prince at best, Seal at worst, and George Michael-and-Beatles-esque at most points in between. Rapping? There's no more of that on this contemplative, expensively glossy-sounding collection than at the Royal Opera House.
There are a clutch of potential pop hits, however - the rocky R&B of 'Art Deco Halos', the languid strumming of 'Faith In You' - all imbued with well-rounded songwriting. But it's a stupefyingly undemanding listen; fluffy-smooth to the point of suffocation; so unswervingly gushy it quickly drives you to distraction.
Dearest Christian, as soon as you can, have a word with your dad, eh?
To read all our reviews first - days before they appear online - check out NME magazine, on sale every Wednesday
For the latest music videos and backstage interviews, check out our sister site, NME Video.
-
-
Wu Lyf to play secret rooftop gig tomorrow (June 3) - ticket details
-
Black Sabbath's Ozzy Osbourne: 'We've written 15 new songs' - video
-
Guns N' Roses threaten to storm off O2 Arena stage after being pelted with money and pint glasses
-
Kevin Shields: 'The new My Bloody Valentine album was influenced by The Beach Boys'
Comments do not always reflect the views of NME, or IPC Media, for guidelines visit our Ts & Cs page