Jack Harlow – Jackman (Album Review)

Jack Harlow simplifies things in “Jackman.”


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TOP 5

 

5. Questions

“Questions” is a track right out of Drake’s playbook.

“Questions” feels like a classic Drake vent session that usually happens after dawn. In the song, Jack Harlow questions why he’s so flawed, why he treats his manager like he’s above her, and why he puts his trust in certain people. Though the song is too chill for its own good, it definitely shows the important thoughts that run through the heads of humble artists (Which I think is meaningful to hear).

 

 

4. It Can’t Be

“It Can’t Be” is an anti-white privilege anthem.

I believe Jack Harlow gets a lot of unnecessary hate. While I don’t think that he is the second coming of Rakim, I do think that he is at least a solid rapper. In “It Can’t Be,” Jack highlights every single reason that he thinks he’s been successful. Not only does he bring up the relationships he has been able to keep, but he also brings up his dedication to his craft. At the end of the day, Jack believes it’s his white skin that makes people doubt him (y’all trippin).

What’s interesting about the track is that it boasts this sly, funky hip-hop beat that almost makes it feel like a ’70s theme song for the Louisville rapper. Thankfully, his cool rap demeanor sounds modern.

Do you know what I think it is, Jack? Those KFC commercials.

 

 

3. Is That Ight?

In “Is That Ight?,” Jack Harlow reminds us that we can all carve out the kind of life that we want.

I probably like the message behind “Is That Ight?” more than I like the way the song sounds. In it, Jack Harlow lets us know that he can care less about selfies, retweets, free jewelry (Yea, I have no clue what that means), or flights. The song’s sunny and soulful beat combined with Jack’s rebellious lyrics and vibrant rap deliveries will definitely pull at a few of your heartstrings.

 

 

2. Common Ground

From the moment you press play on “Common Ground,” the intro, you realize that Jack Harlow is rapping rapping on this album.

Sometimes, it’s the most subdued beats that bring out the best in rappers. “Common Ground” is powered by this therapeutic beat that will force gentle hand claps and slight head nods out of you. Jack’s dynamic flow, which one can call tongue-twisty, pairs perfectly with his laidback tone and his interesting observations. On some real s**t, I needed this album to start this way.

 

 

1. Blame On Me

“Blame On Me” is the longest, most complete, and most emotional track on this album.

In “Blame On Me,” Jack Harlow talks about the disappointing relationship he has with his little brother and father. What I love is how the touching production forces Jack to drop easily his most vulnerable lyrics to date. Like, I love how he completely takes his mask off on this joint.

Kudos to 21cDelta for explaining that the first verse of this song is from the perspective of Jack Harlow’s little brother, the second verse is his perspective, and the third verse is from his dad’s perspective. That makes the song that much better!


SONG BY SONG BREAKDOWN

1. Common Ground (4.5/5)

2. They Don’t Love It (3.5/5)

3. Ambitious (3.5/5)

4. Is That Ight? (4/5)

5. Gang Gang Gang (4/5)

6. Denver (3.5/5)

7. No Enhancers (3.5/5)

8. It Can’t Be (4/5)

9. Blame On Me (5/5)

10. Questions (4/5)


RGM RATING

(C+)

 

In “Questions,” Jack Harlow said it best: “What makes you think that I don’t want to be admired by backpackers?” After releasing what I think is the below-average Come Homes The Kids Miss You, an album filled with cheesy commercial records and clout chasing guest appearances, Jackman feels like a super-sized portion of humble pie.

Jackman appropriately features no one. Matter of fact, I don’t even think the album has a single hook. Instead, Jack Harlow serves us a healthy dose of introspective bars that are coupled with astute flows, great wordplay, and soothing hip-hop beats. What I think is pretty unique about the album is how much of an open book Jack is throughout it. In his verses, he brings up his family issues, his inner thoughts, and the s**t that people say about him that get to him. While I think Jack’s lyrical approach is something we can all appreciate, I’m still not completely on board with his too-cool-for-school tone (That’s sort of what bothered me about his last project). Whatever the case may be, I love that Jack has embraced growth and has listened to what the listeners want to hear out of him (The customer is always right).


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This Post Has 5 Comments

  1. 21cdelta

    Solid review, but you have Blame On Me a little mixed up.

    The first verse on Blame On Me is from his little brother’s perspective, the second first is from Jack’s perspective, and the last verse is from their dad’s perspective. It’s a really emotional song and tells one hell of a story.

    1. Quincy

      Nice! Thanks for letting me know that. I didn’t catch that.

  2. Michael

    This site is so confusing to me. Is literally anything over a C+/B-? Every review I check is in that range, even when the grades of each song average out to higher.

    1. Quincy

      You’ll be surprised at how many things are slightly above average.

      I hear your frustration, but there are only so many letter grades to give. This album isn’t a D or an F. it’s definitely not an A. It leaves me with C, C+, B-, and B… C is too low, I think B is just a little too high. C+ to B- range just feels right. That’s still over 80% btw ?

  3. Delted

    i really love this album, amazing songs by jack, 100% his best album so far. i love the vibes, this style suits him more than “whats poppin” or any of his more upbeat, fast paced songs. i would give thi a B or B+ in my opinion

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