PARTYNEXTDOOR looks to revitalize his career with “PARTYNEXTDOOR4.”
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TOP 5
Honorable Mention. F a m i l y
I’m so glad “F a m i l y” gives us a break from all the lovey-dovey s**t.
PARTYNEXTDOOR finally misses something other than some vagina. In “F a m i l y,” he talks about missing his homies from Canada. I love how genuine and unmushy his words sound throughout the track, especially paired with his passionate vocals that seem to come at you in waves. All in all, I just appreciate the change of pace this track provides.
5. R e s e n t m e n t
Keke Palmer’s baby daddy doesn’t want her going to any more parties next door.
“R e s e n t m e n t” fits in with the sappy, velvety R&B music PARTYNEXTDOOR has been making for years. The song boasts atmospheric production, vocals powered more by emotions than skills, and confrontational lyrics that would upset any chick who ducks drama. On some real s**t, this is the kind of PND I prefer.
4. C h e e r s
“C h e e r s” is one of the few tracks on this project that can be played outside of a funky-ass bedroom.
If I had a genie, one of my wishes would be for PARTYNEXTDOOR to make more music like “C h e e r s.” This upbeat R&B banger boasts a beat that many people will enjoy, intoxicating melodies (especially in the verses), and a bold version of the Toronto singer who is ready to get drunk, get dirty in the car, and live in the moment. Overall, this track describes everybody’s dream Saturday night.
3. R e a l W o m a n
This is one of those songs in which PARTYNEXTDOOR sounds like the second coming of Thugger.
Yes, for the most part, “R e a l W o m a n” sounds like every other PARTYNEXTDOOR track you’ve heard in your life. What makes it stand out to me is the variety of vocals he showcases throughout. I particularly like how he switches between a subdued and high-pitched sound, which gives the impression he’s both a giver and a taker (No Diddy). Additionally, I f**k with the song’s lyrics. In his verses, PND elaborates on why he thinks his chick is amazing. Some are demonic reasons, and others are productive reasons.
2. F o r C e r t a i n
Around 2 AM, this song will sound legendary.
This track is perfect for dirty dancing with a chick in the corner of the club. For starters, it has a subtle dancehall vibe that will bring out your sensual side. As for the lyrics, they are blunt and straight to the point: I want you right now, and I’ll want you even more behind closed doors. While I think PND’s vocals could’ve been a little cleaner, the song is too intoxicating to ignore.
1. L o s e M y M i n d
The last time I went to a party next door, it ended with a brawl among a group of people I didn’t know.
In “L o s e M y M i n d,” PARTYNEXTDOOR talks about being involved with captivating yet potentially dangerous women. Although he seems slightly intimidated by their power, he also appears fascinated by their allure, especially when they are on a Molly. The sultry track features hypnotic R&B production and vocals as intoxicating as the drugs they seem to be indulging in together. Overall, I think this is the perfect modern-day love ballad.
SONG BY SONG BREAKDOWN
1. C o n t r o l (4/5)
2. L o s e M y M i n d (4.5/5)
3. S t u c k i n M y W a y s (4/5)
4. C h e e r s (4/5)
5. M a k e i t T o T h e M o r n i n g (3.5/5)
6. N o C h i l l (3/5)
7. H e r O l d F r i e n d s (3/5)
8. T h e R e t r e a t (N/A)
9. F o r C e r t a i n (3.5/5)
10. S o r r y, B u t I’ m O u t s i d e (4/5)
11. R e a l W o m a n (4/5)
12. A M o t h e r’ s P r a y e r (N/A)
13. F a m i l y (4/5)
14. R e s e n t m e n t (4/5)
RGM RATING
(C)
PARTYNEXTDOOR reminds me of D’Angelo Russell. Sometimes, he is a borderline superstar, while other times, he is really bad.
In PARTYNEXTDOOR4, he’s mainly good, but barely.
PARTYNEXTDOOR’s style of R&B music diverges significantly from the commercial mainstream. It caters to those who truly appreciate the genre. In PARTYNEXTDOOR4, the production maintains its characteristic quicksand-like quality, the song structures are often unconventional, and the vocal deliveries are notably dramatic. Lyrically, PND remains entrenched in themes spanning the spectrum from love to lust.
The elephant in the room is this: I’m a bit weary of PND’s music sounding repetitive. While listening to this album, there were moments where I felt like I had heard these tracks before… back in 2015. It’s one thing to have a signature style, but overdoing it can become tiresome.
You have to be in a certain mood to enjoy this album: a late-night, “I’m either going to get some food or hit up this girl I got the number of” mood. As someone who used to hit the streets every weekend, figuring out what to do after 2 AM, the content on this album resonated with me. However, as someone who has also listened to PND’s music for years now, I think I’m ready to hear something new from this ninja; not this same old s**t.
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
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