Normani – Dopamine (Album Review)

Normani has plenty of highs in “Dopamine.”

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TOP 5

5. STILL

Imagine telling Mike Jones in 2005 that his “Still Tippin” track would be sampled in 2024 by a pop star.

I’ll be completely honest with you: “Still Tippin” by Mike Jones is one of my favorite hip-hop tracks of all time, so that is the main reason I snuck “STILL” onto this list. At the same time, I do think the track showcases Normani’s ability to step into the role of Beyoncé’s backup and her ability to put something together that the culture can f**k with.

I assume Travis Scott helped write this track, as I hear his adlibs in the background. If he didn’t, Normani may want to lawyer up.

4. Candy Paint

Normani sounds badder than the Washington Wizards in this track.

In “Candy Paint,” Normani makes it clear that she’s ready to steal your man and isn’t going to apologize for it. Once she has him, she’ll do what she wants with him and then give him back, treating him like a Blockbuster video rental.

Normani’s spicy and, frankly, disrespectful lyrics are complemented by sly vocals, frisky instrumentation, and intoxicating melodies. If you’re dating someone, you might want to keep an eye out.

3. 1:59 (Ft. Gunna)

Normani definitely sounds like the type of woman who gets hella impatient watching you unzip your pants.

In “1:59,” Normani and Gunna engage in a seductive exchange, teasing each other with sexual innuendos and fantasies for when they’re alone together. The track, a slow jam, highlights Normani’s sultry vocals and Gunna’s laidback delivery, creating a dynamic contrast between their sensual energies. All in all, “1:59” is a tantalizing collaboration.

2. Tantrums (Ft. James Blake)

Sidenote: What the fk does James Blake look like? He just seems like this random muthafka that is a masterful musician.

“Tantrums” is the album’s standout track, capturing attention with its intoxicating sound. The slow-burning, atmospheric production, coupled with Normani’s hypnotizing melodies and James Blake’s haunting vocals, creates a captivating sonic experience that resonates deeply. Lyrically, Normani’s blunt dismissal of the idea that her romantic interest is a suitable match challenges listeners to reconsider their own relationships.

1. Wild Side (Ft. Cardi B)

If you are currently single as hell, you may want to make sure that you have enough lotion at the crib before you press play on this song (What? Women don’t like ashy men).

If you are hip to Aaliyah’s music, “Wild Side” will certainly strike a chord with you. The song features a beat that I am sure was inspired by the legendary singer’s “One In A Million” beat. What Normani and Cardi B add to the song is 2021 sexiness, 2021 melodies, 2021 explicit raps, and 2021 inappropriateness (Folks are next-level horny these days). While I do f**k with the song a lot, I feel like it could use some Timbaland beatbox sounds.

SONG-BY-SONG RATING

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RGM RATING

(C+)

I believe Normani has superstar potential written all over her. She possesses a solid voice, undeniable sex appeal, and a willingness to experiment with various styles of R&B. In other words, she excels in many areas as an R&B artist. In Dopamine, I think Normani’s highs slightly outweigh her lows.

Production-wise, surprisingly, Normani doesn’t thread the line between R&B and pop in Dopamine. While some instrumentals give me flashbacks to her Fifth Harmony days, most showcase her growth as a true R&B artist with sensual and slower vibes. So, which style do I prefer from Normani? I feel like she really comes alive when she dives deep into her R&B bag.

No one is romantic anymore; everyone just wants to hook up these days. That said, in Dopamine, Normani balances between a hopeless romantic and someone who’s libido is off the charts. Interestingly, while her lyrics are convincing regarding her desires and actions, there’s still a disconnect because her personality isn’t widely known. I think if her persona were more public, her words would resonate even more.

One aspect of this album that doesn’t quite sit right with me is the frequent use of whispering by Normani. It almost feels like she recorded most of the album while trying not to wake up her neighbors next door. Personally, I prefer to hear her voice in its full range; I feel like she holds back a bit too much at times. However, I do appreciate the creative melodies she experiments with and the moments where her words truly leave a lasting impact.

Did this album completely move me? No. Did it give me the authentic R&B vibes I’ve been craving for a few months now? Absolutely. I think Normani does just enough to make you see her potential but not enough to make you see her as someone who is unique in a stacked female R&B genre.

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