Will Smith makes his surprising and exciting return to the music scene with “Based on a True Story.”
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TOP 5 SONGS
5. Int. Barbershop – Day (Ft. DJ Jazzy Jeff and B. Simone)
It was so cool to see DJ Jazzy Jeff and Will Smith working together in 2025.
For the first time ever, an intro track lands in my top five—and for good reason. “Int. Barbershop – Day” sets the tone for Based on a True Story with humor, directness, and an engaging energy that immediately pulls listeners in. Instead of easing into the album, the track dives straight into its themes, addressing key topics with wit and authenticity. It’s a clever, well-executed opener that lays everything on the table while maintaining a fun, lighthearted feel. And let’s be real—it’s also a certified bop.
4. Make It Look Easy
“Make It Look Easy” is my favorite solo track on the album. The song is about rolling with the punches—getting knocked down but always getting back up with grace. Will Smith reflects on the various struggles and complications he’s faced over the years, emphasizing how he never let them stop him from achieving success. With strong lyrics, a smooth flow, and a catchy beat, this track stands out as a powerful anthem of resilience.
3. Beautiful Scars (Ft. OBanga and Big Sean)
“Beautiful Scars” is one of the more serious tracks on Based On A True Story. Like several others on the album, it focuses on resilience—rising up after struggles and losses. Will Smith reflects on his career, weaving in references to his past music, movies, and TV shows. The song carries a powerful and empowering energy, and Big Sean’s verse amplifies that message, driving the point home with even more depth and intensity.
2. You Can Make It (Ft. Fridayy)
“You Can Make It” appears toward the end of the album, featuring an introductory sermon and a powerful collaboration with the Sunday Service Choir. If that alone doesn’t set the tone for an uplifting and inspirational track, Fridayy’s verse certainly does. The entire song feels like a motivational speech in the best way—focusing on proving doubters wrong, pushing forward despite the odds, and ultimately coming out on top. It aligns perfectly with the album’s overall theme, but while many tracks feel like they’re speaking from the midst of the storm, this one feels like the triumphant moment of having made it through.
1. Work of Art (Ft. Russ and Jaden)
“Work of Art” is a standout single on the album, and it’s easy to see why. Jaden’s vocals are simple, clean, and catchy, flowing smoothly throughout the track. Will’s verses reinforce the song’s message and give it weight, but for me, the real star of the track is Russ’ verse. He takes the beat and runs with it, delivering bar after bar with a style that’s both hard-hitting and effortlessly smooth. I had to replay the song just to hear his verse again—and then brought in a friend for a third listen. It’s really that good.
SONG-BY-SONG RATING
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RGM RATING
(78%)
I was curious about what a 2025 Will Smith album would sound like, and it’s safe to say that Based on a True Story was not what I expected. The album is full of surprises—but it doesn’t disappoint.
With explicit lyrics (yes, Will Smith cusses in this album), big-name features, and even a gospel choir, it keeps you on your toes from start to finish. The tracklist is theatrical, featuring sermons that introduce key songs and reinforce their messages. Will Smith lays all his controversies on the table, addressing topics like the Oscars slap and his relationship with his family, making it clear that despite how the media portrays him, he’s still standing strong.
Overall, the album is inspirational, entertaining, and a thoroughly enjoyable listen. It blends ’90s nostalgia with references from the 2000s and modern pop culture. Genre-fusing tracks incorporate elements of Afropop, R&B, reggaeton, pop, and even gospel. It’s an album that appeals to multiple generations, resonating with both OG fans and new listeners alike.
Ileyah is a mom, a writer and a musician. She loves late nights and gluten free snacks.
