Chris Brown’s “Royalty” showcases his passion, but suffers from playing it too safe.
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TOP 5
5. Little More (Royalty)
“Little More (Royalty)” is a truly touching song that beautifully closes out this album. Dedicated to his daughter—who shares the album’s title—Chris Brown uses the track to express his deep love and longing for her, especially during the times they’re apart.
While the song is sentimental at its core, it doesn’t lean entirely into softness. Instead, it builds with emotional intensity, blending uplifting energy and feel-good production. Chris delivers his vocals with heartfelt passion, singing as if he’s holding back tears, but pushing through to convey how much she means to him.
It’s a perfect mix of vulnerability and sonic power, and one of the most emotional tracks in his catalog
4. Zero
You know what Chris Brown’s “Zero” reminds me of? Those chaotic college nights spent in white-people bars, throwing back bottom-shelf vodka and dancing to whatever gimmicky track the DJ thought would keep the crowd alive. That’s the vibe. It’s tacky. It’s over-the-top. And yet… it kind of slaps?
“Zero” is one of those songs that annoys you just enough to stay on your mind. It has that plastic, karaoke-night energy that feels like it was engineered for beer-fueled group sing-alongs—but here’s the twist: it’s also fun as hell. The beat is pop-funk with a splash of disco, loud and borderline ridiculous in the best way.
Lyrically, Chris is in full petty mode. He delivers a defiant, tongue-in-cheek performance as he sings about not giving a damn about his ex anymore. But let’s be real—when someone makes a whole song about not missing someone… they probably still miss them a little. Or a lot.
Still, Chris puts some extra air in his chest on this one. His vocals are bold, animated, and packed with attitude. It’s the kind of performance that makes you smirk, shake your head, and still dance your way through it.
3. Wrist (Ft. Solo Lucci)
Solo Lucci sounds like Future’s long-lost cousin in “Wrist,” and that’s not a bad thing. He brings an unfiltered energy to the track, delivering a verse that feels raw and unpredictable. His scattered ad-libs and off-the-cuff moments only add to the chaotic charm.
It’s Chris Brown who adds the smoother contrast here. His vocals glide effortlessly over the beat, which is far from your typical R&B backdrop. The production leans into an unorthodox trap sound, and yet, Chris makes it work with a choppy yet addictive hook and verses that showcase both his melodic chops and flex-heavy bars. From bragging about his icy wrist to his roster of women and big bank status, Breezy finds the pocket and runs with it.
2. Liquor
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: songs about liquor have a winning record. It’s like 104–3. Chris Brown’s “Liquor” continues that streak in style.
On this track, Breezy dives into the effects of late-night drinking and how it intensifies his feelings for a woman. He croons about temptation and blurred judgment with lines that might not be groundbreaking lyrically, but hit differently when soaked in the right vibe.
What really stands out is the track’s production and pacing. “Liquor” features a fascinating tempo shift, transitioning from a slow sway one moment to building momentum the next. Chris matches that flow effortlessly, switching between tender falsetto and raw desire.
Overall, this track probably hits hard as hell when the room is spinning. Actually, I know it does.
1. Back To Sleep
There is a new trend among R&B singers to be vulgar, explicit, and direct. F**k her back to sleep! While she’s asleep, I’m going to watch some SportsCenter highlights as she lies there unmoving.
When Chris Brown leans into his smoother side, the results are usually irresistible—and “Back To Sleep” is a prime example. Built on a laid-back R&B groove that’s equally perfect for slow dancing or stroking (Yikes), the track finds Chris slipping into full charm mode. His vocals are relaxed yet flirtatious, setting the tone for a day filled with sexual escapades.
With a silky hook, an infectious melody, and undeniable feel-good energy, “Back To Sleep” hits all the right notes… And some other things.
Let’s be real—this might just be one of the most provocative openings to an album we’ve ever heard.
SONG BY SONG BREAKDOWN
1. Back To Sleep (5/5)
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RGM RATING
(74%)
One thing I’ll always appreciate about Chris Brown is this: he never cheats you on effort. When he drops an album, you’re guaranteed pure passion and strong vocal performances. Royalty is no exception in that regard—Chris pours his heart into many of these songs, showcasing his signature emotion and impressive vocal range across the board.
Lyrically, the album touches on themes that are deeply embedded in the modern R&B experience: sex, clout, money, and meaningful relationships. These are topics that resonate with fans across the board, and Brown doesn’t shy away from them. In fact, the vulnerability and transparency in some tracks highlight his maturity as a songwriter.
However, Royalty isn’t without its flaws. Every once in a while, Chris leans too far into current trends—delivering sounds he assumes people want to hear rather than pushing his artistry forward. In doing so, some of the album feels diluted. Several songs come across as generic club tracks, heartwarming R&B fillers, or outdated R&B-hop hybrids that lack staying power.
The album’s strongest moments lie in its standout cuts—the tracks where Chris sounds fully invested, emotionally and creatively. Unfortunately, outside of those highlights, there are too many songs that fail to rise above mediocrity. While his vocal performances remain top-tier, not every song feels essential or timeless.
Overall, Royalty reflects both the strengths and weaknesses of Chris Brown as an artist. He’s gifted, passionate, and sonically versatile—but sometimes, his desire to appeal to everyone leads to moments where his sound loses its edge. Still, for fans seeking a few memorable tracks, there are certainly gems worth revisiting.
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
