Jack Harlow – Sweet Action II (Album Review)

Jack Harlow returns to rapping on “Sweet Action II,” but someone still needs to turn the energy up.

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TOP 3 SONGS

3. MOVE ON

Remember when Jack Harlow said he didn’t know who Brandy was? Well, “MOVE ON” helps make up for that disgusting comment by blending the beauty of vintage R&B with a modern hip-hop bounce.

Jack delivers a solid chorus and some real-ass lyrics about having the qualifications to get back with someone. Still, the sample and production are what really sold me.

2. TOO SOON

Not only does Jack Harlow get Babyface on “TOO SOON,” but he also gets him cussing. What a damn legend. Babyface’s chorus is simple and nothing particularly special, but the aura is there.

Jack delivers two verses that show off his psycho-ex side, digging into jealousy, wounded pride, and the attachment that sticks around after a breakup. He’s trying to make peace with things while clearly obsessing over his ex moving on. More than anything, his personality stands out. That cool-but-petty version of Jack is surprisingly one of his best sounds.

1. PRESSURE

“PRESSURE” finally gets the energy up on this project. The beat gets your heart pumping without completely abandoning the gentle vibes, and Jack Harlow meets it with a punchier, more aggressive delivery.

He reflects on hurting his first love by staying emotionally distant, repeating mistakes, and putting work first. He knows the connection is special, but he can’t promise he’ll become the man she needs.

This sounds like something I’d play after a breakup, right before hitting the club and pretending I’m ready for somebody new. Mattresses being sent to hell would hopefully follow.

SONG BY SONG RATING

SIGNORA (3.5/5)

TOO SOON (Ft. Babyface) (4/5)

SHE GETS ME (3.5/5)

610 MAGNOLIA (3/5)

HOLD BACK (3.5/5)

PRESSURE (4/5)

7. MOVE ON (4/5)

RGM RATING

I’m just glad we got Jack Harlow to rap again. On Sweet Action II, he leans into smooth R&B production, conversational verses, and relationship drama. There are enough solid moments to remind me why I liked him in the first place. I just wish somebody had walked into the studio and turned the energy up a little.

The production is cool, both literally and figuratively. Vintage R&B touches meet modern hip-hop bounce, giving Jack comfortable places to talk his talk. The samples bring some beauty, and the smoother backdrops create an inviting atmosphere. Occasionally, though, things sound a little too simple, like some s**t you could download from a free beat site. The vibes are there, but a few instrumentals could use more personality.

Jack spends most of the EP sorting through relationships. He struggles to see an ex move on, considers opening his heart, and acknowledges how his behavior makes loving him difficult. The jealousy and wounded pride bring out his cool-but-petty side, which is surprisingly one of his best sounds. He’s especially entertaining when he tries to sound unbothered while revealing that he’s thought about the situation all damn day.

Still, some of the relationship writing feels kiddy. It’s relatable, but occasionally resembles Disney Channel drama involving teenagers who think they’re adults. Being honest about your immaturity can make for interesting music; it doesn’t automatically make every observation compelling.

Babyface being the only named guest is hilarious to me. Getting him involved—and getting him cussing—is a flex on its own. His contribution is simple, but the aura is there. The additional R&B voices also help give these records some needed life. Thank God, because a few stretches had me approaching REM sleep.

Overall, Sweet Action II brings back one of my earliest concerns about Jack: he relies a little too much on being cool. A laid-back delivery can work beautifully when the beat supplies the excitement. When both are trying to play it smooth, however, the music can become uneventful. His punchier performances show how much a little urgency helps. There’s a solid listen here, but I need more moments where Jack sounds eager to grab my attention instead of assuming he already has it.