CD review: Konvicted (Deluxe Edition) - Akon (Universal)

"Convict, convict." Like almost every track on this album, and almost every song Akon has ever recorded, this review, too, should begin with the Senegalese singer's trademark stamp. As an accomplished producer and songwriter, Akon reaffirms with his second album that he has the ability to produce distinctive and innovative tracks. The album's triple platinum status clearly attests to that. Where he falters is lyrical material. On how many tracks does he trudge on talking about crime and shooting people? Five. The other 10 cover topics like sex, family, relationships and the singer's African roots. The best tracks on the album are undoubtedly Mama Africa, Tired of Running and, new on the Deluxe Edition, Sorry Blame it On Me on which the singer apologises for indiscretions, one of which, on stage at a Trinidadian club, caused the telecom giant Verizon to pull financial funding from his Sweet Escape tour with singer Gwen Stefani. Also on the album are the guilty pleasures Smack That and I Wanna Love You (though the album version is significantly more carnal). Anyone who listens to the radio will be familiar with the premise of these songs, as well as with Akon's friends who appear on the tracks: Eminem and Snoop Dogg. As expected, the tracks are crude, cool and catchy - a lethal combination.