It’s been four years since Canadian R&B star PartyNextDoor blessed us with a new album, but in truth he’s never truly been away. Continual touring across the globe, the odd guest spot or two, and intense viral fame – a sped-up version of his single ‘Her Way’ was one of TikTok’s most popular 2023 sounds – ensured that those soulful strains of R&B seduction remained at the forefront.
Even amid that stable hit-rate, however, the introduction of ‘PARTYNEXTDOOR 4’ is big news for fans. From the controversial over unveil – when does sauce become… too much sauce – to the surprise singles, the roll-out has felt completely confident and utterly assured. Indeed, the whole project is cohesive – each song speaks to the next, an alluring document of salacious R&B titillation.
‘Control’ is a spicy opener, while ‘Lose My Mind’ feels tailored for stadium use. ‘Make It To The Morning’ is laden with intent, the studio gloss sitting in opposition to the rather more raw, guitar-led ‘Her Old Friends’.
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Familiar fans will find much to adore here, with PartyNextDoor rarely eschewing his tried and tested formula. That’s not a criticism, though, more an observation – if it ain’t broke why fix it, after all. Supremely enjoyable, the album also finds space to dip into his Caribbean heritage, adding dancehall aspects to red-hot favourites like ‘For Certain’.
Dropping the tempo for ‘Real Woman’, the album closes on an oddly sombre note – ‘A Mother’s Prayer’ offers notes of introspection, while ‘Resentment’ finds PartyNextDoor exposed. A concise 14-track – itself a renegade notion in the Drake-enabled era of streaming largesse – ‘PARTYNEXTDOOR 4’ taps into his core values, while affording the Canadian star space to build outwards. On this evidence, his viral rush shows no signs of abating.
8/10
Words: Robin Murray
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