This review was published today in my school’s magazine, Nexus.
The Lonely Island's new album, Incredibad
Have you ever been in the age-old situation, in which a reason for celebration is coming up, be it a birthday, anniversary, or perhaps Valentine’s Day, and realized that you don’t have a gift for your significant other? Justin Timberlake (who single-handedly brought sexy back, so you know he’s to be trusted) has a suggestion. First, he says, “Cut a hole in a box.” Next, Timberlake suggests you “put your junk in the box” before finally prompting her to “open the box.” It’s a dick in a box! This Saturday Night Live classic, Dick In A Box, along with many others, can be found on the new album, Incredibad, by The Lonely Island.
The first thing that struck me about this album is the extensive list of guest artists, from T-Pain to Jack Black to Norah Jones, and more. At its heart, this album is a comedy album, but it’s a really good comedy album. The songs are predominantly rap parodies, and never fail to elicit laughs. I’d go as far as to say it blows comedy artist Weird Al out of the water. If you’re a fan of the Flight of the Conchords, you’re sure to like what The Lonely Island’s come up with.
In “I’m on a Boat,” Samberg, T-Pain, and Schaffer rap about…well, being on a boat. It sounds silly, I know, but it’s meant to poke fun at what other rappers sing about today. Soulja Boi sings about dancing, and Chamillionaire sings about driving, but somehow it’s not so funny when they do it. Samberg sings, “I’m on a boat / I’m on a boat / Everybody look at me ’cause I’m sailing on a boat.” This is one of a couple songs off the album that, I feel, is best paired with the video.” Once seen, it’s hilarious. I feel like if I were to only listen to the song, my response would’ve been more of an “okay, great” versus the fit of girlish giggles I was sent into. The first time I watched the video, I laughed myself to tears. I couldn’t help feeling that the low point of the album was We Like Sportz. Other than that song, the album is very nicely produced, but Sportz felt “You-Tubey;” amateur, and low-budget.
The album, unfortunately, isn’t all new material. As I mentioned before, The Lonely Island has actually been around for a little while, and are responsible for such classics as Dick in a Box and the 2005 Internet phenomenon, Lazy Sunday (“we love that chronic-what?-cles of Narnia!”). These songs, however, contribute to a sense of familiarity, as well as providing a pretty good idea of what to expect (if you’ve heard them before).
Overall, I’d give the album a 9 out of 10. The lyrics are brilliant, the guest-singers are sure to appeal to any taste in music, but it takes a certain sense of humor to “get it,” and it’s hard to imagine what I’d think of the songs had I not seen the accompanying videos. I strongly urge you, if nothing else, to check out The Loney Island on YouTube. They’ve gone as far as to make videos for five songs, and Lazy Sunday can be found by searching Hulu-copyright restrictions prevent this one from making YouTube.
The Lonely Island: Incredibad
This review was published today in my school’s magazine, Nexus.
The Lonely Island's new album, Incredibad
Have you ever been in the age-old situation, in which a reason for celebration is coming up, be it a birthday, anniversary, or perhaps Valentine’s Day, and realized that you don’t have a gift for your significant other? Justin Timberlake (who single-handedly brought sexy back, so you know he’s to be trusted) has a suggestion. First, he says, “Cut a hole in a box.” Next, Timberlake suggests you “put your junk in the box” before finally prompting her to “open the box.” It’s a dick in a box! This Saturday Night Live classic, Dick In A Box, along with many others, can be found on the new album, Incredibad, by The Lonely Island.
The first thing that struck me about this album is the extensive list of guest artists, from T-Pain to Jack Black to Norah Jones, and more. At its heart, this album is a comedy album, but it’s a really good comedy album. The songs are predominantly rap parodies, and never fail to elicit laughs. I’d go as far as to say it blows comedy artist Weird Al out of the water. If you’re a fan of the Flight of the Conchords, you’re sure to like what The Lonely Island’s come up with.
In “I’m on a Boat,” Samberg, T-Pain, and Schaffer rap about…well, being on a boat. It sounds silly, I know, but it’s meant to poke fun at what other rappers sing about today. Soulja Boi sings about dancing, and Chamillionaire sings about driving, but somehow it’s not so funny when they do it. Samberg sings, “I’m on a boat / I’m on a boat / Everybody look at me ’cause I’m sailing on a boat.” This is one of a couple songs off the album that, I feel, is best paired with the video.” Once seen, it’s hilarious. I feel like if I were to only listen to the song, my response would’ve been more of an “okay, great” versus the fit of girlish giggles I was sent into. The first time I watched the video, I laughed myself to tears. I couldn’t help feeling that the low point of the album was We Like Sportz. Other than that song, the album is very nicely produced, but Sportz felt “You-Tubey;” amateur, and low-budget.
The album, unfortunately, isn’t all new material. As I mentioned before, The Lonely Island has actually been around for a little while, and are responsible for such classics as Dick in a Box and the 2005 Internet phenomenon, Lazy Sunday (“we love that chronic-what?-cles of Narnia!”). These songs, however, contribute to a sense of familiarity, as well as providing a pretty good idea of what to expect (if you’ve heard them before).
Overall, I’d give the album a 9 out of 10. The lyrics are brilliant, the guest-singers are sure to appeal to any taste in music, but it takes a certain sense of humor to “get it,” and it’s hard to imagine what I’d think of the songs had I not seen the accompanying videos. I strongly urge you, if nothing else, to check out The Loney Island on YouTube. They’ve gone as far as to make videos for five songs, and Lazy Sunday can be found by searching Hulu-copyright restrictions prevent this one from making YouTube.