BOB - Between two worlds

In no time at Bob, who's real name is Bobby Ray Simmons, like no other, the rise from the ground to the top chart succeeded. Nothin On You and Airplanes were worldwide hits, his debut album The Adventures Of Bobby Ray climbed the charts in the US throne. The sequel to Strange Clouds was also successful. Along with its altered image that had shifted increasingly in the direction of gangster rap, it came to the collapse of success. With a placement beyond the Top20 Underground Luxury flopped mercilessly in the US.

In his music BOB is torn between extremes of various kinds:

Pursuit of money, wealth and splendor vs. Rejection of materialism
Glorification of marijuana consumption vs. Combating addiction
Club Songs vs. soulful rap music

In a consideration of each track which is even clearer:

All I Want: Compared to the first songs of the two previous albums is "All I Want" a weak start. Neither has the drama of Bombs Away (found on its predecessor Strange Clouds), nor the permeability, the flow and the intelligence of Dont Let Me Fall from Bobby debut. At a leisurely pace is rapped on the pursuit and desire for status symbols and especially money. That may all sound banal, but nevertheless is a good song. For many of the chorus seems to be a weak point, but I think he succeeded. 3.5 / 5

One Day: Thematically includes BOB almost 1: 1 to the previous track. From the perspective of his childhood he describes former dreams of a better (personal) future, here focuses not more fully on the material. In the musical design especially the piano stands out, that takes the central role. The singing of the chorus in concert with the rapped verses make this song become a first highlight of the album. 4.5 / 5
Paper Route: At this point there is a break in the first album. The music is now influenced electronically at once, while BOB Drops his Lines on political suspicion, conspiracy etc.. This 3.5-minute pace tightening Bobby Ray's versatility for the first time will be indicated. 4.5 / 5

Ready: In my eyes, the low point of the album and contributed as 2nd decoupled Single probably significantly to commercial failure in. Future and BOB harmonize poorly and demonstrated thickness Trousers posturing is the latter not to shame. 1.5 / 5

Throwback: The fact that the combination of Chris Brown / BOB already significantly better fits together, already showed in the past. Along the rather quiet arena, a highlight on Strange Clouds, and the knotless Club # Get Down emerged. Throwback comes with its explicit lyrics again towards hip-hop club, the level of earlier times, because of its weak Hook and getting used to singing in the background but not hold. 2/5

Back Me Up: An inconspicuous title in the middle of the album. Not very bad, but certainly no revelation. Again Bobby tried to make a prophesy that he was the greatest. This song whose beat somewhat reminiscent of Wiz Khalifa On My Level, can not. 2.5 / 5

Coastline: improvement in sight. BOB sings (!) Almost the entire game, shows, in contrast to most other songs surprising self-critical and is lyrically again demanding. Ignites the track might not be the first time through, so it evolves over time into a real earworm. 2. Highlight! 5/5

Wide Open: Immediately following the extreme counter-program to Coastline. BOB indulge one of his favorite pastimes - because the title does not have to be more well said. Ester Dean's voice is unusual, 2:34 min also relatively short, but despite everything, does the song that could have come in this form by Tyga. 3.5 / 5

FlyMuthaF *****: And then comes the next change of direction. Bobby deals with the fact that its image has deteriorated and his popularity has declined in recent years. The song is less raplastig, the chorus for my taste a bit too repetitive, but the guitar sounds very nice used. 4 /

Headband: 1. single release, more than 1 million units sold, and rightly so. Unmistakably a DJ Mustard production (Tyga - Rack City T-Pain Up Down). The repetitive melody is simple, but hugely memorable. 2Chainz does a good job, as BOB. Mag of content no matter how stupid: Best Club single from the album, and would have also earned higher chart positions. 4.5 / 5

John Doe: this would have been published in the same way under the name Eminem & Rihanna, would have certainly had global top rankings and awards to follow. Priscilla's incredible vocal performance and BOBs soulful Raps excess and addiction to create the next big highlight. A title that exceeds even Airplanes. Unique 5/5

Cranberry Moonwalk: Speaking of addiction with Cranberry Moonwalk it is psychedelic, which makes the irritating melody alone significantly. Together with Mike Freshs singing is from a number that somewhat indecisive leaving me personally. Mediocre. 3/5

Nobody Told Me: The final sprint begins and how! BOB at his best. Excellent vocals, a catchy melody and casual rape (turning away from materialism) create a song, as it really only Bobby Ray presented. Possibly the career highlight. Here helps only one thing: listen own! 5/5

Forever Together with his regular feature Playboy Tre creates a song that is again raplastiger but not memories. Purer average! 3/5

We Still In This B ****: Juicy J and TI are Bobby's partner in the final track, which was part of the previous Mixtapes F *** em We Ball. A typical club number, which is fun and a worthy finale sets. 4/5

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Rounded thus resulting an average of 4 points.

Versatility BOB is hard to beat and plays in each category in the top league. Whether one interprets it its ambiguous position as a weakness, everyone must decide for themselves. So it is a pity that in my eyes is the poor marketing of the main reason for its popularity descending.
Although indeed minimally weaker than the previous albums has Underground Luxury enough except songs, justify a purchase!