Akon's become an inescapable voice in hip hop and R&B. If you need a hook, he's the man to call. Well, he or T-Pain will always be game to sing your chorus. Most of the time, their presence will even ensure a hit. However, there's a difficulty in being a "hit" man. It's often hard to create a cohesive album that flows from start-to-finish, rather than sounding like four or five singles with some creamy filler in between. Making a "record" isn't easy, even when you're sitting on countless number one singles. That said, Akon succeeds at churning out a complete album with Freedom. There isn't necessarily one overarching theme or concept, but then again, there probably doesn't have to be either. At the end of the day, Akon's music is meant for the clubs, and he can still break 'em down better than anybody.

However, there are singles galore on Freedom. "Right Now (Na Na Na)" could light up the radio or the dance floor. Akon pines about a past love over a decidedly Euro club beat, and the chorus bounces like a beach ball above sunny synths. Konvict protégé Colby O'Donis pops up to share harmonies and verses with his label C.E.O. on "Beautiful," while another Konvict signing, Kardinal Offishall, spits a quick verse. Their voices lock in for pure pop ecstasy. "I'm So Paid" is the best track on the album. Lil Wayne and Young Jeezy drop some fascinating and fiery rhymes about being "paid," as Akon croons the melody.

"Holla Holla" with T-Pain also has the gusto to get the club going. The slower fare, "Freedom" and "Over the Edge" shows some diversity, but it deviates from the bouncy vibe a bit too much. That's what prevents the record from feeling even more cohesive. Nevertheless, Akon's made a statement with the album.

That statement? No matter what he does, it'll be hard to stop humming it.

—Rick Florino
12.08.08