X
Chris Brown · 2014
60 min · 17 tracks · contemporary R&B
A slick blend of contemporary R&B and dance-pop infused with rhythmic Afrobeats and smooth hip-hop elements.
Top tracks — play these first
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X Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Loyal — This track stands as a signature hit from the album, featuring infectious hooks and a catchy chorus that highlights Brown's ability to blend R&B with hip-hop elements. Its widespread popularity helped reinvigorate his career during a challenging time.
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New Flame — Featuring guest artists Usher and Rick Ross, this track showcases a polished production style that blends smooth vocals with an upbeat rhythm, representing the album's exploration of love and relationships.
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Drown in It — This track captures an intimate vibe with its sultry lyrics and melody, illustrating Brown's versatility as an artist capable of creating both club hits and romantic ballads.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases a blend of styles but lacks strong cohesion and depth for lasting appeal.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate interludes that create brief pauses in the flow, affecting the overall pacing.
- The production includes layered vocal harmonies and rhythmic beats that blend R&B with Afrobeats influences.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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4/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo dance vibes
- intimate moments for late nights
- sing-along friendly choruses
- smooth transitions between tracks
- vibrant beats for social settings
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy intensity
- prefer standalone hit singles
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Re-established Chris Brown's commercial appeal post-controversies with hit singles.
- Themes
- club romance· legal battles aftermath· urban nightlife escape
- Career context
- Released on September 12, 2014, 'X' is Chris Brown's sixth studio album. Following a tumultuous period marked by legal issues and controversies, this album represents a significant step in his attempt to reclaim his public image and musical credibility. It arrived after the commercial success of his previous album, 'Fortune,' but also while he was navigating the challenges of his personal life.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Usher· Tinashe· Bruno Mars
Tracklist
- 1 X Start here 4:20
- 2 Add Me In 3:13
- 3 Loyal 4:24
- 4 New Flame 4:04
- 5 Songs on 12 Play 3:48
- 6 101 (interlude) 1:16
- 7 Drown in It 3:42
- 8 Came to Do 3:48
- 9 Stereotype 3:51
- 10 Time for Love 3:45
- 11 Lady in a Glass Dress (interlude) 1:17
- 12 Autumn Leaves 4:28
- 13 Do Better 3:48
- 14 See You Around 3:42
- 15 Don't Be Gone Too Long 3:21
- 16 Body Shots 3:42
- 17 Drunk Texting 3:47
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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