In 2009 the duo known as LMFAO brought us their debut album, Party Rock. Finding success with hits like Shots and I’m In Miami Bitch, the album reached #33 on the U.S. Billboard Top 200 and turned the relatively unknown team of DJs into an overnight phenomenon.
Targeting the teens and youth of our generation, LMFAO instantly became a must play at parties, clubs and any other event which may or may not include drunken debauchery. In mid 2010, the group hopped onto David Guetta‘s Gettin Over You remix, another smash hit which only further propelled them into stardom and solidified them as essential party/dance music. It was shortly after that they went to work on their next album, Sorry For Party Rocking, which comes out today.
The 14 track, second studio album from LMFAO has landed and after giving it a handful of listens, I can confidently say that Redfoo (Stefan Kendal Gordy) and SkyBlu (Skyler Husten Gordy), the team that make up LMFAO, have absolutely nothing to be sorry for.
Despite the album’s title, it seems that all that this larger than life duo are doing here is exactly what they’re supposed to be apologizing for, party rocking. And not only do they party rock, but they do it damn well. The group is anything but apologetic as they take party rocking to a whole new level, providing for an album that’s a fun, enjoyable and energetic listen.
That same high level energy/enthusiasm that we found in Party Rock returns with Sorry For Party Rocking and Redfoo and SkyBlu are able to crank things up to 11, keeping the momentum going for the album’s entire run time. With infectious hooks, catchy beats and perfect party songs, this one will likely stay on repeat in your iTunes for a while.
The boys bring their usual sense of humor and wit to almost all of the tracks, providing for lyrics that are very often funny. They set an example with the opening track Rock the Beat II and carry the humor on all the way throughout the album. Their lyrics are borderline ridiculous and a bit too literal but that doesn’t mean they won’t have you cracking up.
Instead of deep and thoughtful messages, we get advice on how to handle whiskey dick and stories about one night stands. Does it really matter though? Not really. The group has never been that strong lyrically and plus, people don’t listen to LMFAO in hopes of being inspired by well written rhymes. They listen to it so they dance, party and just have a good time.
The far too literal lyrics appeal to LMFAO‘s target market and even in some cases, resonate with them. If you’re currently in university, you definitely feel these lyrics more than say your mom or dad would. There is a massive disconnect between generations these days. Parents just don’t understand their kids. Luckily, LMFAO does and they know what we like and what we want to hear. The group’s immense popularity on the club scene and at parties just further proves this.
Of course, the highlight here is the album’s first single, Party Rock Anthem. Finding massive success on the charts, this song is truly the anthem for all those who like to party rock. It’s a song that channels the best of the Black Eyed Peas and is essentially, just a massive dance track. The catchy vocal hook and the re-introduction of shuffling makes this one an instant club classic. It’s as perfect as party songs get and is far and away the album’s best track.
Admittedly, my other favorite song was the second single, Champagne Showers. The unstoppable and well produced dance track is infectious and like Party Rock Anthem, near perfect in terms of party music. Natalia Kills is featured on the song and comes in with her auto-tuned screeching on the absolutely ridiculously energetic chorus. It’s one of the best dance songs I’ve heard in a while and a bonafide hit for the boys.
Most of the tracks have a noticeable Black Eyed Peas feel to them and for obvious reason. will.i.am once again serves as executive producer and also hops on one of the tracks, Best Night. As expected, it’s a clubbing song completely engineered for dance. Again, we get heavy autotune and some strong production. It’s another winner for the boys and one that will surely please the fans.
will.i.am isn’t the only worthy feature here though. Reminds Me Of You features Calvin Harris and despite feeling a bit repetitive, it’s an overall solid track. We also get All Night Long, which features Lisa and is another strong effort for the duo. It’s not as hype or energetic as some of the other songs but it’s a welcome change of pace, a breather of sorts from the usual high energy, off the wall, crazy tracks that we get on the album.
Many are probably wondering if the boys have grown up lyrically or musically? The answer is, no, not at all. This album sounds very similar to Party Rock, not showing much in the way of progress or evolution. But honestly, that’s ok, this is what LMFAO does best. These guys have made a career out of partying, so why fix something if it’s not broken? Their music isn’t deep or thoughtful, but no one ever said it was. It’s pure party music and on that level, it more than succeeds.
That being said, a couple tracks sound pretty awful. Take It To The Hole is obnoxious and that siren sound in the background is horrendous. The whole song just sounds lazy and is almost unlistenable. Busta Rhymes finally shows up after two and a half minutes to drop a few bars but not even his fluid flow can save this one.
The songs Hot Dog and Sexy And I Know It are similar. They’re musically boring, a bit too obnoxious and contain lyrics that are far stupider than usual. As much as I tried, I just couldn’t get into these songs and will probably be the only tracks on the album that I don’t revisit.
Aside from the aforementioned songs, Sorry For Party Rocking is a parade of catchy and appealing tunes. It’s engineered with party/dance in mind and will undoubtedly find success in clubs and amongst teenagers. Mixing electronica and hip hop, LMFAO gives us an album that was born to be played on the dance floor. From start to finish it will have you on your feet and there are very few low points here.
As much as I enjoyed this album, I can likely find a whole handful of people who think it’s garbage. The group would include 50 year old parents, 40 year old critics, 70 year old grandparents etc. My point is, this music isn’t for everyone and to be frank, it’s going to be damn hard to appreciate it unless you represent the youth in society. And not just the youth, but a particular group within the youth of our society.
I’m talking about the group that goes out clubbing consistently. The group that spends their weekends partying. The group that knows what the terms ‘Mickey’ ‘2-6’ and ‘Crunked’ mean. The group in society that, as Asher Roth would say, “passes out at 3, wakes up at 10, goes out to eat and then does it again.” If you can’t relate to that then this album isn’t for you.
Really, Redfoo says it best. Speaking on album, the DJ said, “Sorry for party rocking is a party person’s excuse for having fun. It’s the excuse you give when someone complains. Let’s say your parents say ‘stop shuffling upstairs you’re waking me up, you can now just say ‘Sorry for party rocking, Mom. Sorry for having fun.”
If you don’t like this album or you think it’s stupid or ridiculous or not real music then you just don’t get it. I’m sorry, I’m not trying to sound pretentious but it’s the truth. You simply just don’t get it. And it’s not necessarily your fault. You may just be a product of your environment or generation. But either way, this music isn’t for you.
I’m sick and tired of critics bashing LMFAO. If you don’t see the brilliance of a song like Party Rock Anthem and don’t understand why it’s so popular then you’re not the right person to be reviewing or listening to this album.
LMFAO, you can say sorry all you want but this writer in particular will not accept your apology. You should never have to apologize for anything, especially not party rocking!