Damien Morris 

Wretch 32: FR32 review – sluggish and solemn

(Polydor)
  
  

wretch 32 sitting down and showing off a ring on his little finger
Too comfortable… Wretch 32. Photograph: PR Company Handout

Wretch has always been one of our most thoughtful, emotional MCs, but his fourth major label album is too comfortable in its introspection. Where Stormzy’s Gang Signs & Prayer carefully balanced bangers and ballads, this is sluggish and solemn. Whitney-sampling Tell Me is clever, subtle, infuriatingly dull. Lyrically, His & Hers (Perspectives) offers an ambitious pair of dramatic monologues, with Wretch purveying both perspectives on an unspooling relationship; musically, it’s as enjoyable as sitting between the warring couple on a plane. If only more songs were like Whistle, a joyous collision of Giggs/Kanye references with playful electronic funk that perfectly fits Wretch’s malleable, full-throated flow.

Watch the video for Whistle by Wretch 32 ft Donae’o and Kojo Funds.
 

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