Click here to listen to the full album preview of “Back of My Lac” on AOL

J. Holiday gets the album started off with the title track “Back of My Lac”. The thing I like about this song is that it gives you a great idea about what kind of person J. is and what he has been through…so it puts his music in a greater perspective. Even though this isn’t a song I would listen to everytime I put his cd on, it’s a great way to introduce people to his music.

The title “Thug Commandments” sounds bad from jump but it’s not all bad. He actually delivers a few pearls of wisdom throughout the song as well as some ignant comments. Overall the song is harmless.

“Bed” is already a big hit, so I’m sure you have already heard the song. J. has a great voice so he pulls off the song on every level…vocally and emotionally. It goes without saying…this one is a winner. 

On “Betcha Never Had” J. tells this chick that he is willing to put it down on her sexually, but he is not willing to be tied down in a relationship. Typical. Moving right along…

“Laa Laa” rips off Kanye’s signature soulful sped up sample in a far less proficient way. On the song he sings about reuniting with a past love and making it work this time around. I like the lyrics and this song is kinda cool.

On “Come Here” J. Holiday approaches a chick and sexually propositions her. The beat is hot and J’s voice has a nice sultriness to it. Since the version I’m listening to is edited, I’m going to give him the benefit of the doubt that he isn’t being as vulgar as the blocked out words make it sound.

“Be With Me” was in my top 5 favorite songs last year, so I’m always going to love it. I like how he just sounds like a nice guy approaching a nice woman in a respectful and sincere way. I don’t understand why people feel like music has to be about sex in order to be interesting. I’m sure more men would get further by approaching a woman in the style of this song rather than “Come Here”. Anyway…this song does everything right…a total winner.

“Suffocate” is about how much J. wants to be with his lover when she’s away from him. He does a good job of conveying the sense of urgency and emotion in his lyrics and vocal delivery. This song is pretty cool.

“Fatal” continues the sentimental vibe with J. singing about how much he misses the relationship he had with his former love. This song is so sweet and I love the sincerity and longing he expresses in the song. This song will be a big hit with the ladies.

“Without You” is another hot track. Again he pleads with his lady to take him back and give him another chance. This is a much more upbeat and lively track though so it doesn’t come across totally redundant from the preceding tracks. The breakdown towards the end is the hottest part…another winner with this one.

“Pimp In Me” is about J. throwing in his player card for a special woman. Awww this song is so sweet! I like how this album shows growth from being a “thug” (which is a strong word), to a raunchy player type… and finally to a gentleman who wants to settle down. This is the kind of song that the ladies will love but isn’t too corny for the guys to like as well. I know there are a few guys out there that feel the way J does in the song…you can admit it! lol

On “Thank You” J. decides to show his gratitude for his lover in the bedroom. He manages to be sexy without being sleazy. I like, I like.

“Fallin” closes out the album on a bluesy tip. I’m kind of surprised he decided to end on this note, considering that he already addressed this sentiment on three songs already. Still…this is a pretty nice song. I don’t think it’s the strongest closer, but musically I’m feeling the blues vibe.

Overall, this album is pretty good. It tells a good story from beginning to the end that makes it interesting to listen to. There’s no denying that J. has talent and he picked a nice selection of lyrical content and production to showcase his talent. This album should appeal to both the ladies and the fellas. It doesn’t give you too much of any one thing, so there’s something for everyone. I suggest that you take advantage of the full album preview offered on AOL and check the album out first to decide if it’s something you want to pick up. If you liked J’s first two singles, then there’s a good chance that you will like his album as well.

What do you guys think of the album? Did he find the right balance between being street and appealing to the ladies? What were the best and weakest parts of the album? What area does J. need to improve in his next project?

Posted by Reecie