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Chris Brown returns with the ‘umpteenth’ teaser track from his double album ‘Heartbreak on a Full Moon’ (October 31), “Everybody Knows.”  

The bad boy is back – Chris Brown.  After a two-year hiatus, he returns with a double album, Heartbreak on a Full Moon.  Heartbreak on a Full Moon, which follows up Royalty (2015), arrives as a purposeful off-cycle release on Halloween (Tuesday, October 31).  Ahead of the album, he’s released a number of singles and teaser tracks, including “Everybody Knows.”

One of the pros of “Everybody Knows” is the fact that Chris Brown flaunts his distinct vocal tone – when he sings of course.  Regardless of personal opinions about Brown, he has a fantastic voice.  Another pro is the sleek production work, which is part urban contemporary and part hip-hop.  It’s not a game changing backdrop, but respectable.

There are some other observations about “Everybody Knows.” Brown doesn’t just sing, but he also raps/pop-raps. He’s successful enough in this regard, but in regards to his ‘rhymes,’ he doesn’t have much substance to offer.  He remains profane, cocky, and overconfident.  Perhaps this appeals to some, but honestly its cliché and utterly predictable at this point. 

Final Thoughts

All in all, “Everybody Knows” is okay – good enough, but not necessarily noteworthy.  Vocally, he continues to shine, while his profane rhymes are okay, but not earth shattering.  Essentially, “Everybody Knows” foreshadows what will likely be the plight of Heartbreak on a Full Moon – too much material, little inspiration, and nothing ‘brand new’ from the urban contemporary artist.

Chris Brown • Heartbreak on a Full Moon • RCA • Release: 10.31.17

Photo Credit: RCA