Chris Brown returns with yet another predictable new single, “Party,” assisted by colleague Usher and prolific rapper Gucci Mane. 

Chris Brown has put himself into a box artistically.  Anymore, Brown’s songs bear a familiar, shallow sound, with little to differentiate between them.  On his latest endeavor, he’s joined by Gucci Mane and Usher.  Essentially, “Party” leaves nothing to the imagination – “it is what it is.”

From the jump, “Party” embodies the clubby, modern contemporary R&B sound, for better or worse.  The record features slick, minimal production work with the synths, drum programming. To reiterate as aforementioned, this is a predictable script for Chris Brown.  In recent times, he’s recorded this record over and over again.

Vocally, while Brown still possesses one of music’s most distinct voices, “Party” sells it short.  The chorus is repetitive and simplistic, therefore lacking depth.  Usher enters upon the second verse.  While he is drenched in his own significant amount of swag, it would be great to hear his fantastic voice used to its full potential.  The person most in their element on “Party” is Gucci Mane, who is true to himself on the third verse.

Final Thoughts 

Ultimately, “Party” follows a predictable script from Chris Brown – shallow to the nth degree.  As a record, it’s enjoyable, but cliché.  Both Brown and Usher are more talented than this record. It’s dessert, but ultimately, it’s not healthy or the least bit nutritious.

Chris Brown • Party – single • RCA • Release: 12.16.16

Photo Credit: RCA