Logic, Supermarket (Soundtrack) | Album Review 💿

Logic shocks the world by releasing a pop/rock-infused LP, Supermarket, which serves as the soundtrack to his debut novel.  The results are suspect AF.

Many times, when musicians go beyond their primary genre, the results can be sketchy. Honestly, ‘sketchy’ might be a kind characterization because in some cases, the results are just flat out bad. For Supermarket (Soundtrack), the musical companion to Supermarket, the debut novel of Logic, he steps away from the hip-hop we’ve associated with him and dives into pop/rock.  That’s a mistake more often than not, keeping it 100.  Yes, Logic does rap at times on Supermarket (Soundtrack) but (1) he doesn’t rap often enough and (2) it’s not up to the same standard as the rapping on his best work.  And to think, I thought I might have a bone to pick with Anthony Fantano (theneedledrop) regarding his ‘not good’ review of this project.

“Bohemian Trapsody”

Honestly, from the start of Supermarket (Soundtrack) with “Bohemian Trapsody,” it’s clear that this is a different side of Logic.  The exhaustive seven-minute cut is primarily sung (sketch) and idiomatic of an acquired brand of pop/rock (also sketch).  While towards the end of this uncharacteristic joint reveals some familiar cues from the rapper, otherwise it’s an acquired taste in its own right. “Can I Kick It” follows, enlisting the smooth vocals of Juto on the chorus.  In regard to a characteristic sound, “Can I Kick It” is more fitting for Logic, as he raps, well… temporarily. Compared to the opener, this could possibly be found on one of his previous studio albums, even if it’s a ‘deeper’ cut per se.

“Time Machine” returns to a pop/rock sound, finding Logic embracing balladry initially.  Give the musician credit for his perceived (or attempted) sincerity, despite the sketchiness of the end product’s quality.  The problem is, “Time Machine” sounds anachronistic – old-school pop/rock we wouldn’t be hurt in the least to leave behind – and vocally, it’s not great. The ride continues on “Pretty Young Girl,” with suspect vocals, questionable melodic choices, and totally lightweight lyrics.  At least the sound of the backing instrumental isn’t too shabby.  Again, we get a little hip-hop thrown in, but, it’s DEFINITELY NOT ENOUGH.  Ugh.

“Supermarket” 

The energy of “Supermarket,” specifically on the chorus, is a selling point.  The harmonic progression is another win for Logic, and honestly, he should take the “W’s” where he can on Supermarket.  Again, the style is an ill fit, much like it was for Lil Wayne on Rebirth back in 2009 – that was a train wreck. ✓ “Baby” at least benefits from familiarity (lifting off of Biz Markie, “Just a Friend”) and some charm.  It is one of the better, more memorable songs from the soundtrack, and another possible number that could’ve made its way to one of his rap albums.  If a potential hit were to arrive from Supermarket, it’s likely “Baby,” one of the few songs I could say I’d potentially spin again.  It’s definitely the chorus:

“Oh baby, you, you got what I need
She says she only wants a friend
Says she only needs a friend.”

For whatever reason, it sounds as if Logic is channeling his inner Anthony Kiedis on “By the Bridge.” Of course, it goes without saying that Kiedis is a much better, more dynamic vocalist.  “By the Bridge” has a dark vibe, thanks in part to being set in a minor key, yet it’s chill at the same time. Something that could’ve elevated this record more would’ve been a bit more grit from Logic, and more contrast within the song itself. “Best Friend” follows, embracing more of a folk-rock sound with hyper-rhythmic guitars and an overall reflective performance.  Despite going out of his box, even within the context of an ‘out of the box’ album, “Best Friend” is one of the more forgettable moments.  It doesn’t help that even at four minutes, it’s entirely too long.

“Lemon Drop”

“I’m sexy, I’m gifted / I’m too high to get lifted / You’re racist, you’re evil / You’re a danger to my people.” Hmm… Speaking of uncharacteristic, ✓ “Lemon Drop” has that characterization on lockdown.  The pros include the hella funky backdrop, Logic actually rapping, and an infectious vibe.  Following one of the bottom dwellers of Supermarket in “Best Friend,” the brief “Lemon Drop” gives the album some hope, even if it’s temporary.  Following “Lemon Drop,” the next pair of songs, the R&B-infused love song “I’m Probably Gonna Rock Your World” and the Mac DeMarco co-pen “Vacation from Myself” also keep things brief.  Both songs evoke a certain vibe, with “Vacation from Myself” sounding like a record DeMarco could’ve killed on one his own ‘jizz jazz’ LPs.

Closing cuts “DeLorean” and “I Love You Forever” race past the four-minute mark… that’s not really a good thing. The relaxed “DeLorean” is named after the defunct car, famously featured in the Back to the Future trilogy.  While the vibe is a strong suit, the record itself, like many from Supermarket, could use better development, including more contrast. “I Love You Forever” is suffers from overindulgence – Logic is way too deep in his feelings.

Final Thoughts

Give Logic credit for attempting a pop/rock record with Supermarket (Soundtrack).  Unfortunately, the attempt is as much credit as I can give the Grammy-nominated rapper, ugh.  The album just doesn’t work at all. Yes, it’s patterned after his novel, but as a standalone listen aside from it, it falls short in just about every way possible.  Furthermore, as stated previously, Logic just doesn’t make a truly compelling singer.  Yes, he can pull off the pop-rap thing, as many rappers can, but relying mostly on his singing voice is pushing it when it’s totally not necessary with the flow he possesses.  After buying Supermarket being a fan of the rapper, I would like a refund, maybe save for “Baby” or “Lemon Drop”… MAYBE.

✓ Gems: “Baby,” “Lemon Drop”

Logic • Supermarket (Soundtrack) • Def Jam • Release: 3.29.19

Photo Credit: Def Jam