PARTYNEXTDOOR, Not Nice | Track Review 🎵

With the infectious “Not Nice,” Drake protégé and OVO signee PARTYNEXTDOOR potentially has a breakthrough hit single. 

Drake protégé PARTYNEXTDOOR (PND for short) has yet to break through into the mainstream.  PND has released two albums, both titled after his name.  Unsurprisingly, keeping the trend alive, PND’s forthcoming album is also titled using his name.  With PARTYNEXTDOOR 3 arriving August 12, PND drops promo single “Not Nice” weeks ahead.

After reviewing PND’s previous two albums, the general sense personally is that the talented singer needs a hit.  While he has his moments in his discography, he lacks a defining one.  Whether “Not Nice” is that defining moment or not is yet to be determined, but there’s plenty to “heart” about the single.

Although it is set in a minor key, the palette of sounds is “glossy”; the synths are bright. Danceable, the production exceptionally fuses urban contemporary with a tropical, danceable beat.  The groove is infectious and undoubtedly will draw comparisons to his mentor’s work, namely hit single “One Dance,” not to mention “Controlla” as well. One more bit of

Vocally, PND delivers clear vocals. Always the focal point of “Not Nice,” PND never fights the production. Unsurprisingly, the best moment of the song comes during the chorus.  If catchiness was an issue for PND previously, it’s not on the infectious “Not Nice.” The chorus works superbly.

“Girl you’re not nice, you’re rude / want me to feel like I’m new / want me to watch you do you / Don’t, girl, you look so nice / but you’re not nice, you’re rude / look what you’re putting me through / I’d never do this to you.”

Final Thoughts: 

Ultimately, PND has a potential hit on his hands with “Not Nice.” Sure, everything would have to fall into place for the up-and-comer, but the potential and formula are firmly planted.  Well produced and solidly performed, “Not Nice” is better than expected.

PARTYNEXTDOOR • PARTYNEXTDOOR 3 (P3) • OVO Sound/ Warner Bros • Release: 8.12.16 

Photo Credit: OVO Sound/ Warner Bros