PARTYNEXTDOOR Suffers From Predictability On ‘PND 3’

PARTYNEXTDOOR returns with highly anticipated sophomore album, ‘PARTYNEXTDOOR 3’. The production is slick, the tempos slow, and the subject matter limited.

Two years after releasing proper debut album PARTYNEXTDOOR TWO, Canadian alternative R&B artist PARTYNEXTDOOR returns with – wait for it – PARTYNEXTDOOR 3 (P3).  Signed to Drake’s OVO Sound, unsurprisingly, the influence of the urban artist is all over PARTYNEXTDOOR.  PARTYNEXTDOOR 3 (P3) has some respectable moments, but too often, it’s reliant on sex, drugs, and lethargic tempo to ‘fuel the fire’.

PARTYNEXTDOOR 3 (P3)

“High Hopes”

“I’m just checkin’ on you.” “High Hopes” is an ‘ambitious’ start to P3.  The “high hopes” that PARTYNEXTDOOR have don’t transcend beyond his sexual appetite.  “You’re always mine and your man knows, oh,” he states to the ex that he wishes to reconnect with physically.  “High Hopes” lasts more than seven minutes in duration, but it has a hypnotic quality that’s appealing, despite the ludicrousness of the song itself.

“Don’t Run” continues on slickly and slow – typical lethargic tempo associated with alternative R&B.  The premise is simple – drugs and sex. Sure, at one point PND sings “Sit down, have dinner with the folks with you,” but he also sings, “Your mother just called my phone up / sounds like your party is over.”

“Not Nice”

“Nobody” continues on the trek of familiar topics and dragging tempo, while “Not Nice” infuses a spark about P3.  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 (Drake) work. Interestingly, the brief “Only U” incorporates tropical musical cues as well, if less effectively than “Not Nice.”

‘Profundity’ proceeds on “Don’t Know How,” where PND informs his boo, “Girl you best know how to f*ck baby.” A return to form, the tempo grinds with few BPM. The near-predictable two-part song arrives, “Problems & Selfless.” The production of “Problems” is a selling point, sounding lush and ‘high’ (as in drugs). Ultimately, “Problems” finds PND with the problem that “two beautiful women arguing over me.” On “Selfless,” he asks:

 “Can I ask you crazy girls a question? / Why so selfish when n*ggas only good to you.”

“Spiteful”

On “Temptations,” PND admits, “I’m still up to something criminal / stealing your peace of mind.” In other words, he knows how to make her have sex with him. Next on “Spiteful,”he advises his exes,

“Don’t get caught up with that n*gga / don’t hate on my new b*tches / cause you got a n*gga.”

As spiteful as PND’s exes might be, the listener will be more spiteful considering the excessive length of the track.

The six-eight groove of “Joy” is a welcome change of pace, infusing some much-needed soul into P3. Substance remains limited as do lyrics, but it’s an enjoyable record. Simplicity continues to dominate “You’ve Been Missed.” Apparently, “It’s so lonely in the six right now.” He wants her badly because he’s lonely.  That’s about the size of it.

“Transparency,” “Brown Skin” & “Come and See Me”  

On “Transparency,” PND doesn’t want to be judged for his demons.  While his demand for transparency is slightly far-fetched considering his issues, it’s not illogical. In a relationship, there is a desire and requirement for each member to have one another’s back.  Still, hard to get onboard with a relationship where “the drugs are loud.”

“Brown Skin” is among the most intriguing songs from P3.  The production sets it apart.  Even so, PND’s distinct vocals also shape this quirky standout.  The initial thudding beat of “1942” is haunting. The sentiment continues as the slow jam gains stability. It’s not as stark a contrast as “Brown Skin,” but is a lift compared to many other songs from P3.

Expectedly, penultimate cut and single “Come and See Me” is a surefire hit, featuring PND’s mentor Drake.  Produced by Noah “40” Shebib, it’s all autopilot from the jump.  PARTYNEXTDOOR 3 (P3) closes with “Nothing Easy to Please.”

Final Thoughts

All in all, PARTYNEXTDOOR 3 (P3) has its moments but is by no means the second coming.  The problem is that PARTYNEXTDOOR limits himself – he’s pigeonholed himself artistically.  The common themes of this album are sex and drugs, with little else to “beef things up.” Some of it works, but the rest is mediocre at best.

Gems: “High Hopes,” “Not Nice,” “Brown Skin,” and “Come and See Me”    

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

Photo Credit: OVO Sound / Warner Bros.