NF‘s newest album dropped and it’s lit guys.
I’ve listened to his other three albums countless times, even writing a review for them here, and I’m happy to say The Search didn’t disappoint.
I heard the first track in the car with my family and I may or may not have yelled, “I ALREADY LOVE IT!” before it had even really started. But even considering my pre-existing love for NF’s music, and my overly-exuberant first impression of it, I really do love it.
[Video via YouTube]
The Search Review
The Search, like NF’s previous albums, is full of raw emotions. There’s no other way I can think to describe it. He processes everything through his music, in the most real, and vulnerable way, as if he put actual literal pieces of himself into each and every song.
Themes
He tackles some of life’s most uncomfortable feelings in a sincere and relatable way; from anger to loneliness— to even sharing his personal inner-battles with his mental health, including OCD and depression. The way he described his mental health struggle hit home for me in a way I didn’t even see coming, and I know that I’m not the only one who felt this.
In sharing his vulnerabilities he invites listeners to not only look at their own vulnerabilities but to feel that maybe it’s safe to share them. I scrolled through comments on some of his new music videos and saw so many people saying the same thing in one way or another: you made me see I’m not alone. Vulnerability breeds vulnerability and I feel like NF does exactly this with his music.
Lyrics
As always NF manages to write lyrics that you want to hear over and over, and if you’re as obsessed as I am, then even read them over too. I always read/hear something new.
I say this a lot but: rappers are poets too. NF is no exception. His word choices are careful and meaningful every single time.
One thing that leaves many people dumbfounded is that he can rap such hard-core themes, feelings, and ideas without saying any “bad words”. While my personal opinion is that sometimes swearing can be physically, emotionally, and mentally relieving, I appreciate NF’s clean lyrics so, so, so much. I think that’s a small thing that really shows off his lyrical talent.
Sound
Steady, chill, and aggressive all at once, I found myself particularly delighted with the extra little sounds in every track. A music box tune in one, something that sounds like windchimes in another— they’re little details that I really enjoyed.
I like the sound of elegant-sounding instruments in rap music, like the violin and piano. It’s such a beautiful contrast to the more hard-core sounds of the rap.
Favorite Tracks
There are 20 tracks on the album and it’s almost painful to choose just one favorite track, but I can choose three. The Search, When I Grow Up, and Time.
Conclusion
I can’t recommend this album enough and you can go give it a listen or buy it by going here.
What did you think of this album? Tell me your favorite tracks in the comments!
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