The songwriting makes it clear that this was meant to be a fun, bouncy play on relationship goals and quirks, but it really does it with no direction or message within the framing of the album itself. “Foldin Clothes” is a weird addition to the album. A track with solid bass and humble high hats make the rhymes stand out and have more presence, which sadly segways into a weak point in the album. The verse “Black in white man territory” sums up the gist of the song pretty well. Cole sees the prejudices that exist when moving away and immersing himself in the college crowd. “Neighbors” deals with social change and perspective. Evolving and learning from what’s around and behind us is a straightforward point to drive home, but Cole raps his way to understanding and reflection. Cole finds the flaws within cautious action over self-improvement. Next we have “Change,” an upbeat venture into optimism where J. The piano, the strings, and his low-key delivery really bring the tune down to earth. It delivers an intimate run-through of his train of thought when falling in love for the first time. Then we arrive at the gorgeous highs of the album. It feels like two songs in three minutes. The send off in the following track “Ville Mentality,” even with good production and pretty Jazz instrumentation accompaniment, doesn’t really drive the point of the song home of being surrounded by shallow relationships and just pushing people and problems away. Swooning over a girl at the club and weighing all your options isn’t really breaking new ground. Uninspired verses at the start of “Deja Vu” really leave a weird taste on the track. It’s powerful imagery and writing that I wish carried over to the next tracks. He starts with painting a grim picture in the trap flavored “Immortal,” talking about growing up, his culture, and death being all around him.

But after listening through the tracklist again and again, it just feels inconsistent.Ĭole touches on a handful of subjects within the album. Cole has as a rapper and lyricist, but I find myself both loving and loathing the new record – “ 4 Your Eyez Only.”Ī record with soaring highs and confusing lows is nothing new.

Listen to 4 your eyes only j cole