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Since acquiring turntable mastermind RJD2’s newest album, The Colossus, last week, I’ve been trying to decide what I even really think about it. All things considered, it’s a decent album… but it isn’t really what I wanted from him. Naturally, the instrumental tracks are by far the strongest. And while RJ has mixed in more live instrumentation, and even did his own drumming on some songs, the album occasionally sounds less experimental than his earlier material, with some songs that resemble adult-alternative way too much to be cool.

RJD2 - photo via last.fm

RJ would do well to play his strengths here — proof of which comes in the second half of the album, which is a good deal more exciting than the first due to a greater number of layered sampling compositions. Unfortunately, it seems like he wishes he was a singer-songwriter, when the reality is, he’s already a really great DJ and producer. Granted, as an artist and proprietor of his own record label he has carte blanche to experiment with weak lyrics and lite R&B. Nonetheless, nothing on The Colossus quite measures up to the intensity and drive of songs like “The Horror” from his debut, regardless of genre.

While his new album is an enjoyable listening experience, it too easily fades into the background. That’s fine if you’re listening to music while working on something that demands your attention, but what about when you want some music that demands your attention? Well… maybe pick a track off Deadringer instead.

So, on that note, I thought I’d share one of the stronger tracks from The Colossus alongside a couple of steamy cuts from the days of yore — a freshly served three-course weekend warm-up. And as for RJD2’s third album, The Third Hand, well, how about we never speak of that again… just like the time my dad found drug paraphernalia in my dorm room.

The Colossus:

Since We Last Spoke:

Deadringer:

Sorry dude. Uh… remember to buy those songs on iTunes after you download them for free here, otherwise it’s illegal!