It’s no coincidence that the state of R&B was in question during Party’s recent hiatus, and as more of his offspring appear, despite no new music since 2020’s Partymobile, his influence remains, and as more low quality attempts continued, it was only a matter of time until the real returned to restore order, with the highly anticipated fourth instalment to his now classic self-titled series.
The demand for new PartyNextDoor music was always there, and late 2023 waters were tested with singles Her Old Friends and Resentment appearing before the official album announcement/roll out. Whilst fans jumped at new PND, it was evident that a project was needed, and when it was announced that it was ‘P4’, anticipation rocketed.
Couple festival appearances served as a reminder of his position as one of the premier musicians, also highlighting his intent to be back outside, reinvigorating the classics and revelling in the prolepsis.
The final single before the album’s release was Real Woman, and while the more potent of the singles, an artist of Party’s magnitude could’ve easily just dropped this album with no promo and I believe it wouldn’t have been any less successful. Then there’s the artwork unveiling, provocative, it did what was required of it, though initially dubious of the choice, you trust the artist’s reasoning and ultimately it signified grown and sexy, a sure reflection of the music to follow.
After almost a minute of firework infused ambience, he croons, “Take off your clothes..”, the opening line sets the tone, aligns the artwork and the movie begins. Off rip it’s quirky quotables delivered in innovative harmonies. Track 2, a previously teased snippet, didn’t fail, with it’s unorthodox DMX sample, Lose My Mind adds to a strong start. Stuck In My Ways, whilst slowing tempo, offers that vulnerability missing from today’s music, the personal outro/interludes provide that personal touch, encompassed throughout the journey of the album. Track 4, Cheers, naturally adds to an organic playlist of party vibes, and maintains his distinct penmanship, “Tamia, Tamia, officially missing me..”, it’s those cultural nuances that can’t be replicated. Complete with the interlude of his girl getting on his case, which perfectly segues into Make It To The Morning, another track that shouldn’t be as catchy as it is, well crafted, another solid example of the male accountability wrapped in charm that’s scarce of late. Track 6, “Ever since I copped you all that ice, you got no chill..”, No Chill, and the previous single, Her Old Friends, both showcase different skillsets in style and cadence despite being similar tempos, which, in addition to The Retreat interlude, perfectly sets up the secret summer smash he’s had in the tuck, For Certain. That entire transition took me by surprise and that’s what you ultimately expect from a PND project. For Certain, the afrobeats sound with the right level of bass and hi-hats to deliver a blend of raw yet clean sound, it’s a progressive step from the man responsible for some of the biggest hits from your favourites, and really might not have fulfilled it’s potential with a combination of behind the scenes industry manoeuvrings and a particular rap feud that shifted momentum. But back to what matters, the music, and Party doubles down on his antics with Sorry, But I’m Back Outside, the aptly titled slow jam sonically leans to the grown side of things, with more lines you can expect to belt out like, “I shouldn’t even be outside, I got somebody inside waiting on me..”. Credit again to the sequencing of this project, with the overwhelming outro, that introduces another single, Real Woman. The song was quality when it first appeared, however it’s amplified within the album, though not the last song, it does feel like the climax of the album, with the necessary A Mother’s Prayer (Interlude), the more personal Family, and the single Resentment serving as the curtain closer of what is, another quality body of music, even beyond R&B, the roll out makes sense as it’s another masterpiece in the discography, now etched in history, once again raising the bar and reinstating his position as one of the leading artists today.
ONE Fáris 