Asher Roth’s Discussion Section Is Full Of Opinionated People

noah | April 20, 2009 9:06 am

Our look at the closing lines of the week’s biggest new-music reviews continues with a roundup of reactions to Asleep In The Bread Aisle, the debut album by the undergrad-loving MC Asher Roth. It comes out today. Because it’s 4/20. (Eh oh el, right?)

• “And though he makes good use of street-accredited guests like Cee-Lo (the soul-slicked ‘Be by Myself’) and Jazze Pha (syncopated goof ‘Bad Day’), Roth never floats sham tales of suburban hardship here. Instead, he just wants to have a good time—and for the most part, he provides one as well.” [Leah Greenblatt, EW]

• “Roth’s skill clearly lies as a storyteller rather than a vérité rapper, something he doesn’t seem to have realised yet. When he does, he might well be a force to be reckoned with beyond the confines of the fresher’s bop.” [Alexis Petridis, The Guardian]

• “Lacking the lyrical gymnastics and personality of his mix tapes and freestyles, Roth’s debut boasts a laziness that borders on contempt. Unburdened by Kanye’s melancholia or Eminem’s vertiginousness, Roth is perfectly likable, and perfectly bland.” [J. Gabriel Boylan, Spin]

Tags: