Review Summary: If Empire was a real record label and entertainment enterprise, this would be the Lyon legacy album the family talked about.
Empire is already done for the season?!? That is just unfortunate, because this show has been on fire since the pilot premiered to tens of millions in early January. This first season went by faster than Terrance Howard's character 'Lucious Lyon' declining in health from ALS. Relatively unknown actors arose from the fictional universe and now are making their case at becoming actual stars in the music industry - this show is one season in and already has made its big footprint in the industry, both in TV and in music. The first true release of an album from Empire is finally here, and it sure does reinforce these claims.
As having been the case during the course of the season, this album is produced by none other than multi-platinum producer Timbaland. His simplistic, yet appealing instrumentals that he's dropped have been for the most part successful - delivering good vibes all around. They lean both on the old-school side and into the modern age, but the music here - which diversified with R&B and some contemporary pop, definitely has this feel where you can recognize its 'Empire-stamped'. It is reinforced with tracks like the boom bap-oriented "Keep It Movin'" - where it is pulling in this dark, tense atmosphere. It also has this atmospheric backdrop in which you can say, "this is being targeted for the mainstream audience". While it'll probably not see a hit until next season, the record is definitely a warm-up before that awaited hit arrives.
The first half is comprised of tracks that have been already released during the course of the season, whether it'd be the banger of an unofficial 'theme' song in "No Apologies" or breakout actor Jussie Smollett's modern take on Lucious Lyon's first big hit "You're So Beautiful". Relatively unknown actors Byshere Gray (aka real-life rapper Yazz) and Jussie Smollett have made their mark during this season with their music, and it is no exception here. While being a re-release in the first half, it is still one loaded with a bunch of awesome tracks.
The second half of the album is entirely comprised with brand-new tracks, adding to it more appearances by actual artists in the hip-hop/R&B industry. Estelle collaborates with Jussie in the empowerment anthem "Conquerer", and Rita Ora teams up with Juicy J in the New York-salute track "NY Raining". They fare out quite nicely, with Estelle bringing her always-fabulous, soul-infused vocals to the table to match the strong Usher-influenced croon of Jussie - and the inviting vocals from Rita Ora to fit with the raps of Juicy J. Mary J. Blige even appears on the record, collaborating with Howard for the piano-led "Shake Down" - one of the more compelling collaborations on the record.
What you get in the soundtrack of Season One for Empire is one that is bombarded with grandiose, tension, and soul. This record definitely is directed towards the mainstream, while it is also targeting the contingent of those who aren't into explicit hip-hop. Sure, some of the themes in the songs aren't appropriate - but it does its best to not flaunt it. Jussie and Yazz are undoubtedly the two surprises here, their raps/vocals are on-point and display strong chemistry between the two. This is a record that touches on the riches which is acquired from fame in the entertainment business, but also on the importance of family and trust - that will appeal best to fans of the show as well as hip-hop hungry fans too. Now, the immense anticipation for next season awaits - and with that the wait for more of the good music from this show.
