Review Summary: Deuce returns and begins his journey into the music scene by introducing his debut album, "Nine Lives".
Coming back after being expelled by his band, former
Hollywood Undead singer and songwriter, Deuce, has come back as a solo artist signing with Eleven Seven Music and releasing his debut album, "Nine Lives". When in Hollywood Undead he was extremely well known as the band’s chorus and bridge singer. Now he continues to emulate the style of HU’s first album, Swan Songs.
Nine Lives could be seen as “Swan Songs: Volume 2” if really looking into the essence of it. Deuce brings back the serious, perverse, and party styled music. Whether it be his hit second single, ''America'', or his original song that was written before leaving HU and perfected for the album, "The One", he brings a certain style many can enjoy or dislike. Some songs could be illustrated as very slow and droll such as songs such as "Gravestone" or "Now You See My Life".
On the album, he does a number of songs with collaborators including Ronnie Radke of Falling In Reverse and Travie McCoy of Gym Class Heroes. Deuce though a mainly rock artist also includes influences of hip-hop and pop on the album. In the track, "Til I Drop", he collaborates with rappers Veze Skante and Gadjet of Kinda Major. This song had a very fast, loud, hardcore, exhilarating sound with every singer doing a fast paced rap and ending the song with Deuce’s signature styled rapcore sound and catchy chorus.
With decent to excellent songs, there are always songs that could be seen as unneeded, replaceable, or in need of some touch ups. Songs such as his lead single "Let’s Get It Crackin" and "Freaky Now". "Let’s Get It Crackin" featured Jeffree Star known for his electronic pop music and persona. Though featuring a gnarly beat the song could have been far better. This perverted song showed a cliche and stereotypical life of a rock star, but had many flaws. Deuce’s rap was extremely weak compared to some of his harder songs and Jeffree Star’s attempt to rap was just horrendous to the ears. Deuce could have put in a little extra work with his verses and maybe have featured someone else than Star.
"Freaky Now" also featured Jeffree Star along with a long time collaborator and friend, Truth. This song being a little bit more tone down than "Crackin" but featured more perverse lyrics especially from Star. Star’s graphic descriptions along with his horrid rapping caused this party song to become completely avoidable to my ears. Deuce and Truth however still manage to keep interest with the catchy chorus, decent rap skills, and bridge.
"Nobody Likes Me" which featured Ronnie Radke and Truth was the fourth and final single released before the album. Though the song comes off maybe as “whiney” and “intolerable” it has a very rad sound. The sounds of the guitars, keyboard, and drums creating a great beat. Also adding a twist was Radke’s terrific rap verse.
Though the debut had majorly noticeable flaws that could have been avoided, it still managed to keep good pace and stayed interesting. I hope Deuce is able to improve on the favorable aspects of his music.
Recommended Tracks:
"America"
"I Came To Party"
"The One"
"Til I Drop"
"Walk The Walk"
Tracks Not Recommended:
"Let's Get It Crackin"
"Freaky Now"
"Gravestone"
"Now You See My Life"
