I would’ve call this a near perfect album if it weren’t for the fact that most long time Guetta fans will be a bit disappointed. If you’re a long time house lover, look no further because you’ll feel betrayed with his new album, full of more pop and hip hop elements. However, any casual listener or pop lover (like myself) will have a blast with this new record! Its full of promising top 40 hits and makes a good party mix.
Nothing But The Beat starts out with the two quick hit singles, “Where Them Girls At” (featuring Flo Rida and Nicki Minaj) and “Little Bad Girl” (featuring Taio Cruz and Ludacris). These two party jams and gems definitely make this CD, they’ll be spun the most. Track 3 is the catchy yet easily forgettable “Turn Me On” (featuring, you guessed it, princess Nicki Minaj). Next is a Snoop Dogg remix originally produced by David Guetta, mostly instrumental and might please original DG fans a little more. (Oh yeah, its called “Sweat”). Track 5, “Without You” (featuring Usher) is a definite highlight that no type of music listener will resist. Great vocals and touching lyrics. Tracks 6 and 7 are what will really piss off long time Guetta fans. Titled “Nothin Really Mattters”(featuring will.i.am.) and “I Can Only Imagine” (featuring Chris Brown and Lil Wayne). Although Chris’s singing is a nice touch, both tracks are heavily auto-tuned and take part in the new hip hop/dance craze. I like them, but most wont.
The next song, “Crank It Up” (featuring Akon) is worthy for a one time listen. Otherwise its more of an annoyance hearing it. Track 9, “I Just Wanna F.” (featuring Timbaland and Dev) is a collab of both Guetta’s and Timbaland’s mixing that sounds nothing like David Guetta, more like Missy-era beats. Avoid It, its the only song here I have to say is just trash. I Think where this record really shines is the last few tracks, “Night of Your Life” (featuring Jennifer Hudson), “Repeat” (featuring new star Jessie J), and “Titanium” (featuring Sia). These last three tracks are all brilliant dance cuts, with powerful vocals and meaningful lyrics.
Disc 2, with guest mixing from Afrojack and Avicii, will please the hardcore house audience. All six tracks, “Lunar,” “Sunshine,” “Toy Story,” “The Future,” “Paris” and “Glasgow” are all longer, sunny instrumental dance tracks. I highly recommend spending a few extra bucks on the deluxe version so you can get these six worthy compositions.
The album’s fun to listen to, hearing contributions from cool A-list stars like Nicki Minaj, Usher, Afrojack, Jessie J, Akon and more. Overall, your reaction to Nothing But The Beat just depends on your taste. Fitting to end the album with “Titanium” featuring Sia that has lyrics that seem to foreshadow Guetta’s standing with longtime fans.
Shoot me down, but I won’t fall, I’m Titanium.
Watch This Space.
