Music Review: No Pressure

No+Pressure+features+tracks+such+as+Celebration%2C+Amen%2C+and+Perfect

Sam Spartt

“No Pressure” features tracks such as “Celebration”, “Amen”, and “Perfect”

   On July 16, 2020, the Maryland based rapper, Logic, announced on Twitter that he would be releasing his sixth and final studio album under the title “No Pressure” along with a 10 million dollar Twitch deal.

  This album not only had the immense challenge of capping off Logic’s decade-long career, but also being a rebound for the platinum artists disappointing previous album, “Confessions of a Dangerous Mind.”  Surprisingly, “No Pressure” delivers in a solid return to form.

   The entire album is produced by No I.D., who has worked with artists like Jay-Z, Kanye West and Drake.

   The production on the album varies enough to give each song a distinct sound, but in each specific track the sound can end up feeling repetitive. The semi-lofi, jazz style can end up rolling over you, not leaving much of an impact in some cases.

   Logic is no stranger to less-than-award-worthy lyrics, which was a huge part of his last album’s critical ratings. Here on “No Pressure,” while there are a few head scratching bars, for the most part Logic sticks to his guns, rapping about boilerplate Logic topics like dealing with his haters, being a dad and his tough upbringing.

   Logic’s rapping is nothing to write home about, but perfectly complements the instrumentals. On a few tracks, the braggadocious rapper can’t quite hold onto anything of substance on the beat, leaving the listener feeling uncomfortable and confused.

   One stand out track is “No Pressure Intro,” which sparks the listener’s interest with a light beat and a radio sample of Orson Wells that the instrumental dances around. Other notable tracks include “Perfect,” the most aggressive track on the project that has Logic rapping about how far he has come and “Amen,” which is a strong send off that doesn’t overstay its welcome where Logic thanks those who have helped him get to where he is today.

   As an album, “No Pressure” is relatively cohesive as the tracks slowly become more personal. No track stands out as being out of place and the whole album is saturated with nostalgic soul.

   The most annoying part of the album is the robotic voice at the end of each track that recounts information about the inception of the project.

   While this voice can act as a good palate cleanser between songs, it mostly serves to annoy the listener and disrupt the flow of the album. Most of the voices’ inserts are cringey or are just fake-deep lessons that leave the listener on a sour note.

   “No Pressure” can only be described as a solid send off that honors the legacy of Logic while disregarding his critical failures. The album leaves you feeling nostalgic for this plucky rapper even if you know little to nothing about the man behind the music. “No Pressure” ended up being the perfect storm to end Logic’s career off on a high note.

Favorite Tracks: No Pressure Intro, Celebration, Amen, and Perfect