Ryan Leslie- Transition [REVIEW]

Release Date: November 3, 2009

1. “Never Gonna Break Up”
2. “Something that I Like” (feat. Pusha T from Clipse)
3. “Zodiac”
4. “Is it Real Love?”
5. “Sunday Night”
6. “You’re Not My Girl”
7. “To The Top”
8. “Nothing”
9. “Guardian Angel”
10. “All My Love”
11. “I Choose You”
12. "When We Dance" (Bonus)
13. "Promise Not 2 Call" (Bonus)
14. "Rescue U"(Bonus)

Jay-Z has been known to produce high quality music quickly. During the prime of his career, he released an album each year for seven years. That is usually the common argument of why Jay-Z is the best rapper to ever live. But Jay-Z has never produced the feat that Ryan Leslie has done right now by releasing two albums in the same year. The real question is though can Ryan Leslie be the diamond in the ruff for 2009.Lyrics-8 I am glad that Ryan Leslie did not dumb down his music to stay with the times. With such artist as Trey Songs, Jeremih and Mario thriving in the music industry today, you would think that the good marketing move would be Ryan Leslie to do a song featuring Gucci Mane. But instead he takes us on a journey of him chasing a woman in his life. It is something that many of us men can relate to no matter if we want to admit it or not. The song lyrically that stood out to me on this album was “I Choose You.”Production-10 Before Ryan Leslie decided to become a solo artist, so it is only right that is the section of the album that excels. It amazes that he did the entire album himself but it does show that he is an R&B workhorse. The song that stands out for me production wise is “Zodiac.” The bass guitar is what stood out for me on this song and is what brought it all together.Concept-9 The album tells a vivid story of a summer fling that Ryan Leslie had. The songs connect perfectly even “Something that I Like” which features Pusha T. It reminds me of Dwele’s album “Some Kinda.” I hope this album puts a spark to make some R&B artist to “Transition” to the right direction because Ryan Leslie has definitely transitioned his music for the better.Dope TracksNever Gonna Break Up- I think I am starting to like stellar bass guitar riffs more than horns. Okay, probably not but this song definitely set off this album in the right direction.Zodiac- Ryan Leslie said it perfectly, “act grown or go home” and this is the type of song that I could feel being played at a grown and sexy club. Not So Dope TracksThere were not any not so dope tracks on this album. I have listened to it on iTunes about 5 times since it has been released.Verdict 8.5/10I recommend that you pick this up while you are picking up Wale’s Attention Deficit just to have a balance.