Defsounds

After six years, one album, countless push backs, one label dropping and several album worthy mixtapes, the rapper that once had one of the biggest radio hits in 2003 has finally returned with his sophomore effort.

But while six years removed from a studio album should and usually does equate to failure, Joey's Padded Room just might have what it takes to finally put him on the map.

Unlike other artist who don't have albums out, Budden has been able to stay slightly relevant through his emotion driven mixtape series Mood Muzik, along with a couple of scorching freestyles.

Over the past six years, he has accumulated an underground following that has not only kept him relevant in the ever changing rap game, but also established him as one of the elite....of what many real fans of Hip Hop call, 'real rap music'.

Padded room sees Joey pushing the envelope of creativity and trying to establish himself as an all around rapper. But the question that remains to be answered is, are the mainstream fans in that mood yet, or will this be a hit and miss for the jersey rapper?

Lyrics-8

For those expecting Budden to put on a lyrical workshop that would whip his rivals into shape, Padded room may be a bit different from what you wanted or expected.

While Joey still proves to be superior in lyrical skills, he puts less emphasis on lyrics, and more on content and meaning. Even so, Joey still manages to master the art of the metaphor with verses so subliminal, yet so obvious it will leave you reeling from its potency.

Known for a very distinct delivery, his voice is refreshing on every track...adding a sprinkle of ad libs here and there as a way of adding a personal touch to every verse. Songs like "Adrenaline Rush" remind you just how deadly Budden can be when tempted to take the lyrical route. This album is a much more well rounded effort than past Budden projects.

Production-7.5

Buddens has never had a reputation for having the best ear when it came to beat selection, but this album with the exception of one or two songs, has to be Budden's best production offering ever.

Tracks like "The Future" play very well off of the speaker. The production is very easy to follow, without too many sounds going on at one time. There is a strong emphasis on piano chords and light drums on a majority of the tracks, and although there is no particular production that stands out above the rest, every single track is enjoyable or at least bearable with the exception of "Happy Holidays" and "Family Reunion Remix."

Songs-8.5

Padded room takes a conventional step away from the song style that many fans who have heard Mood Muzik are used to.

For one, the songs seem to be a bit more formatted. Unlike Mood Muzik, this album is very cinematic with several of the songs formatted towards a concept than a vent session.

While Budden still offers his trademark diary style rap, he does so with a bit more meat added to the plate.

In Mood Muzik the listener was just that, a listener. Budden used the mixtape to vent out his frustrations, and we were the listeners who got the opportunity to hear what he had to say.

In Padded Room, he takes a more reflective approach which brings the feeling that he is almost speaking with a psychiatrist. The songs are formatted more so for his personal demons than the current issues in his life. We are exposed to this rappers relationship with God, in a breathtaking track titled "Pray for me". We hear him speak of his regret for ever wanting an abortion. Then on the same album hear a story about the woman who is so much like him, that at times he feels like it's actually him that he is abusing, and not a sexual partner.

The content on this album lingers on that edge of borderline scary at times with the things that he admits. Eyebrows will be raised on one track, and on the very next emotions will be stirred. There seems to be a better balance on Padded Room then their ever was on Mood Muzik, as Budden's and Game team up to make what has the potential to be a club banger. Overall the song selection on Padded Room is a bit of a change from Mood Muzik but one that is very entertaining.

Overall 8

To all of the Joe Budden fans out there ready to dub this album an instant classic, please take a step away from your keyboard, and "X" out of that Joe Budden forum. Unfortunantly, it is not.

But before you put "Dear Diary" on repeat and hang yourselves with your USB cord, I do have some good news for you. Padded Room is a great album. It's one of those rare albums that you can play from beginning to end without skipping...and after hearing it over 5 times you're still not bored with it.

It offers the kind of songs that give you goosebumps when you really have the chance to analyze what the artist is saying, and if it touches you enough it just might inspire you, just like it did with me.

For his sophomore effort, this is a very solid album, and if the fans are willing to listen, there just might be a few more Joe Budden fans out there after this album is released.

You can buy the LP here.