Kaytranada – Bubba
It feels like it’s been forever since Montreal producer/DJ Kaytranada released his 2016 debut album 99.9%. Fortunately for fans, the amount of replay value on the record helped time pass by quickly, so the longing for some club-hungry beats and retro-R&B sampling wasn’t as taxing.
Christmas came early for many Kaytranada fans with the release of his sophomore album Bubba on December 13th. Boasting a whopping 17-tracks, Bubba is just short of an hour worth a danceable tunes featuring some big names thrown in alongside. Pharrell, Estelle, Tinashe, GoldLink, and Charlotte Day Wilson – just to name a few – share their talents on the record to round out some of the tracks.
99.9% certainly had its fair share of features, but the one’s on the new record seem to show Kaytranada’s growth and strength in becoming more consistent with his sound. Bubba has a more levelled flow compared to his debut release, although a few songs step out of place along the track list. Of course, a little change of pace and energy is not always a bad thing, especially on a party-forward album like this.
“Need It” featuring Jamiacan-American rapper Masego contributes a little dancehall-inspired fuel to the record, separating some of the nu-R&B energy into parts. Likewise, the Afro-rhythm on “Oh No”, which features UK songstress Estelle, also shakes things up, changing the time signature on the mix just ever so slightly.
And when you get the opportunity to work with Pharrell, you take it. “Midsection” has the producer/musical genius bringing the album to a close with a low-key party anthem. The energy of the song is so laid back, you would can almost picture Pharrell chilling in a long beach chair while . Its infectious rhythm and underlying hook make it fun tune and memorable tune. It fits a little awkwardly on the track list, making it almost feel like a bonus track, but regardless, Kaytranada definitely had some fun working with the all-star producer.
Lead single “10%” featuring Kali Uchis is one of the album’s biggest tracks, being the most “Kaytranada-esque” track (whatever that means). That cluster of deep house, soul, and Chicago-style house that the Montreal DJ is so well-known for shines bright on “10%” and “What You Need” featuring Charlotte Day-Wilson.
One of the best qualities of Bubba is its flow. Each song seeps into the next in such a natural fashion that it almost gives the illusion that it is one massive club mix – which is a nice touch if you’re listening to the record at a party, a pre-, or any place you need to add a boost of energy.
The energy of Bubba is a little different than his debut, but still feels like Kaytranada stayed true to himself on the record. It was a relief to see his music style mature and evolve just ever so slightly, without sacrificing his natural ability to make energizing underground-club-inspired music.
Head to his website to stream/buy the new album and for tour info.
