Lost and Found
Artist: WILL SMITH
(Interscope/Universal)
Reviewer: EDWARD GOMEZ
PERHAPS the most astonishing thing about Will Smith’s success in 2005 is that his radio hit (Switch) has got nothing to do with his box-office hit (Hitch). That aside, it’s the same old (rap) song and dance.
Lost and Found is by no means a lousy album. As a matter of fact, it is loaded to the hilt with (potential) chart hits. Unfortunately, while the likes of Party Starter, I Wish I Made That/Swagga and Mr. Niceguy will undoubtedly contribute a great deal to Smith’s retirement fund, the reality is that, both musically and lyrically, there’s very little on Lost and Found that you haven’t already heard. Only the silky smooth Pump Ya Brakes (which features Snoop Dogg) succeeds in breaking the monotony somewhat.
Still, I’m quite sure that the former Fresh Prince isn’t going to lose much sleep worrying about what reviewers like yours truly make of his new album. Lost and Found will, like Smith’s other records, sell by the truckloads. And will once again prove that, in show business at least, success doesn’t have to make sense.
star central