It is amazing to think that right around three years ago, Chance The Rapper released his second mixtape Acid Rap, and whilst on a plane heading for Colorado, my mind was blown. Not only was that album the best mixtape I'd heard that year, but it also found a cozy spot on my top 10 for the best albums of the year. Not only that, but Chance has been busy working with other projects such as Donnie Trumpet, and Kanye West with amazing tracks like "Sunday Candy" and "Ultralight Beam", the latter of which teased the release of this new mixtape, Coloring Book. And I have to say it was well worth the wait, because this is easily the most soulful Rap LP I've heard all year, and may just be the most feel good album you're liable to hear all year as well.
The first thing you'll notice about Coloring Book is its Gospel flavoring, a sound that Chance has been teasing all along, but really digs into here; and the result is an album full of spiritual tune that are incredibly uplifting and beautiful. The opener "All We Got" sees Chance and Kanye giving credit to their passion and how they love their craft. Then there's the bouncy "No Problem" which not only features a killer hook, but also boasts solid verses from both 2 Chains and freakin' Lil Wayne of all people. In fact, this tape pulls excellent performances from all of its contributors, especially on a track like "Mixtape" with Young Thug and Lil Yachty, both of whom have a tendency to phone in features, but sound great here and actually put a bit of though into their verses. T-Pain also contributes to one of tapes best moments with surprisingly soulful lead vocals on "The Finish Line/ Drown". And I can't forget about Bugati Biebs, who kills his feature on the slow jam "Juke Jam".
As good as the features are though, it is Chance himself who shines brightest of all. He just has so much charisma on this album, and manages to change up his style and flows to match the beat and energy of each track. His lyrics are often funny and relate-able, and he even drops some nuggets of wisdom on tracks like "Blessings", a track that is my favorite of the year so far; it's a track that sees Chance really giving thanks to his inspirations and giving his fans the kind of music you can really rejoice to, whether you're religious or not.
For the most part, Coloring Book is a lively affair, much like being in the crowd of an especially fiery sermon, but Chance turns down the energy for exceptional tracks like "Same Drugs" and "Summer Friends" the latter of which may be the saddest, most introspective moments on the entire album. But not once does this album fail to deliver quality material; it is incredibly consistent, but never boring or long winded. In truth, just talking about this LP makes a little joy well up in my heart, it is really that fantastic.
My only small complaint is with some of the production, which for 95% of the album is gorgeous, but I would have loved a bit more guts behind the instrumentals on tracks like "Blessings" which was first debuted on Fallon with a live drum kit; a touch I wish made the final mix of the album, and maybe the track "How Great" could of been a little less reliant on that old gospel standard; however, I'd argue that the bars from Jay Electronica more than make up for any shortcoming that the track has.
I said in my Acid Rap review that I was excited to see where Chance was going, and Coloring Book is exactly what I wanted to hear. It is an undeniably strong project from one of the best young talents that we have in popular music. God bless him.
9.3/10
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