Moon Boy (album)
| Moon Boy | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | July 23, 2021 | |||
| Recorded | 2020–2021 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 49:23 | |||
| Label | ||||
| Yung Bleu chronology | ||||
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| Singles from Moon Boy | ||||
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Moon Boy is the debut studio album by American rapper and singer Yung Bleu. It was released on July 23, 2021, through Empire. Production was handled by several record producers, including Nate Rhoads, Hitmaka, and OG Parker. It features guest appearances from John Legend, Chris Brown, 2 Chainz, Drake and Big Sean among others. The album was anticipated by the singles "You're Mines Still", "Ghetto Love Birds", and "Baddest".[3]
Background and release[edit]
Bleu said that for his debut album he wanted to define "his unique sound, made of this era's wave of autotuned trap music mixed with R&B beats and melodies".[4] He told The Breakfast Club, "I've always been a fan of R&B, and i was lucky enough to have some of my biggest inspirations on my album, such as John Legend and Chris Brown. Breezy actually inspired me with the moon concept with his Heartbreak on a Full Moon album, that I thought was unbelievable".[5] He explained that his intention with the album was to become a notable mainstream artist: "I've been on the underground scene for a long time. This is my crossover to that bigger level".[6]
Critical response[edit]
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |    [7] |
| Pitchfork | 5.9/10[8] |
| HipHopDX | [9] |
| Popdust | 6.5/10[1] |
Upon its release, the album was met with generally positive reviews from music critics. Fred Thomas of AllMusic complimented its versatile range, finding it unusual for a trapper, saying that "The album meanders somewhat through its various styles, and there are several less memorable tracks among the stronger material, but Moon Boy ultimately gels regardless."[7] Pitchfork reviewer Alphonse Pierre said that "Moon Boy is weighed down by streaming bait, but thankfully it does include a handful of Bleu's highest highs, such as "Die Under the Moon" and "Baddest"".[8] Ben Brutocao of HipHopDX praised Bleu's performances, stating "Bleu's autotuned voice is his greatest asset, powerful enough to deliver sonorous hooks", but was disappointed of its lyrical content, saying "his lyrics are devoid of anything unique or personable".[9] Popdust said that the album shines on his "sugary autotuned R&B club hits" and falls flat on his "super cliché trap-influenced street tales".[1]"
Track listing[edit]
| No. | Title | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Die Under the Moon" (with John Legend) |
| 3:38 |
| 2. | "Tired of You" (with H.E.R.) |
| 3:08 |
| 3. | "Angels Never Cry" (featuring Kodak Black and Moneybagg Yo) |
| 4:13 |
| 4. | "Beautiful Lies" (with Kehlani) |
| 3:32 |
| 5. | "Contract Killers" |
| 2:03 |
| 6. | "Way More Close (Stuck In A Box)" (featuring Big Sean) |
| 4:08 |
| 7. | "Shoe Box" (featuring Jeezy) | Nate Rhoads | 3:37 |
| 8. | "Late Summer" | Nate Rhoads | 2:47 |
| 9. | "You're Mines Still" (featuring Drake) | Nate Rhoads | 3:46 |
| 10. | "Water Works" (with Gunna) |
| 3:14 |
| 11. | "Baddest" (with Chris Brown and 2 Chainz) | 3:22 | |
| 12. | "Unforgiving" (with Davido) |
| 2:37 |
| 13. | "Dark Clouds" |
| 2:53 |
| 14. | "Old Days" |
| 3:10 |
| 15. | "Ghetto Love Birds" (with A Boogie wit da Hoodie) | Nate Rhoads | 3:16 |
| Total length: | 49:23 | ||
Charts[edit]
| Chart (2021) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| US Billboard 200[10] | 12 |
| US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard)[11] | 7 |
References[edit]
- ^ a b c "Review: Yung Bleu's "Moon Boy" Showcases a Pop Star In The Making". Popdust. July 23, 2021.
- ^ ""Top 40 Rhythmic Future Releases"". AllAccess. October 28, 2021. Archived from the original on November 2, 2021.
- ^ Class, DJ First (July 23, 2021). "Yung Bleu is the 'Moon Boy' on his debut album". REVOLT.
- ^ "Yung Bleu Isn't Happy With Only Stardom, He's Aiming For The Moon". Billboard.
- ^ "Yung Bleu Talks Loyalty, Linking With Drake, Tory Lanez, New Music + More" – via www.youtube.com.
- ^ Brow, Jason (July 23, 2021). "Yung Bleu's New Album 'Moon Boy' Marks His 'Crossover To The Next Level' Of His Career".
- ^ a b "Moon Boy – Yung Bleu | Songs, Reviews, Credits | AllMusic" – via www.allmusic.com.
- ^ a b "Yung Bleu: Moon Boy". Pitchfork.
- ^ a b https://hiphopdx.com, HipHopDX- (August 18, 2021). "Yung Bleu Takes Crater-Sized Radio Ploys On Star-Studded 'Moon Boy' – To Mixed Results". HipHopDX.
- ^ "Yung Bleu Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard.
- ^ "Yung Bleu Chart History (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)". Billboard.