Action Bronson’s discography is ridiculous. From January 2011 he has released 3 albums, 4 mixtapes and 2 EP’s. His work rate is incredible, yet the quality has always remained high. His major label debut takes his various styles and distills just what makes him such a captivating character on one project.
Bronson is: A Ghostface soundalike (although that’s pretty much their only comparison) a foodie, hardcore lyricist who doesn’t take himself seriously, 80’s baby (raps over various 80’s/90’s pop songs instrumentals) and a borderline surrealist. All of these elements appear on his Atlantic Records debut Mr Wonderful. Mark Ronson produced ‘Brand New Car‘ opens the album with a Billy Joel sample (‘Zanzibar‘) in tow. It’s bright, fun and dripping with 80’s sunshine. The sound, the song and especially the lyrics are a perfect introduction to the combination of styles that make up Bronson:
‘Yo fuck this jacket, I turn this shit to 85 napkins/Since Jeter’s done I’m now the captain/Trust you me, Gotham’s safer now/ But there’s always a new joker in town/ Ready to smoke you with that pound/
But when he shoots it, the flag says “BANG!” and everybody laughs/’
Surrealist lyricism, combined with comic bookesque imagery = Bronson. The album takes Bronson’s love for 70’s samples and drips them all over the album. So expect to find horns in everything. From the subtle ‘Alchemist’ produced ‘Terry‘ to ‘City Boy Blues‘ which is less sample heavy and more straight up funk ballad. The latter is the first part in a trilogy of songs that make up (as Bronson put it) “a musical”. ‘A Light In The Addict‘ and ‘Baby Blue‘ (Featuring Chance The Rapper) follow and this is where the album shifts into high gear. ‘A Light In The Addict’ features an uncharacteristically sombre Bronson staring out of a plane window thinking about death. The instrumental is mellow and less chaotic than usual, allowing the entire focus to be on Bronson.
‘Baby Blue‘ follows and is the poppiest song he has made to date. This doesn’t take away from the quality of the song. It merely shows the ease with which Bronson can change pace. The song thankfully doesn’t feel like a label exec forcing Bronson’s hand; none of the album feels like this. It feels organic and although familiar, it feels as if Bronson has pushed all his recognisable themes up a level. Taking ideas that used to be mere concepts and fully fleshing them out.
Mr Wonderful is a perfect introduction to Action Bronson for the mainstream audience and long time fans will envy the many people who will get to hear Bronson’s vast discography for the first time.
