Album Review: PARTYNEXTDOOR – PARTYNEXTDOOR 4 (P4)

Genre: R&B/Soul

Label: OVO Sound, Santa Anna

Released: April 26, 2024

“P4 is an R&B album that resonates with the youth by addressing common issues we face in our daily lives. Even the album art itself symbolizes a sex position, reflecting the intimacy we experience in love.”

PARTYNEXTDOOR makes a highly anticipated and delightful return with his fourth LP, P4. This album delivers exactly what one would expect from the incredibly talented Canadian singer-songwriter and record producer. P4 is a steamy and sensuous aural journey. The cover art complements the album's sonic direction perfectly. To avoid repetition, I will refer to PARTYNEXTDOOR by his real name, Jahron Anthony Brathwaite, primarily using "Jahron." This approach is especially fitting since the album shares his stage name. P4 appeals to the R&B audience with its relatable themes of heartbreak, guilt, melancholy, and occasional feelings of nostalgia and sadness. The album pushes the boundaries of the R&B genre, achieving this subtly yet effectively within its concise 45-minute duration.

The album opens with "C o n t r o l," an intro that sets the mood for the listening experience. This erotic opener blends Trap and R&B elements, offering a special treat from Jahron to his dedicated fanbase. The track is pleasing to the ear and, being relatively clean, it serves as a radio-friendly jam. The lyrics “Tryna creep through your livin' room but I'm deeper than I thought / 'Cause my pockets full of knots” resonate deeply. What impresses me most about P4 is the meticulous effort invested in its creation. It's evident that the album wasn't rushed; both the lyrics and instrumental choices were crafted with precision. Jahron's voice sounds smooth and composed, effortlessly gliding over the beats. It's clear he enjoyed recording this body of work.

Some of these songs are hidden gems, requiring deeper exploration to fully appreciate. Take "S t u c k  I n  M y  W a y s," for example. This track delves into the feeling of being held back by past experiences or complicated relationships. Jahron's vocals are exceptional here, with his songwriting truly shining through. The instrumental provides ample space for him to express himself freely and without restraint. The beat is slow and smooth, making it perfect for moments of introspection or intimate encounters, depending on your mood. The lyrics “You're doing something to me / To make me stay / Letting all my feelings show” resonate deeply, as does the skit-like outro: “Hi Jahron / At some point, you gotta grow up, Jahron, and enjoy the small things in life with someone you care about.”

Two out of the fourteen tracks are interludes: "T h e  R e t r e a t" and "A  M o t h e r' s  P r a y e r." The tracklist is carefully curated, providing a seamless and enjoyable transitions. While P4 may not be perfect enough to be considered a masterpiece, it is certainly a polished and cohesive body of work. I am hopeful it will be nominated for a Grammy in the R&B category next year. Despite enjoying the album, I have mixed feelings about it. The themes are limited to girls, sex, and drugs. If only Jahron had diversified the subject matter in the second half of P4, he might have broadened his appeal to a wider audience. If you're reading this, I won't discourage you from giving this album a listen. My aim is to elucidate the meaning behind the music for listeners like you. This album is under 50 minutes, so take your time to immerse yourself in Jahron's world. You'll discover songs that will undoubtedly earn a place on your playlist and help you navigate your situationships or heartaches in the long run. P4 is an R&B album that resonates with the youth by addressing common issues we face in our daily lives. Even the album art itself symbolizes a sex position, reflecting the intimacy we experience in love.

P4 strives to balance gender-neutral introspection with elements of toxic masculinity. Its lack of oversight, however, hinders its delivery. This is an album that is difficult to revisit unless you are specifically in the mood for it. Nevertheless, its production quality ensures it will stand the test of time.

Outstanding Track: "S t u c k I n M y W a y s"

Album Score: 6/10