Mr. Worldwide is back at it, creating another internationally influenced album attempting to bring club goers and vacationers alike together for one trashy throwdown. If you love repetitive beats, trite titles like “Fun” and “Celebrate” and music that's equal parts hip-hop and reggae, you might stake an interest in Pitbull’s new album “Globalization.”
Armando Christian Pérez, better known as Pitbull, released his eighth studio album Nov. 24, 2014. The Cuban-American rapper strayed from his original Latin-based hits like “I Know You Want Me” and has fallen into the pop party trap with the last year’s radio hit “Timber.” He has apparently continued to progress in that direction with his new club playlist.
The album art consists of Pitbull’s face replaced with the globe, suggesting his strive to create music that brings people from across the world together.
“Music is a universal language — it breaks down barriers, limits, borders, religion, beliefs, cultures and it brings everybody together,” Pitbull said at a GMA Chat. “That’s what globalization is all about.”
Pitbull continues to deliver his boastful phrases about picking up women. For example, in “Sexy Beaches” he sings, “And I know what they want, And I know what they need, I just look ‘em in the eyes, And they’re leaving with me.” He brings phony charm to “Day Drinking” with the line “Baby, I got gifts and h--- call me Santa,” which would give any bachelor the confidence to hit on a woman and just “dale” (go for it).
His lyrics are all about building up his gaudy, superficial lifestyle. His love of women and partying create songs titled “Fun,” “Time of Our Lives,” “Celebrate,” “Sexy Beaches” and “Day Drinking,” with nothing substantial to offer but his typical catchy party anthems. “Celebrate” is the classic feel-good-and-celebrate-life type of hit that is the face of “Madagascar 2.”
Even though it’s his album, artists always seem to overshadow Pitbull in their features. G.R.L. and Jason Derulo clearly outshine and overpower the rapper in “Wild Wild Love” and “Drive You Crazy,” respectively. Fans are tempted to fast-forward to collaborators’ parts including verses and choruses by Chris Brown, Jennifer Lopez, Sean Paul, Bebe Rexha, Claudia Leitte and Dr. Luke.
The standout songs on this album are “Time of Our Lives” and “Fireball.” These catchy tunes will soon enough be doomed to radio-repeat. “Fireball,” the album's leading track, is like a traditional Latin dance party blended with hip-hop vibes. Jason Derulo’s silky, soulful voice carries “Time of Our Lives” in one fluid beat that could make any wallflower dance.
If you need a soundtrack for your next wild blowout, Pitbull’s your man.