Album Review: Cole World - The Sideline Story

I've always been a sucker for the story of the underdog making it big. J. Cole's debut album is no exception as, "Cole World - The Sideline Story" follows the story of Jermaine Cole's road to getting signed to Jay Z's Roc Nation record label. In some ways this album is similar to Kanye West's, "The College Dropout" as both have similar subject matter.

The album itself contains 16 songs, including my personal favorites: "Can't Get Enough," "Lights Please," "Lost Ones," "Breakdown," and "Work Out". Most of Cole's songs can be characterized by containing simple, yet catchy beats filled with thoughtful lyrics containing numerous double entendres. "Lights Please" is a well known single that prompted Jay Z to sign Cole as it was released long before the debut album. In both "Lights Please" and "Lost Ones" Cole outlines his views on relationships, being that they should be characterized by honesty, communication, and support. This is certainly a positive, yet uncommon, message for a hip hop track. Cole's, "Work Out" even samples Kanye West's, "The New Workout Plan" from the album "The College Dropout". Finally, my favorite song on the album, "Breakdown" is an excellent track detailing Cole's depression at the absence of his father in his youth. However, songs such as, "Who Dat" "In the Morning" "Mr. Nice Watch" and "Daddy's Little Girl" seem somewhat uncharacteristic of the deep emotional lyrics present in the other songs on the album. These songs seem to be an attempt to garner popularity rather than to tell Cole's story, and they certainly have a negative effect on the album as a whole. From these songs it is apparent that Cole is at his best when rapping about his personal emotions and struggles. While it's no, "The College Dropout", this is still a solid debut album for J. Cole as it tells a compelling story that is well worth a listen.

Rating: 6.5/10

-Austin Ambrose