The end of September will see the release of Tinie Tempah's third single with EMI. The end of September will also see the release of black Yoda, Labrinth, from our consciousness, replaced by a far less creepy Eric Turner. Written in the Stars is the difficult and much anticipated follow up to Frisky and Pass Out.
Listening to the song leaves it's huge budget unquestioned, with a complexity and depth improved on from Pass Out, with Frisky, and taken further here. Unfortunately swimming with large reserves of oxygen deep within this complexity is the first problem. That problem arises directly from the multi layered sound used; it gives away the budget, it detracts from the lyrics and through this it swamps Big Man Tinie's integrity.
Listening to the song leaves it's huge budget unquestioned, with a complexity and depth improved on from Pass Out, with Frisky, and taken further here. Unfortunately swimming with large reserves of oxygen deep within this complexity is the first problem. That problem arises directly from the multi layered sound used; it gives away the budget, it detracts from the lyrics and through this it swamps Big Man Tinie's integrity.
There's a reason Pass Out reared it's head to top the charts in late February - the lyrics and the beat. Both simple, both catchy and both great for clubs. The bassline remains constant throughout the song, with an increase of tempo for the final hands up section, save for the rest break clubbers are given in the brief reggae interlude. This makes the song easy to dance to - you don't have to be listening out for clues for any upcoming changes, you can even stick to the same move all the way through if you're really that boring. This consistent bassline has other advantages too, at least for rap - you focus on the lyrics. Pass Out has lyrics that are both aspirational (who wouldn't want so many clothes they need use of their aunt's house?) and relevant to the target market. With such attention on the vocals (with no other distractions in the song) everyone learnt the lyrics, solidifying the song's popularity. Chuck in an atmospheric chorus with meaningless sentences and you've got a winner.
EMI kept the same formula with Frisky, but upped the ante. With an improved budget and better connections, the song had greater depth than Pass Out (listen to it here to really see how simple Pass Out was compared to releases now). Frisky was, naturally, another success for the duo, with more witty lyrics and an only slightly varied bassline. Written in the Stars has taken the current accepted chart formula of rap verse, soaring tuneful chorus (Love the Way You Lie, Beautiful Girls, Be Good to Green, Until You Were Gone etc) and cast Tinie Tempah in the lead role. Needless to say, hardcore fans of Pass Out's style will disappointed by the latest offering, finding the lyrics taking a back seat to Eric Turner's (albeit excellent) voice.
There is however salvation in the form of another, quieter release. Swedish House Mafia, composers of summer 2010's club staple One (Your Name) featuring Pharrell, have teamed up with Tinie Tempah at the Ibiza Rocks festival. Miami 2 Ibiza (it starts 0:45 in), combines rhythmic bass backing to classic Tinie Tempah vocals, with huge, escalating synth choruses. Catchy and atmospheric, I'm just annoyed it's being released too late and I'm already back from Ibiza
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