By Mike Stuart
11/06/2007
After four years of DJing in some of world's most trendy hotspots, including Elizabeth Taylor's private villa in Cannes, The Nextmen are back with their third studio album This was Supposed to be the Future. Dom Search and Brad Baloo have expanded their sound in this release and moved away from their hiphop roots, venturing more into dancehall, soul and reggae.
As with their past releases, the album features a variety of guest vocalists, including the up-and-coming Rawkus hiphop duo Kidz in the Hall on the funky 'Knowledge Be Born' and UK rapper Sway on the the downtempo soulful 'Something Got You'. As well as exploring new genres, the production has more of a live feel than their previous work so it comes as no surprise to hear that their upcoming tour may feature some of the tracks being played in an 'unplugged' environment.
Essentially, This was Supposed to be the Future is a summer party record destined to get heavy rotation in clubs this year. Their new direction may not satisfy all of their fanbase as this is a much more poppy affair than their previous albums. Not all the tracks work (the insipid 'Move' for one) but if you're going to be having friends round for a BBQ this year this record should be sitting at the top of the CD pile.
Rating: 6 out of 10
This was Supposed to be the Future is released in the UK on June 11th, 2007
David Jensen Photography:
https://www.davidjensen.co.uk/
