Kottonmouth Kings

The Green Album

Suburban Noize Records

(Kottonmouth Kings MySpace)

After releasing 10 studio albums, this is the first sign of the Kottonmouth Kings finally slowing down, as The Green Album features these SoCal party rats at its most chilled. This time round, out comes the acoustic guitars and country rock inspired vocal melodies.

It really is refreshing to see the band drop an album that definitely has its own overall sound, previous albums were always an eclectic collection of hip hop, punk and reggae. The Green Album certainly feels like it has its own purpose. Don’t get me wrong there is still some head banging hip hop (Rock Like Us, Trippin and Puff n Tuff) and some straight-ahead punk (Superhero and So Cal). However, it the strong continuing presence of the laid-back acoustic rock that dominates the album’s sound.

Hinging it all on Johnny Richter’s vocal melodies, everyone familiar with the group and his talents knows his singing is equally as smooth as his free flowing rap delivery and it's fantastic to see him stand up to the additional responsibilities here. Songs like Pack Your Bowls, the first single Where I’m Going and Freeworld featuring Brother J from the X Clan best showcase Richter's ability and the strongest song-writing on the album.

While I can appreciate giving your fans as much value as money as possible, as with previous albums there are way too many tracks here, another 20 in all. I honestly believe some selective editing would certainly provide the listener with a more well-rounded and impactful album. Yet The Green Album is a great listen to unwind on the front porch, while throwing back a rum and a coke and just taking in the day.

Note: If it is quantity of songs you are seeking, if you get the chance this album is worth trying to pick up at Best Buy, as it comes with a bonus disc featuring an additional 10 tracks.

Reviewed by Pilipo