The Bottom Line
It seems like Akon is inescapable today. His most recent solo hits "Smack That" and "I Wanna Love You" spent multiple weeks simultaneously in the top 10, and Akon has a flashy guest appearance on Gwen Stefani's current top 10 hit "The Sweet Escape." Unfortunately, too often Akon's music utilizes easy gimmicks to gain attention. This moves the song quickly up the chart but doesn't wear well with listeners. Fortunately, "Don't Matter" is largely lacking in gimmickry and lingers longer in the brain's music pleasure centers.
Watch "Don't Matter."
Pros
- Straightforward, non-gimmicky song
- Percussive end section
Cons
- Lack of invention
Description
- Laidback groove
- Smooth ballad singing and rapping from Akon
- Tight, percussive party section ending the song
Guide Review - Akon - Don't Matter
Although he has only recorded two solo albums, it seems that Akon has an addiction to building songs around instantly catchy, gimmicky, and ultimately annoying hooks. On "Lonely" it was the helium-filled Chipmunk-style vocals. On "Smack That" it's a chorus that sticks like gum to the bottom of a shoe forcing mental singalongs long after the pleasing flavor is gone.
Fortunately, "Don't Matter," finding Akon in an even more laidback ballad mood than his makeout tune "I Wanna Love You," is devoid of gimmicks and annoying hooks. Akon's pleasing voice, both singing and rapping, is showcased over a laidback groove. Lyrically the words of defiant, committed love in the face of disapproval will strike a chord with many pop fans. Stick with the song all the way through and you'll be rewarded with a percussive party section at the end that will put a smile on your face and might even make you move.
"Don't Matter" is likely to help maintain Akon's string of weeks with 2 singles in the pop top 10. It is nearly assured of joining "The Sweet Escape" making Akon's sweet tenor continue to seem ubiquitous on pop radio.
