Wretch 32 - FR32

The Guardian 40

(Polydor)

Wretch has always been one of our most thoughtful, emotional MCs, but his fourth major label album is too comfortable in its introspection. Where Stormzy’s Gang Signs & Prayer carefully balanced bangers and ballads, this is sluggish and solemn. Whitney-sampling Tell Me is clever, subtle, infuriatingly dull. Lyrically, His & Hers (Perspectives) offers an ambitious pair of dramatic monologues, with Wretch purveying both perspectives on an unspooling relationship; musically, it’s as enjoyable as sitting between the warring couple on a plane. If only more songs were like Whistle, a joyous collision of Giggs/Kanye references with playful electronic funk that perfectly fits Wretch’s malleable, full-throated flow.