Album Track Spotlight: "I.Y.A." by Chris Brown

If you read my review of Chris Brown's album already, then you know that I listed "I.Y.A." as one of the album's highlights (which are a few and far between, in my opinion).

"I.Y.A" can be best described as the chilled-out cousin of "Forever", Brown's best single. It is a mellow, synthy jam with the standard romantic sentiment of wanting to be the one you love. Brown's voice is AutoTuned to death (you can argue whether he needs it or not), but it works in an understated way with the slick production, courtesy of Free School. As I wrote in the review, its very reminiscent of the Pet Shop Boys, which is never a bad thing since they happen to be brilliant masters of synth-pop.

"I.Y.A." (coupled with "Crawl") should have been the backbone for the album he should have made; a fun, but mature R&B/pop record that shows that, like his female counterpart who shall not be named out of respect for Breezy's fans, he has an artist's ability to grow with every experience.

While the album ultimately failed in that pursuit, this song seems to show that it is possible.

Rating: 8 out of 10