Akon has grown with each new album release, while his sound has evolved to the satisfaction and dissatisfaction of his fans, Freedom will no doubt be remembered as the turning point in Akon's career where he evolves from a hip hop artist to a bonafide entertainer.

Freedom does not contain the harsh or explicit lyrics found in "I Still Kill" or the infamous "I Want to **** You" Instead the album is filled with sounds familiar to "Put the Blame on Me" which was lyrically powered rather than over the top production.

That does not mean there are no upbeat club hits on this album, Troublemaker and Beautiful will keep everyone on the dance floor moving. Akon's previous love ballad "Don't Matter" is replaced with a lyrically driven "Be With You" that possess a crisper production that will no doubt lead to some slower sensual dance moves when the DJ decides to spin the track.

The released singles Right Now and I'm So Paid are great but are drastically different. Freedom plays with this contrast in sound by providing many catchy radio friendly songs that are subtly different but possess deeper lyrics than found in past Akon albums.

With all the radio friendly songs you'll find yourself humming to many of these songs during the day, therefore, making it buy you won't regret this holiday season.

It's kinda sad to admit that "johnknapik" is right! Akon has moved into a direction many of his long-time fans will not appreciate.

In his first two CDs he concentrated on HipHop heavy beats and songs about Life&struggle&love, where his unique voice really had its place. But currently Akon has moved to Pop-Dancefloor beats and sing-along love songs which kinda doesn't seem right...

Of course the songs are very catchy, but I don't expect that kind of music from Akon. Sorry, but I'll skip this one and wait for Akon to find back to form (same is true for Kanye and Common).

Akon's sound was steeped in hip-hop beats and edgy lyrics. Freedom is a departure from that sound into a realm of artists that your mother would enjoy (Seal, Leona Lewis). Freedom isn't bad, it just isn't the least bit compelling. This is very watered-down R&B that is sure to cross over to the pop charts...and don't be surprised if you hear Akon on your mom's Mix station.

I've always enjoyed most of Akon's collaborations with other artists, but I've rarely thought he had a solid enough list of songs compelling enough to buy any of his previous albums. Freedom is different ... and his best yet. It's not as graphic as perhaps the "explicit" label suggests, but it's very listenable for adults who like hip-hop and rap that isn't pure hardcore anger. Seems as if Akon's been trying to lighten up a little, and he has with this song mix which recount more stories of love, lust, and life stories than anything. I respect his recognition of Katherine Dunham on the track Freedom too. Give it a try, you'll like it.

I really think Akon's music has been improving every year from when he made Ghetto up to making Right Now, Freedom, Troublemaker and much more. He really has great talent and through his music he has shown how much he really expresses his life. I hope he keeps going.