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.

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.

Akon has never had a better album, this is truly the best for summer type music. It's completely different from the first Konvict albums, it's my favorite and I am a critical music critic!

With the exception of a few songs (i.e. "Holla"), the cd turned out to be much better than I thought. Akon has tried to reinvent himself musically and the music really reflects the point in his life he is in right now. Good CD to jam to while driving.