Logic doubles down on cheesiness with ‘Supermarket’

Logic
Supermarket

Def Jam Records · March 26, 2019

As the record continues, there is a clear repetition between each song’s style and mood, and with each track, the lyrics progressively become more cliched.

Never before would you have heard Logic’s name and the word ‘acoustic’ in the same sentence — until now. In his latest album Supermarket, the musician’s work, which usually is considered rap, takes a complete 180, as he turns over to producing post-1960s boy band love song sounds. However, this leap of faith will most likely make listeners lose hope in the artist.

Produced as a soundtrack to his debut novel of the same name, both pieces of media tell“…the tale of a depressed grocery store employee in the suburbs whose ordinary life is disrupted when he stumbles upon a crime scene.” While the majority of the record is comprised of love songs, all of which lack in originality and exhibit excessive repetition, these new releases could be great as mind-easing background noise. But what Logic fails to accomplish with his production he makes up for in his overlooked vocal talent.

Though the majority of the album’s contents serve as perfect examples of cookie-cutter music, certain tracks would surely suffice as fresh additions to a ‘good vibes’ playlist. The record’s opening track “Bohemian Trapsody” sets the stage for the rest of the LP. A complete acoustic change for the artist, the track consists of repetitive guitar and drum rhythms, mixed with digitized beats. However great the risk, by the time you reach the a capella choir-filled bridge, this piece is one of the few that proved to be worth the risk.

As the record continues, there is a clear repetition between each song’s style and mood, and with each track, the lyrics progressively become more cliched. In “Time Machine,” Logic sings for the entire duration of the piece, accompanied by a piano. With a 90s pop-rock sound, he expresses the constant guilt he feels for not being able to save someone. While incredibly repetitive, this track exhibits Logic’s natural vocal talent, and like such a skill, this song shouldn’t be overlooked.

Once you get past the rock style, as well as some guitar riffs thrown into the track “Supermarket,” you’ll notice that almost every track features Logic singing about a girl who he is following around a supermarket. Though there’s an urge to send ‘creep-alert’ signals all around the protagonist of the story’s plot, you can’t help but root for him as well, as it seems this girl is the only light in his life at this point.

The album ends on a sweet note, but ultimately proves to be a waste of time to any attentive listener. The record’s purpose is to accompany his debut novel, as it clearly lacks the strength and nerve to stand on its own. That said, unless you are looking for an easy listen, or some nice background music to a top-down drive with someone you’d love to converse with, this record is not the best choice. But in terms of originality, the idea of creating both a book and an accompanying soundtrack earns Logic some extra credit.