Example - Won't Go Quietly

About 4 years ago I discovered a Mixtape called ‘We Didn’t Invent The Remix’, by a Rapper named Example. It was 13 tracks of remixes/re-makes, which were to drastically change my outlook on UK Music forever. Along with Eminem and KanYe West; this man’s entire Discography has influenced me more than anyone else’s throughout the past 10 years – I have always been able to relate to his lyrics and this new album is no exception.

“There be no more rapping; if there is then I’ll keep it old fashioned”

Back in 2008 I remember him saying to me on MySpace that “Electro Example is the way forward” – at first I wasn’t totally convinced, but now I know he couldn’t have been more right. Once a very good Rapper, Example has transformed himself into an exceptional all-round artist who now knows how to write anthems, instead of just a few witty bars. This Summer he will be playing at Glastonbury in front of about 15,000 screaming fans, which is quite a stark contrast to the 15 fans that stayed behind in Manchester to see him perform just 3 years ago. The overall success he has achieved from this change in direction is quite incredible, considering very few US rap acts have been able to do this after 10 years, let alone one album.

‘Won’t Go Quietly’ is a breath of fresh air and everything I could have wished for, and more. A lot of albums with more than 5 producers struggle with fluency; however Example’s unique vocal tone and superb lyrical talent allows the album to flow perfectly from start to finish. One of the main aspects of the album which makes me happy, is how refreshing all of the Singles sound alongside the 10 new songs – ‘Watch The Sun Come Up’ and ‘Hooligans’ in particular, which I’ve had in my iTunes for more than a year now. A lot of this is due to fact that there are no samples on the album, which means every song is a brand new sound that’s never been heard before. I’ve noticed a lot of ‘fans’ of Example’s older work have complained about him going down this route and veering away from UK Hip-Hop. But really; when has he ever been a stereotypical UK Hip-Hop artist? I will always love ‘What We Made’ and it is an album that will forever have a special place in my heart; however ‘Won’t Go Quietly’ will appeal to wider range of people and has much more quality and depth throughout. As Jay-Z once said; “want my old shit - buy my old album”.

2010 is shaping up to be one of the greatest years of all time for Music and we have been blessed with some of my favourite albums of the past 20 years. ‘Won’t Go Quietly’ is one of those album’s – it’s a masterpiece and an important moment for the UK Music movement that is happening right now. All the work done by Example himself, Sheldrake, DJ Wire, Rusher, David Stewart, Mark Surridge and Chris Maas over the past 4/5 years has led us to where we are today. It’s been a long road to get here, but definitely worth it. For me, someone who’s been Example’s biggest fan from the start; it’s amazing to have been able to get to know him as a person and watch him develop and grow as an artist from the inside. Everything he wanted to achieve two years ago is now finally starting to fall into place due to his hard work and perseverance. He deserves all the success this album brings.

Below is a snippet of the track I thought I would like least, but it has become one of my favourites on the whole album – ‘Two Lives’, which is produced by the brilliant Ishi.

Kickstarts will be on iTunes this Sunday: BUY

Won’t Go Quietly is out on June 22nd: iTunes, HMV & Play

P.S. HMV Bonus CD is a must have.