A dynamic debut album from Bobby Shots, The Mind of Bobby enamors in its wide breadth of styles — from delectably atmospheric hip-hop to heartfelt R&B and country-touched twangs. The power of AI bolsters Bobby’s engaging lyricism and musical ideas. “So while I want to be upfront about my use of AI in bringing my lyrics to life, I hope my audience can appreciate the true art and emotion behind my truly genuine lyrics,” he explains. “Everything on my album was written 100% by me.”
“My Proclamation” opens the album with an invigorated confidence. “Give me a beat and yeah make that shit rock,” the vocals let out, energized alongside thumping rhythms and spirited synths. “It’s emancipation, it’s my proclamation,” they continue during a ghostlier sequence, arising cohesively back into the punchy verses. The production’s range of rhythmic spaciousness and pulsating ardency makes for an enjoyable momentum, especially during the “make it bump,” soulful backing vocal integrations. “All In Baby” follows with a funky, brass-laden suaveness, quickly showcasing Bobby’s tonally eclectic chops. “She enjoys the candle light, so I lit them all tonight,” an R&B vocal vibe exudes during the hook, shifting seamlessly into sharp hip-hop verses; the album’s opening one-two punch is strongly melodic and stylish.
A catchy, lyrically charismatic sound and dynamic stylistic prowess continues from there. “Bayou Anything” muses on heartfelt love amidst a country-led arsenal. “I may not be the man of your wishes,” the vocals emanate alongside twangy guitar tones and fiddle flourishes. “I can watch the sunrise as long as I’m by you.” The variety of styles within makes for an immersive listening experience. A bouncy hip-hop and pop hybrid enamors with “Who Said,” while “Tate Ated” achieves a nocturnal hip-hop sound comparatively. “Got the devil in my basement,” a foreboding, female vocal presence lets out; the lyrical perspectives on creativity and motivation prove compelling.
Tender, lush guitar tones kickstart the captivating “Clarity.” The lyrics convey a striving for self-betterment — “I try to do better than the man I used to be,” — whilst one’s head “keeps messing with my own self.” The intimate depictions of struggles — kept secrets and yearning for connection, in particular — fuses within a heartrending instrumentation, invoking a soulful R&B mastery in its subtle string infusions and calming guitars. Conversely, “Rocket Ship” brings forth a more pulsating pop confidence, while also acknowledging the need for perseverance amidst struggle. “I’m down here on both knees, I think I lost the race,” vocals admit, retracing the feelings of losing one’s soul and creative ethos — though regaining them with artistic inspiration and the help of some killer beats.
From the affecting R&B of “Clarity” to the country twangs within “Bayou Anything” and the hip-hop ferocity of “Tate Ated,” The Mind of Bobby consistently enamors with its range of styles and consistent lyrical envelopments. Bobby Shots’ lyrical talents and love for a variety of genres comes to enjoyable fruition throughout The Mind of Bobby.
