T-Pain wasn't exactly in the wilderness during the six years that passed between his fourth and fifth albums. He collaborated with scores of artists, E-40 and Chance the Rapper included, and released singles, yet events and developments that left him feeling disrespected, combined with numerous delays, made the release of
Oblivion rather hard fought. T-Pain doesn't spend much time reflecting on the past. He proclaims, "Just sit back while I get my shit back" on the opening "Who Died" and devotes most of his energy to characteristically hedonistic pursuits, primarily over sleek and booming productions with a dance-pop bid ("No Rush"), an early-'80s Prince/Gap Band-styled throwback ("That Comeback"), and a genuinely touching ballad ("Second Chance [Don't Back Down]") for variety. Tiffany Evans and Ty Dolla $ign lead the parade of guests. ~ Andy Kellman