Whenever Future and Metro Boomin collaborate, you can always count on a flood of top-notch trap beats paired with clever lyrics. At this stage in their careers, they’re practically synonymous with each other – it’s hard to imagine one without the other.
In the opening track, the fusion of upbeat synth and a subtle sample from “Smiling Faces Sometimes” by Undisputed Truth sets the stage for Future’s exploration of trust and authenticity. His raw delivery adds weight to the themes of brotherhood and deceit. Moving to “Young Metro,” a collaboration with Mike Dean and featuring the Weeknd, Future’s signature Auto-Tune style blends seamlessly with the dreamy atmosphere. However, the song lacks momentum until its bridge and fade-out.
“Ice Attack” presents a platform for Future to praise Metro Boomin’s production style, with its cracked sequencer and tapping rhythm. Yet, as the album progresses, it seems Metro adjusts his style to fit Future’s mood rather than elevating it. This is evident in “Type S**t,” where the track’s potential is overshadowed by Future, Playboi Carti, and Travis Scott’s contributions.
Similar instances occur throughout the album. Metro’s eerie ambiance in “Magic Don Juan (Princess Diana)” only truly shines when complemented by Future’s flow. Meanwhile, “Cinderella,” featuring Travis Scott, lacks impact despite its celestial tone.
Tracks like “Claustrophobic” touch on themes of professionalism, but Future’s lyrical content doesn’t quite align with the intended message. Despite this, Kendrick Lamar’s appearance on “Like That” injects energy and wit into the album, stirring up intrigue with his pointed lyrics.
Overall, Metro Boomin’s production often outshines Future’s performance on the album. However, standout tracks like “Running Outta Time” showcase Future’s clarity and passion, accompanied by simple yet powerful instrumentation. “Where My Twin @” also stands out with its vibrant melody and intricate percussion.
I’d give WE DON’T TRUST YOU a solid 7 out of 10. While there are several tracks worth revisiting, the overall package feels a bit cluttered, with some songs seeming disposable. However, this anticipation only heightens my excitement for Future and Metro’s next album on April 12. Will it share similar strengths and weaknesses, or will it push boundaries even further in terms of production and delivery? Only time will tell.