DANNY!: Charm

Danny!

Charm

© 2006 Badenov Records/1911 Music (643157374688)

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The third and final LP from South Carolina's most prolific producer/MC.

notes

The third, and allegedly final, record in the young MC's career, "Charm" finds Danny! at his most adventurous, and probably at his most mature. It's hailed as a concept album that traces the rise and (probable) fall of an artist who found overnight success, and though this isn't incorrect, "Charm"'s really more of a frame story, a dream bookended by the reality of trying to work and support a family while pursuing a musical career.

Though Danny!'s rhymes aren't always profound -- many of them deal with the sexual benefits afforded to a superstar, and are pretty standard -- he still does a good job of achieving that objective. He explores quotidian struggles of a struggling artist, but he also presents the different sides of fame, from its seductions ("Temptation") and perks ("Can't Wait") to its pressures ("My Problem") and its effects on relationships ("What Now") and artistic integrity ("Lip Flappin"). Danny! has an easy way of rapping that he sticks to throughout the album (though occasionally he does switch up his delivery, on "It's Okay," for example), almost like he's talking or telling a story, which aids in conveying the sense that "Charm" is a snapshot of sorts into the life of a musician, his personal musings, and reflections on his own life.

Production-wise, Danny! has never sounded better, now able to move away from the short four-bar phrases that dominated his previous albums into beats that are much more complex. While lyrically "Where Were You" has a predictable ending that seems fairly contrived, it has a fantastic musical backdrop that works to emphasize the sadness of the song. Background voices sing in a bittersweet descent as a slow bass echoes the pain of the described loss, a forlorn trumpet entering to highlight the shock and despair. Yes, it's affected, and perhaps it's a bit overdone, but it's stirring nonetheless and shows off Danny!'s talents in the studio.

As the album ends with the (post-dream) approach from a record label, it's hard to believe that though there's no conclusion, "Charm" will actually be Danny!'s last. He's set himself up for a sequel, and if he continues improving as much as he has, it could be a pretty good thing.

~ Marisa Brown, All Music Guide

reviews

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  • Hear the Progression
    author: Corey

    By far, his best album release thus far. Every song is well done. From the College Kicked-Out to Charm, one can hear how much he's progressed as a producer, and more importantly for MC releases, as a lyricist. I don't feel the Kanye comparison, but if someone was to hear it at all, they'd hear it in Charm, which is one of my favorite tracks, next to The Last Laugh and Cafe Surreal. Buy this if you respect hard work and lyrics that are universally understood.

  • U r the Man
    author: danny wang

    I don't think u sound like Kayne West nor 9th wonder. U sound like "Danny Swain". Keep doing your thang.. Charm is the must have album for true school hiphop lovers

  • Super Fresh!!!
    author: Cinsere LogiQ

    Charm is a very solid and innovative cd. The tracks are easy to relate to everyday situations such as text messages, relationships, and aspirations to be something great. I definitely will recommend to everyone!

  • A fresh cool hypnotic sound.
    author: Dandamizan

    Yo, this my first time hearin this joint and the artist. Laid me out. Da beats are fresh,simple, and easy to relate to. He put it down and I hope he hold it down. I'm lookin foward to another album...

  • best of 2006
    author: roman

    this is the kind of album all rappers should be aiming for. 19 tracks, not one weak song and a great concept all around. it sucks that danny isn't getting the recognition he deserves but charm is a blessing for anyone who took a chance on it.

  • Why can't BET play this???
    author: Chris

    This CD is great. Danny talks about how people say he sounds like Kanye West (and he does) but who cares? This Album is good from start to finish unlike most modern rap "albums". He talks about things that normal people can identify with which is a welcomed change from the norm.

  • The Album is Nice
    author: Justin

    Really the album is 4.7 but had to round up. It is sick. I like every song. No guarantees remix is my current favorite although it changes everytime I listen to the album, about 3 times a day. Also the boy is really funny, big shout out to Master Poon. Buy this album, if you don't you are doing yourself a big disfavor. Great Hip Hop

  • it's different...and I like it!
    author: regina

    once I started listenin to charm, i just wanted to hear more and more...it's different from the same thing that you hear everyday...danny has a lot of style and is very creative...this cd is awesome!

  • Great Cd.
    author: Sammy Kim

    I think Cd is great. Not a thing wrong with it. You are very creative Mc. I love track # 3 and # 9. I like # 5 because you shout out Phuket, and that is where my family is from. Good Luck. I hope you make it !!!

  • No words...
    author: Andre

    There are no words to express how unique and interesting this CD is. At times it reminds me of a Kanye West CD, but better. Where Were You is my favorite track. This is a great listen for anyone who's into hearing hip-hop that has a lot of substance.

  • dope beats, dope rhymes, dope album
    author: Anthony

    Danny shows the real soul of Hip Hop. His lyrics are real and he has his own style. "Charm" has excellent beats, melody, and Danny is actually saying things worth listning to when he rhymes. If just 10% of Hip Hop were more like this people would not be so willing to buy D4L or The Franchise Boys. All i can say is wow. I can seldom buy an album where i can listen to the whole cd- starting from the very first song up until the last without skipping anything. i love this cd!

  • "Fresh off the plane it's ya boy D-Swain" Love it!
    author: Tamika B.

    I was excited when I heard Danny was coming out with something new so I went ahead and copped this cd. Not only are the lyrics and flow tight but Danny really impresed me with the beats. You go boy! 'Carousel' is my top pick, I sooooo can relate to this song. ' Lip flappin' was funny as hell, typical sarcastic Danny and 'Strange fruit ' deserves an f---ing grammy!!! I am also feeling 'Move something' and 'Fly' was nice. The only thing I can say about Charm is that it is a little too long. Danny should of cut a few songs, 'My problem' and 'What now fit with the plot of the cd but I feel like I have to listen to the whole album front to back for those songs to make any sense! And I loooooooooooove the hell out of "Cafe surreal' but maybe it could of been a bonus track...? Overall this is an excellent album, if youliked his first two CDs then you will love this one. Oh yeah and Danny if you are reading this you aren't fooling nobody, this isnt your last ablum!!! :-)

  • this joint is on point
    author: travis

    ayo doggy im really feelin this joint right here a lot of dope songs and i few i didnt like but overall this Cd is top qualty. keep doin ya thing d-swain

  • That's the stuff!
    author: Ashley Richardson

    I been listening to hip hop for years now and I know good music when I hear it. This guy reminds me a lot of a mix between Little brother and Kayne West, moreso Kanye because he also raps over beats that he makes. Anyway "Charm" does a good job of keeping my attention, Danny pulls off the story very well though sometimes the thematics can be a little overkill. But "Charm is still better than 95% of the half soaked rap CDs that come out these days both production wise and lyrically. My favourite songs are "Cant Wait" where he talks about touring and the different places he would go to. I like the line about the Edinburgh Film festival! "Cafe Surreal" where he compares expressing creative energy to performing at a coffeeshoppe in the corner of your mind. (Don't worry Danny, I caught it!) And "Duck Soup" where he turns the tables on those who bellyache about him not being a real representation of what "hip hop" is. Talk about pissing on someones bonfire!!! "Where Were You" had a surprise ending that made me press repeat. ANd speaking of surprise ending the whole album coming together at track 20 was nothing short of brilliant. (I'm not giving it away though!!!) Overall this album is rad. It's more than a good buy, it's a GREAT buy and I recommend this CD to anyone who is tired of the tommy-rot on the radio. Danny youve got a fan from the UK, I'm taking this CD back with me to England this summer.

  • best album ive heard inawhile
    author: sean

    Other than "move somthirng, this CD bangs from begining to end. I copped this From Manifest andn when i poppe d this in my CD player i was blowed away by the production. Good storyline too, i followed along with the plot very well done. i'd give this 5 stars but ""move something and "what now" were kinda weak even though they did add to the story somewhat/ Great album from a great MC, he stepped it up on the beats too

  • Where's this guy been hiding?
    author: Caleb

    Wow - if this cd is any indicaton of the talent in south carolina then i am looking forward to hearing more from this state!!! I am actualy cheating, i haven't purchased the abum yet (stumbled across this in the new releases( but i will be based on thses snippets. I will give an actual reveiew when i receive it but so far i love what I am hearin! The Last laugh is dope and I am lovin No Guaranteestoo. I Cant wait is hot too, i cant wait to bump this in my Cd player!

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