Freedom

Last month, Akon told Billboard he was leaning toward a Euro-club sound for his new album, and he does just that on the techno-driven "We Don't Care," with its thumping bassline and organ-like riffs, and the dance track "Keep You Much Longer," which takes its cues from Haddaway's "What Is Love?" But there's no shortage of Akon's traditional boom-bap. On "I'm So Paid," featuring Young Jeezy and Lil Wayne, Akon remains the "No. 1 hustler getting money," and on "Be With You," he has no patience for anyone who doesn't believe in his relationship. And while "Troublemaker" and "Holla Holla" each sound a lot like prior Akon songs (the former like Kardinal Offishall's "Dangerous," the latter like '07's Akon/T-Pain pairing "Bartender"), ultimately they're highlights for that very reason. —Mariel Concepcion