173. 112 - Pleasure & Pain (2005)

This is a tough one. When I had finished my list and saw that there was a 112 album so far down on the list I was tempted to change it. Truth be told, I always tend to give 112 the benefit of the doubt whenever they bring out a new album just because their early albums were so stellar. Unfortunately every album invariably gets compared to its predecessors and usually comes off poorly as a result. So imagine if you will that this album is your naughty child that has been sent to the corner (173) for getting a B instead of an A on a Maths test. Compared to the kid next door who eats dirt and misspells his own name your kids a genius but when you get straight A's, a B just isn't good enough. There a number of very good songs on here (which is frustrating in itself). 'Let This Go' is just a cool song, 'What If' is a warm fuzzy little ballad, 'My Mistakes' is a harmless but nice little song, 'If I Hit' is a contagious if lyrically uninspired track and towards the end 3 6 Mafia lend a little (welcome) street thump to 'Closing the Club'. There is a lot of filler on here though, which for such a talented group is just unacceptable. 'Pleasure and Pain' sits at 173 with dunce hat perched precariously on top of its head.

Download