If Macy Gray and T-Pain had a child, it would sound exactly like Akon. With the release of his latest album “Freedom,” Akon is out to show the world that he can still measure up to the success of his last album.

Akon opens up his album with his familiar unique voice in the tune “Right Now (Na Na Na).” This quick tune is catchy and perfect for a club or party. With a blend of techno and rap, this single is sure to rise to the top of the charts.

In “I’m So Paid,” featuring Lil Wayne and Young Jeezy, the lyrics of living large and staying up all night long makes this song fun. The singer boasts about how he refuses to let anyone bring him down and how he has a no tolerance policy for people using him.

People may believe that artists just sing silly tunes about getting drunk or losing love, but Akon proves through his title track, “Freedom,” that he is out to change the stereotype. Akon digs deep down into his soul to sing an intense message about his parents fighting after the birth of his brother.

He explains that the pressure of having children caused his parents to fight, and then his father had to get out and find freedom. Akon saves the listener the pain of having to hear him whine about the pain of divorce, but instead gives the benefit of the doubt to his parents by saying that it all worked out for the best.

In the tune “Troublemaker,” the back-up singers resemble the sound of pop sensation Fergie, while Akon’s voice mimics Timbaland’s style of quick words and steady voice fluctuation.

The only complaint of “Freedom” is the hip-hop sound takes a bit away from the true uniqueness of Akon’s more urban-dance-beat style, but the album is sure to do well. The one-time “Smack That” singer is not just a boy singing about his troubles anymore; he has risen to the level of an intelligent man reflecting on what the next day will bring and not sulking about the troubles of the past.