A shame, then, that Teenage Emotions, for all Yachty’s precocious charm, is an unfocused effort, pinballing between tired thug posturing (the atrocious Peek-a-Boo, with its well-documented lyrical lapses), and trite motivational mantras (Like a Star).
He’s more convincing when wallowing in his own goofiness with his heart on his sleeve, as on the superb pop-rap sugar rushes of Bring it Back and Forever Young.
• Lil Yachty. Teenage Emotions. Universal.
• Two and a half stars
Single download: Forever Young
For those who like: Fetty Wap, Outkast, Biz Markie
— John Hayden
