Music Review: Ludacris

The stark picture of a brooding, cleaned-up Ludacris on the cover of Release Therapy suggests his massive success has had an impact on his worldview. Whatever the reason for the makeover, the absence of those trademark braids is startling.

A few listens reveal that the music is not as different as the cover would suggest. The best track by far, the inevitable hit single "Money Maker," is fairly familiar territory. That's not to say it's not an absolute killer-The Neptunes' production is unreal. Cool, laidback bass and sharp stabs of electric organ carry a smooth Pharrell hook and a slinky Luda flow of sexual braggadocio.

Elsewhere, the more adventurous, "serious" tracks are hit-and-miss. "Tell It Like It Is" is a cynical tutorial on survival in an unforgiving music business, refreshing in its subject matter and sincerity. "Runaway Love" doesn't hold up as well-the childhood abuse stories come off as melodramatic and trite, despite the song's best intentions.

The middle of the album suffers too many slo jamz, but the strength of its singles-and of about half of its adventurous songs-make Release Therapy an interesting listen.