For sure, the album contains multitudes. It is far from plain, but I would argue that it's not entirely cohesive because of how un-plain it is. The shift between sounds is so contrasted and, at times, so jarring that it takes you by surprise. Once you think you’ve developed an opinion on the album it’ll get rewritten quite quickly.

 Like the album, though, my argument contains multitudes. It’s not cohesive, but that’s the point. How do you balance familiarity and modernity when you haven’t released in so long? In that way, it is cohesive. 

Don’t Be Dumb opens with “ORDER OF PROTECTION.” Its slightly ominous feeling sets the theme of warning that is revisited throughout the album. The warning, if you’re curious, is quite guessable; simply do not be dumb.

“ORDER OF PROTECTION” is not much of an attention grabber. If the goal of an intro song is to draw the listener in and convince them to give an ear to the rest of the album, this one gets a C+. However, what you hear is what you get. It is a proper introduction in terms of matching the energy of (mostly) the rest of the album. 

I’ll give you a peek behind the curtain in sharing my authentic notes for the next three songs: “boring, but good background music I guess.” There’s not much to say when it comes to “HELICOPTER,” “INTERROGATION (SKIT)” and “STOLE YA FLOW,” but consider the lack of review itself a review. 

The instrumental aspect of these tracks– and, honestly, most others– are somewhat underwhelming, but they are moved forward by A$AP’s distinct voice and clever lyricism, which remained consistent with that of the nearly decade-old pieces that fans are familiar with. It is not a chore to listen to these, they’re pretty good. But that’s about it. You find yourself craving a little more. 

And almost before you can blow out the candles, drop the rabbit’s foot or finish whatever other wish ritual you may have, “STAY HERE 4 LIFE” saves the day. The fifth track is a refreshing change of pace; it is the unclenching of the jaw. There’s a depth to this song that neither its predecessors nor successors can quite touch their toes to. 

It’s not just the guest vocals from Brent Faiyaz or A$AP’s pitched-down expressions that set it apart, although those play significant roles in making it great. “STAY HERE 4 LIFE” has a lively and creatively adventurous backtrack compared to the redundancy of the others. It’s the sonic manifestation of those saran wrap balls filled with little gifts you might see at a holiday party. You can peel it back layer by layer and encounter something unique with each strip-down. Similarly, other tracks like “PLAYA,” “WHISKEY (RELEASE ME),” and “DON’T BE DUMB/TRIP BABY” continue the sweeter, kinder sound. They don’t impress quite like “STAY HERE 4 LIFE,” but their buoyant natures definitely make them the high points of the album.

It’s clear why “PUNK ROCKY” was chosen as the album’s lead single. It’s so unlike any of the previous tracks and is a culmination of the ideas and concepts that make the album what it is. It is one of the more inoffensive tracks in terms of sound; it’s soft and a little bit reminiscent of an older A$AP Rocky tune while still being experimental and inventive. A fault of many of the album’s songs is the unvaried or monotonous framework, and while that argument could apply to “PUNK ROCKY,” the driving bassline saves it from having such an effect. All in all, it's a proper mix of old and new, exactly what is wanted out of a first album back. 

The song and the sound that is the most distinctly unique from anything else is “ROBBERY,” because it’s jazz. It works, though. It’s a bit quirky but not awkward or funny. It’s smooth and flowing but still animated. My fear is that “ROBBERY” will become one of the more overlooked or underappreciated songs because it’s so individual, but it’s skillful and witty, and A$AP and Doechii’s voices complement each other so well. The skit in the middle makes it so easy to visualize, too. I’d call this something close to brilliant. 

“AIR FORCE (BLACK DEMARCO)” sums up the aforementioned contrasted and sometimes jarring shifts in the album. It is one of the most stimulating and energetic tracks while also being one of the calmest, and there’s very little transition between the two. Don’t Be Dumb’s beauty comes in how dissimilar each track is from the next. “STFU” and “DON’T BE DUMB/TRIP BABY” exist in tandem. How blessed. 

If nothing else, Don’t Be Dumb is a perfect sandwich. The opening track and the closing track, aptly titled “THE END,” both have the same tone and feel, almost as if to welcome you back after the ride. You don’t put this album down feeling very optimistic, with topics like global warming and school shootings being mentioned. “This is the way the world ends,” repeats Jessica Pratt. It’s eerie and a little uncomfortable, but it is a really fitting finish to an album whose title is Don’t Be Dumb.

Don’t Be Dumb represents evolution under the restraint of expectation. A$AP Rocky did not need to prove anything with this album. He is and has been one of the most respected names in the industry for the last 15 or so years. While I’d be hesitant to call this a magnum opus, it is composed and strung together in a smart and creative manner. It keeps the listener on their toes and engaged with its back-and-forth identity, but it can also feel like it’s not trying very hard at times. Thankfully, though, the highs are very high, and the lows are only slight dips. It is varied but it keeps a clear theme and a central message. Take a guess at what that may be.