FGA – Broke and Borderline (Single Review)

‘Broke and Borderline’ is the new single by the Texan-born artist FGA, real name Freddie Gibbs. 

Chloe Tiffin-Gearing has previously reviewed FGA’s music. From Chloe, I pick up that the guitar is one of the instruments FGA uses. In terms of vocals, Chloe noted that FGA’s delivery can be understated yet expressive. 

So as I braced to listen to ‘Broke and Borderline’, I expected guitars and understated but expressive vocals. 

The song starts on an energetic note. There’s a mix of drumming and what seems to be slightly distorted guitar. The drumming also gives out a steely feel. What’s remarkable about the instrumentation is perhaps its deceptiveness: it’s energetic yet maintains its subtlety. One can say this is measured music – measured but not descending into the ‘boring’ territory.

Vocally, FGA has an easy and sweet voice. This is the voice of someone who does not overcook their delivery. 

Another remarkable thing about this song is that the passages without vocals are as pleasing as the rest. 

While I have commended the single’s vocals and instrumentation, I find the lyrics hard to hear. This is the song’s weakness. 

SCORE/Good: If not for the lyrics that are hard to hear, I would have given this song an ‘excellent’ rating. Be that as it may, I will generally regard it as excellent and perhaps try to factor out the lyrics. 

[We rank singles, EPs, and albums on a scale of Poor, Mediocre, Good, Excellent, and Outstanding]

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