Wretch has always been one of our most thoughtful, emotional MCs, but his fourth major label album is too comfortable in its introspection. Where Stormzy’s Gang Signs & Prayer carefully balanced bangers and ballads, this is sluggish and solemn. Whitney-sampling Tell Me is clever, subtle, infuriatingly dull. Lyrically, His & Hers (Perspectives) offers an ambitious pair of dramatic monologues, with Wretch purveying both perspectives on an unspooling relationship; musically, it’s as enjoyable as sitting between the warring couple on a plane. If only more songs were like Whistle, a joyous collision of Giggs/Kanye references with playful electronic funk that perfectly fits Wretch’s malleable, full-throated flow.
