Music Monday: Northern State – Can I Keep This Pen?

I’m 90% sure you’ve not heard of Northern State.

And I’m 98% sure you wouldn’t be thrilled if I said they were a ‘white girl rap group.’

But I’m here to prove you wrong.

You’re either thinking:

a) ‘Girls can’t rap!’

or b) ‘WHITE? Eminem is the only white rapper.’

Well guess what? These chicks are actually good.

Their cleverly titled album ’Can I Keep This Pen?’ was released in 2007, it was given to me as a gift in 2008 and now, in 2009, I’m reviewing it.

Moving swifty on…

Track #1: Mic Tester – Short but sweet introduction to the album. Not really a memorable song, but fun nonetheless.

Track #2: Better Already – This song actually featured in an episode of ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy. This proves its greatness, no?

Track #3: Oooh Girl - Totally random lyrics and it’s totally hilarious. The first really catchy song on the album I’d say.

Track #4: Away Away – First one to lay a little off the rap and focus more on some singing. Which they’re also good at.

Track #5: Good Distance - One of the weaker songs on the album, but it’s not bad. I like the little cow bell in the background.

Track #6: ILuvItWhenYa – Another song featured on Grey’s Anatomy. Again, do I need say more?

Track #7: Suck MoFo – Easily the best song on the album. Explicit, but excellent. Great lyrics, memorable, fun.

Track #8: Cold War – Less catchy, but a song that goes non-stop. Good for listening to in the car.

Track #9: Run Off the Road – The first of the slower tracks on the CD, but I like it. Great for singing along to.

Track #10: Things I’ll Do – The track behind this one reminds me of Snoop Dogg. I approve.

Track #11: Cowboy Man - I have to admit, I had to listen to this one the whole way through to remember it. Weakest song, I’d say.

Track #12: Mother May I? – Pure, unadulterated rap. What NS are all about.

Track #13: Fall Apart – Love this one. Strange instrumental in the background. Unique sounding.

Track #14: The Three Amigas – Quite a disappointing final tune, but it’s still not the worst song I’ve ever heard.

On the whole, this album is probably aimed at a pretty niche market. You have to like rap and be a bit of a feminist to like it. If you like comedy songs, there’s a chance you wouldn’t mind giving it a listen.

Overall Rating: