DUCKWRTH finds his spotlight and shines on his new album, I’M UUGLY. The California native’s newest LP is a ten-track celebration of the “UUGLY” in life — the taboo, reactionary stuff that makes your face scrunch up.

My first experience with DUCKWRTH was his opening act for Anderson .Paak in Detroit this past summer.  During the show, he invited us all to “GET UUGLY” with him, but I wasn’t quite sure what that request entailed, but soon learned what getting “UUGLY” truly meant.  

The most beautiful thing about his new album is the energy displayed in that live performance remains constant in the studio version.  These 1o tracks are guaranteed to get you moving, and get you feeling “UUGLY.”  

Lively production and catchy hooks give this album an infectiously groovy feel.  Friend and tourmate ChannelTres carries the production team, contributing 4 incredible beats to the project — Tracks 1, 5, 8 , and 9.  The album begins with a burst of energy in the brilliant “BLOW MY MIND,” which continues through the next 3 songs, culminating in the “halftime-show,” and lead single, “GET UUGLY.”  

The mood switches after “GET UUGLY and enters a darker area.  The second half is introduced by “LOOK AT THE TIME,” where DUCKWRTH enlists the vocals of Odd Future alum, Hodgy Beats.  DUCKWRTH explores the ugliness of the world on songs like “100 DAYS” and “RUUUN,” making statements with his words and instrumentals.  

Being able to sustain energy and engage the listener throughout a full LP is no small task — and DUCKWRTH does it beautifully.  Capping at about a half hour, I’M UUGLY is a perfectly paced album.  From beginning to end, DUCKWRTH captivates with his lyrics and melodies that are as accessible as they are meaningful.  

I’M UUGLY is truly a bright spot, breathing hope into the ever fading idea of the album.