Like any modern R&B/Rap album, there has to be a club joint or two. Akon covers that beautifully with the Eminem feature "Smack That." The lyrics are typically booty, but for what it is, it’s as enjoyable as anything else on the record. Eminem, however poor his rhymes have been as of late, actually manages to spit a lyrically proficient verse here. Snoop Dogg shows up a track later to guest on the sexy "I Wanna Love You" and, as much as I can’t say I appreciate Snoop’s appearance, the song is solid strictly for Akon’s verses and his inimitable chorus. Snoop is as forgettable as ever, but Akon holds it down nicely otherwise.

Although far from a club banger, "Mama Africa" fits nowhere else on this album. A song dedicated to Akon’s homeland, it is, without a doubt, the most unique track on the LP. The subject matter is surprisingly unique and it gives the album some added topical variety other than women, guns, drugs, and other such topics.

A 12 track album and, at that, unsurprisingly solid, Konvicted is co-produced almost entirely by Akon. The work he puts in is undeniably fantastic and, even when the production doesn’t work, his vocals are never lax. His energy level and his voice, which has become a hallmark of his style, make each song that much better. But the production rarely falters, and when it’s good, it’s far beyond sufficient.

Standouts include the club-ready "Smack That," the mellow "I Can’t Wait," the smooth "Tired of Runnin’" and the recent second single "Don’t Matter." Each song experiments with a different sound and no two tracks sound alike; I thank Akon greatly for that. The variety found throughout Konvicted, production-wise, can almost be astounding.

Guests obviously weren’t important to this record as only Styles P., Eminem, and Snoop Dogg show up for brief cameos. This gives Akon more time in the spotlight. None of these guests are given any great amount of mic time, but Snoop comes through with a verse that would make even the most hardcore fans of the Top Dogg wish they had never heard of him. The rest do not make nor break the album.

Konvicted should keep Akon fans happy; no more, no less. He’s not the most talented artist to ever get behind a microphone, but he does have talent and that is what’s important here. According to fans across the country, Akon may be becoming the next Nate Dogg, but with an album as good as Konvicted, he shouldn’t have to worry about that quite yet. Not the greatest album I’ve ever heard, but certainly not the worst, Konvicted is solid for all the right reasons anyhow.