The album opens with what one may automatically think "Daykeeper, Pt. 2" However, "The Last Fall" is quite the opposite. It's a release of true emotion about what happens when one continues to give beyond themselves in a relationship. Songs such as the title track, "Authenticity", "All Roads", "Everything Must Go", "Don't Wait" featuring Darien Brockington, and "This City Ain't The Same Without You" featuring the beautiful voice of YahZarah, are all tracks that showcase the new level of talent and blatant genuineness on this album. "Laughing At Your Plans" features Chantae Cann, whom you may remember from Zo!'s Sunstorm album. Her raspy soprano voice is an added bonus to this album and assists in taking the album to another level.
Although this is a very solid project, there are a few tracks that stand out amongst the pack. "Eyes To The Sky" is an emotional track that delves into the subject of insecurities of the human mind. Rather than addressing our issues, we as humans tend to turn our attention elsewhere. In some cases, our interpersonal relationships become the distraction we need to run from our ever present trials. "How did I lose my way, what have I become? Am I running to you or just running from everything" croons Phonte, as he attempts to face this reality. This track may be the most personal on the album because it goes beyond just the notion of relationships. Its tackles the uncertainty of life and placement of the human heart. "Fight for Love", which was co-produced by fellow FE Music Group artist, Zo! is another track that pushes the limits beyond expectation. "I don't understand why we should fight for love, it either ain't or it is..." Between the beautiful melody and the strong lyrics, one cannot help but to connect on a private level with this track. "Make Me A Fool" featuring Jesse Boykins III and FE Music Group newcomer, Median, is also touches the truth behind ....With its uptempo beat and honesty laced lyrics, this track is for the hopeless romantic. "You got me feeling so unreal and now I'm losing my cool...You make me wanna lose myself in you and break all the rules. If I ever lost this feeling, heaven knows what I'd do. And I'm not asking you to be an angel, just don't ever make me a fool." The song brings a smile to listener's face, as it is light in tone and heartfelt in spirit. These three tracks, coupled with the overall production of this album and the well intentioned lyrics and thought out emotions, make this album a must have for those who believe life is beyond the frills and flowers. There are moments of insecurities and dissention that we try to ignore, but will one day have to face.
One thing to note about this album is the apparent confidence that has overtaken Phonte on this album. Although there are less features in this project in contrast to Connected and Leave It All Behind, Nicolay and Phonte have put together a masterpiece that transcends beyond what one may have hoped for. While the previous projects were excellent albums, Authenticity has taken FE into the upper echelon of urban soul. It is good to see that FE has pushed the envelope a little bit on this project as it presents an equal mix of electro hip hop soul. Not one track is the same, and each touch on different topics regarding human life and relationships. Authenticity is unadulterated truth, innocent candor and sheer genius.
