As the owner of a diamond mine, Akon will be suffering right now, with the price of the gemstones falling dramatically. Not to worry, though, because money can’t buy you love — and love, judging by the lyrics on Freedom, is what Akon really wants. Those who have seen his raunchy live show may wonder if love isn’t a euphemism, but just one listen to Freedom will convince you that the man is really just a soppy old romantic. Sure, there’s the obligatory nod to more urban values on I’m So Paid, but for the most part Akon is applying his gift for hooks to explaining that he’d like to Be With You or Keep You Much Longer. The autotune vocals and 1980s aesthetic — tinny beats and digital synths — start out fresh, but, over 14 similarly produced tracks, soon get boring.

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