Following 2014's full-length
Unknown Memory, Swedish rapper
Yung Lean issued his third LP,
Stranger, a hazy narcotic that's ideal for altered states or simply lulling oneself to sleep. While the production provided by
Yung Gud improves upon its predecessor,
Stranger is hypnotic in a way that anesthetizes rather than enthralls. Icy and detached, it has some highlights that pull listeners out of the fog. "Red Bottom Sky" is a rare tender pop moment that betrays
Lean's attempts to be hardcore, instead resulting in an almost precious effect. "Hunting My Own Skin" is similarly "upbeat," riding a catchy melody that's the most buoyant on the album. The rest of
Stranger maintains a steady, low-energy flow, as
Lean raps about drugs, sex, and his mental state. Album closer "Yellowman" -- inspired by The King in Yellow -- is an atmospheric journey through
Lean's psyche, linking the short stories to his mental health state.
Stranger has its cloud-rap niche and should please listeners eager to enter this world, but casual rap fans should arm themselves with enough patience and caffeine before taking the plunge. ~ Neil Z. Yeung
![Javelin (Turquoise-Colored Vinyl) [B&N Exclusive]](http://prodimage.images-bn.com/pimages/0729920166206_p0_v1_s90x140.jpg "Javelin (Turquoise-Colored Vinyl) [B&N Exclusive]")
![ABBA Gold [Gold Vinyl]](http://prodimage.images-bn.com/pimages/0602577629211_p0_v1_s90x140.jpg "ABBA Gold [Gold Vinyl]")
![Visitors [Half-Speed Mastered 2 LP]](http://prodimage.images-bn.com/pimages/0602445271108_p0_v2_s90x140.jpg "Visitors [Half-Speed Mastered 2 LP]")
