Chris Brown's "Fine By Me" - Single Review

   If people were to look past Chris Brown's abusive past, they would see the 26-year-old is still churning out infectious, radio-ready hits a decade following his initial debut. Though his star power has dimmed quite a bit following the release of his sophomore effort, Brown continues to push his artistic boundaries, setting up the upcoming release of his seventh studio album Royalty, named after his adorable daughter. Following three singles, including the scandalous "Back To Sleep", the artist continues to tease the project with "Fine By Me", his most energetic and commercial single since "Don't Wake Me Up" in 2012.

   "Fine By Me" finds Brown returning to the dancefloor with a fierce, 80s-inspired backing beat and lyrical content that sheds light on a woman who only seeks love when in between the sheets. The R&B artist doesn't seem to be mind getting used only for his bedroom skills, but eventually wishes for his lover to want him in the broad daylight as well. The slight cockiness, the confidence in Brown's passionate vocal delivery, carries the song to exciting heights, possibly to the top of the charts where the track belongs.

   Brown sounds relaxed in the club banger environment, his vocal performance is a commendable addition to the dark, sultry tone of the new single, but it's true power lies in the songwriting. "She only loves me when no one's around, one's around, she only loves me cuz I put it down, that is fine by me," Brown croons on the lustful chorus as he comes to terms with why he's wanted. The subject of a no strings attached carnal adventure is deliciously risque, but still tame enough to crossover onto the radio airwaves.

   Just as singles such as "Forever" and "Turn Up the Music" did, the new "Fine By Me" shows that Brown can effectively handled a pop/dance leaning effort with great success. One won't help but wonder if the single would have been a release from the late Michael Jackson in 2015. Instead of explicit, degrading lyricism, the artist approaches the topic of intimacy with a sense of truth, conviction and self-assurance. It allows Brown's delivery to come off sexy and alluring, not gross or comical.

   To support the track's deserved future success, Brown continues the Royalty music video storyline with a Mortal Kombat/Scott Pilgrim vs The World-inspired visual. "Fine By Me" finds the artist lured into a dark alley by a mysterious leather-clad woman, only to be subjected to combat with the likes of other potential suitors. Brown's killer dance moves double as life-saving techniques as he eventually comes out of the game victorious, awaiting the next round.

   Look past Brown's questionable past actions, focus on the music, and you might find "Fine By Me" quite enjoyable. Whether it be on the radio, or in the nearest dance club at 1am.