Albums That I Love #13: Code Red

The first of many Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince albums that I ever bought (I own them all now) is still my favorite. Its actually the last real album that Will Smith and Jeff Townes made together, although Jeff has occasionally shown up on Will Smith's solo efforts. Code Red has a great selection of songs. Some that have some kind of message and some that are just about having a good time. And thankfully there's no cursing or talking about shooting people or mistreating women or anything.

1. Somethin' Like Dis
The album starts off super strong with The Fresh Prince aka Will Smith laying down rhymes about how great of a rapper he is. A fun song and great rhyming.

2. I'm Looking for the One (To Be With Me)
A laidback track about looking for love.

3. Boom! Shake the Room
Probably the most famous track on this album. Kind of the last great Jazzy Jeff + Fresh Prince single. Still a great song.

4. Can't Wait to Be With You
He's getting back from a long trip, and he "can't wait to be with" her.

5. Twinkle Twinkle (I'm Not a Star)
Talks about people calling him a star and the good and bad that come with that.

6. Code Red
A fun song about being out on the town with another girl on the sly, and having his girlfriend show up at the same restaurant he's at. Code Red!

7. Shadow Dreams
A song about following your dreams even when people try to tell you you can't achieve them.

8. Just Kickin' It
Another great track. Just the Prince kickin' the rhymes.

9. Ain't No Place Like Home
When you're feeling sad and blue, and you're out on the road, there's no place like home.

10. I Wanna Rock
Fun song with the Prince and Jazzy teaming up with some real musicians playing the drums and keyboard. The only real track that features Jazzy Jeff on this album. And of course, as always he shines.

11. Scream
Another song in the vein of "Somethin' Like Dis" and "Just Kickin' It", i.e. the Prince just laying down the rhymes over a simple beat. Another great track.

12. Boom! Shake the Room (Street Remix)
Kind of a weak remix. Of course this was before Puff Daddy "invented the remix". Back when this album was released, the remix just meant putting new beats behind the rhymes. No need to add new verses or bring in 3 more rappers.