Though it's
DMX
's third album in two years,
...And Then There Was X
doesn't show much sign of burnout. True, it's similar to his last, which balanced new-school gangsta tracks (
"The Professional,"
"Make a Move"
) with a couple that question the inevitable trappings that come with success (
"Fame,"
"One More Road to Cross"
). And the productions by
Swizz Beats
,
P. Killer Trackz
, and
Shok
-- all part of
Ruff Ryders
-- are heavily synthesized and occasionally melodramatic, just like both of his previous albums. Even when
' usually reliable productions fall through,
brings it all back with his tough rhymes and inventive wordplay. He's still torn between the thug life and spiritual concerns (even including a long prayer in the liner notes), but the most exciting tracks on
are good-time joints like
"Party Up"
and
"What's My Name?"
~ John Bush