Freedom (Akon album)

Last updated

Freedom
AkonFreedom.PNG
Studio album by
ReleasedDecember 2, 2008 (2008-12-02) [1]
Recorded2008
Genre Europop [2]
Length48:50
Label
Producer
Akon chronology
Konvicted
(2006)
Freedom
(2008)
El Negreeto
(2019)
Singles from Freedom
  1. "Right Now (Na Na Na)"
    Released: September 23, 2008
  2. "I'm So Paid"
    Released: October 4, 2008
  3. "Beautiful"
    Released: January 6, 2009
  4. "We Don't Care"
    Released: July 6, 2009

Freedom is the third studio album by Senegalese-American singer Akon. [3] The album was originally named Acquitted; however, Akon changed it before it was released. [4] It was released as a download on December 1, 2008, and in stores December 2, 2008. The album debuted at number 7 on the Billboard 200 with 110,600 copies sold in its first week. [5]

Contents

Recording

Production on the album began in May 2008 and ended in late of the same year. Originally the album was to be called Acquitted, but was later confirmed to be Freedom by Akon's label, Universal Music. Although there are some vulgarities on Freedom, it does not carry the Parental Advisory warning, making it Akon's first album not to do so. In July, a leaked recording of Akon's duet with Michael Jackson titled "Hold My Hand" was released to the Internet and at first showings of the song was supposedly taken out by Akon's music label. The song was originally posted as an Akon demo with only Akon performing the song. The leaked song was rumored to be featured on both his and Jackson's own upcoming album. [6] In an interview with MTV, Akon was hopeful to include the song on the album. However, on October 17, Akon's label released information on the track listing and the album does not feature the duet with Jackson. [7] The UK bonus track, "Clap Again" samples "Click Click Click" by New Kids on the Block. The leaked version of the lead single "Right Now (Na Na Na)" included verse rapper Danny Fernandes but never made the final cut; Akon decided to go solo. The tracks "Against the Grain" and "We Don't Care" were originally named "Falling in Love" and "Could You Be the Reason" respectively. "Troublemaker" seems to be a continuation of Akon's first solo #1 Billboard Hot 100 single "Don't Matter", with the lyrics suggesting that it is, as he says "Similar to the words it don't matter, but this time they wanna see us together, look at us now."

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
Metacritic 58/100 [8]
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [2]
Entertainment Weekly C− [9]
The Guardian Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [10]
musicOMH Star full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [11]
Now Star full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [12]
The Phoenix Star full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [13]
PopMatters 5/10 [14]
Robert Christgau Five Pointed Star Solid.svg Five Pointed Star Solid.svg Five Pointed Star Solid.svg [15]
Rolling Stone Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [16]
Uncut Star full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [8]

Freedom has a score of 58 out of 100 from Metacritic based on "mixed or average reviews". [8] Rolling Stone described Akon's third studio album as "melodrama about love and love lost delivered in a hooting style over synth-swamped beats." [16] Dan LeRoy of The Hartford Courant gave a positive review to the album, stating, "Akon's undeniable gift for hooks makes this an easy listen, and the ex-con posturing isn't missed." [17] The Boston Globe also stated, "This tuneful, seemingly effortless set of sun-kissed pop reminds you why he's in so much demand." [18] 411mania gave the album a score of eight out of ten and said, "This CD is great for the clubs and perhaps for driving down the road trying to find something to put in your cars, but the lyrics are your basic run-of-the-mill crunk song lyrics and leave you a little empty. The one thing I can say for Akon is that he has a pretty decent voice, he's got a great look, and he's got great promoters." [19] Entertainment Weekly gave the album a C−, stating, "Akon's philosophy of liberty also includes the freedom to reuse nearly identical hooks for 13 songs straight." [9] musicOMH gave the album one star out of five and stated, "Unfortunately, all this really means is an extra emphasis on weirdly pitched keyboard riffs and slightly dated sounding beats," and also stated "The album opens with its two best songs, which is never a good idea when there are twelve still to get through." [11] The New York Times critic Jon Caramanica described the track Holla Holla, featuring T-Pain, "is the first of theirs (song) in which the student clearly bests the mentor." [20] Meanwhile, following the album's UK release, noted writer Pete Lewis of the award-winning Blues & Soul stated: "With his new album's typically-expansive moods ranging from banging ghetto jams like 'I'm So Paid' and sexual, T-Pain-featuring 'Holla Holla', to uplifting universal anthems like the autobiographical title-track and reggae-infused 'Sunny Day', hopes are high this time round for 'Freedom' to even eclipse Akon's already-amazing past international success." [21]

Commercial performance

Freedom debuted at number seven on the US Billboard 200, selling 111,000 copies in its first week. [22] As of July 2011, it has sold 782,000 copies in the US. [23]

Singles

The first single released from the album, "Right Now (Na Na Na)", which peaked at #8 on the Billboard Hot 100 was Akon's 12th top 10 hit on the chart. The second single is "I'm So Paid", featuring Lil Wayne and Young Jeezy. The single made a "Hot Shot Debut" at #40 on the Billboard Hot 100 and fell off the charts after a few weeks, but then re-entered and peaked at #31. "Beautiful", the third single, debuted and peaked at #19 on the Billboard Hot 100. The fourth single from the album was "We Don't Care", The music video surfaced online on June 16. [24] [25] The songs "Troublemaker" featuring Sweet Rush and "Keep You Much Longer" peaked at #97 and #123 respectively on the Billboard Hot 100 based solely on iTunes downloads following the album's release without single releases.

Track listing

No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Right Now (Na Na Na)"
  • Akon
  • Tuinfort [a]
4:01
2."Beautiful" (featuring Colby O'Donis and Kardinal Offishall)
  • Akon
  • Jaylien [a]
5:13
3."Keep You Much Longer"
  • Akon
  • Tuinfort
  • Mark "Exit" Goodchild
  • Akon
  • Tuinfort [a]
4:21
4."Troublemaker" (featuring Sweet Rush)
  • Thiam
  • Timothy Walls
  • Akon
  • K-Figz [a]
3:57
5."We Don't Care"
  • Akon
  • Tuinfort [a]
4:16
6."I'm So Paid" (featuring Lil Wayne and Young Jeezy)
4:24
7."Holla Holla" (featuring T-Pain)
3:00
8."Against the Grain" (featuring Ray Lavender)
4:04
9."Be with You"
  • Thiam
  • Hakim Abdulsamad
  • Akon
  • Abdulsamad [a]
3:51
10."Sunny Day" (featuring Wyclef Jean)
5:13
11."Birthmark"
  • Thiam
  • Tuinfort
  • Fisher
4:23
12."Over the Edge"
  • Thiam
  • Tuinfort
  • Kelly
  • Akon
  • Tuinfort [a]
4:27
13."Freedom"
  • Thiam
  • Tuinfort
  • Fisher
  • Akon
  • Tuinfort [a]
4:15
Total length:55:21
Digital Bonus Track
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
14."I'm So Paid" (featuring Lil Wayne)
  • Thiam
  • Fisher
  • Carter, Jr.
  • Akon
  • Detail
3:22
UK & Australia Bonus Track
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
14."Clap Again"
  • Thiam
  • Abdulsmad
  • Akon
  • Abdulsamad [a]
5:11
Chinese Bonus Track
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
14."Be with You" (Mandarin Version) (featuring Wilber)
  • Thiam
  • Abdulsamad
  • Akon
  • Abdulsamad [a]
4:34
Brazilian Bonus Tracks [26]
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
14."Beautiful" (featuring Negra Li) 
  • Akon
  • Jaylien 2010 [a]
3:53
15."Clap Again"
  • Thiam
  • Abdulsamad
  • Akon
  • Abdulsamad [a]
5:11
Tour Edition Bonus Tracks [27]
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
14."Be with You" (Mandarin Version (featuring Will Pan)
  • Thiam
  • Abdulsamad
  • Akon
  • Abdulsamad [a]
3:51
15."Beautiful" (Reggae Remix) (featuring Colby O'Donis and Kardinal Offishall)
  • Thiam
  • Wesley
  • Colón
  • Harrow
5:13
16."Sexy Bitch" (featuring David Guetta)Akon, J. Wesley, David Guetta David Guetta, Jean-Claude Sindres*, Sandy Vee*3:47
Tour Edition Bonus DVD [27]
No.TitleDirector(s)Length
1."Right Now (Na Na Na)" (video)Hattem Abu Sitta4:01
2."I'm So Paid" (video) Gil Green 4:24
3."Beautiful" (video)Gil Green5:13
4."We Don't Care" (video)Gil Green4:16
5."Home Grown – Webisode"  
6."Be with You" (Mandarin version featuring Will Pan) (video) 3:51

Charts

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA) [57] Gold35,000^
Canada (Music Canada) [58] Platinum80,000^
Denmark (IFPI Danmark) [59] Gold10,000
GCC (IFPI Middle East) [60] 2× Platinum12,000*
Lebanon (IFPI Middle East) [60] Gold1,000 [61]
Singapore (RIAS) [62] Gold5,000*
United Kingdom (BPI) [63] Platinum300,000^

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.
Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Real Slim Shady</span> 2000 single by Eminem

"The Real Slim Shady" is a song by American rapper Eminem from his third album The Marshall Mathers LP (2000). It was released as the lead single a month before the album's release.

<i>Mezmerize</i> 2005 studio album by System of a Down

Mezmerize is the fourth studio album by the American heavy metal band System of a Down, released on May 17, 2005, by American Recordings and Columbia Records. Upon its release, the album received acclaim from critics. The album sold over 450,000 copies in its first week, and immediately topped the Billboard 200.

<i>Escapology</i> (album) 2002 studio album by Robbie Williams

Escapology is the fifth studio album recorded by English singer-songwriter Robbie Williams. It was released on 18 November 2002 through EMI Records. The album features a guest appearance by singer Rose Stone and was produced by Guy Chambers and Steve Power. The album's lead single "Feel" was released on 2 December 2002, two weeks after the album. The track was an international hit, reaching the top of the charts in Austria, Poland, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and top five positions in countries such as Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom. Three other singles from the album were released: "Come Undone", "Something Beautiful" and "Sexed Up".

<i>Greatest Hits</i> (Guns N Roses album) 2004 greatest hits album by Guns N Roses

Greatest Hits is a compilation album by the American hard rock band Guns N' Roses, released on March 23, 2004. Released by Geffen Records in part because of the delay in the making of Chinese Democracy, the album was subject to lawsuits by band member Axl Rose and former band members, in an attempt to block its release due to its track listing.

<i>Greatest Hits</i> (Lenny Kravitz album) 2000 greatest hits album by Lenny Kravitz

Greatest Hits is a greatest hits album by American rock musician Lenny Kravitz, released on October 24, 2000.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lonely (Akon song)</span> 2005 single by Akon

"Lonely" is a song by Senegalese-American singer-songwriter Akon; it appears on his debut album, Trouble. Featuring a prominent, high-pitched sample of the 1964 song "Mr. Lonely" by Bobby Vinton, the single was released on February 22, 2005. "Lonely" reached number one in several countries, including in the United Kingdom, Australia, and Germany, where it stayed for eight weeks. It also entered the top five in France, where it reached number two, and in the United States, where it peaked at number four.

<i>Trouble</i> (Akon album) 2004 studio album by Akon

Trouble is the debut album by Senegalese-American singer Akon, released in on June 29, 2004. The album contains Akon's worldwide hit single, "Lonely", which was his commercial breakthrough. However, the release of "Locked Up" propelled Akon to sign a record deal. "Gunshot " was released as promotional single on May 11, 2004. The album performed well in the United Kingdom where it peaked at No. 1 on the UK Album Chart. Trouble sold 25,000 copies in the first week, and certified Platinum by the RIAA in the United States and has sold 1.6 million copies.

<i>Konvicted</i> 2006 studio album by Akon

Konvicted is the second studio album by Senegalese-American singer Akon. It was released on November 14, 2006. The album features collaborations with Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Styles P and T-Pain.

<i>The Sweet Escape</i> 2006 studio album by Gwen Stefani

The Sweet Escape is the second solo studio album by American singer Gwen Stefani, released on December 1, 2006, by Interscope Records. Having originally intended to return to No Doubt after her debut solo album, Love. Angel. Music. Baby. (2004), Stefani decided to record a second album as a way to release some of the material left over from the Love. Angel. Music. Baby. writing sessions. The album musically resembles its predecessor while exploring more modern pop sounds. It was released to generally mixed reviews from contemporary music critics, receiving criticism for its strong similarities to Love. Angel. Music. Baby.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Sweet Escape (song)</span> 2006 single by Gwen Stefani featuring Akon

"The Sweet Escape" is a song by American singer Gwen Stefani from her 2006 second solo studio album of the same name. It was written by Stefani, Aliaune "Akon" Thiam and Giorgio Tuinfort, and produced by the latter two. Akon, who is also a featured artist, developed the song's beat before collaborating with Stefani. He designed it based on her previous work with No Doubt, and Stefani later commented that it put her "on the yellow brick road to the No Doubt record I might do". "The Sweet Escape" is an apology for a fight between two lovers and describes a dream of a pleasant life for them. As the album's title track, its title was chosen to help market Stefani's music and fashion lines.

<i>Minutes to Midnight</i> (Linkin Park album) 2007 studio album by Linkin Park

Minutes to Midnight is the third studio album by American rock band Linkin Park, released on May 14, 2007, through Warner Bros. Records. The album was produced by Mike Shinoda and Rick Rubin; it is Linkin Park's first studio album produced without Don Gilmore, who had produced the band's two previous albums. Minutes to Midnight is the band's follow-up album to Meteora (2003), and features a shift in the group's musical direction. For the band, the album marked a beginning of deviation from their signature nu metal sound. Minutes to Midnight takes its title from the Doomsday Clock symbol. It is also the band's first full-length album to carry a Parental Advisory label.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Akon discography</span>

The discography of Akon, a Senegalese American singer, songwriter and music producer, consists of five studio albums, four mixtapes, one extended play, thirty eight singles, eight promotional singles and ninety-two music videos. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Akon lived in Senegal with his family until the age of seven, when they returned to the United States to live in New Jersey. A three-year prison sentence inspired Akon to begin recording songs in his home studio: Universal Records signed him after becoming aware of his music, and his debut album Trouble was released in June 2004. Two of its singles – "Locked Up" and "Lonely" – reached the top ten of the US Billboard Hot 100, with the latter topping numerous singles charts worldwide and being certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Trouble also included the singles "Gunshot ", "Ghetto", "Belly Dancer (Bananza)" and "Pot of Gold", and was eventually certified Platinum by the RIAA and by the British Phonographic Industry in the United Kingdom, where it reached number one on the UK Albums Chart.

<i>Mothership</i> (Led Zeppelin album) 2007 greatest hits album by Led Zeppelin

Mothership is a compilation album by English rock band Led Zeppelin, released by Atlantic Records and Rhino Entertainment on 12 November 2007 in the United Kingdom, and 13 November 2007 in the United States. It was released on the same day that Led Zeppelin's entire catalogue became available in digital stores, including the iTunes Store. The cover was designed by artist Shepard Fairey.

<i>Day & Age</i> 2008 studio album by the Killers

Day & Age is the third studio album by American rock band the Killers. It was released on November 18, 2008, by Island Records. Frontman and lead vocalist Brandon Flowers described it as the band's "most playful record". As of May 2015, Day & Age had sold three million copies worldwide. Following the release of the album, the band embarked on the Day & Age World Tour.

<i>Only by the Night</i> 2008 studio album by Kings of Leon

Only by the Night is the fourth studio album by American rock band Kings of Leon, released in September 2008 through RCA Records. Writing for the band's fourth album commenced just days after the release of their third, Because of the Times. The album was recorded by producers Jacquire King and Angelo Petraglia in April 2008 at Nashville's Blackbird Studio.

<i>Thriller 25</i> 2008 studio album (reissue) by Michael Jackson

Thriller 25 is the 25th-anniversary edition reissue of Thriller (1982), the sixth studio album by American singer and songwriter Michael Jackson. The original album has sold 70 million copies worldwide, making it the best-selling album of all time. Thriller 25 was released by Sony BMG's reissue division, Legacy Recordings. Along with the original material, the reissue contains remixes, new material, a DVD and collaborations with contemporary artists. Thriller 25 was one of the last recorded works released during Jackson's lifetime, and the last he was extensively involved with, as Jackson co-produced all of the newly remixed tracks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Right Now (Na Na Na)</span> 2008 single by Akon

"Right Now (Na Na Na)" is the lead single from Akon's third studio album, Freedom. The song contains elements from "Remember" by Summer Love. The song was added to the U.S. Mainstream Top 40 radio airing on September 23, 2008, and also became available for digital download on iTunes that day. The song was intended to have a Euro-club feel.

<i>One Love</i> (David Guetta album) 2009 studio album by David Guetta

One Love is the fourth studio album by French DJ David Guetta, first released in the United Kingdom on 24 August 2009 through Virgin Records. Guetta's first major international release, the album received generally favourable reviews from music critics, and was a commercial success, selling over 3 million copies globally. It spawned a total of six worldwide hit singles throughout 2009 and 2010, most notably "When Love Takes Over", featuring American recording artist Kelly Rowland, "Sexy Bitch", featuring Senegalese-American R&B singer Akon, and "Who's That Chick?", featuring Barbadian recording artist Rihanna and "One Love", featuring British recording artist Estelle. One Love is also Guetta's last studio album to feature his long-time collaborator, Chris Willis, on vocals. Since the album's initial release, it has since been reissued several times to include previously unreleased tracks and other bonus material.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sexy Bitch</span> 2009 single by David Guetta

"Sexy Bitch" is a song by French DJ David Guetta recorded for his fourth studio album One Love (2009). The song features vocals from Senegalese-American recording artist Akon. It was released as the second single from One Love internationally. The song was serviced to mainstream and rhythmic crossover radios on 1 September 2009 in the United States, through Astralwerks, together with Capitol Records.

<i>TattleTales</i> (album) 2020 studio album by 6ix9ine

TattleTales is the second studio album by controversial American rapper 6ix9ine. It was released on September 4, 2020. TattleTales is the follow-up to Dummy Boy, which was released shortly after 6ix9ine was arrested in November 2018. It features guest appearances from Akon, Nicki Minaj, Smilez, Leftside and DJ Akademiks.

References

  1. "Akon'S Angel Available Now!". Akononline.com. Archived from the original on February 23, 2011. Retrieved February 23, 2011.
  2. 1 2 Andy Kellman. "Freedom - Akon". Allmusic .
  3. Akon's official site. Archived February 23, 2011, at the Wayback Machine Accessed September 21, 2008.
  4. Akon Hoping For Michael Jackson Collaboration On Forthcoming LP, Acquitted. Mtv.com.
  5. Akon & Scarface Debut On the Charts, Kanye Goes Gold – XXL
  6. Michael Jackson Cameo Shocks Akon Songwriter
  7. "Akon's new album "Freedom" tracklisting is out!!!". Universal Music. Retrieved February 23, 2011.
  8. 1 2 3 "Critic Reviews for Freedom". Metacritic . Retrieved October 26, 2012.
  9. 1 2 Simon Vozick-Levinson (November 29, 2008). "Freedom Review". Entertainment Weekly . Archived from the original on October 4, 2012. Retrieved December 4, 2008.
  10. Sullivan, Caroline (November 27, 2008). "Akon, 'Freedom'". The Guardian . London.
  11. 1 2 Michael Cragg (December 1, 2008). "Akon - Freedom". musicOMH. Archived from the original on July 1, 2010. Retrieved October 26, 2012.
  12. Tim Perlich (December 10–17, 2008). "Akon: Freedom". Now .
  13. David Boffa (December 15, 2008). "Review: Akon : Freedom". The Phoenix . Retrieved October 26, 2012.
  14. Jordan Sargent (December 9, 2008). "Akon: Freedom". PopMatters . Retrieved October 26, 2012.
  15. Robert Christgau. "CG: Akon". RobertChristgau.com.
  16. 1 2 Jody Rosen (November 27, 2008). "Freedom". Rolling Stone . Retrieved October 26, 2012.
  17. Dan LeRoy (December 2, 2008). "New On CD: Akon, David Byrne & Brian Eno, Seal, Supersuckers, Lee Shaw". The Hartford Courant . Archived from the original on December 6, 2008. Retrieved October 27, 2012.
  18. Ken Capobianco (December 1, 2008). "Akon spreads love on 'Freedom'". The Boston Globe .
  19. Joshua George (December 3, 2008). "Music- Akon - Freedom Review". 411mania.com. Archived from the original on May 23, 2009. Retrieved October 26, 2012.
  20. Jon Caramanica (November 30, 2008). "New CDs (Akon, Freedom)". The New York Times .
  21. Akon interview by Pete Lewis, 'Blues & Soul' December 2008
  22. Hasty, Katie (December 10, 2008). "Britney's 'Circus' Debuts Atop Album Chart". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. Retrieved January 10, 2009.
  23. "Most Anticipated". Billboard . Billboard. July 30, 2011. Retrieved November 5, 2018.
  24. "Radio 1 - Playlist". BBC. February 16, 2011. Retrieved February 23, 2011.
  25. "Playlist - Home". Playlist.totalkiss.com. Retrieved February 23, 2011.
  26. "Freedom - Brazilian Edition - Saraiva.com.br". Livrariasaraiva.com.br. Archived from the original on July 22, 2011. Retrieved February 23, 2011.
  27. 1 2 "Freedom-Asian Tour Edition: Akon: Amazon.co.uk: Music". Amazon.co.uk. Retrieved February 23, 2011.
  28. "Australiancharts.com – Akon – Freedom". Hung Medien. Retrieved May 19, 2020.
  29. "Week Commencing ~ 2nd February 2009" (PDF). The ARIA Report (988): 19. February 2, 2009. Archived (PDF) from the original on February 24, 2009. Retrieved September 20, 2023 via National Library of Australia.
  30. "Austriancharts.at – Akon – Freedom" (in German). Hung Medien. Retrieved May 19, 2020.
  31. "Ultratop.be – Akon – Freedom" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved May 19, 2020.
  32. "Ultratop.be – Akon – Freedom" (in French). Hung Medien. Retrieved May 19, 2020.
  33. "Akon Chart History (Canadian Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved May 19, 2020.
  34. "Dutchcharts.nl – Akon – Freedom" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved May 19, 2020.
  35. "Lescharts.com – Akon – Freedom". Hung Medien. Retrieved May 19, 2020.
  36. "Offiziellecharts.de – Akon – Freedom" (in German). GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved May 19, 2020.
  37. "Irish-charts.com – Discography Akon". Hung Medien. Retrieved May 19, 2020.
  38. "フリーダム" (in Japanese). Oricon. Archived from the original on September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  39. "Mexicancharts.com – Akon – Freedom". Archived from the original on November 11, 2012. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  40. "Charts.nz – Akon – Freedom". Hung Medien. Retrieved May 19, 2020.
  41. "Oficjalna lista sprzedaży :: OLiS - Official Retail Sales Chart" (in Polish). OLiS . Retrieved September 20, 2011.
  42. "Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  43. "Swisscharts.com – Akon – Freedom". Hung Medien. Retrieved May 19, 2020.
  44. "Akon | Artist | Official Charts". UK Albums Chart. Retrieved May 19, 2020.
  45. "Official R&B Albums Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved May 19, 2020.
  46. Akon – Chart history | Billboard
  47. "Akon Chart History (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved May 19, 2020.
  48. "2008 Year-End UK Charts" (PDF). Official Charts Company. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  49. "ARIA End of Year Albums Chart 2009". Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved July 10, 2020.
  50. "Jaaroverzichten 2009". Ultratop. Retrieved July 10, 2020.
  51. "Top Canadian Albums – Year-End 2009". Billboard. Retrieved July 10, 2020.
  52. "Top de l'année Top Albums 2009" (in French). SNEP. Retrieved July 10, 2020.
  53. "Schweizer Jahreshitparade 2009". hitparade.ch. Retrieved July 10, 2020.
  54. "End of Year Album Chart Top 100 – 2009". Official Charts Company. Retrieved July 10, 2020.
  55. "Top Billboard 200 Albums – Year-End 2009". Billboard. Retrieved July 10, 2020.
  56. "Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums – Year-End 2009". Billboard. Retrieved July 10, 2020.
  57. "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2009 Albums" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association . Retrieved December 28, 2021.
  58. "Canadian album certifications – Akon – Freedom". Music Canada . Retrieved February 23, 2011.
  59. "Danish album certifications – Akon – Freedom". IFPI Danmark . Retrieved September 22, 2019.
  60. 1 2 "IFPI Middle East Awards – 2010". IFPI Middle East. Retrieved July 3, 2011.
  61. "IFPI Middle East Award Application Form" (PDF). International Federation of the Phonographic Industry. Archived from the original on March 28, 2014.
  62. "Singapore album certifications – Akon – Freedom". Recording Industry Association Singapore . Retrieved December 24, 2020.
  63. "British album certifications – Akon – Freedom". British Phonographic Industry . Retrieved July 3, 2011.