J. Cole, ‘Work Out’ – Song Review

J. Cole has released a new song, 'Work Out,' from his forthcoming album 'Cole Word: The Sideline Story,' and the song is heavy on the Auto-Tune at first. Vocal effects aside, it's a lazy and chill hip-hop number with a funked out, '70s wah wah porno guitar riff and funk-da-fied beat.

Despite the title, it's not about toiling at the gym and sweating your butt off while getting your muscles into shape thanks to an overactive trainer, but about the dreaded ONS. According to comedian Dane Cook, an "ONS" is the "one night stand" and J. Cole, who is on tour with Rihanna, raps about working out the psychology and the reality of that very common situation in a loose song.

The hook and chorus of the song pose some simple questions and a situation that many single and unattached young people endure. Is a particular hook up just a temporary thing, or will it go further? And if it does not go further, is there anything wrong with that?

Cole, who will release his album on Sept. 27, raps, "We got a good thing / I don't know if I am gonna see you again / But is that a good thing / 'Cuz girl I can't be your man / I know it's on your brain / You probably hope it would never end / Like this is the real thing / Or is it just a one night stand?"

The song also samples Paula Abdul's '80s hit 'Straight Up,' borrowing the chorus of that song, 'Straight up / Now tell me / Do you really wanna love me forever?' It's a fitting lyrical answer to J.'s chorus.

All in all, 'Work Out' is an urban radio-ready jam.

Listen to 'Work Out' by J. Cole.