After a two-decade hiatus from the music scene, Will Smith has made a grand return with his fifth studio album, “Based on a True Story,” released on Friday, March 28, 2025. This 14-track project is an open book into the rapper/actor’s personal life, addressing both his triumphs and controversies.
“Based on a True Story” has received mixed reviews, but many believe it can easily be one of Will Smith’s best works. His flow on this album shows his musical maturity from previous albums, and the lyrics tell a powerful story in each track. Smith pours out his innermost thoughts in this album, touching on several real-life experiences.
The album’s opening track, “Int. Barbershop – Day,” references the 2022 Oscars incident where Smith slapped comedian Chris Rock. The song’s dialogue revels the opinions of how he believes the world portrays him with lyrics like, “Who the f**k Will Smith think he is and that boy damn crazy how he raising them kids, no he isn’t, yes he is, no he isn’t, yes he is, and I ain’t never gone forgive him for that stuff he did.” Previously, Smith avoided discussing many personal matters, but now he’s opening up and using music as the vessel.
“Based On A True Story” takes you on an emotional rollercoaster throughout the album. Track six, “Hard Times,” reflects on the sadness and pain that many endure in life. Here are a few lyrics from the first verse. “Sometimes truth can be savage, sometimes life can be tragic, but we just love through the madness. Through the pain, the mistakes, and the sadness. Through the rain and the breaks and the static. Living in a world that attacks us. We stay centered with our hearts on axis.”
Amid the songs that elaborate on sadness and pain, Smith also delivers uplifting tracks boasting with words of encouragement, as in “You Can Make It.” He debuted this song several months ago with a performance at the BET Awards.
Another standout track, “You Lookin’ for Me?” reflects on Smith’s resilience when facing public scrutiny. In this song, he addresses his personal life and marriage, suggesting it’s “complicated,” and then he flips it, urging others to mind their business.
The album has an array of collaborations with both longtime partners and new artists. DJ Jazzy Jeff, Smith’s original musical collaborator, joins him on the opening track, while other songs feature artists like B. Simone, Jac Ross, India Martínez, Teyana Taylor, Joyner Lucas, and his son, Jaden Smith. These collaborations provide diverse styles and perspectives, adding a variety of musical flavors to its overall sound.
While some praise Smith’s candidness and the personal nature of his lyrics, others feel the project lacks the charm of his earlier works. For instance, The Times notes that despite a promising start, the album’s attempt at earnest self-reflection, “push the flawed hero shtick too far,” awarding it a modest two-star rating.
In conjunction with the album’s release, Smith has announced a European tour, with dates in Spain, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and more. This tour marks his return to live performances, offering fans an opportunity to experience his new material firsthand.
“Based on a True Story” signifies a pivotal moment in Will Smith’s artistic journey as he returns to his roots as a recording artist, which was his rise to fame. Whether viewed as a heartfelt confession or a strategic comeback, the album adds a new chapter to Smith’s multifaceted career.
Check out Will Smith’s album “Based On A True Story” below: