this album is bonkers and it makes no sense that I should be enjoying it as much as I am ... and yet!
i agree with the only other review on here - cool sonically, but lyrics are shocking!
aside from the raw authenticity of songs like "Nappy", which are nowhere near frequent enough, there's not a lot that sounds unique enough to justify all the rave reviews; the obvious desire to cash in on the similarities to Tupac's vocals is unfortunate too (i.e. "Together") ... unless young people don't know who Tupac is, of course
some pretty/delicate moments, but it fails to hold the attention
genre defiance is always refreshing, especially when it is all held together by such a wicked rhythm section
has a band ever carried with it so much anticipation and instant admiration? So much easily-motivated hype? I don't know, but it is truly something to behold, with six perfect reviews already. Now, imagine that they had earned that anticipation and admiration! On that part, for me at least, the jury is most definitely still out. Yes, they are unquestionably inventive and experimental with some incredible sonic depth ... but do they make GOOD songs?! I remain unconvinced.
The enigmatic and unconventional artist released her sixth (!) and most approachable album, 'Laurel Hell' today and it is one hell of an experience. With a Kraftwerk-meets-disco soundscape that is drenched in reverb and production, it is also as vulnerable and authentic as she has ever been lyrically, and swings wildly between being danceable, dour, and introspective. An album that requires multiple listens, this one will stay with you.
I agree a whole lot more with the Clash review as opposed to the hype-machine's (NME) ... this is far less "conscious hip hop" than he is capable of, regardless of the ferocity and tight production
this is the sort of garbage, cliche-filled, unnecessarily offensive rap that nobody needs in their life
a poor man's Wallflowers with the worst mid-80s pastiche sonically ... the worst of Springsteen and Dylan collide from their worst time periods, and all done unapologetically ... gross
this album could not be more aptly named in terms of describing the considerable talent on offer
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