Not harsh, but the writing doesn't seem to match the score (which, who cares), and I do think the review misses the mark a bit. A lot of the observations and criticisms seem pretty surface level and may have benefitted from (presumably) spending a little more time with the record (saying "Auntie Diaries" lacks depth, for example). But what do I know. Just my opinion. I've been revisiting the album is small spurts and really trying to pay attention to the lyrics, themes, and song structures. There are a few moments in the front half that don't work for me, but as a whole, I feel like I'm really connecting with this and enjoying how experimental, conceptual, thoughtful, and honest it is. The album as a whole to me feels like an admission that sometimes, we don't all have the answers to everything, and that's okay. But the discussions that might eventually lead us to those answers are just as important.
I agree with a lot of the points in the review but some of them I don't really think makes the music "worse" for me. Like, some of Kendrick's politics, opinions, and choices on this album absolutely make me think "Kendrick is way more flawed and messy than I thought prior to listening to this." But that actually makes it more interesting for me, not less. I don't know -- there are a ton of artists in rap and basically every other genre whose music I love but who have definitely done & said some really bad shit. Many of them I know have done bad shit but don't openly confront it in their music so I get to be willfully ignorant when I'm listening. I appreciate how this album throws a lot of Kendrick's flaws in our faces and asks us to consider them. It makes for a messier and on some tracks more uncomfortable listen, but it's way more interesting. I mean he could've absolutely played the "voice of the generation good guy" and won nothing but praise if he wanted to. For better and worse this is a brave album to put out.
7.6 is harsh for an album that will require a lot more time to digest. Just give it a 9 we all know this lol
These kind of reviews are for immediate reactions, they’ll probably re-review this in ten years with a 9 or a 5 depending on how things change in the world.
this is one of the bravest and most important albums I've ever heard all artists should strive for this kind of honesty in their work
I'm gonna stan real hard for him and idc i'll say it: This is the most i've enjoyed a hip hop project since... well... DAMN. And to mock an annoying social media presence of another gigantic figure in hip-hop: Kendrick da GOAT no CAP
I'm not trying to overcorrect that hard lol it's been out for four days, I'm really loving it right now but this is why art should be digested and not constantly immediately reacted to (and recycled out)
Haven’t had time for a full listen today so was playing a few favorites but Man I have been sleeping on Savior
Small change, but "Rich Spirit" has been updated/changed online, I guess the intro is slightly different