cross-posted from: https://lemm.ee/post/11607458
Brilliant lyricism with better production.
This album is, simply put, incredible. Earl didn't disappoint on any level, his bars are emotional and packed full of meaning. He really is a word-smith. Topics of depression, loneliness, colonialism, and reflections on culture. And he manages to do all this with his signature flows and delivery; I think there's nobody out there right now that sounds quite like Earl Sweatshirt. He's unique, and that's fantastic.
That being said, the production is just on another level. The Alchemist might be the greatest producer right now. If you don't believe that, I beg you to check out this record, because he really knocked it out of the park. He did a bit of everything, more rhythmic beats, more melody, but all of them with incredible, soulful samples.
This album has 2 versions, the original and the streaming version, which have 3 different tracks. Both are very good, but the original version is a bit better. my brother, the wind is way better than Mancala.
Overall, this is a fantastic project that you should definitely check out, if you haven't yet. The lyricism just blows damn near every other album released this year out of the water, and the production is on another plane entirely. What's there not to love? But hey,
what do you think?
Best song: Vin Skully
Worst song: Mancala
Rating: 5/5
I would give it 3/5. Hints of quality and both Earl and alchemist are talented but nothing that really ground breaking.
That's fair! For me, a 5 doesn't need to be ground-breaking, just thoroughly enjoyable, top-to-bottom. I do agree that there's some projects that're more creative with the production (see JPEGMAFIA's production on LP!) and that, lyrically, deal with some issues that are more poignant or that are explored more thoroughly (see Kendrick on basically everything).
But, for me, if I really like the way it sounds it's a 5!!! I STAND BY MY RATING!!!! hahaha
Thank you for your thoughts :D