Review Summary: One of the best Jay-Z albums, ever.
Before I start the review, I want you all to know that I am 12 years old, no joke. Also, I will be taking any questions you have and I'll answer them. Now for the review.
Critical Responses:
Allmusic: 4/5
The A.V Club: A-
Entertainment Weekly: B+
The Observer: 4/5
Rapreviews: 10/10
Rolling Stone: 4/5
Slant: 4/5
Uncut: 4/5
With this album, Jay-Z was at 11 years into his career, still going strong, and definitely not losing any popularity. With American Gangster, Jay-Z had a gangster persona, that he had never used before, but it would be excellent if he used it some more, than he would make even more classics than he already has made. This album was also inspired by the movie of the same name, which Jay-Z saw an advanced screening of. Now for the track by track review.
1. Intro: Just an intro so I can't rate it.
2. Pray: A classic song. 5/5
3. American Dreamin: A classic song. 5/5
4. Hello Brooklyn 2.0: An excellent song, that features Lil Wayne. The problem with that, is that Lil Wayne is from the south, and not from Brooklyn, still an excellent song though. This song samples the song "B-Boy Bouillabaisse" by The Beastie Boys. 4.5/5
5. No Hook: A classic song. 5/5
6. Roc Boys (And The Winner Is): A classic song. 5/5
7. Sweet: A classic song. 5/5
8. I Know: A classic song, that features Pharrell, who does an exellent job. 5/5
9. Party Life: A classic song. 5/5
10. Ignorant S***: A classic song, that features Beanie Sigel, who does an excellent job. 5/5
11. Say Hello: A classic song. 5/5
12. Success: A classic song, that features Nas, who does an excellent job. 5/5
13. Fallin: A classic song. 5/5
14. Blue Magic: A classic song. 5/5
15. American Gangster: A classic song. 5/5
Overall, I give this album, 4.5/5, 9/10, 95/100, and an "A."
3 Best Songs:
1. Success
2. Ignorant Shit
3. Roc Boys (And the Winner Is)
3 Weakest Songs:
1. Blue Magic
2. No Hook
3. Party Life