| Initial thoughts - Insane production probably one of the best ever (rivalling any of Kanye's works etc.). Brilliant features, all of them had a clear purpose in the songs they were in. GFK, Taylour Paige and Sampha were brilliant so was Beth rGibbons in Mother I Sober. Lyrically, I thought the first half had quite a few fairly average tracks but had some real gems as well. I was a huge fan of N95, Father Time and We Cry Together. But THE SECOND HALF WAS ABSOLUTELY MINDBLOWING. And I'm not even overstating this. It was Kendrick at his absolute best, commenting on social issues with remarkable aplomb and voicing his opinion in an exceedingly beautiful manner. His disagreements with the common perceptions in the African American community and how personal events in his life led him to forming his opinions. Everything from the Savior interlude onwards is a must listen. He absolutely kills every track thereafter. Again these are initial thoughts and just my opinion, maybe I'll find some more meaning on a re-listen. It's a solid 8.5/10 for me on the back of that truly magnificent second half. |
