Review Summary: Simple Production+Raw Lyrics= Hip-Hop Gold.
Out of all the albums I own, this one blow them out of the water. You can listen to it 100 times and still find something great every time. Whether it's realizing the horns in the 7th chamber pt. 2 or how they go hard on every song. I admit the first time I heard the first song I wonder why I was even listening to it, but as the album progressed I was amazed by the lyrics and how refreshing all the piano loops were. The album is split into 2 parts: Shaolin Sword and Wu-Tang Sword. While Shaolin Sword is a good group of songs none of them are really remembered as classic songs to many people. However I very much enjoyed "Can It Be All So Simple". Now after you have just finished the first part you begin to wonder what’s so great about this album. While the first part showed unique style with their lyrical ability and martial art samples. First time listeners will wonder if this style is good or bad. And sadly some people stop right there and go on with their lives without realizing they missed anything.
Wu-Tang Sword comes out swinging with "Da Mystery Of ChessBoxin'". After a great first verse and chorus we discover the crazy mind and singing ability of ODB. Now you start to see their greatness (This is the only song with Masta Killa). "Wu-Tang Clan Ain't Nuthing Ta F' Wit" shows how the Wu tang can hold their own to any haters. And then there's the hip-hop masterpiece "C.R.E.A.M.". Raekwon and Inspectah Deck takes us inside in their lives and are truthful. At if everyone could be truthful and go hard like this we would have many more hip-hop masterpieces. The next masterpiece "Method Man". His voice was a breath of fresh air and his lyrical ability made this song another classic. And it's no wonder that "Tical" became a classic. After that is their underground single "Protect Ya Neck". It begins with a man requesting it on the radio. I thought that was very clever. This song includes everyone in the Clan (-Masta Killa). Next is one of my personally favorite "Tearz". It showed of RZA not only can make insane beats that work but has incredible lyrical skills, and Ghost again goes hard. I also enjoyed Ghost's cameo of "O.P.P.". The Album ends with Wu-Tang: 7th chamber- Part II. It ok but you would think Wu could end it off better.
The last point I got to make is the Production. RZA just knows what works, even at his young age. And this is just his first masterpiece and continues to make great productions today.
I can understand why some people don't enjoy this album and call it a classic. I would like it if they could cut off the intro of the ones that have them. And neither part is perfect, however Wu-Tang Sword comes so close and there was nothing like it back then and I don't think there anything like the Wu and probably never will be. This group of All-star rappers don't play their best in the first half. But speak the truth in the 2nd half and get major support by the RZA. And end up making a true landmark in Hip-Hop.
