Black Radio
by Robert Glasper
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
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  1. Q Magazine
    Jul 10, 2012
    60
    It's when the rappers stand down that it hits its stride. [Jun 2012, p.108]
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  2. American Songwriter
    Mar 15, 2012
    60
    Glasper's formidable jazz chops are the album's constant attribute.
  3. Uncut
    Mar 7, 2012
    60
    It's an ingenious arrangement, featuring juddering, minimal percussion, spare piano chords and vocoders that soar to the edge of the studiosphere, worth the price of the album alone. [Mar 2012, p.84]
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  5. PopMatters
    Feb 29, 2012
    60
    This isn't amateur soul or faux hip-hop. But it's not a bold pop record either. It's a kind of compromise, perhaps.
  6. Mojo
    Feb 28, 2012
    60
    In between strong original songs are arresting covers versions. [Mar 2012, p.92]
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  7. Blurt Magazine
    Feb 29, 2012
    50
    Black Radio would have been more successful if the music used some of jazz's subtle spontaneity in the arrangements instead of satisfying itself by going for the easy laidback vibe.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 12 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. AlexxTrusc
    Apr 3, 2012
    7
    If on the album supporting artists are : Bilal, Erykah Badu, Lalah Hathaway, Shafiq Husayn, Ledisi, Lupe Fiasco, King, Chrisette Michele orIf on the album supporting artists are : Bilal, Erykah Badu, Lalah Hathaway, Shafiq Husayn, Ledisi, Lupe Fiasco, King, Chrisette Michele or Mos Def - it is bound hard to call it unsuccessful. Especially if it comes from the hands of Robert Glasper and it's a mix of various styles: from hip-hop and jazz in "Lift Off Mic Check", to the soulful ballad with a strong beat in the background "Afro Blue". LP however continues to be a jazz album, albeit rather experimental - but worth the money.… Full Review »
  2. raviopatra
    Nov 17, 2013
    6
    The albums as a whole is fairly impressive, but the problem for me is that no tracks stand out at all. The production is obviouslyThe albums as a whole is fairly impressive, but the problem for me is that no tracks stand out at all. The production is obviously praiseworthy, but I feel like there's no climax to it. And the "Smells Like Teen Spirit" cover is such an anticlimactic closing.… Full Review »
  3. yeayeayea
    Mar 18, 2012
    10
    this album is my bread n butter. I've been listening to hip hop, soul, jazz, rock, alternative, everything, and this album just amalgamatesthis album is my bread n butter. I've been listening to hip hop, soul, jazz, rock, alternative, everything, and this album just amalgamates it beautifully. So Robert Glasper, kudos man, and keep on your path, keep carving it, because it's gonna be traversed by a lot of people in the future man. You are a pathfinder.… Full Review »
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