DAMN.
by Kendrick Lamar
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 3346 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2,962 out of 3346
  2. Mixed: 111 out of 3346
  3. Negative: 273 out of 3346
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  1. markosaric
    Nov 2, 2019
    9
    Kendrick Lamar hits hard with some of the best lyrical showcasing in modern hip-hop.
  2. joshfeygin
    Nov 2, 2019
    7
    Overrated. Songs like YAH, FEAR, and GOD are really boring and HUMBLE is bad and gets on my nerves. ELEMENT, DUCKWORTH, FEEL and DNA are really, really good but those 4 songs aren't enough to carry this album past an unimpressive 7. To Pimp A Butterfly and Good Kid, Maad City are much better albums.
  3. Lleay
    Oct 14, 2019
    8
    DAMN is very different from Lamar's previous album TPAB. That doesn't mean it's for the worse, Kendrick's lyrics are great as usual and the production isn't something to forget either. This album is to a more mainstream side compared to TPAB and GKMC and it isn't as conceptual as those albums either. But that doesn't make DAMN a bad album. It's the opposite, it's a breath of fresh air inDAMN is very different from Lamar's previous album TPAB. That doesn't mean it's for the worse, Kendrick's lyrics are great as usual and the production isn't something to forget either. This album is to a more mainstream side compared to TPAB and GKMC and it isn't as conceptual as those albums either. But that doesn't make DAMN a bad album. It's the opposite, it's a breath of fresh air in the hip-hop scene.… Expand
  4. Petrocelli1960
    Sep 28, 2019
    10
    If you didn't give this a 9 or 10, you should read up on each song, and its meaning. Then give it another listen. This album has so many layers. The music is dense with different sounds, even though there are very few instruments used. K dot is a genius.
  5. SovirakchhaiS
    Sep 9, 2019
    8
    DAMN. (in my opinion) is my least favorite K-Dot's album but it doesn't mean I hate this album, it's just that I'm not that interested than his other 3 albums. I would agree that this is in my top 5 hip-hop albums of 2010s, the production in this album is great, this album is dark and kinda political, the track HUMBLE. in my opinion is not meant for this album since it's mainstream and isDAMN. (in my opinion) is my least favorite K-Dot's album but it doesn't mean I hate this album, it's just that I'm not that interested than his other 3 albums. I would agree that this is in my top 5 hip-hop albums of 2010s, the production in this album is great, this album is dark and kinda political, the track HUMBLE. in my opinion is not meant for this album since it's mainstream and is no way near the subject about the album.

    BLOOD. - 7/10
    DNA. - 10/10
    YAH. - 6/10
    ELEMENT. - 9/10
    FEEL. - feel like this is a 8/10
    LOYALTY. - 8/10
    PRIDE. - 8/10
    HUMBLE. - 8/10
    LUST. - 9/10
    LOVE. - 7/10
    XXX. - 9/10
    FEAR. - 10/10
    GOD. - 6/10
    DUCKWORTH. 10/10

    DAMN. is still one of my favourite album, even in my top 10 rap albums list.    … Expand
  6. thisisahmet
    Sep 7, 2019
    0
    BAD BAD BAD really bad album never listen this bayly album cuz it's really blowing here of this shti
  7. Drr23788
    Jun 29, 2019
    8
    Pretty great album. This album is filled with bangers and is still quite enjoyable even a couple years later.
  8. Willypooh11
    Sep 4, 2019
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Vocals - na Flow - 10/10
    Lyrics - 9/10
    Production - 9/10
    Features - 8/10
    Album Artwork - 10/10    … Expand
  9. JimNielsen
    Aug 31, 2019
    9
    This is by far one of the most outstanding records I heard in years. Not only the single 'Humble' is pure perfection
  10. Shaymooose
    Aug 17, 2019
    7
    DAMN IS A 7.

    Best Tracks:Humble,DNA,Blood,Element, Loyalty,Love,XXX,
    Worst Tracks:Pride,Lust,
  11. eli_fjr
    Dec 20, 2017
    9
    Kung Fu Kenny's masterpiece. Took a couple of listens to appreciate this album as his best work.
  12. fifi3
    Jul 28, 2019
    8
    Kendrick's "DAMN." is lyrically stellar, sonically rich and wrapped in a meticulous and thoughtful concept. I appreciate his experiments on this project, although it has not aged as well as I originally thought it would. Still, it is a terrific addition to an already stellar discography.
  13. Lucasswiftie
    Jul 20, 2019
    10
    Uma verdadeira obra de arte. Talentoso e extremamente Lendário, faz tudo impecavelmente. Através dos seus conceitos raciais que retratam a vida cotidiana.
  14. aukalender
    Jul 11, 2019
    8
    Leaner and cleaner, this is a fine album. I don't think it is as experimental, groundbreaking or surpising as TPAB, but it is still good.
  15. sorastrife2890
    Jul 6, 2019
    7
    to pimp a butterfly is better .
  16. kayhamed
    Jun 1, 2019
    9
    couldn't live up to the quality of his previous masterpieces (good kid & TPAB) but is worth a listen.
  17. ea_sergio24
    May 28, 2019
    10
    This album solidifies Kendrick's place as the greatest ever. Coming up with more topics to talk about really shows how philosophical he is. He is great. The best.
  18. SteezyyBrahh
    May 26, 2019
    0
    Don't understand why Kendrick Lamar is put on this platform of "one of the best to ever do it" this guy is overrated garbage when it comes to playback quality and just overall rap ability. just a constant feed for people who know nothing about hip hop to listen too. straight garbage and yet this album still has a high score because people will give it good reviews just because it's KDot.
  19. Manuelyh
    May 2, 2019
    10
    Masterpiece in every single way, I love how he keeps defying every expectation you can have of him, How he reinvents his music and it's worthy to mention I wasn't a Kendrick's fan before this.
  20. ShotGunPill
    Apr 23, 2019
    10
    This is one of the best hip hop albums of all time not kendrick's best but I would put it below good Kid Maad city but it's really amazing good bars and punchlines and also the beats are on point.
  21. sandwichcipher
    Apr 6, 2019
    6
    Album was great. Not gonna lie. It could had been better, it could had been TPAB level but ehh.. I didn't really mind this album. What I could mention about this album, that it's overrated as **** It's one of his worst in his discography. It could had been better honestly. Kendrick is a great rapper, he's up there with the GOATS. But I tried liking this album, I really did. But nah, thisAlbum was great. Not gonna lie. It could had been better, it could had been TPAB level but ehh.. I didn't really mind this album. What I could mention about this album, that it's overrated as **** It's one of his worst in his discography. It could had been better honestly. Kendrick is a great rapper, he's up there with the GOATS. But I tried liking this album, I really did. But nah, this ain't it.

    Favorite Songs: LOYALITY, DNA, HUMBLE, PRIDE, LOVE

    Least Favorite: LUST    … Expand
  22. MaxSaysHi
    Feb 17, 2019
    5
    DAMN. is a lot different than Kendrick's previous work. The album, in general, is a bit too forgettable, sure you can say that there are good songs here and there. Overall this album is pretty average. Most of the album is pretty same-ish. The only standout songs are FEEL., DUCKWORTH., XXX., HUMBLE. and DNA. the rest of the album is really repetitive and not that interesting. TheDAMN. is a lot different than Kendrick's previous work. The album, in general, is a bit too forgettable, sure you can say that there are good songs here and there. Overall this album is pretty average. Most of the album is pretty same-ish. The only standout songs are FEEL., DUCKWORTH., XXX., HUMBLE. and DNA. the rest of the album is really repetitive and not that interesting. The instrumental in all of the songs like usual is good, that's for sure, but with the lyrics, Kendrick doesn't bring his A game, sure I couldn't expect another TPAB or Good Kid. I am glad that Kendrick tried something new for his newest album but in my opinion, he failed. People say that this album is great but I don't understand how. It definitely isn't a 0/10 but it also isn't a 10/10. I think that Kendrick could have done a lot better with this album than he did, and I hope that his next album doesn't fail to meet peoples expectations like this one. 5/10… Expand
  23. Connorcox1997
    Feb 16, 2019
    10
    This album is not good, This album is DAMN Great. Once again the one and only Kendrick Lamar has made another fantastic album. He's now 4 for 4 so far of his career that he's put out a masterpiece of an album. I totally love all the songs from Kendrick Lamar, Loved the Beats, and I Loved the production on the album. One of the best album of 2017. I Highly recommended.
  24. PumpedupKicks
    Jan 12, 2019
    10
    My left stroke just went viral. I got royalty, got loyalty inside my DNA...
    Damn! That's a good album... Damn is one of Kendrick's best albums and features some memorable singles. Master of Poetic Justice (aka Kendrick Lamar), Damn even went on to win the Pulitzer Prize and the board sees Damn as “a virtuosic song collection, unified by its vernacular authenticity and rhythmic dynamism    My left stroke just went viral. I got royalty, got loyalty inside my DNA...
    Damn! That's a good album... Damn is one of Kendrick's best albums and features some memorable singles. Master of Poetic Justice (aka Kendrick Lamar), Damn even went on to win the Pulitzer Prize and the board sees Damn as “a virtuosic song collection, unified by its vernacular authenticity and rhythmic dynamism that offers affecting vignettes capturing the complexity of modern African-American life”.
    In an age of Rap Beefs and Mumble Rap, Kendrick clearly carves his own niche with his lyrical poetry, from the streets of Compton CA to 12-time Grammy Winner, K-Dot has brought out some of the greatest hip hop hits of recent times... Damn is one of em. The tracklist ranges from HUMBLE. with a strong message to LOVE ME, showing his unconditional love to his fiancée. None of his tracks sound monotonous and aren't filled with Drugs and Gang-Banging and others, that we've come to listen by some other Rappers out there.
    Kendrick hasn't disappointed me with his releases, and they just score greater heights.
    Sipping Bubbly, feeling Lovely
    Living Lovely...    … Expand
  25. gabrielcipriano
    Dec 21, 2018
    10
    It's one of the best rap albums I've heard, the critics fit perfectly into the songs and their compositions are incredible. The mixes of the songs, are completely perfect and without details and would say that it is one of the best albums of this generation. Amazing!
  26. Bluesoul
    Dec 9, 2018
    9
    Another great album from K Dot. Songs like HUMBLE, ELEMENT, DNA, XXX, LOYALTY, LOVE ME are masterpieces. Congrats!
  27. C_dot
    Dec 3, 2018
    8
    A good, but not great album. Kendrick submits to the pop culture and goes more mainstream than we are used to, but still provides us a high quality album. Kendrick Lamar still impresses with his impeccable flow and manipulation of his voice to express diffferent tones to match the beats he is rapping over.
  28. brashadcarr23
    Nov 10, 2018
    10
    i love this album. would've rather had the heart part 4 on here then love which seems out of place but besides that its amazing. fear duckworth dna element and pride are the best songs. i think more people will grow on this album before the end of the decade. the only people giving it 7s are those brain washed by anthony fatonao. the same guy who gave my beautiful dark twisted fantasy a 6i love this album. would've rather had the heart part 4 on here then love which seems out of place but besides that its amazing. fear duckworth dna element and pride are the best songs. i think more people will grow on this album before the end of the decade. the only people giving it 7s are those brain washed by anthony fatonao. the same guy who gave my beautiful dark twisted fantasy a 6 lol. this especially after the Pulitzer win is a classic album. he did a great job fusing pop witch conscious… Expand
  29. brockcheese
    Oct 24, 2018
    10
    This is a great album. While it certainly is more accessible than his previous albums, he still shows nearly unlimited potential.
  30. Necktienick
    Oct 21, 2018
    10
    truly a masterwork in music. from the creepy intro track BLOOD. all the way to the fast paced story of DUCKWORTH. this album doesnt miss a beat. the only track that is less than amazing is LOYALTY. but that one is still good. my favorite tracks would have to be PRIDE.,XXX.,YAH.,DUCKWORTH.,FEEL.,FEAR., and DNA. but HUMBLE.,ELEMENT.,LUST., and GOD. are still incredible my favorite of thosetruly a masterwork in music. from the creepy intro track BLOOD. all the way to the fast paced story of DUCKWORTH. this album doesnt miss a beat. the only track that is less than amazing is LOYALTY. but that one is still good. my favorite tracks would have to be PRIDE.,XXX.,YAH.,DUCKWORTH.,FEEL.,FEAR., and DNA. but HUMBLE.,ELEMENT.,LUST., and GOD. are still incredible my favorite of those being LUST. Production throughout this album sounds great my favorite beats being the ones for LUST.,DNA.,LOYALTY.,GOD.,HUMBLE., and YAH. this isnt my favorite album from kendrick (my fav would probably be good kid maad city) but it is close and an incredible project from an incredible artist… Expand
  31. DamonAubergine
    Sep 21, 2018
    8
    DAMN. is certainly a feat of immense focus strength from Kendrick Lamar. It delivers on commercial success tracks such as HUMBLE., and more thoughtful tracks such as ELEMENT. and LUST.. With features from Rihanna, U2 and Zacari adds diversity in voculs, but unfortunately these songs are probably the least impressive on the album. Kendrick could have definitely pulled off what J Cole hasDAMN. is certainly a feat of immense focus strength from Kendrick Lamar. It delivers on commercial success tracks such as HUMBLE., and more thoughtful tracks such as ELEMENT. and LUST.. With features from Rihanna, U2 and Zacari adds diversity in voculs, but unfortunately these songs are probably the least impressive on the album. Kendrick could have definitely pulled off what J Cole has done three times, and get an album to platinum without any features.

    Kendrick is talented enough to be regarded as one of the best of this generation, but with the amazing success of To Pimp a Butterfly and untitled unmastered, there was a lot to live up to. Unfortunately DAMN. doesn't quite live up to its predecessors, but it comes very close.    … Expand
  32. StealthyHipo200
    Aug 25, 2018
    7
    I feel like I'm missing something but this project just really doesn't click for me as much as Kendrick's others. It still has some great singles and good themes, but I can't help but feel this is a step down from what "To Pimp a Butterfly" and "Good Kid, M.A.A.D City" achieved. It is still a Kendrick project though so objectively it's still great.
  33. 4za
    Aug 13, 2018
    9
    A year ago I would've gave this a 7, I was severely disappointed with this album, but overtime it has grown on me. I set incredibly high standards for this album after 'To Pimp A Butterfly' was my favourite album of all time, so I was obviously disappointed, but now I can see that DAMN. is a perfectly good pop rap album. Songs like FEEL. and DUCKWORTH. are standouts as what you wouldA year ago I would've gave this a 7, I was severely disappointed with this album, but overtime it has grown on me. I set incredibly high standards for this album after 'To Pimp A Butterfly' was my favourite album of all time, so I was obviously disappointed, but now I can see that DAMN. is a perfectly good pop rap album. Songs like FEEL. and DUCKWORTH. are standouts as what you would expect from Kendrick, but he also delivers songs like DNA. which are completely different for his discography. The bangers on here are incredible alongside the more concsious tracks. As always, the production is tremendous, obviously not being as rich as 'To Pimp A Butterfly' or 'untitled unmastered.', but still great. One of few albums that changed my opinion so greatly over time.… Expand
  34. Gamemod
    Aug 8, 2018
    10
    Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaammmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn..
  35. M64
    Jul 23, 2018
    9
    This album has a unique sound that makes it very enjoyable and fresh. K-Dot really did well with this one, despite having some flaws in this album.
  36. Andremax
    Jul 10, 2018
    10
    Sounds more homogenic than To Pimp a Butterfly. A bit less epic, but it isn't a demerit, because the beats are still tastefull, lyrics increasingly sincere and confessional, but still squandering lyricism on perfect flows and beats, that, by the way, sound very modern and tasteful, with pitchs of trap. Such a perfect discography has Kendrick Lamar.
  37. alexc4761
    Jul 6, 2018
    9
    Amazing storytelling, and it just shows Lamar's overall thoughts of modern day issues. "DNA", "ELEMENT", and "XXX" all shows Lamar speaking up of current problems with an intense tone of rapping. Extremely diverse and a must listen.
  38. MetroSqStation
    Jun 11, 2018
    10
    Its like a big journey. This will be one of the big classics of the 2010s (just like the two Kendrick LPs before) This is one of that albums I'd like to show my kids one day so I can be sure that they are gonna listen to great timeless music!
  39. Pablo_Youngs
    Jun 5, 2018
    10
    Hip hop as a genre and culture has been around for 30+ years. Throughout all the years, with the many artists, the many albums and all the songs, throughout all the changes and movements... Hip hop the culture and genre of music as we know it has come to an absolute peak with the release of 2017's "DAMN." by Kendrick Lamar.
    It is the culmination of everything that hip hop has been through    Hip hop as a genre and culture has been around for 30+ years. Throughout all the years, with the many artists, the many albums and all the songs, throughout all the changes and movements... Hip hop the culture and genre of music as we know it has come to an absolute peak with the release of 2017's "DAMN." by Kendrick Lamar.
    It is the culmination of everything that hip hop has been through over the last 30+ years. Telling a twisting tail of death, damnation, violence, love, pride, and fear through the eyes of the African American, we get a personal glimpse into the psyche and lyrical prowess of one of the greatest living hip hop artists. With Kendrick's vocal changes that keeps your mind racing, stories that keep you on the edge of your seat, beats that make you question whether to dance or lock your doors, and a vision more vivid and real than an oil painting, Kendrick's fourth album is exactly what the music world needed. Lyrically, visually, musically, compositionally, culturally, and historically, "DAMN." is the pinnacle hip hop music crafted by the premier musical artist of today's generation.

    "Good Kid, m.A.A.d. City" (2012) is about the life of a black man growing up and living in Compton, CA.
    "To Pimp A Butterfly" (2015) is about a black man living in a turmoiled America.
    "DAMN." tells the story of a black man from Compton living in America in its most vulnerable state.

    All hail King Kendrick.    … Expand
  40. Gkirkman
    Jun 2, 2018
    6
    Try to be two things at once while pulling at each other. Feels more messy with its message compared to pimp or good
  41. aaaaa1
    Jun 1, 2018
    8
    Not as good as To Pimp A Butterfly and not as meaningful, but I would be lying if I said i didn't like this album. The new direction Kendrick takes is fire af. Lots of great tracks (DNA, FEAR, HUMBLE, LOVE, XXX), though a couple of meh songs do bring it down a little for me (GOD and DUCKWORTH)
  42. Tuneison
    May 26, 2018
    8
    DAMN. What a fantastic album from a fantastic creator. Kendrick drops some great bars and has some of the sickest flows of the year. I can't wait to hear what he does next.
  43. nicolasfederick
    May 22, 2018
    10
    oh my gooosh..............................................................................
  44. fwtll636
    May 21, 2018
    9
    Kendrick Lamar released his attempt at trap music with 'DAMN.' and it is incredible. It really makes you wonder what the sonic limit to this man is. He's viable and adaptable, witty and wordy; everything current rap music needs.
  45. CORNROWKENNY
    May 19, 2018
    9
    "DAMN." isn't as conceptual as Kendrick Lamars last two records. It's shorter, more scattered and seemingly less grand. After the epic "To Pimp a Butterfly", it may have been the only logical step to make a more stripped down, easily digestible album, relying more on contemporary hip hop production than TPABs Jazz and Funk influenced sound.
    Kendrick seems as conflicted as ever on this    "DAMN." isn't as conceptual as Kendrick Lamars last two records. It's shorter, more scattered and seemingly less grand. After the epic "To Pimp a Butterfly", it may have been the only logical step to make a more stripped down, easily digestible album, relying more on contemporary hip hop production than TPABs Jazz and Funk influenced sound.
    Kendrick seems as conflicted as ever on this album, and the lack of a strict concept reflects that. Sure, there seem to be track pairings that contrast each other ("LOVE." and "LUST." for example), and similar themes and phrases appear throughout the album (plus there's this whole "play the album in reverse" thing), but anyone who thinks there is a story like in "good kid, M.A.A.D. City" or an overall theme and idea like on TPAB is really reaching.
    That doesn't mean it's a bad album though. Sure, tracks like "GOD.", "LOYALTY.", "YAH." and "LOVE." seem kind of simple when compared to Kendricks usual ambition, but they're still well-produced, earnest and lot of fun.
    No, "DAMN." is actually a great album. Tracks like "DNA.", "ELEMENT." or "HUMBLE." are total bangers, letting everyone know who's the king of rap right now. "FEEL.", "LUST." and "XXX." express a lot of the internal conflict that Kendrick is going through. He doesn't seem to be one hundred percent comfortable with the saviour role that was attributed to him after TPAB. He's only a human, at times flawed, undecided and insecure. These sentiments also reflect on "FEAR." and "PRIDE.", both of which are among the best tracks he's ever released, especially the first, which is a 7-minute masterpiece of a conscious rap song that has rightfully been described as the centerpiece of the album. The album closes with the fantastic "DUCKWORTH.", which tells the true (?) story of how Kendricks father and Top Dawg, TDEs label boss, met eachother, which set the table for Kendricks career.
    It goes without saying that all of these tracks feature great production and seemingly effortless fantastic rapping by Kendrick Lamar, even if it all doesn't seem to fit together as well as the music on his last couple of albums did.
    Maybe that's intentional, as "DAMN." shows Kendrick maybe at his most conflicted and unsure. Whatever he might feel, the album is another victory lap for him, containing his biggest singles and outselling Drake. Kendrick Lamar isn't the messiah, but he's the world's greatest rapper.    … Expand
  46. PeppaBoi
    Apr 29, 2018
    8
    DAMN. the album with Kendrick's absolute top-notch songs, but also his first songs that are actually 'bad'. And adding on the criticism, the meaning of the whole album lacks in a couple songs. The two halves this album is split up in are completely different, but I honestly see that as a good thing, as it compares and contrasts against each-other in a perfect way. Day and night. ButDAMN. the album with Kendrick's absolute top-notch songs, but also his first songs that are actually 'bad'. And adding on the criticism, the meaning of the whole album lacks in a couple songs. The two halves this album is split up in are completely different, but I honestly see that as a good thing, as it compares and contrasts against each-other in a perfect way. Day and night. But honestly, songs like 'XXX.', 'DUCKWORTH.', and 'PRIDE.' completely make up for it, making the album sit nicely in my 'taste dubs'. Although it's not as good as his previous albums, it's another win for K. Dot.… Expand
  47. cashayrie
    Mar 24, 2018
    10
    It's almost a year now since this masterpiece was released, and I can say this was a well thought and crafted album. Nothing is accidental, back to back to back genius delivery from Kendrick Lamar. It's safe to say he has got his place as one of the greatest, not just a rapper, but artist of all time.
  48. kman5473
    Mar 15, 2018
    8
    Not a rap or hip-hop fan by any means, but picked up this album on a whim. I was not disappointed. Experimental, emotional, and an over-all solid concept album. Favorite song is, "FEEL." there are heavy inspirations by Black Paris 86, an experimental instrumental electronica group. I love how dark and moody this is. Definitely worth a buy.
  49. Iusedtobeacat
    Mar 13, 2018
    8
    As a modern day rapper/Hip-Hop artist, I've always admired Kendrick Lamar out of a very mixed bag of modern-day artists from mumble rappers to the cringe-worthy once. Lamar has always seemed focused and he is definitely a lyricist.

    This might not be the first successful album that Kendrick Lamar has released to the public, but it is by far the most commercial/accessible project of his    As a modern day rapper/Hip-Hop artist, I've always admired Kendrick Lamar out of a very mixed bag of modern-day artists from mumble rappers to the cringe-worthy once. Lamar has always seemed focused and he is definitely a lyricist.

    This might not be the first successful album that Kendrick Lamar has released to the public, but it is by far the most commercial/accessible project of his to date. I think he gained a new league of fans that might not necessarily listen to Hip Hop outside of whatever makes it on the Billboard top 100.
    While To Pimp a Butterfly & Good Kid mAAD city were both superior albums in my humble opinion, one cannot deny that they are primarily conceptual records and might not appeal to everyone. DAMN on the other hand doesn't have this problem. the tracks stand out on their own you can easily skip through them without listening to the entire album at once, each track focuses on a specific theme such as (pride, lust, love, god, loyalty etc..) each theme and its polar opposite is presented in this album in a way in which Kendrick tries to express or present his thoughts on each one without claiming to have the full answers to everything. In a way, it is an album about his struggles as a human which makes it relatable to the listener.

    Not Kendrick's best effort but still enjoyable and far superior to most mainstream Hip-Hop albums that were released in 2017.

    Favorite tracks: HUMBLE, DNA, BLOOD, XXX

    Least Favorite: LUST, LOYALTY    … Expand
  50. MilesW1998
    Mar 3, 2018
    10
    Kendrick Lamar makes his comeback in 2017 after his 2015 album To Pimp A Butterfly with trap elements that work better than most other trap songs and get his biggest mainstream success he definitely deserves.

    Best: DNA, HUMBLE, LOYALTY, LOVE, DUCKWORTH, XXX

    Worst: GOD
  51. Mcgillacuddy
    Feb 27, 2018
    9
    While it may have not lived up to the excellence of TPAB or even GKMC, it is still a masterful album. For one, it's Kendrick's most personal album. It helps you understand him so much that you can tell that he's unusually depressed. With his popularity skyrocketing, Kendrick is literally a king at this point and he's reached the top, but this seems to be where the road ends and KendrickWhile it may have not lived up to the excellence of TPAB or even GKMC, it is still a masterful album. For one, it's Kendrick's most personal album. It helps you understand him so much that you can tell that he's unusually depressed. With his popularity skyrocketing, Kendrick is literally a king at this point and he's reached the top, but this seems to be where the road ends and Kendrick doesn't know where else to go from there. Kendrick expresses his many feelings throughout this album on heavily personal level. While there are a few upbeat tracks like HUMBLE and ELEMENT, a majority of this album is low-fi and dark, and Kendrick's storytelling and lyricism is flawless. The craziest thing about the album, is that every song has a connection to one another, which was made even more clear on the final track DUCKWORTH. I even read that Kendrick and one of his producers scrapped many tracks from the album to make this happen. Overall, while DAMN is not Kendrick's best project, it is still an amazing accomplishment in hip-hop music conceptually, and is indeed a must-listen.

    Favorite tracks: DNA, ELEMENT, FEEL, PRIDE, HUMBLE, LUST, FEAR
    Least favorite track: LOYALTY, GOD    … Expand
  52. BB2
    Feb 22, 2018
    9
    I really really REALLY want to give this album a 10/10, trust me. I love DUCKWORTH., DNA., and LUST. a lot! Plus, this album got me into some of Kendrick Lamar's other classics.

    And if you listen to it enough you can appreciate how great the songs really are and the story they tell. And that story is also very different if you listen or the collectors edition (the album but in backwards    I really really REALLY want to give this album a 10/10, trust me. I love DUCKWORTH., DNA., and LUST. a lot! Plus, this album got me into some of Kendrick Lamar's other classics.

    And if you listen to it enough you can appreciate how great the songs really are and the story they tell. And that story is also very different if you listen or the collectors edition (the album but in backwards order), that puts DUCKWORTH. first and BLOOD. last, making his death seem useless in BLOOD, and also having the first lines of BLOOD. as the last lines of DUCKWORTH. makes the album come into full circle.

    But there's just two songs that *really* put me off.

    HUMBLE.. Although this song was the most poplar song in the album and the one that got me into Kendrick Lamar as an artist, listening to the rest of the songs on here and coming back to this made me realize it was the worst song in the album

    LOYALTY.. At the beginning of the song its really off putting, Kendrick opens sounding like a goat. And this song in its whole is just feels like a regular rap with a singer in it and it gets very boring to listen to after a while.

    Also not that I have a problem with this song, but sometimes I end up skipping over FEAR., whiter its just started or I'm halfway through it. The fact that its 7 minutes long makes it very repetitive or boring to listen to. This is my third least favoritism song in the album, but I usually don't have a problem with it    … Expand
  53. Jarody
    Feb 17, 2018
    9
    Kendrick displays his dominance in this album as the best rapper of the modern generation. It's so clear that an immense amount of thought and effort was put into this album, it's so different to what we're used to and that's what makes it so excellent.
    Favourite Tracks: DNA, ELEMENT, HUMBLE, DUCKWORTH
    Least Favourite Tracks: LOYALTY.
  54. I_Pineiro
    Feb 8, 2018
    10
    Again, Kendrick Lamar returns to demonstrate his creativity with an album totally different from the previous ones.
    With a much more commercial sound, it becomes a more pleasant album than the previous one. And the production is wonderful.
    Lyrically, Kendrick once again exposes all his talent, with an impeccable technical quality and an extremely complex and profound content.    Again, Kendrick Lamar returns to demonstrate his creativity with an album totally different from the previous ones.
    With a much more commercial sound, it becomes a more pleasant album than the previous one. And the production is wonderful.
    Lyrically, Kendrick once again exposes all his talent, with an impeccable technical quality and an extremely complex and profound content.
    Conceptually it becomes a much more introspective and personal album, showing a facet of Kendrick never before seen.
    In short, it's an excellent album and another classic by Kendrick Lamar.    … Expand
  55. TheNeedleDrops
    Jan 29, 2018
    5
    Being a big fan of his previous work I was really disappointed with this album. Not nearly as experimental as TBAB or GKMC and the production just kinda bores me. Fav Tracks: PRIDE and ELEMENT
  56. HiMyNamesEthan
    Jan 15, 2018
    10
    9.5/10 As usual, Kendrick Lamar's poeticism ,taste in production, and storytelling is absolutely phenomenal, and once again, Kendrick Lamar has released another groundbreaking, shocking, and chilling album to his discography.

    This album is insanely smart, and is definitely a great successor to the ever-so-great To Pimp a Butterfly shortly released 2 years prior. Like To PImp a    9.5/10 As usual, Kendrick Lamar's poeticism ,taste in production, and storytelling is absolutely phenomenal, and once again, Kendrick Lamar has released another groundbreaking, shocking, and chilling album to his discography.

    This album is insanely smart, and is definitely a great successor to the ever-so-great To Pimp a Butterfly shortly released 2 years prior. Like To PImp a Butterfly, this album breaks ground with its incredibly genius twist - the altering of the story when played reversed. This album continuously foreshadows this great twist, and in the last song, and probably my favorite track of the beautiful collection, DUCKWORTH., the narrator, Kid Cupri, who has set the tone for this album along with the vocals Bekon, essentially reveals this great twist. To my knowledge this has NEVER been done before in the lifetime of hip-hop. In a brief summarization, this album shows Kendrick Lamar overcoming his weaknesses, surviving the figurative gunshot the blind women has given him, and surviving the possible fate of dying in a gunfight, as referred to in DUCKWORTH., given the TDE record labels creator is sent to jail for life (charged for the murder of Kendrick's own father.) The album really challenges this idea of "what if?" The album, played backwards, polarizes Kendrick's fate when played initially, and shows him submitting to a life of cruelty, agressiveness, and crime, dying to the gunshoit wound we were referred to in the beginning of the album when played in its original order. This concept is absolutely stunning. The production is great, as always, though its production is flawed by certain instrumentals that feel compensated for something more raw and cutting edge. Overall, this album is definitely a masterpiece, disregarding the good, yet not perfect production, which is why I have rounded its score to a perfect 10. It's not the best he's done, but a very close match.    … Expand
  57. TheKuz
    Jan 6, 2018
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. “I was born like this, since one like this; immaculate conception/I transform like this, perform like this, was Yeshua's new weapon … ”
    - Kendrick Lamar, “DNA.”

    Since Kendrick Lamar Duckworth’s beginnings as a local Compton rapper known as K-Dot, he has pushed the boundaries of the rap genre.

    After releasing his first mixtape, Y.H.N.I.C. (Hub City Threat: Minor of the Year) (2003) at age 16, Lamar gained attention locally and signed to LA-based label Top Dawg Entertainment. This prompted the release of the mixtapes Training Day (2005) and No Sleep til’ NYC (2007).

    After releasing his fourth mixtape, C4 (2009), Lamar set aside the peer-dubbed pseudonym “K-Dot” and pulled inspiration from his birth name, a refinement reflected in his release at the end of 2009, The Kendrick Lamar EP.

    **** my name is Kendrick … Lamar/I said my name is Kendrick … Lamar/I changed the name ‘cause I was tired of being like y’all/Now finally I’m ready to tell the world who I are …”
    - Kendrick Lamar, “Kendrick Lamar”

    As a redefined artist, Lamar released his O(verly) D(edicated) mixtape in 2010, followed by his debut studio album Section.80 in 2011, earning him more and more attention. Next released were the albums, good kid, m.A.A.d city (2012), To Pimp a Butterfly (2015) and untitled unmastered. (2016), earning him impressive ratings and praise.

    On April 14, 2017, Kendrick Lamar released his fourth studio album to the world: DAMN. The album’s lead single, “HUMBLE.,” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. All 14 tracks of DAMN. charted on the Billboard Hot 100, and the album itself peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.

    Metacritic, which gives a rating (metascore) out of 100 to albums based on user and critic reviews, assigned DAMN. a 95—giving Lamar the two highest scoring hip-hop/rap albums on Metacritic to date (To Pimp a Butterfly with 96). DAMN. was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America in its third week.

    Lamar is in the top five emcees—past and most certainly present—as far as rapping ability, no doubt, but where Lamar stands unrivaled is in his profound artistry. The conceptual beauty of To Pimp a Butterfly was proof, and DAMN. further cemented my belief.

    The album is a new chapter in his career, showing the evolution of Lamar’s character.

    “Kung Fu Kenny now/My resume is real enough for two millenniums . . . ”
    - Kendrick Lamar, “LOYALTY.”

    The protagonist of “good kid, m.A.A.d city” is a young, impressionable Lamar being subjected to the trials and tribulations of growing up in his hometown of Compton, California.

    “To Pimp a Butterfly” delves into the challenges of escaping Compton’s perils, the wider struggles of the American black man, and Lamar’s personal struggle in American black society.

    DAMN. is the most focused on Lamar’s inner-self—his core emotions. His fears, his feelings, his values—and his “DNA.”—are unveiled on this record, as seen in the track titles “FEAR.,” “FEEL.” and “LOYALTY.”

    This is Lamar’s most raw and personal work, conveyed in a humble, but prideful, subdued, but rebellious, manner. After the declarative, hard-hitting “DNA.” comes a dimmed, pensive “YAH.,” followed by the self-empowering “ELEMENT.,” and then the contrastingly somber and vulnerable “FEEL.” The juxtapositions are deliberate and effective.

    "I feel like a chip on my shoulders/I feel like I'm losin' my focus/I feel like I'm losin' my patience/I feel like my thoughts in the basement …"
    - Kendrick Lamar, "FEEL."

    “‘To Pimp a Butterfly’ would be the idea of the thought of changing the world,” Lamar, in an interview with Zane Lowe of Apple Music, said. “DAMN. would be the idea, ‘I can’t change the world ‘til I change myself.’”

    In DAMN. we hear Lamar’s explicit take on what he sees in the mirror. At the root of this project is his struggle for humility, rendered masterfully in high-level lyricism. DAMN. gives the listener an expanded, human sense of Lamar, something not extensively explored in his previous works. Kendrick this season blesses the world with another creative masterpiece.

    Drake? Big Sean? In the words of the man himself, “get out the goddamn way.”    … Expand
  58. Dahp99
    Jan 2, 2018
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. DAMN. is Kendrick's best album by far. This album seemed to tell so much yet still sound amazing. His previous albums lyrics were jaw dropping these are no exception. This is an album were you can listen to every single song and not get tired of them. This album will be a cult classic and will be in the record book. These are bold statements but songs like HUMBLE, ELEMENT and DNA talk about the slums in Compton, CA and how he sticks to those roots.

    Best Songs: DNA. HUMBLE. ELEMENT. PRIDE. LOVE. XXX.    … Expand
  59. Mayfieldja
    Dec 29, 2017
    8
    Kendrick continues to give everything he has to the records that he puts out. Though Damn. is arguably not as strong as previous endeavors, he continues to give a look into his reality through strong, undeniable lyrics and potent samples that lead us through a story of struggle and it’s enchanting. Tracks that stand out are “DNA.”, “XXX.”, and “FEAR.”.
  60. HumbleReviewer
    Dec 25, 2017
    10
    After more than a month of listening to DAMN, Kendrick Lamar gives us a reason to believe that Hip Hop is alive and breathing. "DAMN" takes the listener through a story of K-DOT's rise to fame coupled with addressing social justice issues and religious sentiment. In my opinion, notable tracks within this album are DNA, YAH, ELEMENT, LOVE, PRIDE, GOD, and DUCKWORTH. Regardless if you are aAfter more than a month of listening to DAMN, Kendrick Lamar gives us a reason to believe that Hip Hop is alive and breathing. "DAMN" takes the listener through a story of K-DOT's rise to fame coupled with addressing social justice issues and religious sentiment. In my opinion, notable tracks within this album are DNA, YAH, ELEMENT, LOVE, PRIDE, GOD, and DUCKWORTH. Regardless if you are a heavy consumer of Hip-Hop/Rap, this album is worthy of a listen.… Expand
  61. rodericrinehart
    Dec 20, 2017
    10
    Upon first listen, the album is unconditionally amazing. A Grammy-award type album. On further listens and now months later, I'm pretty confident that this is on the of the greatest albums ever made. He is on top of the lyrical game in hip-hop, and really, in all of music. His beats are transcendent and fit perfectly well with his lyrics. I can't say enough good things about this album.
  62. MtoniMusic
    Dec 4, 2017
    10
    Lamar's radio friendly record picks up well from his story telling abilities. If we consider what everyone has made rap to be lately it tops a lot of them. fast paced beats, strong lyrics, along with Lamar's many voices. Lamar's veracity can still be seen even on DAMN. It may have been his hardest mission yet, but he does certainly pull it off. DAMN. can never best GKMC or TPAB but it doesLamar's radio friendly record picks up well from his story telling abilities. If we consider what everyone has made rap to be lately it tops a lot of them. fast paced beats, strong lyrics, along with Lamar's many voices. Lamar's veracity can still be seen even on DAMN. It may have been his hardest mission yet, but he does certainly pull it off. DAMN. can never best GKMC or TPAB but it does deserve pole position for 2017.… Expand
  63. itsvague
    Nov 30, 2017
    8
    SERVING rap extravaganza with the help of RIhanna, U2 and more, Kendrick Lamar levels-up the game making it untouchable. One of the best rap albums ever contains pain, fear, love, loyalty and ethics mixed with vulnerable poetry at it's finest.
    PRO TIP: listen to the album backwards.

    Highlights: DNA., ELEMENT., LOYALTY. (FEAT. RIHANNA.), HUMBLE., LUST.
  64. ravenklaus
    Nov 25, 2017
    10
    Just like Kendrick's other albums, this one is nothing like generic rap that we all are used to when we think about other rappers, DAMN. shows us everything we want to listen and leave us wanting more and more, returning with this record was the best choice he ever made, this album has passion, anger, courage also fear but at the same time Kendrick sings with bravery, telling us what heJust like Kendrick's other albums, this one is nothing like generic rap that we all are used to when we think about other rappers, DAMN. shows us everything we want to listen and leave us wanting more and more, returning with this record was the best choice he ever made, this album has passion, anger, courage also fear but at the same time Kendrick sings with bravery, telling us what he wants and showing constantly he can do anything and still be one of the best rappers of our generation.… Expand
  65. MasterofHeaarts
    Nov 14, 2017
    9
    DAMNNN GOOD!!

    Kendrick Lamar really outdid himself on this album proving why he is one of the best rappers of this generation. The Highlights of this album is Humble DNA, Element, Love and God. Some of the tracks were a bit boring and sometimes his rhymes go over your head. But DNA HUMBLE and ELEMENT and LOVE are very addictive with flawless production make up for those songs.    DAMNNN GOOD!!

    Kendrick Lamar really outdid himself on this album proving why he is one of the best rappers of this generation. The Highlights of this album is Humble DNA, Element, Love and God. Some of the tracks were a bit boring and sometimes his rhymes go over your head. But DNA HUMBLE and ELEMENT and LOVE are very addictive with flawless production make up for those songs. Definitely one of the best albums of the year    … Expand
  66. Clint_Eastwood1
    Nov 9, 2017
    10
    Один из лучших альбомов 2017 года. Кендрик даже переплюнул свой прошлый альбом,что казалось практически невозможно.Альбом прекрасен со всех сторон: и в плане музыки и в плане текста.
  67. Joz
    Nov 4, 2017
    6
    At its best, this album is a constantly changing, snappy piece of production, with a near-flawless Kendrick backing it up. At it worst, this album is an exercise in **** Here we can find songs that are so shamelessly positioned to climb up the billboard charts that they really hold the album back from Kendrick's more impassioned projects, like Madadadad. City and TPAB. That being said itAt its best, this album is a constantly changing, snappy piece of production, with a near-flawless Kendrick backing it up. At it worst, this album is an exercise in **** Here we can find songs that are so shamelessly positioned to climb up the billboard charts that they really hold the album back from Kendrick's more impassioned projects, like Madadadad. City and TPAB. That being said it had so many surprising and enjoyable moments that it ended up coming out as a positive experience for me. Humble is a great, (albeit production-wise, underwhelming) single, and Kung-Fu Kenny is a funny addition. Not Kendrick's best project, but it had his signature polish nevertheless. -2/10… Expand
  68. JesseXRP
    Oct 30, 2017
    10
    It is Kendrick The GOAT. awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesomeIt is Kendrick The GOAT. awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome.… Expand
  69. armygirl
    Oct 17, 2017
    5
    this album is okay i guess... i mean i don't really like the song humble on this album. i mean seriously Kendrick why would you put this lyric give me something natural like give me an ass with some stretch marks. What?
  70. Refall
    Oct 8, 2017
    8
    "DAMN." is a major deviation from his previous work, 'To Pimp A Butterfly'. Jazz and soul have been replaced by a sound best put in the category of 'modern hip hop'. TPAB's cohesive storytelling was traded in for a collection of songs, each meant to convey Lamar's emotions. DAMN. is a worthwhile attempt of creating an introspective work of art. Unfortunately, the cohesiveness that we know"DAMN." is a major deviation from his previous work, 'To Pimp A Butterfly'. Jazz and soul have been replaced by a sound best put in the category of 'modern hip hop'. TPAB's cohesive storytelling was traded in for a collection of songs, each meant to convey Lamar's emotions. DAMN. is a worthwhile attempt of creating an introspective work of art. Unfortunately, the cohesiveness that we know Lamar for (from both GKMC and TPAB) has been sacrificed for -a more anthology-like album exploring the creator's psyche.

    I really, really like this album. But there's also plenty of things I miss. Perhaps what bothers me the most, is that for me personally it sounds less original than Lamar's previous efforts. TPAB reminded me of no other artist, but unfortunately, when listening to DAMN. various rappers come to mind. 'LOVE.', a collaboration with Zachary, is undoubtedly influenced by modern pop rap. Even when intended as a satirical effort, DAMN. still makes Lamar the influenced, whereas in 2015 he proved himself the influencer without question.    … Expand
  71. madder
    Oct 1, 2017
    10
    DAMN. is an amazing album from Kendrick Lamar. When I first started listening to this album, it didn't feel like any usual hip-hop album. Time flew by listening to this album.
    It feels like Kendrick is experiencing new techniques on his songs on DAMN. Beats are dope, lyrics are mind-blowing when you actually take the time to take a look at them.
    I could even say the album was better than    DAMN. is an amazing album from Kendrick Lamar. When I first started listening to this album, it didn't feel like any usual hip-hop album. Time flew by listening to this album.
    It feels like Kendrick is experiencing new techniques on his songs on DAMN. Beats are dope, lyrics are mind-blowing when you actually take the time to take a look at them.
    I could even say the album was better than the hype. I also agree with the #1 album of 2017 ranking.    … Expand
  72. Gc0rD
    Sep 24, 2017
    10
    its the best of kendrick from good kid maad city mixed with best of kendrick from to pimp a butterfly in a perfect molded album with mainstream hits mixed in with kendricks deep content from untitled unmastered and to pimp a butterfly
  73. jacoobi456
    Sep 11, 2017
    8
    Before reading: MY OPINION. OK, let's go :D :

    Good: Genius lyrics. Genius beats. Appeals to fans that can be bothered to stick around for multiple listens to properly understand the lyrics (which when interpreted are effing amazing). Basically, not trying to get radio time (mostly anyways.). Bad: Two songs, but again: MY OPINION. I don't like the songs LOVE. and LOYALTY.,    Before reading: MY OPINION. OK, let's go :D :

    Good:

    Genius lyrics.
    Genius beats.
    Appeals to fans that can be bothered to stick around for multiple listens to properly understand the lyrics (which when interpreted are effing amazing). Basically, not trying to get radio time (mostly anyways.).

    Bad:

    Two songs, but again: MY OPINION.

    I don't like the songs LOVE. and LOYALTY., mainly due to Zacari and Rihanna respectively. I think they're a litte too mainstream and IMO it almost feels like Kendrick is being held on reigns, not allowed to let rip like he does on pretty much all of the other tracks ( I know, not the best wording, but do you see what I mean??)

    Ugly:

    I don't really have an opinion on the track GOD., so I decided to make turn the 'pro & con' review into the 'good, bad & ugly', and make the ugly section the bit where I put GOD. .) Just a bit meh.

    All in all, I love this album. I know three tracks from 14 I don't really like, but the other 11 I have had on repeat for the past week, and I mean that quite literally. Kendrick is well, well, well of all the other rappers in the game currently. For me, the best aspect of this album is Kendrick's raw talent, and how he spits bars at blistering paces on 11 tracks, lyrics which make you really sit back and rethink your view of the world ATM.    … Expand
  74. RevolutionMusik
    Sep 4, 2017
    10
    IMO this is a classic hip hop album, on par with the 'all time great' albums throughout hip hop history. I asked myself, "is this on par with my personal favorites such as "It Was Written" by Nas, and I absolutely believe it is..
  75. jackwells99
    Sep 4, 2017
    10
    Kendrick keeping the gold standard of a rap album alive all whilst moving to a more mainstream sound. Every emotion is described in this masterpiece and Kung Fu Kenny's newest addition keeps him well in the debate of GOAT
  76. as1an
    Sep 2, 2017
    9
    A deep and truly fantastic album from Kendrick. Kendrick brings a unique sound to this album and does not focus on the generic topics that rappers bring up and instead brings up real social issues. This album might not be for everyone, but the quality of this album is clear if you have an ounce of tone awareness.
  77. Buradanu
    Aug 25, 2017
    9
    This is different from Kendrick but then again another incredible almost masterpiece from this decade defining rapper.
    Unfortunately this project seems just a little unfinished and some songs I found were a bit so so for Kendrick standards
    Here are my ratings from each song on this album: DNA. - 10/10 YAH. - 6/10 ELEMENT. - 10/10 FEEL. - 9/10 LOYALTY. - 7/10 PRIDE. - 8/10 HUMBLE.    This is different from Kendrick but then again another incredible almost masterpiece from this decade defining rapper.
    Unfortunately this project seems just a little unfinished and some songs I found were a bit so so for Kendrick standards
    Here are my ratings from each song on this album:
    DNA. - 10/10
    YAH. - 6/10
    ELEMENT. - 10/10
    FEEL. - 9/10
    LOYALTY. - 7/10
    PRIDE. - 8/10
    HUMBLE. - 7/10
    LUST. - 10/10
    LOVE. - 5/10 : This song in particular was a let down for the project. Kendrick's vocals felt a little lazy for an album like this, and in my opinion it sort of turned into cheesy quickly written lyrics that were catchy, but not mastered in the way that the feeling of LOVE. should be depicted.
    XXX. - 9/10
    FEAR. - 10/10
    GOD. - 9/10 : A lot of people did not like this song but I really could not understand why. Well written lyrics, a simple but effective chorus, I could agree that Kendrick might not be sounding very, I dunno, Humble but he is what he is, an inspiration to listen to and an excellent rapper whose lyrics are always from the heart.
    DUCKWORTH - 10/10    … Expand
  78. Donaldo3rd
    Aug 25, 2017
    7
    I thoroughly think that the crutch that this album possesses is that Kendrick has so many different topics going on throughout the record that it winds up feeling cluttered and over-thought thematically. There are a lot of really good tracks on here from the very aggressive and boisterous "HUMBLE" to the very reflective and borderline meditative "FEAR". I got a lot out of this album, II thoroughly think that the crutch that this album possesses is that Kendrick has so many different topics going on throughout the record that it winds up feeling cluttered and over-thought thematically. There are a lot of really good tracks on here from the very aggressive and boisterous "HUMBLE" to the very reflective and borderline meditative "FEAR". I got a lot out of this album, I just don't perceive it being as well groomed or as perfectly laid out as To Pimp a Butterfly or Good Kid, m.A.A.d. City.… Expand
  79. Carlgo18
    Aug 21, 2017
    10
    Kendrick Lamar is able to consistently dish out albums or songs that have strong tones and values he wants to express, and DAMN is a superlative example of that.
  80. LtXDonut
    Aug 21, 2017
    7
    Interesting beats and deep lyrical meanings, but lacks a bit of the continuity we have come to expect from Kendrick. Less cohesive than GKMC and not as off the wall as TPAB, Damn doesn't do anything particularly new or interesting that Kendrick hasn't already done better somewhere else. It is a good album, and has definitely grown on me since release, but it is his weakest major release toInteresting beats and deep lyrical meanings, but lacks a bit of the continuity we have come to expect from Kendrick. Less cohesive than GKMC and not as off the wall as TPAB, Damn doesn't do anything particularly new or interesting that Kendrick hasn't already done better somewhere else. It is a good album, and has definitely grown on me since release, but it is his weakest major release to date in my opinion. If anyone else had released this album, it would most likely be the best they ever made, but for Kendrick, good isn't good enough anymore. I enjoy the themes of morality and tackling the subject of celebrity, but it doesn't match the gripping storytelling or sharp satirical tongue of his previous efforts. Damn is definitely quite good and for sure worth heavy listening and analysis, but it is a subpar effort from an exceptional artist. A good showing, but not a fantastic one.… Expand
  81. ReviewByAnIdiot
    Aug 18, 2017
    8
    DAMN. is not at all similar to the deep and introspective works of Good Kid, M.A.A.D City or To Pimp A Butterfly, but an entirely different kind of album.

    This album is direct. Kendrick doesn't dance with words. He lists the themes of his songs in their titles. There is no misinterpreting him. There is nothing to deduce. It's well produced, a bit skeletal at times, but still very    DAMN. is not at all similar to the deep and introspective works of Good Kid, M.A.A.D City or To Pimp A Butterfly, but an entirely different kind of album.

    This album is direct. Kendrick doesn't dance with words. He lists the themes of his songs in their titles. There is no misinterpreting him. There is nothing to deduce.

    It's well produced, a bit skeletal at times, but still very well made.

    Flow is what keeps this album from being a higher score. Songs don't flow at all. Each is a single track without any purpose in the larger story of the album. Some of the contrasting tracks directly follow each other. The well-paced narratives of Good Kid and the flow of To Pimp A Butterfly disappear on this album.

    Yet, I am impressed with Kendrick's ability to change so dramatically.

    If you are a fan of Kendrick Lamar, well even if you aren't, you'll probably enjoy at least a few songs off of this album.

    Personal Favorites: LUST., DUCKWORTH., PRIDE., FEEL., XXX., and HUMBLE..    … Expand
  82. scepticpurple
    Aug 17, 2017
    9
    It may not quite stand up to either of it's monumental predecessors, but DAMN is without question Lamar's darkest and most personal album to date, with hits that will no doubt dominate radio stations for the rest of the year.
  83. Iamgaffney
    Aug 16, 2017
    10
    Damn has become the new benchmark for Rap/hip-hop in respect to skill, storytelling, and literary elements. Damn has become an instant classic and the epitome of the rise of conscious rap.
  84. fredphoesh
    Aug 16, 2017
    4
    Is there such a thing as a rap album that does not resort to the same old dumbed down conversation about nheegaz and guns? Surely guys? The music is good at times, but it seems there is an expectation in the audience that is negatively affecting the music. It s too often downbeat, negative, victim orientated and cliche'd lyrically. Lamar is much better than most but still not something IIs there such a thing as a rap album that does not resort to the same old dumbed down conversation about nheegaz and guns? Surely guys? The music is good at times, but it seems there is an expectation in the audience that is negatively affecting the music. It s too often downbeat, negative, victim orientated and cliche'd lyrically. Lamar is much better than most but still not something I could listen to. Way over-rated IMO, as is most rap.… Expand
  85. Jift100
    Aug 16, 2017
    10
    The evolution of Kendrick Lamar's music is really an exhilarating thing to experience as he does something different every time. This time on DAMN he gives us the perspective of a Hebrew Israelite and a person who dies in the intro. The music is more accessible compared to TPAB this time while still containing strong messages in them, with songs like LOYALTY, DNA YAH, ELEMENT, FEAR, PRIDEThe evolution of Kendrick Lamar's music is really an exhilarating thing to experience as he does something different every time. This time on DAMN he gives us the perspective of a Hebrew Israelite and a person who dies in the intro. The music is more accessible compared to TPAB this time while still containing strong messages in them, with songs like LOYALTY, DNA YAH, ELEMENT, FEAR, PRIDE etc... very powerful album as the beats are fantastic with many switch ups and Kendrick delivers us verses that fans will never forget once again… Expand
  86. pedrofaro
    Aug 15, 2017
    6
    this is the first kendrick's album that i listen in full and its diferent of what i expected. i liked, its a great album but i dont know why is so overrated, i cant see this WOW that the media and the people are giving to the album because there are bad songs like "loyalty"
  87. Goblinear
    Aug 10, 2017
    3
    I was shocked to see this so highly rated amongst critics. I thought about it for a while, talked to friends about the album, and came to this conclusion: The rap industry is so dry and yearning for more content, that even what would be mediocre albums a decade or more ago will pass, in fact be glorified as hip hop fans tell themselves that there's still good music being made.

    About the    I was shocked to see this so highly rated amongst critics. I thought about it for a while, talked to friends about the album, and came to this conclusion: The rap industry is so dry and yearning for more content, that even what would be mediocre albums a decade or more ago will pass, in fact be glorified as hip hop fans tell themselves that there's still good music being made.

    About the album.. I listened to it. "Humble" is the only good track end to end. "DNA" is good until the final minute when it switches tune completely and sounds like a robot going into self destruct mode -- just all over the place, if that makes sense. The rest of the songs are utterly forgettable, nothing that will be remembered in five years by anyone but the most die-hard Kendrick Lamar fans.    … Expand
  88. Mittgrant
    Aug 6, 2017
    4
    so bad. cover is so sad to look at. Americans make trash not music these days its very sad. qualitty is bad. it is even hip hop?. he is not that good rapper to have album with over 70 Score. sad
  89. thejasxyeezus
    Aug 3, 2017
    8
    This is a good album, but a step down from To Pimp A Butterfly. The production is all over the place, from trap beats to soulful beats. Lyrically, a lot of the song may seem shallow or underwhelming, but works well with the album's "wicked/weakness" concept. There are some low points, for example, GOD. or LOVE. But overall, it is a solid album.

    Favorites: DNA., ELEMENT., FEEL., FEAR.,    This is a good album, but a step down from To Pimp A Butterfly. The production is all over the place, from trap beats to soulful beats. Lyrically, a lot of the song may seem shallow or underwhelming, but works well with the album's "wicked/weakness" concept. There are some low points, for example, GOD. or LOVE. But overall, it is a solid album.

    Favorites: DNA., ELEMENT., FEEL., FEAR., PRIDE., HUMBLE., XXX., DUCKWORTH    … Expand
  90. GlennTheMaster2
    Aug 2, 2017
    10
    I love the album and every song up there it's definitely a masterpiece. I can truly say that Kendrick always makes perfect projects great songs all the time and then the way he raps is just amazing props to him and others that worked on this album as well fantastic job. This album should definitely win best rap album and album of the year at the Grammy's for sure I hope he does anyhow nextI love the album and every song up there it's definitely a masterpiece. I can truly say that Kendrick always makes perfect projects great songs all the time and then the way he raps is just amazing props to him and others that worked on this album as well fantastic job. This album should definitely win best rap album and album of the year at the Grammy's for sure I hope he does anyhow next year in 2018.… Expand
  91. RickyRobert
    Aug 2, 2017
    10
    I think the album was amazing the album should definitely win all the awards it's nominated for this year and part of next year as well. It's hands down the best album this year and it's hands down a grammy album of the year type of album. Kendrick did an amazing job with his album my favorite album by him though is still To Pimp A Butterfly, but he did an amazing job with this album thisI think the album was amazing the album should definitely win all the awards it's nominated for this year and part of next year as well. It's hands down the best album this year and it's hands down a grammy album of the year type of album. Kendrick did an amazing job with his album my favorite album by him though is still To Pimp A Butterfly, but he did an amazing job with this album this year 2017 never had and heard any complaints about any of his projects.… Expand
  92. vitorboi
    Jul 28, 2017
    10
    Os produtores Sounwave e Martin sempre de parabéns. Quanta qualidade. Os vocais ficaram e as batidas ousadas brincando com a realidade do álbum, desafiando o conceito de qualidade... Parabéns!

    Melhores: Loyalty, Blood e DNA.
  93. Daliman13
    Jul 23, 2017
    10
    Just a brilliant album from start to finish. I keep going back and forth which which song is my favorite. Somehow Kendrick keeps raising the bar, without ever selling out.
  94. FruitJuice
    Jul 17, 2017
    8
    great album............................................................................................................................................................
  95. Neng-
    Jul 17, 2017
    7
    Kendrick Lamar- Damn
    Damn is way easier to listen to than To Pimp a Butterfly was, the moment Humble came online is was an absolute hit, and every other song in this album is totally enjoyable as well.
    That being said i find TPAB way more interesting to listen to, lyrically is more complex and i think that the experimental sound that it had brings more to it that this one. However, this    Kendrick Lamar- Damn
    Damn is way easier to listen to than To Pimp a Butterfly was, the moment Humble came online is was an absolute hit, and every other song in this album is totally enjoyable as well.
    That being said i find TPAB way more interesting to listen to, lyrically is more complex and i think that the experimental sound that it had brings more to it that this one.
    However, this album has some really imaginative and cool tracks that will stick to you, personally, i enjoy ELEMENT the most, New Kung Fu Kenny!    … Expand
  96. Danila12
    Jul 16, 2017
    10
    DAMN. is so deep album. Everyone needs to feel it! Ten! Already have top of favorite tracks. It will be good if we saw a feat. with Eminem, Dre, The Game.
  97. KripBop
    Jul 5, 2017
    10
    Damn is definetly kendricks strongest project to date fluent telling life stories not heard from gkmc and his others big step from untitled unmastered a compilation and defiently the best of best he has prove tht he can make a solid album with contextual lyrical jabs and replay value he can expand now to more longevity and play
  98. FrankDiaz
    Jul 2, 2017
    9
    una obra de arte, en tiempos donde el rap se orienta a letras vacias Kendrick lo hace real con produccion y liricas honestas. Actualmente ocupa le trono del hip hop
  99. claytastic
    Jul 2, 2017
    9
    Most of the time when I listen to music, I just play it in the background while I play video games. However, there are a few artists that I listen to where I need to drop everything just to listen to their songs and pay attention to every lyric, especially when it's new. One of these artists is Kendrick Lamar, who I was admittedly late to the hype train for. 2015's To Pimp A Butterfly wasMost of the time when I listen to music, I just play it in the background while I play video games. However, there are a few artists that I listen to where I need to drop everything just to listen to their songs and pay attention to every lyric, especially when it's new. One of these artists is Kendrick Lamar, who I was admittedly late to the hype train for. 2015's To Pimp A Butterfly was one of the best albums I had ever heard in my life, so I knew that nothing he ever did again would match it, let alone top it, but I wanted him to at least come close. In this regard, DAMN. has met my expectations, but this isn't a bad thing.

    Seeing how every other album up until this point has sounded different from the last, it's no surprise that DAMN. follows this trend. TPAB was heavily influenced by jazz, making it sound more like a blast from the past than a modern expedition, but DAMN. has filled that gap for someone looking for the ladder. Kendrick has somehow made a more mainstream album that still sounds unique. There's just track after track of musical genius. HUMBLE., DNA., ELEMENT., and LOYALTY. all now rank among my favorites of the artist. Almost every song on here sounds amazing, and even the one's I don't like I can still appreciate the quality of.

    My one gripe with DAMN. is that it lacks the strong overall message that was present in TPAB or the stageshow-like storytelling of Good Kid, m.A.A.d City, but this is a small complaint because the music is still consistently amazing and entertaining to listen to.

    Easily some of Kendrick's best work. 9/10.    … Expand
  100. Limitlesss
    Jun 28, 2017
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Conceptually, Kendrick's deepest most personal piece of work, with connections between every individual song being incredibly paramount to a structurally fractured tale about faith, which is supported by Kendrick's razor-sharp, masterful rapping as well as his incredible gift at using wordplay and great lyricism to deliver authentic, vivid stories. Furthermore, Kendrick's musical direction shifts once again as he reinvents himself in yet another masterpiece of the genre. Kendrick substitutes smooth, rhythmic jazz for raw, intense beats used in tandem with distorted, warped instrumentals, to supplement the juxtaposition-based, duality centered story line he's created to highlight his personal strife and its relation to faith.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best Album of 2017
5
#5 Most Discussed Album of 2017
1
#1 Most Shared Album of 2017

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
95

Universal acclaim - based on 39 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 38 out of 39
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 39
  3. Negative: 0 out of 39
  1. The Wire
    Aug 8, 2017
    90
    A less deranged response to celebrity than Kanye West’s Yeezus, more imaginative than Eminem’s The Marshall Mathers LP or Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter III, it shares with the former an economy of form, and with the latter two the giddy energy of an artist coming into perfect sync with their audience. It’s also a sumptuous sounding pop record, polite streamlined mass market psychedelia. [Jun 2017, p.64]
  2. The Skinny
    Jul 5, 2017
    80
    The beats are heavy, spare, and hard. Lamar demonstrates the versatility of his flow.
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  3. Record Collector
    May 25, 2017
    100
    DAMN. sees the rapper make a 180 degree turn from the sprawling jazz/funk/hip-hop odyssey of TPAB to deliver 14 taut, tough and wise cutting-edge examples of what’s possible in hip-hop today. ... Essential stuff.
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