Distortion
by REV RUN
  • Record Label: Def Jam
  • Release Date: Oct 18, 2005
Metascore
61

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 8
  3. Negative: 1 out of 8
  1. Mojo
    80
    His bellowed cadences are as timeless and elemental as the blues. [Nov 2005, p.98]
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  2. AllMusic
    70
    The skimpy run time is noticeable and downright perplexing coming from an album that ambitiously delivers otherwise.
  3. RapReviews.com
    70
    I cautiously recommend "Distortion" to Run-D.M.C. fans as being a lot better than their unceremonious disaster of a final album "Crown Royal" while openly admitting anybody younger than 18 may not relate to it and pass right on by to something else.
  5. Q Magazine
    70
    Yet for all the nostalgia, the lurching strut of tracks such as Boom Ditty and Breaktime remains undeniably potent and contemporary. [Dec 2005, p.156]
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  6. Blender
    60
    Despite the occasional misstep... it's a welcome album to anyone who wishes the past 15 years never happened to Run-D.M.C.'s legacy. [Nov 2005, p.139]
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  7. Pitchfork
    54
    This album is almost a non-entity.
  8. Rolling Stone
    40
    A CD of biblical rap would have been vastly more interesting than just tepid updates of the Run-DMC sound. [3 Nov 2005, p.96]
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  9. Entertainment Weekly
    25
    An awkward attempt that neither improves upon nor updates the trio's original blueprint. [28 Oct 2005, p.89]
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User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 5 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 1 out of 5
  1. BenjaminG
    Feb 28, 2006
    10
    It's sad to see a hip-hop album come out that actually brings something new to the genre -- oddly by looking back at its history -- It's sad to see a hip-hop album come out that actually brings something new to the genre -- oddly by looking back at its history -- getting trashed by no nothing "professional" reviewers. Heavily sampled rock rhythms blend well with the 80's beats, avoiding the mushy nu-metal sound. Lyrically, Rev Run does bring himself into a lot of his lyrics, but what rapper doesn't? Few, and here, he's putting himself more into an observer, not spending all the album pumping himself up as many mainstream acts do. Of course, intelligent arrangements and lyrics don't fly well with mainstream media, and Pitchfork always too busy being pretentious stuck-ups to even bother to muster up a competant review. This album is good stuff. If you listen to hip-hop and tire of the mainstream sludge spouting off about hoes and bling, then you deserve to get it. While the playing length is short, the quality is there -- no in between track filler, poor arrangements, or needless verse/chorus reptitions.… Full Review »
  2. JC
    Jan 13, 2006
    3
    Isn't it odd how the first three user reviews for this record are all about the same length, with the same eye for grammar, and Isn't it odd how the first three user reviews for this record are all about the same length, with the same eye for grammar, and basically the same manner of writing? Isn't it odd that ALL three of them give this record a 10, yet the best that any of the 8 critics gave it was an 8? Doesn't something smell a little fishy? Like perhaps, a record label underling surfing the music review sites on the web? Hmm...anyway...This record is weak, it would really sour Rev Run's reputation...if he wasn't doing that Run's House show...… Full Review »
  3. Douglassomone
    Dec 27, 2005
    10
    This CD is a godsend from the mid 80's. Although a bit short, it satisfies the need for quality rap that has not been delivered by This CD is a godsend from the mid 80's. Although a bit short, it satisfies the need for quality rap that has not been delivered by today's rappers. Run is a true artist of the genre. Its fun and energizing to listen to his music, while not having to put up with the gloating of cash, women, and cars like today's rapper. Definitely a 10.… Full Review »
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