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Distortion
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Distortion Image
Metascore
61

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 5 Ratings

  • Summary: This 26-minute disc is the first solo album for the Run-D.M.C. M.C., who is better known these days as the Run in MTV's reality show "Run's House."

Top Track

Too Drunk To Dream
Sober, life is a prison Shitfaced, it is a blessing Sober, nobody wants you Shitfaced, they're all undressing Oh, sober, it's ever darker Shitfaced,... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

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]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. 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.
  3. AllMusic
    70
    The skimpy run time is noticeable and downright perplexing coming from an album that ambitiously delivers otherwise.
  4. 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]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. Pitchfork
    54
    This album is almost a non-entity.
  6. 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]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. 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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See all 8 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 1 out of 5
  1. JoeMickeyK
    Oct 31, 2005
    10
    How can I give this album anything but a 10??? Distortion is the most supremely magnificently performed and produced rap album ever made. How can I give this album anything but a 10??? Distortion is the most supremely magnificently performed and produced rap album ever made. 80's rap has been resurrected in 2005. Distortion will win a Grammy award no matter what's its sales are. Genuine rap and hip-hop aficionados will have to recognize it's worth. Distortion will herald Rev Run's placement into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006 or 2007.… Expand
  2. 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.… Collapse
  4. GilbertS
    Dec 1, 2005
    10
    I gave it a 10. I enjoyed it a serious head knocker, bit short but definatly a good album and worth buying. Rev Run brings old school rap I gave it a 10. I enjoyed it a serious head knocker, bit short but definatly a good album and worth buying. Rev Run brings old school rap back to remind us that Hip Hop isnt only about money, violence and big booty freeks. Thanks run Hip Hop was getting soo boring...:)… Expand
  5. 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.… Expand
  6. 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...… Expand

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