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Heavy is the Head
by
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Heavy is the Head Image
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 17 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 74 Ratings

  • Summary: The second full-length studio release for the British grime artist features guest appearances from Aitch, Burna Boy, H.E.R., Headie One, Ed Sheeran, Tiana Major9, and YEBBA.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. PopMatters
    Jan 21, 2020
    90
    This album gets better with successive listens.
  2. DIY Magazine
    Dec 12, 2019
    80
    The labyrinthine complexities of human nature are explored here in all their grit and glory, but it’s the combination of Stormzy’s charm and his knack for storytelling that allows ‘H.I.T.H’ to glimmer with a universal appeal that will please both his mainstream audience and grime fans of old; an almost impossible task that he’s amazingly pulled off.
  3. The Independent (UK)
    Dec 12, 2019
    80
    Not only is it a drastic step up from an impressive debut, but it shows an artist keen to test himself emotionally, as well as artistically.
  4. The Telegraph (UK)
    Dec 13, 2019
    80
    The result wittily, emotionally and triumphantly affirms his position at the head of the British rap pack. Like many of our most fascinating pop stars, from John Lennon to Robbie Williams, Stormzy lies on a knife-edge between ego and insecurity, self-confidence and self-doubt.
  5. Mojo
    Dec 17, 2019
    80
    Save a few saggy, meh0ish collaborations mining genres, this sparky yet spiritual blend of bum-rushing hard bangers and deep soul dives further underscores his three-dimensional star quality. [Feb 2020, p.86]
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  6. Under The Radar
    Dec 30, 2019
    80
    On Heavy Is the Head, that throne is never taken lightly. Instead, Stormzy delivers one of the most introspective and prayerful works of the year, solidifying his elite status in hip-hop.
  7. musicOMH.com
    Dec 18, 2019
    60
    The fondness for schmaltz gets a bit overwhelming, and the album is only great in patches.

See all 17 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 12
  3. Negative: 2 out of 12
  1. rtmo2
    Dec 16, 2019
    10
    Up there for rap album of the year. Those upset with it probably listened to the Ed Sheerhan single and bailed thinking it was going to beUp there for rap album of the year. Those upset with it probably listened to the Ed Sheerhan single and bailed thinking it was going to be sing-songy stuff. No. This is brazen, unapologetic, and amazing.… Expand
  2. Poppy876
    Dec 13, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Yes it's one of the best albums in a long time. I love a good Stormzy tunes… Expand
  4. FahirVictor
    Dec 17, 2019
    10
    With its unique flow, Stormzy proves that it can use its rhymes for business or public. Crown shows off its versatility between singing andWith its unique flow, Stormzy proves that it can use its rhymes for business or public. Crown shows off its versatility between singing and rap, a better track from the album. Constantly marvel at different instruments, not barking at the mind and with a tremendously beautiful cape.… Expand
  5. Tzimi
    Feb 19, 2020
    9
  6. ChunkDump
    Dec 22, 2020
    8
    as an American who is big fan of hip hop i was pleasantly surprised with this project. great flow and my favorite track is "superheroes" comeas an American who is big fan of hip hop i was pleasantly surprised with this project. great flow and my favorite track is "superheroes" come to U.S and thrive stormzy.… Expand
  7. smolheartbigpp
    Jul 18, 2020
    8
    "h.i.t.h" is a banger from front to end. The only criticism I have is the big tracklist, the last few cuts starts to feel a little redundant"h.i.t.h" is a banger from front to end. The only criticism I have is the big tracklist, the last few cuts starts to feel a little redundant and it looks like more of a compilation album instead of a proper cohesive album.… Expand
  8. aakash_kumar_5
    Dec 14, 2019
    0
    Its Crap, I listened to Harry Styles fine line first then I went to this, after listening to that master piece I thought what the f**k wasIts Crap, I listened to Harry Styles fine line first then I went to this, after listening to that master piece I thought what the f**k was going in this album… Expand

See all 12 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

91
#91 Most Discussed Album of 2019

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