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  • Release Date:
Ill Manors Image
Metascore
83

Universal acclaim - based on 14 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 37 Ratings

  • Summary: The third release for the British musician is a companion piece to the film he wrote and directed, also named Ill Manors.

Top Track

Ill Manors
Let's all go on an urban safari We might see some illegal migrants Oi look there's a chav That means council housed and violent He's got a hoodie on... See the rest of the song lyrics
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 14
  2. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. Jul 20, 2012
    100
    On a production level, this album is cutting-edge, on a lyrical level it is brutally brilliant. It will melt your ears and your heart.
  2. This is one of the most exhilarating albums of the year.
  3. Oct 30, 2012
    90
    Ill Manors, depressing, blunt and provocative, fulfills one of rap music's most noble tasks--to touch the sore spots.
  4. 80
    These songs contain the record's protest element as well as its exemplary musicality: heartbreaking soul choruses, classical samples and '80s rocksteady rhythms.
  5. Q Magazine
    Aug 20, 2012
    80
    Drew's work is lyrically dense and confrontational, but the music is blissfully rich and specious. [Sep 2012, p.100]
  6. Jul 30, 2012
    80
    After this confrontational opening ditty, Ill Manors becomes less overtly political but no less vivid, as the remaining tracks depict in gruesome detail the dismal lives of London's underclass.
  7. Uncut
    Sep 14, 2012
    60
    Drew's desire to be all things to all 'hoods is the weakness of the soundtrack to his debut movie. [Oct 2012, p.86]

See all 14 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 8
  2. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. Jul 9, 2013
    10
    Perfect album. The production and lyrics are amazing. The albums message is clear. The album was made to shock and it certainly did that. SpotPerfect album. The production and lyrics are amazing. The albums message is clear. The album was made to shock and it certainly did that. Spot on 10/10 Collapse
  2. Oct 7, 2016
    10
    Can't believe it took me until October 2016 to give this a proper listen, an absolutely incredible experience from start to finish, withCan't believe it took me until October 2016 to give this a proper listen, an absolutely incredible experience from start to finish, with outstanding songcraft and production, and Plan B proves his mettle as a lyricist as storyteller even more than he ever has before. Expand
  3. May 13, 2014
    10
    One of the few albums I can listen to over & over, and never get bored. So many standout tracks that all capture the dark & grimy moodOne of the few albums I can listen to over & over, and never get bored. So many standout tracks that all capture the dark & grimy mood brilliantly. 2nd best album of 2012 after Good Kid M.a.a.d City. Expand
  4. Feb 12, 2013
    9
    Heard the album a while back, but I recently watched the self-titled movie and now I can't stop listening! Plan B is on form with this. WatchHeard the album a while back, but I recently watched the self-titled movie and now I can't stop listening! Plan B is on form with this. Watch the movie, listen to this, thank me later. Expand
  5. Sep 6, 2012
    9
    This is a really good album. Masterfully produced. Ben Drew can both rap and sing on the same high level. This dude ha some serious talent!
  6. Dec 21, 2012
    6
    Impressive directorial debut for Ben Drew about a random group of men and women who live in London's Forest Gate area for about a week. DrewImpressive directorial debut for Ben Drew about a random group of men and women who live in London's Forest Gate area for about a week. Drew does a fine job weaving together a series of narratives involving these people, and their stories; ranging from illegal immigrants forced into prostitution, drug addiction, and gang land violence. He effectively portrays how each character is affected by their environment, and how the decisions they make have ripple effects impacting others. Ben Drew wrote the script and the lyrics for the accompanying soundtrack, which is very good as well. Cinematography and Production design are first-rate, but the story is mediocre and the perpetual misery never lets up and leaves the screenplay exceedingly overbearing. Ben Drew's cameo is in the final scene as the cab driver. For additional reviews visit http://www.rottentomatoes.com/member/Nesbitt10 Expand
  7. Mar 3, 2014
    6
    While rather sporadic and contrived at times, the gritty realism of life in urban cities is thought-provoking packaged into a surprisinglyWhile rather sporadic and contrived at times, the gritty realism of life in urban cities is thought-provoking packaged into a surprisingly complex, yet at times confusing story. A very odd but effective way of narration too. Expand

See all 8 User Reviews