Iridescence
by BROCKHAMPTON
  • Record Label: RCA
  • Release Date: Sep 21, 2018
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 232 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 201 out of 232
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 232
  3. Negative: 15 out of 232

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  1. andygiant
    Sep 25, 2018
    10
    Like the SATURATION Trilogy, the hardest working boyband in show business prevails at reinventing the wheel in terms of their sound. In spite of setbacks within their group, iridescence is a variety of songs still holding on to themes that their group stands out for whether it is zany instrumentation, catchy hooks, and themes of intimacy but in a new category of their own. Exemplary tracksLike the SATURATION Trilogy, the hardest working boyband in show business prevails at reinventing the wheel in terms of their sound. In spite of setbacks within their group, iridescence is a variety of songs still holding on to themes that their group stands out for whether it is zany instrumentation, catchy hooks, and themes of intimacy but in a new category of their own. Exemplary tracks like NEW ORLEANS, DISTRICT, J'OUVERT, and VIVID have darker, but more lively instances of distorted basslines and percussion, many sounds being reminiscent of retro game sound effects. Songs like SAN MARCOS and WEIGHT and TAPE prove more introspective and self-conscious about the group's struggles and individual problems. With these songs coalesced into a more captivating work than previous projects, iridescence signifies the band's penchant to adapt and constantly evolve, throwing away PUPPY and TEAM EFFORT in search of making music that is more disruptive and shocking to fans. We see Radiohead's Kid A influence strong in how this shift had baffled listeners, with some being unable to come to terms with the change and abandonment of the tidbits that made SATURATION a widely acclaimed trilogy. As saturation semantically defines getting more of everything, iridescence defines the ability to get more depending on perspective and how an individual sees it as it is. iridescence strives to be a monumental mark in Brockhampton's discography, and a beginning of a new era in their music.… Expand
  2. ShadowDragon21
    Sep 25, 2018
    10
    On the first listen, I was unsure of what to think. However, after going back and listening more thoroughly I found hidden meanings and double entendres that probably flew over a lot of peoples' heads. JOBA and Dom murder everything they touch on this album, no member is overall bad on the album. I would like to see verses from Jabari or Romil in the future, but this album is definitelyOn the first listen, I was unsure of what to think. However, after going back and listening more thoroughly I found hidden meanings and double entendres that probably flew over a lot of peoples' heads. JOBA and Dom murder everything they touch on this album, no member is overall bad on the album. I would like to see verses from Jabari or Romil in the future, but this album is definitely groundbreaking in terms of production and general creativity.
    Favorite songs- DISTRICT, VIVID, TAPE, HONEY, BERLIN, WEIGHT, FABRIC, SAN MARCOS
    Least favorite song- TONYA    … Expand
  3. metaEditor
    Sep 25, 2018
    10
    I have listen to this album probably 10 times through, and i didn't know what to think on the first listen. Sounded sparse, disconnected, ADD if you will, and like it couldn't find its home. On the 10th listen, my view completely changed.

    Artists, especially in hip-hop, tend to approach music in a similar fashion. There is a certain break down of pieces ( and feeling) that make the    I have listen to this album probably 10 times through, and i didn't know what to think on the first listen. Sounded sparse, disconnected, ADD if you will, and like it couldn't find its home. On the 10th listen, my view completely changed.

    Artists, especially in hip-hop, tend to approach music in a similar fashion. There is a certain break down of pieces ( and feeling) that make the music what it is. BROCKHAMPTON continues to re-imagine that stigma and bring something fresh. But it's not just fresh, abrupt, and disruptive; it includes an array of musical instruments with striking beauty and mixed in unthinkable yet smooth transitions.

    While at first glance it seemed disconnected however, there is an undeniable consistency. In any art form, consistency defines look, sound, and touch. Some people might look over this, looking forward to a familiar sound. In fact, most people were expecting a familiar sound. Boy were we wrong, this is a f****** leap of faith that excelled with flying rainbow colors :].    … Expand
  4. omar3213
    Sep 25, 2018
    10
    This is one of the best albums that the group has ever released and one of the best albums I have ever listened to. At first listen I was not sure about how I felt about it but the more I listened to this album the more I realized how incredible it really is. From the production to the vocals, everything is top notch. If you didn't like the album at first listen then I really recommendThis is one of the best albums that the group has ever released and one of the best albums I have ever listened to. At first listen I was not sure about how I felt about it but the more I listened to this album the more I realized how incredible it really is. From the production to the vocals, everything is top notch. If you didn't like the album at first listen then I really recommend listening through it again and giving it another try. I believe that this album is better than the iconic saturation 1 and saturation 2. I still think that saturation 3 is a little better than this album but not by much. I can't wait to see where the group goes from here. Ultimately, I would give this album a 9.5 out of 10!… Expand
  5. nikoziko
    Sep 26, 2018
    8
    Ayyyyyyy this album made me nut so god damn hard some underwhelming **** tho like this is brockhampton's worst album but still made me nut so it's pretty damn good fam
  6. draediamond
    Sep 25, 2018
    9
    WOW! First listen will be breathtaking for anybody. It's great to hear incredible alternative rap like this. Every song hits its target. I haven't heard a rap album this futuristic, experimental, and good since Yeezus. After all the mainstream mess is dead (shoutout Scorpion) this will survive. Top 5 album this year. So many different elements everywhere.

    2018 Rap so far 1. IRIDESCENCE    WOW! First listen will be breathtaking for anybody. It's great to hear incredible alternative rap like this. Every song hits its target. I haven't heard a rap album this futuristic, experimental, and good since Yeezus. After all the mainstream mess is dead (shoutout Scorpion) this will survive. Top 5 album this year. So many different elements everywhere.

    2018 Rap so far
    1. IRIDESCENCE
    2. DAYTONA
    3. Astroworld
    4. KIDS SEE GHOSTS
    5. TA13OO    … Expand
  7. Gkirkman
    Sep 29, 2018
    9
    I think this album is a stepping stone that people haven’t stepped up with yet but will as time goes on.
  8. C_dot
    Feb 14, 2019
    9
    BROCKHAMPTON's first project without vocalist Ameer Vann, but it is no problem. The different styles of the group mesh perfectly, leaving us unsure of what to expect, but in a good way. Their production is elite, with Honey being a perfect example. The outro is chopped in screwed in heaven, even sampling their own 'Bump' in a gorgeous and artistic way. Every member, especially Joba, whoBROCKHAMPTON's first project without vocalist Ameer Vann, but it is no problem. The different styles of the group mesh perfectly, leaving us unsure of what to expect, but in a good way. Their production is elite, with Honey being a perfect example. The outro is chopped in screwed in heaven, even sampling their own 'Bump' in a gorgeous and artistic way. Every member, especially Joba, who comes out rapping with amazing intensity, steps up and shines on one of the best alternative hip hop albums in recent memory, and will help to push BROCKHAMPTON ever closer to the limelight.… Expand
  9. bigboy92
    Sep 30, 2018
    9
    great album love how they tried to experiment,just thought they could've done better with songs like where the cash at since it was a great song but quite repetitive Joba was Definitely really good on this album Matt wasn't as noticeable and didn't have many stand out verses but it was really good when he did one i love the experimentation they did with Dom,i love how Bearface is gettinggreat album love how they tried to experiment,just thought they could've done better with songs like where the cash at since it was a great song but quite repetitive Joba was Definitely really good on this album Matt wasn't as noticeable and didn't have many stand out verses but it was really good when he did one i love the experimentation they did with Dom,i love how Bearface is getting more involvement and isn't too different from everyone else, Kevin was really good and felt like more than just the who sings the chorus,Merlyns shouting felt more necessary in this album, they just need to perfect this out for a future album… Expand
  10. RespectedPerson
    Oct 23, 2018
    9
    This is the best brockhampton album. Better than the other ones. Best Production, Best Verses, but im wondering what happened to Ameer. I dont remember him rapping much on the project. maybe he took a break to focus on his lyricism
  11. YoungLinkCon
    Sep 24, 2018
    10
    The Fourth Studio album from BROCKHAMPTON does not disappoint. After the recent allegations towards one of their core members "Ameer Vann" and having him leaving the group, many were left to worry how their next project would turn out and if it could compete with the SATURATION trilogy. To no surprise the album knocks it out of the park with songs such as NEW ORLEANS, TAPE, J'OUVERT, etc.The Fourth Studio album from BROCKHAMPTON does not disappoint. After the recent allegations towards one of their core members "Ameer Vann" and having him leaving the group, many were left to worry how their next project would turn out and if it could compete with the SATURATION trilogy. To no surprise the album knocks it out of the park with songs such as NEW ORLEANS, TAPE, J'OUVERT, etc. The record tackles the last 9 months of their career talking about all the struggles they've had to deal with having risen to fame so fast. If you like experimental music definetly check this one out.… Expand
  12. anish289
    Sep 24, 2018
    10
    Just amazing, experimentation is at a high and I love the industrial sound of the record and their overall brand/style isn't compromised/watered down at all. Will keep listening and I hope it resonates with me well into the future.
  13. krimzon
    Sep 24, 2018
    10
    On their fourth album in only 15 months Brockhampton have ramped everything up to eleven. This record makes their debut Saturation's ultra-ambitious mix of soft RnB and in-your-face, hardcore bars look like tiny pre-school baby time by comparison. This record is all over the place. It's one of the craziest albums I've heard from a major-label rap group, and is the reason why BrockhamptonOn their fourth album in only 15 months Brockhampton have ramped everything up to eleven. This record makes their debut Saturation's ultra-ambitious mix of soft RnB and in-your-face, hardcore bars look like tiny pre-school baby time by comparison. This record is all over the place. It's one of the craziest albums I've heard from a major-label rap group, and is the reason why Brockhampton will likely be one of the most influential artists of the next decade. If there's one thing I love, it's artists who aren't afraid to take risks and who aren't afraid to make mistakes in order to push themselves. Brockhampton are that group, except without the mistakes.… Expand
  14. catey666
    Sep 24, 2018
    10
    BROCKHAMPTON's major label debut is breathtaking. Major consideration has clearly been put into each production and style choice on the individual tracks and the fact that the entirety had been written and created in 10 days is awe-inspiring. This group is talented and everything they work on seems to be better than the last.
  15. thedaywalker
    Sep 24, 2018
    8
    Brockhampton don't want to take a break, and seriously, if they keep releasing gems like this, nobody will want them to.

    This album is what i call "creating your own identity". The production is simply astonishing, the song structure is something fresh. They are simply something different, entertaining and seriously it seems like they are just getting started, which makes me very    Brockhampton don't want to take a break, and seriously, if they keep releasing gems like this, nobody will want them to.

    This album is what i call "creating your own identity". The production is simply astonishing, the song structure is something fresh. They are simply something different, entertaining and seriously it seems like they are just getting started, which makes me very excited.

    Favorite Songs: NEW ORLEANS, THUG LIFE, WEIGHT, DISTRICT, TONYA, FABRIC
    Least Favorite Songs: TAPE, VIVID    … Expand
  16. Yeezus
    Sep 28, 2018
    0
    This is one of the most overrated "boy bands" going around in music right now. I am happy they are getting success, but this is a letdown compared to the saturation series.
  17. brockcheese
    Sep 29, 2018
    9
    This is a really cool project that shows that they can be just as good as saturation even without banging out 3 albums a year. The lack of ameer vann shines through.
  18. GrantD243
    Oct 23, 2018
    8
    The boyband that has a mad work ethic continues their streak of success with IRIDESCENCE. Every song is ear-pleasing despite so many different styles being used throughout the album, and most notably the track SAN MARCOS may be their best yet. The future looks bright for BROCKHAMPTON.
  19. godsplaining
    Oct 2, 2018
    7
    While it had some great songs and concepts on the album, it was easily their most inconsistent album to date. It felt underwhelming because of how high the bar was set with the saturation trilogy, but I think it's a solid foundation for the new trilogy overall.

    The latter half of the album is much more enjoyable IMO but WEIGHT does shlap.
  20. vrshx
    Oct 30, 2018
    9
    Album is such a grower. I love it more every time. The songs either go super hard or are beautiful and emotionally revealing. It's a change of pace from the SAT series as BH reconstruct themselves sonically and push the envelope with gritty production, insane verses, and intimate lyrics. DOES NOT DISAPPOINT. GO LISTEN.
  21. AlefNog
    Sep 4, 2019
    8
    Like it.To tired to review,but this **** is obligatory.dbbdhdhhdhdhshbshshbsbshshdhdhshdhhdhdbdb
  22. xxspi1cyxx
    Apr 11, 2020
    10
    LOVE IT! Its a start to a new trilogy. Its a complete 180 compared to Saturation its a lot more loud and quite literally saturated. I live for the thermal aesthetic and a lot of the first half of the album is a lot of loud and distorted production. It fits the thermal aesthetic well. The next half(for me LOOPHOLE - FABRIC) is a lot more mellow and emotional. WEIGHT kind of kicks off theLOVE IT! Its a start to a new trilogy. Its a complete 180 compared to Saturation its a lot more loud and quite literally saturated. I live for the thermal aesthetic and a lot of the first half of the album is a lot of loud and distorted production. It fits the thermal aesthetic well. The next half(for me LOOPHOLE - FABRIC) is a lot more mellow and emotional. WEIGHT kind of kicks off the next half talking about the weight the boys have been carrying throughout their fame. I sat down to listen to it back in December of 2019 but I knew about it in 2018 just never got to listen to it. I've listened to it so many times and it never disappoint.… Expand
  23. miguelcstb
    Dec 4, 2021
    8
    Brockhampton surprised me with this album. Before listening to it, I did not know what to expect since I hadn't heard any of their songs, and I gotta say I am not disappointed at all. This is one of the few hip-hop/rap albums that I actually enjoyed every song (or most of them). The songs on this album are either very similar or very different to each other, and that is what makes thisBrockhampton surprised me with this album. Before listening to it, I did not know what to expect since I hadn't heard any of their songs, and I gotta say I am not disappointed at all. This is one of the few hip-hop/rap albums that I actually enjoyed every song (or most of them). The songs on this album are either very similar or very different to each other, and that is what makes this album so interesting. Though I have to say that I think this album is overproduced, but that's not something that ruins the experience of listening to it, not in my case.… Expand
  24. andrilitvynchuk
    Aug 12, 2023
    8
    Truly a big leap from the SATURATION trilogy. The absence of Ameer is pretty visible, still, album is very good

Awards & Rankings

42
#42 Best Album of 2018
55
#55 Most Discussed Album of 2018
78
#78 Most Shared Album of 2018

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
85

Universal acclaim - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. AllMusic
    Oct 11, 2018
    80
    Very much a product of their time, Brockhampton absorbs what they need from across genres, sharing honest confessions from their varied personal backgrounds (the most striking provided by group leader Kevin Abstract) and reflecting its mixed audience as a voice of their generation. Brockhampton have seized upon this defining moment with Iridescence, a defining peak in their young career.
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  2. Austin Chronicle
    Oct 5, 2018
    89
    Hooks sparse and structure loose, Iridescence redefines future pop.
    Read full review
  3. Clash Music
    Sep 28, 2018
    80
    Iridescence feels like Brockhampton have regrouped musically to create a great, if not perfect, representation and platform to build on.
    Read full review
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