Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers
by Kendrick Lamar
  • Record Label: pgLang
  • Release Date: May 13, 2022
User Score
8.8

Universal acclaim- based on 1481 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,343 out of 1481
  2. Mixed: 42 out of 1481
  3. Negative: 96 out of 1481
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  1. Bill35632
    May 16, 2022
    10
    Amazing good grate greatest album of all time Ok Amazing good grate greatest album of all time gif and repair work on my
  2. Merciless7231
    May 15, 2022
    10
    A project that requires replays to dissect and appreciate genuinely. However, Kendrick delivers his most personal and introspective album yet. This album is about his own faults and holding up a mirror to society. Kendrick steps off the saviour pedestal that we as fans have put him on to show he is human with flaws like everyone else. The instrumentals are unlike previous albums yet theA project that requires replays to dissect and appreciate genuinely. However, Kendrick delivers his most personal and introspective album yet. This album is about his own faults and holding up a mirror to society. Kendrick steps off the saviour pedestal that we as fans have put him on to show he is human with flaws like everyone else. The instrumentals are unlike previous albums yet the MMBS is mixed phenomenally.… Expand
  3. Juanjo_
    May 13, 2022
    10
    this is incredible, I have no words to describe everything that he transmitted to me, what a magnificent album, all my respects to Kendrick, thank you for blessing us with this masterpiece of rap
  4. piet61
    May 15, 2022
    10
    Kendrick delivers once again with an amazing album that rivals his best work.
  5. semillogarcia
    May 14, 2022
    10
    Simply a master piece, the wait has a reason, kendrick did it, an beautiful painting as a music album
  6. ROTSA2
    May 17, 2022
    8
    RATING: 81%
    While not his most consistent, Kendrick Lamar returns with a catchy album with some intelligent lyrics and well-produced beats.
  7. MJCuse
    May 16, 2022
    10
    An album with layers and layers of meaning. This is a seminal album for Hip Hop as a whole, touching on subjects taboo to the culture and the world at large.
  8. SmashingReviews
    May 15, 2022
    8
    The fifth studio album by the north american rapper has some really high and interesting moments, but Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers in some occasions - Rich Spirit and Silent Hill - feels like a step down from Kendrick's previous works, both lyrically and production wise. This two songs realy sound like something you'll get from a Lil (Something), and not from one of the best rappers andThe fifth studio album by the north american rapper has some really high and interesting moments, but Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers in some occasions - Rich Spirit and Silent Hill - feels like a step down from Kendrick's previous works, both lyrically and production wise. This two songs realy sound like something you'll get from a Lil (Something), and not from one of the best rappers and lyricists of the 21st century. Also, this and a couple more songs don't seem to be aligned with the narrative presented with the dual album, making this choice also questionable. Overall, Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers is a really good album if thought of as a single piece and not two different albums.… Expand
  9. PatchWurk777
    May 13, 2022
    9
    Mr. Morale and The Big Steppers is an amazing album that takes a while to get in it’s groove, but when it does, it’s absolutely glorious.
  10. FreelipeKapudo
    May 15, 2022
    10
    F**k, this is just perfect, it make me feels like i have either daddy issues, wtf, this man is unbelievable
  11. asLOCKY
    May 14, 2022
    10
    Mais um clássico para sua discografia. Kendrick prova a cada trabalho que merece sim um lugar de respeito no Olimpo do Hip-Hop e de toda Blackmusic. Um trabalho consistente e uma discografia invejável, esse ultimo projeto mostra toda sua experiência artística adquirida com o tempo e como utilizar suas influências da forma mais correta e saudável possível.
  12. LasseLong
    May 16, 2022
    10
    This album had me confused at first (honestly, it still does) but the more I listen, the more I love it.
  13. Johnsmtih
    May 21, 2022
    8
    Not kendricks best work but extremely daring and different. Had a rough time with it first listen but I let it sit for a bit and revisited the project with a 2nd listen overall kennys 3rd best project
  14. Nano5922
    Jun 2, 2022
    9
    The heavier theme and minimal sound composition made Kendrick Lamar even better.
  15. junkdot
    May 16, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. An absolutely beautiful album, with high energy and extremely emotional tracks. The album resembles JAY-Z's 4:44, which touched on infidelity and healing. Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers sets its own sound early on, with United In Grief revealing some of the album's subject matters. Kendrick dives into sensitive subjects and speaks on some events and cultural shifts of the past 5 years. The grueling lyrics and sound of Mother I Sober featuring Beth Gibbons made me shed a tear, which is quite rare when listening to music for me.
    Kendrick delivered once again. I hope this album grows for those, who did not vibe with it at first. For me it was a great experience on the first listen, and grew better on every listen.    … Expand
  16. Jholm
    May 16, 2022
    10
    Album of the year so far. It's hard to judge Kendrick so soon, but so far I'm loving this album. I'm a Weeknd fan, and prefer this overall to Dawn FM, which I think is a great album.

    Production is thoughtful and masterful. You can hear in Baby Keem influence even in songs where he is not on vocals.
  17. spacemanrecords
    May 26, 2022
    10
    Look yall... Its a 10 and it will be a 10 in 10 years... Full review to follow
  18. AdrianOst077
    Jan 30, 2023
    8
    Disc 1 Rating: 83
    Disc 2 Rating: 83
    Mr. Morale is unlike any projects he's put out before. It's more delicate in some ways and has more emotional moments than the previous albums (Mother I Sober, Father Time, Crown). At first, I didn't like it as I was used the style of songs from DAMN., GKMC and TPAB that you can put on and just have a good time listening to, feeling uplifted with the    Disc 1 Rating: 83
    Disc 2 Rating: 83
    Mr. Morale is unlike any projects he's put out before. It's more delicate in some ways and has more emotional moments than the previous albums (Mother I Sober, Father Time, Crown). At first, I didn't like it as I was used the style of songs from DAMN., GKMC and TPAB that you can put on and just have a good time listening to, feeling uplifted with the energetic beats and the hype with songs like Money Trees, Swimming Pools, HUMBLE., Alright. Mr. Morale does have some of these type of songs like N95, Die Hard, but most of these songs fit better more listening through the concept of the album to truly understand the meaning of this album. Listening to Mr. Morale again, I understood what Kendrick was trying to achieve and it made me appreciate the album more. Looking at interviews where Kendrick talks about his past growing up in Compton, the hardships he has faced since the age of 5, battles with depression and family issues, made me understand more of what was accomplished here. He has talked about these 3 things before in the past albums, but it's in Mr. Morale where he truly elaborates more and the elaboration made me relate to Kendrick more and feel the emotion that he expresses here.

    Kendrick is a powerful lyricist and made people remember after his 5 year hiatus, reminding people why select rappers and rap fans, including me, regard him as on of the greatest rappers of all time, his talent and passion for music is truly special and a gift that Kendrick was blessed with and shared with us. With every album, he touches someone's heart and soul with the stories he portrays in his songs that he has experienced and others coming from similar backgrounds can relate to. From struggling African Americans living in violent neighbourhoods in Compton that GKMC touches upon, to personal struggles due to the colour of one's skin, family issues and mental health troubles in TPAB and Mr. Morale. Kendrick truly makes the listener understand his message and empathise with him as I have with some of the songs on this album which truly made me appreciate Mr. Morale.

    Is it a must hear album? Yes, it's Kendrick, end of.

    HONOURABLE SONGS: United in Grief, Father Time, Crown, Mother I Sober.

    (This review probably makes no sense is a bunch of nonsense but I tried putting it together the best way I could whilst being absolutely shattered and exhausted, so excuse it).    … Expand
  19. Macklee
    May 13, 2022
    8
    Easily Kendrick's most introspective and intimate album. Modern production with hints of older sounds too. Very animated vocals. Some songs are easily in his top 50 and others just feel like they don't belong. Overall it's an incredible record. Big tracks that stuck out to me were N95, Die Hard, Father Time, Purple Hearts, Silent Hill (especially this one), Auntie Diaries, Mother I Sober,Easily Kendrick's most introspective and intimate album. Modern production with hints of older sounds too. Very animated vocals. Some songs are easily in his top 50 and others just feel like they don't belong. Overall it's an incredible record. Big tracks that stuck out to me were N95, Die Hard, Father Time, Purple Hearts, Silent Hill (especially this one), Auntie Diaries, Mother I Sober, and Mirror. Better than DAMN imho, but still not quite as good as tpab and gkmc. Close for sure though.… Expand
  20. Roan0209
    May 16, 2022
    10
    Amazing messages delivered with great flows and lyrics. Production is top tier. My expectation were very high. this wasn't what i expected, but i'm in no way disappointed. 9.6/10
  21. SamuraiNugget90
    May 15, 2022
    9
    This is not an album that's kind to first listens.  There's a good chance the strange, skeletal beats and off-kilter flows on tracks like United in Grief and Worldwide Steppers will throw you off.  There's a good chance that it won't be until We Cry Together at Track #8 when the song quickly commands you to stop tap dancing around the conversation - or maybe even not until Track #10 CountThis is not an album that's kind to first listens.  There's a good chance the strange, skeletal beats and off-kilter flows on tracks like United in Grief and Worldwide Steppers will throw you off.  There's a good chance that it won't be until We Cry Together at Track #8 when the song quickly commands you to stop tap dancing around the conversation - or maybe even not until Track #10 Count Me out begins with saying there's a "breakthrough" - that the earlier tracks begin to click and make sense.  Only then is it revealed that this album is a comprenshensive therapy session for Kendrick, one where he's going over all of his flaws in painstaking detail, from his celebrity (Rich Spirit), to toxic relationships (We Cry Together), all the way to childhood trauma (Mother I Sober).  For those willing to trudge along to this point and truly dive in, you will be rewarded with an ambitious, albeit imperfect gem full of absolute classics, much like its creator.  All of the flaws with this project reside in the first disk*.  I say that with a heavy asterisk because this disk is chalk full of amazing highlights.  Most people's first true love hete will probably be with Father Time, which is a straightforward, stunning bar-filled banger on toxic masculine fathers.  The explosive acting and emotion paired with an amazing beat by the Alchemist make We Cry Together an absolute spoken word classic in the vain of classic Eminem tracks.  And again, understanding the concept of the album later on makes earlier complex tracks like United in Grief rewarding to come back to, as they're filled with so much deep, lyrical meat to sink your teeth into with the context in tow.  Even with the context though, some of the tracks here flat out do not live up to the quality of the rest album around them.  Mainly the low-key melodic Die Hard and Rich Spirit are okay, inoffensive tracks but sound dull in comparison to rest of the album, even on repeated listens for me. Once you get past the first disk though I challenge anyone to find any more faults here.  The 2nd disk is where Kendrick lays his soul to bear and truly exorcises some demons and, no exaggeration, it's some of the best music you will ever hear in your life, period.  From challenging the concept of idols and his own savior complex on the aptly named Savior, to his ever evolving relationship with Trans members of his family, to literally killing off the "generational curse" of a deep-seeded childhood trauma, the 2nd half is a mind-blowing masterpiece front-to-back filled with stunning moment after stunning moment.  This album would potentially uproot TPAB if it was just this 2nd disk alone. As it stands, despite a couple shortcomings in the first half, this is one of the most powerful artistic expressions on personal mental healing I've ever heard.  It's definitely a heavy favorite for album of the year and this easily takes 2nd place for me in Kendrick's discography behind TPAB.… Expand
  22. Kmearkle
    Jun 2, 2022
    10
    This album gets better each time I listen through it. One of the most introspective pieces of music I’ve ever listened to.
  23. Julio_orellana
    May 16, 2022
    10
    the best album of the year just by listening to the first second you are amazed
  24. Flamedz
    May 13, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Firfire fire fire fire fire fire fire this is all that I got to say FIREEEE… Expand
  25. Peacefulblack
    May 13, 2022
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. After about 6 listens, this effort from Kendrick Lamar. Definitely feels like personal therapy session in album form. He’s exercising his demons and speaking on personal matters such as homophobia, transphobia, and his vices that have effected his family life and his relationships. This is a very different Kendrick than the one I grew up with and that’s fine. It’s not his best work and it’s not his worse. It’s simply a decent Kendrick Lamar album in my mind. Maybe it’ll grow on me after a couple more listens but atm I’m not mad at this project but I definitely understand that some of these songs will shock and anger some.… Expand
  26. garfield7081
    Jun 25, 2022
    9
    An incredible album with even better lyricism, kendrick gets even more personal then he ever has before.

    best song: father time

    worst song: we cry together
  27. CeazyEU
    May 14, 2022
    10
    Perfect album I love everything about it was worth the wait and I suggest listening to it more than 1 time to catch everything, the beat, the lyrics everything is phenomenal.
  28. Joffnatic
    Jun 28, 2022
    9
    I truly haven't heard something so truly honest and touching since 808s & Heartbreak. Listened through the whole thing and was pulling myself from crying listening to this. Truly an amazing experience. Although Kodak Black's appearences left me a little confused lol.
    My favorite songs are United In Grief, N95, Father Time, Rich Spirit, We Cry Together, Purple Hearts, Count Me Out, Crown,    I truly haven't heard something so truly honest and touching since 808s & Heartbreak. Listened through the whole thing and was pulling myself from crying listening to this. Truly an amazing experience. Although Kodak Black's appearences left me a little confused lol.
    My favorite songs are United In Grief, N95, Father Time, Rich Spirit, We Cry Together, Purple Hearts, Count Me Out, Crown, Savior, Auntie Diaries and Mother I Sober.    … Expand
  29. Lamarwest
    May 16, 2022
    10
    Another masterpiece by Pulitzer prize winner, Kendrick Lamar, Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, Kendrick lets us in on the trials and tribulations of his stardom and his human struggles within and leaves us with what’s sure to be remembered as Kendrick's most personal albums.
  30. AlooAloo
    May 14, 2022
    8
    Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers is by far Kendrick's most personal album, and his most unique album so far. This album has some amazing songs, and I love the concept of this album.
    But there are a few problems with this album, many actually.
    This album has a lot of skips and misses, a little too many if you ask me. This doesn't have any TDE Features even though it's his last TDE Album. The    Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers is by far Kendrick's most personal album, and his most unique album so far. This album has some amazing songs, and I love the concept of this album.
    But there are a few problems with this album, many actually.

    This album has a lot of skips and misses, a little too many if you ask me.
    This doesn't have any TDE Features even though it's his last TDE Album.
    The features on this album were kinda boring. I liked Baby Keem and some other features, but most of the features were just mediocre. I did appreciate Kendrick Lamar trying something new, and on some songs he delivered perfectly, but most of the songs didn't work out on being unique. Some of the songs are also way too long, and I love long Kendrick Lamar songs, but the length of some of these songs are just unnecessary.
    And I do love the double disc album idea but there were just way too many misses. But at the same time you do need to give some of these songs time.

    Highlights of this album are: United In Grief, Mother I Sober, Worldwide Steppers, Father Time,
    We Cry Together and Saviour - Interlude.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

35
#35 Best Album of 2022
6
#6 Most Discussed Album of 2022

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
85

Universal acclaim - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. Uncut
    Jun 20, 2022
    80
    By far the most compelling persona on Mr Morale & The Big Steppers is the Kendrick who is trying to make sense of his own family. ... ["Mother I Sober" is] a tour de force, almost but not quite as revelatory as "DUCKWORTH", a similar family saga off 2017's DAMN. And the best moment is when the strings swell and Lamar's voice changes. [Aug 2022, p.24]
    Read full review
  2. RapReviews.com
    Jun 17, 2022
    90
    Through over 70 minutes of Lamar’s latest, every facet of life for the young Compton rapper is held up to the light. Love, pain, hope, despair, triumph, defeat, it’s all there. ... He’s a rapper who understands rapping is more than just a good beat, a good punchline, or a good vocal tone. He’s blessed to have all of that but he takes the platform he got from it and makes art that will last a lifetime.
    Read full review
  3. The Wire
    Jun 15, 2022
    50
    Introspective, emotionally charged pieces such as “Father Time”, “We Cry Together” and “Savior” provide high – or jarring – points on the record, but elsewhere there are periods of lull absent on previous efforts. ... As sonically impressive as his latest album may be, his approach to the topics under discussion doesn’t feel sufficiently thought out. [Jul 2022, p.48]
See all critic reviews »