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. daddy_boglin
    Jul 5, 2022
    10
    The third classic Kendrick album so far, together with tpab and gkmc. The poetry, storytelling arc, beats and production are tremendous. The heart PT 5, Father Time, saviour and Mr Morale are my personal favourites but there isn't a track that is less than excellent. He isn't just a studio act either - watch the Glastonbury set.
  2. Super-Evil-DOOM
    May 14, 2022
    10
    A living legend, Kendrick proves to be one of the most captivating storytellers music has ever seen, able to implement and blend so much different sound and subject matter into one album.
  3. LadiesMan217
    May 13, 2022
    10
    This is the best thing to happen in the music scene in 2022. Heard that Apple Music and Spotify's servers both crashed when the album dropped! Ha awesome. Some hard-hitting, honest, poetic material that may not be for everyone. For everyone else, it's a gift.
  4. MultiTaskNAsasN
    May 15, 2022
    10
    Amazing! Transcends hip hop! Everyone should give this amazing piece of art their time!
  5. Seattleite
    May 14, 2022
    10
    Kendrick is now truly in a league of his own. He is beyond comparisons to 2pac and the like now. This is about the 3rd time he has completely evolved as an artist. Good Kid Mad City, To Pimp A Butterfly, And now This.. wow. Witness greatness.
  6. ptea
    May 16, 2022
    10
    So much worth in lyrics, legend that is going to be seen from this day to eternity in a way that all those other legends that never die.
  7. lucas0150
    May 13, 2022
    10
    This is the most intense piece of rap music I've ever listened to. Fantastic stuff indeed.
  8. rain_just_rain
    May 16, 2022
    10
    Will be known as of the decade's best, no doubt. Don't need to say anything else than this, guys, just listen to it.
  9. Paul_Mokeski
    May 15, 2022
    10
    This man keeps putting out classic albums, easy AOTY vibes. Feels like a lot like TPAB
  10. LatinCritic13
    May 13, 2022
    10
    Kendrick Lamar is a master in his own craft and Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers shows it all. I don't think any other rapper will top this at all and yet K-Dot still remains as the Modern King of West Coast Hip-Hop.
  11. Rajjah06
    May 13, 2022
    10
    Worth the awaiting Lamar delivers his most emotional album, he goes deeper and deeper into the human psyche with a lot of heart. One of his best wait sorry his best ?
  12. PhantomCrown
    May 13, 2022
    10
    Honestly I was expecting something different but god, oh my god, Kendrick you are the goat, beats, lyrics, I love every song.
    Atm my fav song is Die Hard
  13. GaryByrne
    May 19, 2022
    10
    Been travelling on several planes and trains across Europe so have listened to this album in full 20 times at least. K. Dot just does something for me that a lot of others cannot.

    He is a master of actually creating an album instead of a collection of songs which is rare these days. Another master piece with a lot of risks taken.
  14. Bretto66
    May 13, 2022
    10
    You don't just listen to this music. Its a full body experience .I'm so glad I can count to 10.
  15. DiogoC
    May 13, 2022
    10
    Brilliant. After 5 years the king is back. Great lyrics, great production. A must listen
  16. Applezz
    May 13, 2022
    10
    Musically closer to TPAB than Damn but thematically unlike anything he has ever done.
  17. hamidwaziri
    May 14, 2022
    10
    Big steppin, biiiiiiiiiiiiig steppin, Best album, album of the year, album of the decade.
  18. mag_vinicius
    May 13, 2022
    10
    To say a few words about "MMATBS": it's like "DAMN." but even more experimental, personal and visceral, not his easiest album to jump in, though.
    A true masterpiece to be listened to for a long time, it will age like wine.
  19. Victor2202
    May 14, 2022
    10
    Com certeza um dos melhores álbuns nos últimos 5 anos, só perdendo pra ele mesmo em DAMN.
  20. bestreviewereve
    May 13, 2022
    10
    This is one of the most well-put-together and crafted albums I have ever listened to. This is the infinity War of hip-hop albums. The production is incredibly crisp and matches the tones of the music perfectly. The entire thing has a story so strong that it reminded me of Hamilton, like a screenplay. This is Kendrick at his most experimental and it just works. Only the greats can make anThis is one of the most well-put-together and crafted albums I have ever listened to. This is the infinity War of hip-hop albums. The production is incredibly crisp and matches the tones of the music perfectly. The entire thing has a story so strong that it reminded me of Hamilton, like a screenplay. This is Kendrick at his most experimental and it just works. Only the greats can make an album so experimental it becomes a classic in Hip hop (like Yeezus) Every song comes together to create a story that slowly unfolds before you surrounded by perfect production. This has the tellings of an album that will challenge every rap artist and change the soundscape of hip hop. It inspires people to want to be better, to be their best self. It is a reflection of how they all have their own story to tell.
    It's the most emotional Kendrick. He’s truly showing himself in these songs. It’s very introspective in that aspect.
    The production is so in-depth. Tells a story in a way that movie soundscapes can. Literally cinematic feels like a movie.
    It feels like a soundtrack to a movie and you’re seeing all these characters tell their stories.
    Kendrick Lamar transcends media in this album. It’s a timeless, experimental masterpiece.    … Expand
  21. mavinhakeem
    May 13, 2022
    10
    A brutally honest album... Best album we've heard since Fiona Apple's Fetch The BoltCutters...
  22. vdrock7
    May 13, 2022
    10
    A masterpiece of an album and an incredible journey from start to finish. The wait was well worth it.
  23. raulrauter
    May 14, 2022
    10
    Its a classic by the second/third listen, an album made for him as a counselling session. Raw, genuine and progressive. Perfect for his final TDE album. Now he can go make fun stuff with his own label PgLang
  24. Kelvin23
    May 17, 2022
    10
    This is by far the most human Kendrick Lamar has ever been, He puts himself first brfore expectations, religion and critics and that helps him sees the struggles of others. Kendrick really shows here that it's not about you, Instead of you thinking because of your religion, tradition, culture or personal beliefs on whether you should accept people like Trans. Maybe just maybe it's notThis is by far the most human Kendrick Lamar has ever been, He puts himself first brfore expectations, religion and critics and that helps him sees the struggles of others. Kendrick really shows here that it's not about you, Instead of you thinking because of your religion, tradition, culture or personal beliefs on whether you should accept people like Trans. Maybe just maybe it's not about you and that they shouldn't require your acceptance or approval to live their lives as people only get 1 shot on this earth. Why should they spend it no being themselves to make you happy? I am really grateful for this genius of a man. Called Lamar… Expand
  25. BeastJ18
    May 13, 2022
    10
    This is not only the best album I've heard this year... This is the best album I've heard since To Pimp a Butterfly. This is not an exaggeration, it actually feels reserved to give it a 10/10. It is an example of the heights that music and art in general can achieve. Kendrick Lamar isn't even my favourite rapper, that's probably MF DOOM, with other rappers like Kevin Abstract, Gambino,This is not only the best album I've heard this year... This is the best album I've heard since To Pimp a Butterfly. This is not an exaggeration, it actually feels reserved to give it a 10/10. It is an example of the heights that music and art in general can achieve. Kendrick Lamar isn't even my favourite rapper, that's probably MF DOOM, with other rappers like Kevin Abstract, Gambino, Andre 3000, Earl Sweatshirt, Danny Brown, etc in contention. But Kendrick Lamar is taking music and storytelling to a far higher degree than I've ever seen in rap, or even music in general for the last few years. This is an instant classic and everyone should soak this up, although there's too much depth here to explore, until enough time has passed. Kendrick may not be my favourite MC, but I've considered him the GOAT for quite a while.… Expand
  26. mystery_x
    May 15, 2022
    10
    Кендрик — мужчина. Самый взрослый и личный альбом, при этом затронет намного больше людей, чем TPAB. Браво.
  27. AshmasterXX
    May 15, 2022
    10
    It should not be underestimated of how lucky it is to experience a moment in time, when beautiful art like this graces the earth and is so fresh and new. 10.
  28. Nicatovic
    May 15, 2022
    10
    This is the greatest album of the 2020s so far. The whole project is basically if good kid, m.A.A.d city, and DAMN had a baby, and it's perfect.
  29. kanbarux
    May 15, 2022
    10
    No se necesita buscar una buena producción como la encontramos en DAMN. para considerar este nuevo álbum: una obra de arte. Tenemos lo que siempre hemos tenido (y apreciado) de oklama; que es una composición y letras increíbles, con grandes rimas y flow.
  30. J-Olly2018
    May 13, 2022
    10
    5 anos depois outra obra prima impecável desde a estética até os beats e letra.
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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 »