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
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. Avipilane15
    May 20, 2022
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Nyejwtjwtnyemeykwyjywkywjwykw6ke6k6wkstkstmagmaynatmatmagmatnatbwtbta acbtabwf… Expand
  2. Josepesteves
    May 14, 2022
    0
    Estou completamente extasiado após ouvir o disco, o Kendrick mais uma vez soube inovar e e entregar uma completa obra de arte.
  3. Victor1985
    May 13, 2022
    10
    We can appreciate a very free, vulnerable and personal Kendrick project. The way he describes and shows each of his own traumas and personal histories on his own way in a very well produced musical sound a very deep project.
  4. aaedenn
    May 13, 2022
    7
    This album is decent. It hits some good high points lyrically and musically. The instrumentalism in some tracks is some of the best I have ever heard and in others, it's very disappointing. I think this is the story of this album, the high points were phenomenal and the low points were just meh. Lyrically, it is a similar story to the instrumentalism, with some solid points (United inThis album is decent. It hits some good high points lyrically and musically. The instrumentalism in some tracks is some of the best I have ever heard and in others, it's very disappointing. I think this is the story of this album, the high points were phenomenal and the low points were just meh. Lyrically, it is a similar story to the instrumentalism, with some solid points (United in Greif, Purple Hearts, and Auntie Diaries), and some weaker points (We Cry Together). Mr. Morale was definitely the stronger half of the album, and I will likely revisit that side, but The Big Steppers was pretty dull for me.… Expand
  5. MetacriticOnur
    May 13, 2022
    8
    excellent
    [ ek-suh-luhnt ]

    adjective
    possessing outstanding quality or superior merit; remarkably good.
  6. vallonicka
    May 13, 2022
    0
    Maybe my copy was bootlegged, but this album is garbage. Noise, lame lyrics, boring, a million light-years away from Lamar's best work to date, "To Pimp A Butterfly". Not sure what the "experts" are hearing to give this a 100, not even close. The hype definitely driving these ratings, because it can't be the music.
  7. CameronEarls
    May 13, 2022
    6
    It's not bad by any means, but it also isn't great. He sacrifices musical value for intricate storytelling and to me it doesn't pay off. The production is uninspired and there isn't a lot of replay value here. The lyricism is top notch however. The problem with this album is that he tried to re-capture the ethos of Good Kid, but is so far removed from that life at this point that itIt's not bad by any means, but it also isn't great. He sacrifices musical value for intricate storytelling and to me it doesn't pay off. The production is uninspired and there isn't a lot of replay value here. The lyricism is top notch however. The problem with this album is that he tried to re-capture the ethos of Good Kid, but is so far removed from that life at this point that it doesn't resonate like it once did, and his modern day problems really aren't as captivating to listen to. Sorry, but a song about accepting your transgender relatives just doesn't make for a particularly riveting or relatable track.… Expand
  8. Marxman00
    May 13, 2022
    5
    An incredibly deep, personal, well-written, and exceptionally well-produced album.

    It's also incredibly boring and has zero energy. While I appreciate the sentiments on mental health, trans rights, and personal matters presented in these lyrics, the beats could cure insomnia and there is none of the catchy fire that Kendrick does so well on previous albums. If this album is a 10,    An incredibly deep, personal, well-written, and exceptionally well-produced album.

    It's also incredibly boring and has zero energy. While I appreciate the sentiments on mental health, trans rights, and personal matters presented in these lyrics, the beats could cure insomnia and there is none of the catchy fire that Kendrick does so well on previous albums.

    If this album is a 10, TPAB and GKMC are a 50.    … Expand
  9. kaioenzo
    May 13, 2022
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Amazing lyrics, thats it. The entire Album can't offer more than good relflexions and a great interpersonality with Kendrick, a personal project that can't bring the spark to eveyone.… Expand
  10. Popkidda
    May 13, 2022
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I don’t like it it’s giving 2014 rap and cheap I honestly prefer Damn more than this album it doesn’t have hits it’s just a lyrical rap album… Expand
  11. SinfulCritic
    May 13, 2022
    3
    This album is a bit of a disappointment. No bangers or anthems like past albums. Most songs are sad and depressing but don’t cover any new ground. We Cry Together is by far the worst song I’ve heard in years. There are a few decent tracks here but overall this is Kendrick’s worst album by far.
  12. Doomak
    May 13, 2022
    5
    Disappointing when you consider we are talking about Kendrick Lamar here and a 5 year hiatus. The production is the highlight of the album and that should tell you a lot about this album. Very bland sound and kind of a snooze fest as a project. I feel you only going to really like this if you are a die hard K Dot stan. Different than his last projects the parts that he´s beingDisappointing when you consider we are talking about Kendrick Lamar here and a 5 year hiatus. The production is the highlight of the album and that should tell you a lot about this album. Very bland sound and kind of a snooze fest as a project. I feel you only going to really like this if you are a die hard K Dot stan. Different than his last projects the parts that he´s being introspective and talking about his feelings will actually make you feel bored, and I think that´s because the different approach he had to the instrumentals and the beats. All in all this is his worst project and this will make you feel tired when listening to it, the parts that he tries go get loose a little bit more sound a bit forced and cringy, especially on Silent Hill, oh god that song is bad (even though Kodak really brings a new fresh approach to the album and sound really refreshing and nice on this track). It sounds like he made this album for himself and his family, you have to be personally attached to him or his family to find this interesting… Expand
  13. Justhere_
    May 13, 2022
    1
    I see what he was trying to do with this album but it was completely off the mark. A lot of topics could of been presented way better and they just weren’t. There were also certain things he shouldn’t have said, no matter why he said them or what point he was trying to get across. It just wasn’t cohesive.
  14. callmedeco
    May 13, 2022
    6
    This is a good album, but it is much less than I expected. If you're a real fan, you'll understand me. It's not even in the top 5 Kendrick's album.
  15. xlNearlx
    May 13, 2022
    1
    to be kendrick lamar if it's too bad , I am quite disappointed, he raps as if he were speaking, it is not innovative, he focuses more on his lyrics than on his production
  16. Tomkk
    May 13, 2022
    1
    I think you should do better ! But obviously you didn’t. I start to wait for the next album.
  17. Aldoilv
    May 13, 2022
    0
    El mejor álbum del mundo, es lo mejor, MOTOMAMI es bueno como este, te enamoras de principio a fin, estos 2 álbumes salvaron el 2022, escuchen la pista 5 la mejor
  18. MerryChef
    May 14, 2022
    3
    After a long wait this album felt under-par for Kendrick. Nothing really stuck out to me other than the more sensitive songs but as songs they're unfortunately not that great. Massive Kendrick fan so really let down by this.
  19. Mathedus
    May 14, 2022
    0
    Trash, the same **** of TPAB kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk
  20. Khlap9
    May 14, 2022
    0
    Meh. Big Kendrick fan. I understood what he was rapping about and stuff, but wasn’t really feeling this album. I didn’t think it sounded very melodic.
  21. VukMimovic
    May 14, 2022
    10
    This album sure is different from Kdot's previous albums. While the public opinion has been split about it, i personally really like it. The production is good and Kendrick's performance is amazing as always. The thing that stood out to me the most was the multiple appearances of Kodak Black on the album
  22. YoungNiga
    May 14, 2022
    0
    Yall call this music? Dude isn't even rapping on beat
  23. Drtung
    May 14, 2022
    2
    Kendrick decided to make an art piece, but didn’t realize this is what he was doing all along, by doing his craft of groovy hiphop, r&b, and funk. This is performance of art, not art, and is missing the musicality, energy, and cutting rhymes of past work. It probably feels like you’re sharing in the cleverness by squinting to see the genius here, but tell me if you’re still listening aKendrick decided to make an art piece, but didn’t realize this is what he was doing all along, by doing his craft of groovy hiphop, r&b, and funk. This is performance of art, not art, and is missing the musicality, energy, and cutting rhymes of past work. It probably feels like you’re sharing in the cleverness by squinting to see the genius here, but tell me if you’re still listening a month from now?… Expand
  24. S0uthsid317
    May 14, 2022
    5
    Why do I always seem to be going against the grain of public opinion?...I just don't understand y'all... You call Revival a flop, and then say this is a 10? Is it so hard to form your own opinion without following the hype?.... Don't get me wrong...No hate here. Kendrick will always have my respect. This album isn't trash ... Duh.... course it's not.. it's -Kendrick La-fukin-mar-.. butWhy do I always seem to be going against the grain of public opinion?...I just don't understand y'all... You call Revival a flop, and then say this is a 10? Is it so hard to form your own opinion without following the hype?.... Don't get me wrong...No hate here. Kendrick will always have my respect. This album isn't trash ... Duh.... course it's not.. it's -Kendrick La-fukin-mar-.. but thats why I'm holding it to such a high standard... and in my opinion; this album doesn't live up to his potential... And by giving this a 10, you're definitely not going to drive him to push anything better out.. Good idea people … Expand
  25. Bensaknob
    May 14, 2022
    0
    Shiiiiite. Can't understand a word. Sings too fast. Not a candle on classics like jada ding dong and give that wolf a banana.
  26. jr_sourav10
    May 15, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Sourav Mahato is an Indian Entrepreneur. He was born on 20 Nov 2000 in Canning Town. He is the active ceo and founder of "Label By KR", a digital marketing company. The best way to keep up is to learn from and support each other as we continue pushing the boundaries of innovation in marketing.… Expand
  27. Aspxct
    May 16, 2022
    0
    Obviously, it's only been half a week but this album has lived up to my expectations considering it's been hyped up for a year. 10/10.
  28. realdopecomics
    May 15, 2022
    4
    I don’t get all these shill critics giving this project a perfect score. I found myself constantly wanting to skip songs on this album. 8 stand out tracks and the rest were middle of the road or worse.
  29. Mjs2430
    May 15, 2022
    3
    To borrow a line from Kendrick. This is doodoo. Nothing has any replay value. I get that it's introspective and and interesting narrative on the surface, like this would make good content for a long form interview with Kendrick, or a biopic, but c'mon man. **** just isn't very good. You can't tell me you want to play this album front to back on your way to work for the next month
  30. Kendricksucks
    May 15, 2022
    0
    Kendrick is uninteresting, fake deep, and preachy. The themes are shallow and more about generating attention than actually saying something profound. The music itself sounds bad and lacks real depth in its message. His shtick is all for promotion.
  31. Kendricksass
    May 15, 2022
    0
    Mr. Fake Deep got exposed as the fraud he is. Vapid vapid vapid. I cannot wait for him to go back into hiding and not drop music again, hopefully ever.
  32. MelloLawliet
    May 16, 2022
    7
    My Own Opinion:

    I was always a Kdot Fan (and still am). I am following his music since Section-80. At the release of every Project so far, i could immediately tell its a Album from Kdot. This Album is different. his lyricism and deeper meaning in this Album is God-like as expected. The Soul-like / Blues type sounds are a charm to my ears. For someone living in Germany living a    My Own Opinion:

    I was always a Kdot Fan (and still am). I am following his music since Section-80.
    At the release of every Project so far, i could immediately tell its a Album from Kdot. This Album is different.

    his lyricism and deeper meaning in this Album is God-like as expected.
    The Soul-like / Blues type sounds are a charm to my ears.
    For someone living in Germany living a ordinary live without violence and racisim, Kendrick always opende my eyes to show me how it is to live in a "generation of pain, where murder is minor" :D .
    I think it is important that the world understands, that everybody has different lives and grow up in completely different environments with different fears and problems.
    Kendrick did that for me.
    This album is great.
    but

    I got one problem tho. I know that Lyricism was always the biggest Priority... but to mix in some "Banger" type songs in this Project would be the Cherry on the cake.
    In comparison to his previous projects, this project lacks this "im driving a Car and singing along with some great beats" (For example ELEMENT, Money Trees, ADHD ...) type vibe.
    In his older Projects he got those Banger type songs and still delivered great Story-telling and lyricism.

    I Feel like the moment when we all got the message and understand the deeper meaning behind his words, the project gets "Boring" to listen to. It lacks some replay value

    That is my Opinion...
    love you K dot    … Expand
  33. Bradboi11
    May 16, 2022
    0
    5 years for this???? Trash.
    I get that there’s deeper meaning in the lyrics and all that but it’s still music, it still has to sound good, it simply does not sound good. I’m never gonna put this on in the car or with my mates or by myself even, I can’t see a situation in which this album would be played. And to wait 5 years for it? Madness.
  34. lestattheraven
    May 17, 2022
    1
    2010-2022 That's 12 years, 4 official albums in 12 years; his 10th will drop in 2040; IMO he is only a media darling and the only SOLID album he has ever put out to this day is his first Major, GKMC; this album should have been titled
    The Metamorphosis of Butterfly of Section80: Mad Kid, Good City and how to Pimp DAMNation
    about the overall quality of His albums every time he drops I    2010-2022 That's 12 years, 4 official albums in 12 years; his 10th will drop in 2040; IMO he is only a media darling and the only SOLID album he has ever put out to this day is his first Major, GKMC; this album should have been titled
    The Metamorphosis of Butterfly of Section80: Mad Kid, Good City and how to Pimp DAMNation
    about the overall quality of His albums every time he drops I can't help but think about this part from Jay's Takeover:
    Four albums in ten years? I could divide
    That's one every, let's say two, two of them was doo
    One was nah, the other was Illmatic
    That's a one hot album every ten year average
    And that's so (Lame)
    switch up your flow, your's is garbage
    What, you tryna kick knowledge?    … Expand
  35. supercoolman600
    May 18, 2022
    0
    People are just brainwashed if they think this is anywhere as close as his past albums, only 2 memorable songs, bad sound, and silent hill's chorus is horrendous.
  36. igivebadraiting
    Jul 18, 2022
    0
    kendrick lamar always makes **** albums, all of his albums are equaly **** this is another one of his works
  37. atakankosei
    Jul 21, 2022
    0
    I wasn't expecting something like that. When ''The Heart Part 5'' went out i thought some songs might be close to that. There were all type of songs and i like that album a lot. I would wait another 1855 days for that type of album.
  38. georgetheod73
    Aug 22, 2022
    0
    Imagine mocking the word **** in your album. Did you get rid of lyrics to use? Get a 0 from me
  39. diluteacid
    Aug 22, 2022
    2
    He slurs through a weak attempt as compared to different albums this year. Very few hits compared to the negative aspects to be quite honest. One of my greatest artists of all time that could not quite save it this time. Kendrick Lamar will deliver better next time if he puts in the actual complex nature he did as always.
  40. tombradygoat
    Nov 23, 2022
    0
    Mid album. don't know why you overhype this artist so much. he's a good rapper, nothing more.
  41. 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.
  42. 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.
  43. Mattyice
    May 13, 2022
    8
    Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers is very different from the rest of Kendrick's discography in terms of its sound being far more soft and poetic than hip-hop, and that's not a bad thing in some respects. The album provides a very intimate, human, and powerful look at the inner thoughts of Kendrick's psyche and how his history shaped him today. However, unlike some of his other works, I don'tMr. Morale and the Big Steppers is very different from the rest of Kendrick's discography in terms of its sound being far more soft and poetic than hip-hop, and that's not a bad thing in some respects. The album provides a very intimate, human, and powerful look at the inner thoughts of Kendrick's psyche and how his history shaped him today. However, unlike some of his other works, I don't find as many songs on this album to be as digestible and replay-worthy. Nevertheless, this is no doubt a powerful album from Kendrick and one far more soulful than his past works, for better and for worse.… Expand
  44. 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.
  45. Clap4Everything
    May 13, 2022
    8
    Sonically speaking, this album sits right between Good Kid Maad City & To Pimp a Butterfly, with sprinkles of DAMN! On the more radio friendly cuts. Production is at best magical & at worst uninspired, Lyrically, Kenny is in TOP form...listen to it. A.O.T.Y contender for sure But definitely NOT Kendricks best work It has some filler A few skips but ultimately a Great body of work to capSonically speaking, this album sits right between Good Kid Maad City & To Pimp a Butterfly, with sprinkles of DAMN! On the more radio friendly cuts. Production is at best magical & at worst uninspired, Lyrically, Kenny is in TOP form...listen to it. A.O.T.Y contender for sure But definitely NOT Kendricks best work It has some filler A few skips but ultimately a Great body of work to cap off a legendary 5 album run… Expand
  46. 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.
  47. Paul_Mokeski
    May 15, 2022
    10
    This man keeps putting out classic albums, easy AOTY vibes. Feels like a lot like TPAB
  48. 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
  49. 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.
  50. vgmkyle
    May 17, 2022
    5
    Maybe something is just off with me, but I would say this is easily the most overrated album ever made. The Off-Season was definitely the best rap album in the last year or two, and while this was decent - this album has nothing on Kendrick's previous works.
  51. popcornwarlord
    May 13, 2022
    7
    **** which is lazy lyricism in 2022 we cry together is a perfect example of this) were are not in the early s no more. I often found that the various styles and production on this album often very distracting from the words. This album would have benefited from a more minimal production in my opinion. That being said there are some quality moments on this album it just doesn't hold**** which is lazy lyricism in 2022 we cry together is a perfect example of this) were are not in the early s no more. I often found that the various styles and production on this album often very distracting from the words. This album would have benefited from a more minimal production in my opinion. That being said there are some quality moments on this album it just doesn't hold together that well… Expand
  52. hamidwaziri
    May 14, 2022
    10
    Big steppin, biiiiiiiiiiiiig steppin, Best album, album of the year, album of the decade.
  53. Victor2202
    May 14, 2022
    10
    Com certeza um dos melhores álbuns nos últimos 5 anos, só perdendo pra ele mesmo em DAMN.
  54. funkyhomosapien
    May 14, 2022
    9
    Daha önce de söylediğim gibi bu albüm, kendrick lamar’ın en kişisel albümü. Bu albüm herkese göre değil, herkesin beğeneceği bir albüm de değil. Daha çok kendrick’in terapi sessionında gibi hissediyorsunuz ve eckhart tolle’nin sesini sık sık duyuyorsunuz. Albümün diğer anlatıcısı ise kendrick’in karısı whitney alford. Onun dışında albümde sık sık tap dance seslerini duyuyorsunuz ve bigDaha önce de söylediğim gibi bu albüm, kendrick lamar’ın en kişisel albümü. Bu albüm herkese göre değil, herkesin beğeneceği bir albüm de değil. Daha çok kendrick’in terapi sessionında gibi hissediyorsunuz ve eckhart tolle’nin sesini sık sık duyuyorsunuz. Albümün diğer anlatıcısı ise kendrick’in karısı whitney alford. Onun dışında albümde sık sık tap dance seslerini duyuyorsunuz ve big steppers kısmı buradan yola çıkıyor. Prodüksiyonu ve konuk sanatçıların performanslarını çok beğendim, onlarla ilgili bir sıkıntım yok, kendrick’le ilgili şikayetlerime birazdan gelicem ama track-by-track incelememize başlayalım.

    Bu albüm, bazılarınızın beklentilerini karşılamamış olabilir, bazılarına göre hayal kırıklığı veya kötü de olabilir. Bunu anlarım, belki de 5 yılın beklentisi bu olmamalıydı. Ben kişisel olarak albümü çok sevdim, rotasyona alacağım bir çok şarkı var. Bu albümün genel kanısını ise zaman gösterecek. Ben yine de Kendrick’e teşekkür etmek istiyorum, kariyerinin en kişisel işini yaptı, en insancıl hallerini yine gösterdi. Bunu ne yazık ki herkes yapmıyor. Eksikleri ve hatalarını da görmezden gelemem elbette ama genele baktığımda yine kaydadeğer bir iş var elimizde.

    8.5-9/10    … Expand
  55. destinyfan1
    May 14, 2022
    8
    This is actually the first kendrick album that i am fully experiencing and i must say i am impressed. (listened to damn but very late)Lyrically this is on a whole other level than stuff that i am used to . Sonically it is also great but there are some tracks that i still need to get used to but also a bit underwhelming.
    The best tracks right now are
    - savior - worldwide steppers -    This is actually the first kendrick album that i am fully experiencing and i must say i am impressed. (listened to damn but very late)Lyrically this is on a whole other level than stuff that i am used to . Sonically it is also great but there are some tracks that i still need to get used to but also a bit underwhelming.
    The best tracks right now are
    - savior
    - worldwide steppers
    - united in grief
    - we cry together (lmao, bold attempt at a song but i rock with it)
    - die hard
    and much more but these are my top 5 right now
    tracks that are the weakest but nowhere near bad:
    - crown(Lyrically good but i think the production is boring)
    - purple hearts
    - rich spirits
    I might get used to them but in some way i kinda doubt it since i like the other tracks way more.
    Is it aoty? Lyrically and conceptually it is probably the best i heard this year but in terms of replayability i like denzel's album a bit more for now but this might change over time.    … Expand
  56. vdrock7
    May 13, 2022
    10
    A masterpiece of an album and an incredible journey from start to finish. The wait was well worth it.
  57. 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
  58. jeffer21
    May 13, 2022
    8
    Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers is melodic, versatile, intimate, classy and personal
  59. 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.
  60. SkyrimGod
    May 13, 2022
    9
    We waited 5 years for this and Kendrick Lamar has delivered a profound statement that
    will take many listens to understand fully. The production goes hard and its really well done.
    I would hve to say this album is a 9 for me. Some tracks I wasn't feeling as much but
    for the most part this album is consistently great. Theres a reason K Dot is one of the greats.
  61. seancoz
    May 13, 2022
    9
    This man is simply put cut from a different cloth. Greatest Rapper of All Time
  62. suawiiii
    May 15, 2022
    10
    Beautiful production, flows and lyrics. It's very introspective and unique.
  63. P1mongoose
    May 17, 2022
    5
    For a Kendrick album, this album is very mid. It's not a bad album, but it's more of a movie you'll never watch again. The replay value is very limited. Each of K-Dot's albums have told a great story and kept to a overarching theme within that story. This one, though, tries a bit too hard to talk about way too many elements and make them cohesive. Rap wise, it's top-notch Kendrick, butFor a Kendrick album, this album is very mid. It's not a bad album, but it's more of a movie you'll never watch again. The replay value is very limited. Each of K-Dot's albums have told a great story and kept to a overarching theme within that story. This one, though, tries a bit too hard to talk about way too many elements and make them cohesive. Rap wise, it's top-notch Kendrick, but it's easily his worst, which is still better than most out there. It's very introspective and within that, we get more of the insecurities that drive Kendrick, but within all of that, the energy is very somber and each song seem detached from one another.

    Hopefully he keeps going and has a good follow-up to it after leaving TDE, but it's nowhere near the classic his studio albums have been before it.    … Expand
  64. killer1237
    May 13, 2022
    8
    Overall this album provides a good mixture of mainstream and experimental sounds, almost feeling like a hybrid of Damn and GKMC/TPAB. The production is extremely good and the performances are *mostly* quite impressive. However I have a big problem with this album involving the longevity of it. The songs are good at first glance but I have already grown tired of a few of them. There is notOverall this album provides a good mixture of mainstream and experimental sounds, almost feeling like a hybrid of Damn and GKMC/TPAB. The production is extremely good and the performances are *mostly* quite impressive. However I have a big problem with this album involving the longevity of it. The songs are good at first glance but I have already grown tired of a few of them. There is not a lot of variety on quite a few of the tracks and as a result, listening to a song once feels like you've listened to it five times. Only time will tell if this is a truly good album, but regardless, it is still likely to be one of the best albums to come out this year.… Expand
  65. jfallen1990
    May 18, 2022
    10
    Great Album. Good for Kendrick fans and new fans. Favorite songs are United in Grief. N95.Die Hard. Savior. and Mr Morale. I cant stop listening to it So happy it did not disappoint.
  66. All_ButTrU4
    Sep 5, 2022
    7
    Originally reviewed:13/05/22
    Original score: 8.9
    Mr. Morales and the big steppers:8.9/10 Kung Fu Kenny is back! His near messianic return one of the most anticipated releases of this year and given this double albums achievements it's for good reason. KDot is a great observer, this is what empowers his craft so much as he is able to capture and relay details so specific and loaded with    Originally reviewed:13/05/22
    Original score: 8.9
    Mr. Morales and the big steppers:8.9/10
    Kung Fu Kenny is back! His near messianic return one of the most anticipated releases of this year and given this double albums achievements it's for good reason. KDot is a great observer, this is what empowers his craft so much as he is able to capture and relay details so specific and loaded with meaning they either make you uncomfortable or overwhelmed! He journeys eloquently into his past from his actions to his experiences.

    I can already see how divisive this record will be . Firstly it subverted the rumored expectations of a 70's heavy record with perhaps the same density as "To Pimp A Butterfly " but instead those are subverted. The record shares it's genes with the commercial career peak "Damn"given that it's more accessible and direct. His flows choose a more understated cadence which might leave those starving for Lamars rougher deliveries unsatisfied. It also is ,at least so far ,his least proficient and challenging recording. Baby Keem and Kodac Black might also leave confusing verses but it seems like features that deserve time to fully set and Keem's involvement only makes sense given this record focus on family ties.

    But why it doesn't make me question my reception of this is that it's still Kendrick at the top of his game, still observing just from the perspective of a throne. It's one of the first records by a male rapper I've heard excavating the black dissonance in our community where black masculinity seems to be in crisis. Going from points of aspiring for whiteness through the hatred of black women to expressing hate on communities that they treat the way whiteness treated them. In what's soon to be the most talked about song off this record "Aunt Diaries " is Kendrick telling of his experience with an aunt who came out as trans and eventually pushed him to reevaluate his own relationship with God/Christianity. What makes it controversial is his use of the F slur, which creates a question of consciousness where you debate if what he's saying matters more than how he said it. As a gay guy I found that risky choice to be necessary as when the verse continues he ends up saying "f-bomb" to illustrate the word was utilized to awake the cis black community to the hypocrisy of their religious based homophobia. I hope the song isn't completely written off as it stands as an unprecedented moment in music where an acclaimed successful rapper broaches homophobia with empathy.

    This is the most real Kendrick lamar has ever been in terms of his personal life(which he keeps private). Laying bare his infidelity, trauma with familial sex abuse and misogynoir. It can be crippling at times with it's seriousness but Kendrick flow keeps you involved without being suffocated.
    This is seemingly Kendrick Yeezus in spirit alone . And I'm so excited to see how it stands months from now .
    Favorites:Unititled in grief,we cry together, aunt diaries ,mother|sober
    Rescore:7.7/10
    After furher inspection MM&TBS is an undercooked would be masterpiece ftom one of raps greats. Uncharacteristically demure in execution this record is a cloying misstep that oversells itself. It attempts to deconstruct his own canonization but his method of seeking to repell through raw ugliness feels without the expected perspective he's been adept at giving. Such as the random crackers line or the compulsion to have a convicted offender as a hige feature. KDot seems out of touch as jf he doesn't believe what he preaches on 'savior ". Nonetheless they are some of his most stunning songs such as the dense turmoil of "mother I sober" ,the wounded wisdom of "father time" or the opening self reflection of "united in grief" . Moments like those feel like disjointed pieces of a scrapped masterpiece, they feel noticeably better than a majority of the records music.    … Expand
  67. Fabpata1
    Jun 25, 2022
    9
    Ok……………,,,,,……………………………….::::::::…………………………………………………::::::::…….:.:::::::
  68. Claw_PL
    May 14, 2022
    10
    This album is such a impressive and complex creation that it's really hard to say something constructive about it. It's simply different, it seems to be to eccentric for a mainstream artist which only works in it's favour and helps with creating an instant classic. Kendrick proved once again that he is the GOAT
  69. khaledketata
    May 17, 2022
    6
    I'm not a fan of rap music at all, but this is definitely one of the better ones I've heard. Even though they sell like the songs sounds different, they all sound EXACTLY The same. But the lyrics aren't bad.
  70. The_kman
    May 19, 2022
    10
    A beautifully crafted masterpiece that touches on social issues that are considered taboo in the black community.
  71. MusicGuyMack
    May 29, 2022
    10
    Though a few inconsistent, self-indulgent and blatantly commercial spots crop up throughout "Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers," they're never anywhere near enough to meaningfully derail Kendrick's masterfully realized vision, with both the ambitiously exquisite production and the rapper's lyricism that's brutally frank yet tender in cutting to the heart of generational/racial/LGBTQ+ bias,Though a few inconsistent, self-indulgent and blatantly commercial spots crop up throughout "Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers," they're never anywhere near enough to meaningfully derail Kendrick's masterfully realized vision, with both the ambitiously exquisite production and the rapper's lyricism that's brutally frank yet tender in cutting to the heart of generational/racial/LGBTQ+ bias, fatherhood, the pressures of fame and more with scalpel precision deftly reaffirming him as the voice of a generation.

    Choice Cuts: "United in Grief," "Worldwide Steppers," "Purple Hearts (feat. Summer Walker and Ghostface Killah)," "Count Me Out," "Auntie Diaries," "Mother I Sober (feat. Beth Gibbons)"    … Expand
  72. Jherreram11
    May 15, 2022
    10
    Amazing! Mr Lamar did it again, what a honest well composed album! On repeat!
  73. MARTINCARDENAS
    May 13, 2022
    10
    This album is sublime, the wait is over and the great Kendrick Lamar returns with a powerful album and a very precise concept. The lyrics, the production are perfect and innovative. This is the big comeback of my favorite rapper...
  74. BlackJay
    May 18, 2022
    10
    If you think this album ain't great, work on yourself. Because this doesn't sound the way you expected doesn't make it less of a classic.
  75. kman1014
    May 19, 2022
    10
    A deep album about generational trauma, domestic abuse, and several other social factors considered taboo in the black community. Definitely worth listening to (especially more than once).
  76. GenreBuster
    May 17, 2022
    10
    One of the most thoughtful and self reflective albums I’ve ever heard. Among Kendrick’s best.
  77. Lizard_8
    Jun 5, 2022
    9
    Even though some songs were getting boring at time, the lyrics are very powerful, I can surely tell that "Father Time" was my favourite out of all, great delivery of Kendrick's thoughts, 9/10 in total.
  78. Hurrdof
    May 14, 2022
    10
    Sounds like a perfect/no skips album to me. Totally worth the wait, lyrics and instrumentals are just magical
  79. lazomgmt
    May 18, 2022
    10
    Well worth the wait. A one of a kind talent showcasing why he is the absolute greatest rapper on the planet right now. His storytelling elevates the art form itself, and this might be my third favorite Kendrick album, he is truly a gift to art and music.
  80. irriy
    May 14, 2022
    10
    Another Masterpiece for Oklama, Less accessible than DAMN. But great album too !
  81. wafflzz
    May 15, 2022
    9
    amazing album, different from most of what we get today in the rap game. people complain that it doesn’t have any “bangers” as if every album needs to be mainstream.
  82. EusojGms14
    May 15, 2022
    10
    Simplemente hermoso, comprendo que no a todos les parezca el mejor álbum o nisiquiera un buen álbum pero el mensaje, la producción, la escritura, todo está en otro nivel, con cada vez que lo oigo se vuelve aún mejor.
  83. chewybacca
    Oct 2, 2022
    10
    kendrick doesnt miss . . .
  84. Urgametrash
    May 26, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Artism in its true form,
    these are the rest of the letters it takes 75 for me to be allowed to post this cuz metacritic rules    … Expand
  85. xx_progamer_xx
    May 13, 2022
    10
    best **** ever i loved with all my soul pls god when i die open the heaven with this song
  86. Tom_Supreme
    May 16, 2022
    10
    Nobody can do what Kendrick did. Again. This man is not able to bring out a bad album.
  87. royh24
    May 13, 2022
    8
    definitely we underrated baby keem’s style and hope this album let everybody know how influential baby keem is
  88. DigitalXtremeHG
    May 13, 2022
    9
    A magnificent display of versatility of Kung Fu Kenny , Becoming Kung Fu Hip Hop master and in which we as the listeners get to give the artist their "Flowers" or respect for a job well done beforehand , A display of the true state of the art .
  89. AttendantHeart
    May 13, 2022
    10
    silencio todos, Kendrick ya está sonando. silencio todos, Kendrick ya está sonando. silencio todos, Kendrick ya está sonando.
  90. ChunkDump
    Jul 11, 2022
    9
    what a come back for my own personal reasons. i was NOT a fan of his DAMN project. brought back that classic K. Dot sound but also catering to the newer hip hop audience. first things first that "we cry together" track was the realest **** i ever heard as a song. silent hill, count me out, father time, die hard and united in grief are my top tracks. a couple misses here and there but heywhat a come back for my own personal reasons. i was NOT a fan of his DAMN project. brought back that classic K. Dot sound but also catering to the newer hip hop audience. first things first that "we cry together" track was the realest **** i ever heard as a song. silent hill, count me out, father time, die hard and united in grief are my top tracks. a couple misses here and there but hey this album still bangs.… Expand
  91. LISOCHIKOTOSA
    Dec 14, 2022
    10
    As always, Kendricks perfomance on this album is interesting, thought-provoking and mind-blowing. He goes deeper on the topics of fatherhood, trauma and depression. Some of my favorites are father time, n95, count me out, mr morale and rich spirit
  92. theactualbeastr
    May 15, 2022
    10
    Tracklist is really solid, album helps to humanize Kendrick in a way never quite seen before. Tackled many touchy/deep subjects in an astounding fashion. As close to perfect as an album can get.
  93. Diegohh99
    May 15, 2022
    10
    Worth the wait, such a complex artist with universal ideas and a pure heart. Genius piece of work from the best artist of his generation.
  94. bryanbranly
    May 14, 2022
    10
    Kendrick Lamar returns with another triumphant victory with Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers. The themes on this album are incredibly deep and a emotional story is told. The long wait was worth it.
  95. VivalLaZam
    Nov 24, 2022
    0
    The perfect closer to the Top Dog journey. A perfect mix of sounds from each album.
  96. leumassregor
    May 15, 2022
    9
    Kendrick Lamar returns after 5 years of absence... and he returns with a bang. This album comes through with a multiverse of Kendrick's rapping ability -- with hints of his 2017 album "DAMN." coming through on songs like "N95" and hints of his theatrical album "To Pimp A Butterfly" on songs like "We Cry Together".

    Some people may say: "What's more important? Production or lyrics?" and    Kendrick Lamar returns after 5 years of absence... and he returns with a bang. This album comes through with a multiverse of Kendrick's rapping ability -- with hints of his 2017 album "DAMN." coming through on songs like "N95" and hints of his theatrical album "To Pimp A Butterfly" on songs like "We Cry Together".

    Some people may say: "What's more important? Production or lyrics?" and Kendrick's response to that would most likely be "both of them!" Kendrick on this album comes through with both incredible production, with my favorite production moments on songs like "Mirror" and "N95", and incredible lyrical moments that'll make your jaw drop on songs like "Auntie Diaries" and "We Cry Together".

    Although there are some songs that left me like "meh" on Disc 1, this album is essentially amazing all around. It's simple, but it's also complex... how is that even possible? Oh yeah, it's Kendrick **** Lamar. That's how.    … Expand
  97. Grant__
    Jun 21, 2022
    9
    A thoughtful and catchy album full of emotion. Kendrick hits it out of the park again with this musical masterpiece.
  98. stillyazid
    May 14, 2022
    10
    Amazing album one of the best i heard in years, the album makes u laugh,cry, dance and think while still maintaining a fresh sound. I heard every sub genre of hip hop in yhis album
  99. Jmar007
    May 13, 2022
    9
    This album plays like a Theatrical play. Deep and Dense. I put it behind TPAB, Section 80 and GKMC.
  100. Thonyo
    Aug 13, 2022
    9
    Para mim, esse é o melhor álbum de 2022 pra mim até o momento, é bastante profundo, cheio de reflexões sobre o mundo pós-quarentena e sobre a vida de Kendrick, mostrando que ele não é o salvador de ninguém ou uma espécie de "Deus" como as pessoas o vêem, muitas faixas me emocionaram bastante como "Crown" e "Mirror". Além de sere um álbum que não tem músicas necessariamente ruins. Mas temPara mim, esse é o melhor álbum de 2022 pra mim até o momento, é bastante profundo, cheio de reflexões sobre o mundo pós-quarentena e sobre a vida de Kendrick, mostrando que ele não é o salvador de ninguém ou uma espécie de "Deus" como as pessoas o vêem, muitas faixas me emocionaram bastante como "Crown" e "Mirror". Além de sere um álbum que não tem músicas necessariamente ruins. Mas tem músicas bem fracas como "We Cry Together" que apenas é uma briga de casal, sendo a faixa menos boa do álbum, "Silent Hill" é genérica, porém divertida de se escutar , "Rich Spirit" para mim é muito superestimada.

    Um ponto chave do álbum é a exploração de coisas novas que o tornam único como o desapontamento de Kendrick sobre as pessoas acharem que ele tem sempre de se posicionar e também sobre a LGBTfobia citada nas faixas "Worldwide Steppers" e principalmente em "Auntie Diaries" que retrata especialmente da transfobia, que é algo extremamente arriscado para um rapper falar sobre isso, devido a cultura homofóbica do hip-hop.

    Mr. Morale é um álbum excelente e entrega o que pretende, é um álbum onde cada pessoa que o escuta, interpreta de forma diferente. Nota: 9.5/10

    Faixas que eu recomendo: N95, Mr. Morale, Auntie Diaries, Crown, Mirror, The Heart Part 5, Count Me Out.    … Expand
Page:

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 »