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
  31. Wubmayne
    May 16, 2022
    7
    Looks like Kendrick has won over the liberal media bias, because this album isn't a 100. As a matter of fact, it's possibly his worst album. There are good songs on this album, but it's few and far between. It doesn't matter how strong your "message" is if the music is lacking. After all, this is supposed to be music right? Not an audiobook.
  32. Enigm8tic
    May 17, 2022
    10
    Kendrick is good at painting pictures. In this case, he paints a Picasso. It's a twisted, emotional, dark, confusing and emotional ride through just a minor glimpse of Kendrick's real life & what goes on in his head. It shows the transition of someone who is unfortunately ignorant from his upbringing but correctly portrays the image of a man who learned from his life experiences and grewKendrick is good at painting pictures. In this case, he paints a Picasso. It's a twisted, emotional, dark, confusing and emotional ride through just a minor glimpse of Kendrick's real life & what goes on in his head. It shows the transition of someone who is unfortunately ignorant from his upbringing but correctly portrays the image of a man who learned from his life experiences and grew to became what he would consider to be a modern savior. This album gets 10 out of 10 from me!… Expand
  33. MachCritics
    May 14, 2022
    9
    Nice music to my ears, the other great rappers should be proud of this album
  34. dsopinions
    May 13, 2022
    8
    Great album, flawless production, and great songwriting. There are only two things from this album that really could have been better even though in the context of kendrick, are still OK nonetheless.

    1. The track listing and the order. The order of the album while good towards the end. Sounds a bit discomforted in the first half. 2. This album sees kendrick reinventing his sound yet    Great album, flawless production, and great songwriting. There are only two things from this album that really could have been better even though in the context of kendrick, are still OK nonetheless.

    1. The track listing and the order. The order of the album while good towards the end. Sounds a bit discomforted in the first half.

    2. This album sees kendrick reinventing his sound yet again with a more classical/experimental hip-hop twist and it comes off as mostly great and new and like a breath of fresh air. The negative side of this is that, I don’t feel as though we got all of Kendrick’s emotions. Like on TPAB or DAMN. There were many vocal changes and tone differences whilst on this one, it seemed to not be as diverse emotionally. Apart from this, Mr Morale and the Big Steppers is one to remember, pretty comfortably album of the year and it lays a groundwork for future PG Lang artists    … Expand
  35. Aleks356
    May 13, 2022
    9
    Very experimental album from K.Dot in my opinion.We have many classical music vibes,many piano sequences.Is it a masterpiece?I can't tell,time will say.But it is really interesting album and new kind of rap vibe from Kendrick.I wish it is just a begining of Kendrick's return on stage.Oh!and kodak black? He's not that bad as many could think;)
  36. calmus
    May 13, 2022
    8
    King Kendrick is back after 5 years with a new album, but is it a return to form? For me not exactly. I had very high hopes for this album, I think most people of the general public had the same thoughts. So when I listened the entire album in the morning from front to back in one sitting, it felt a little bit less grandiose than previous albums. Don't get me wrong, the album is still anKing Kendrick is back after 5 years with a new album, but is it a return to form? For me not exactly. I had very high hopes for this album, I think most people of the general public had the same thoughts. So when I listened the entire album in the morning from front to back in one sitting, it felt a little bit less grandiose than previous albums. Don't get me wrong, the album is still an amazing body of work. Kendrick raps beautiful poetry about his life and his family, with the kind of lyrics he's been known for for years. The feature list is kind of small and some of which you can call "underground talent", but then again this proves to the general public that Kendrick doesn't need mainstream talent to make a great body of work. For me, all songs (except We Cry Together) are above a 6 in either production and songwriting or both, with my favorites being Mirror, Savior, Mother I Sober, Die Hard, and Silent Hill. So in conclusion, Mr. Morale and The Big Steppers stands on its own as a beautiful testimony about Kendrick's personal life, but compared to classics like Good Kid, M.A.A.D City or To Pimp a Butterfly, Mr. Morale lacks that more burst of energy. 8/10… Expand
  37. Erick7
    May 13, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Álbum impactante, e sem defeito, álbum do ano . Perfeito, sem palavras , nota 10… Expand
  38. dondl
    Sep 23, 2022
    9
    its so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits soits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so goodits so good… Expand
  39. Wisi
    May 13, 2022
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. GOAT, toda la esencia de kendrick renovada.
    No es repetitivo y liricamente esta a otro nivek como siempre    … Expand
  40. HelaDitto
    May 13, 2022
    9
    A profound album worked with the heart, It's like been on a theater play...
  41. Fausto0197
    May 16, 2022
    10
    If I'm being honest, the first listen was not what I was expecting and it felt like this album was going to be a flop!!! but after listening to it the third time production level is unmatched. This album feels very very personal and I can genuinely say that this is Kendricks's most mature & vulnerable project to this day.
  42. decwilclay
    May 13, 2022
    9
    ‘Mr Morale & The Big Steppers’ - Great addition to Kendricks discography. An amazing raw sound and he once again proves why he’s one of the best to ever do it.
  43. alexsvnder
    May 13, 2022
    10
    the wait was long but the work was rewarding. Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers is an instant classic!
  44. Kivooo
    May 13, 2022
    10
    His most introspective work. Different in so many ways than the previous works but still great in its own right. Took me 3-4 listens to fully grasps and enjoy what I was hearing
  45. bmunge
    May 13, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is a wonderful album from Kendrick. My first listen I wasn’t completely sold because it’s so different from anything I’ve heard before. The production is absolutely magical and so instrumental. Kendrick uses this album to process things he’s holding on to, it’s basically a therapy session where we get insight into Kendrick’s experience and mind over the past 5 years. He also begins to lose his perspective of himself as a savior or a prophet and realize that he’s just a man trying to do his best for himself and his loved ones. He closes out the album repeating “I choose me, I’m sorry.” No need to apologize Kendrick, we’ll always sing about you.… Expand
  46. J-Mattei
    May 13, 2022
    9
    It took me halfway through my second listen to realize how smart these albums are. They're both beautify mixed and written, and show a willingness from Kendrick to open up completely. I'm so happy with the direction he decided to take this, these are easily my favorites projects from him, right up there with TPAB.
  47. real_mark_one
    May 14, 2022
    10
    His most personal and profound album yet. When he could dropped an album solidifying his supremacy in the rap game, he chose to deconstruct his revered persona and find healing in front of the whole world.
  48. Carrava
    May 27, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Amazing album. A 9/10 easily with the passing of time it's a 10/10 for sure… Expand
  49. fakinnong
    May 13, 2022
    10
    a produção experimentalista + o lirismo incrível que já de tornou comum de se associar a kendrick só mostrar como este é um projeto especial
  50. BurntCrisp
    May 13, 2022
    9
    Kendrick did it again. He created an absolute masterpiece for us to listen to. This album encapsulates the perfect amount of everything. The struggles, the hardships, the grief, and the overcoming of all of it by the last track with many mentions of it throughout all tracks. The double album is astonishingly well put together and made. His production and lyrics are incredibly well made.Kendrick did it again. He created an absolute masterpiece for us to listen to. This album encapsulates the perfect amount of everything. The struggles, the hardships, the grief, and the overcoming of all of it by the last track with many mentions of it throughout all tracks. The double album is astonishingly well put together and made. His production and lyrics are incredibly well made. Not the best we’ve seen, but definitely still great. On first listen, many of the sounds can be awkward and very distant. But, after you listen more and more, it becomes something inexplainable. They are masterfully crafted and genius. This isn’t the best album Kendrick has in his discography, but it is definitely another amazing album made by the GOAT.… Expand
  51. SanMargueri
    May 13, 2022
    10
    A pesar de las barreras lingüísticas, he podido comprender el mensaje que deja en cada una de sus canciones, y debo decir, que es profundo, crudo y liberador. Su lírica y story-telling siempre está a otro nivel. También, debo decir que a nivel de producción es el mejor álbum en ese sentido, nunca deja de innovar y hacer algo diferente.
  52. Xahdemino
    May 13, 2022
    10
    I think it will take me a while to process this so I guess this is more my initial gut instinct response, but I think this is a remarkable achievement. I think the production is at least as complex and captivating as TPAB , which I did not think.id be saying when comparing to an album which had some free flowing jazz sections! His ability to ride each beat, or even each 4 bar sectionI think it will take me a while to process this so I guess this is more my initial gut instinct response, but I think this is a remarkable achievement. I think the production is at least as complex and captivating as TPAB , which I did not think.id be saying when comparing to an album which had some free flowing jazz sections! His ability to ride each beat, or even each 4 bar section perfectly, matching transitions perfectly and just the technical ability in his rapping takes your breath away, before you can even contemplate the message behind it .

    I'm still trying to tease out all of the themes running through the project, but one of the things which stood out was the range of his viewpoints. I thought in TPAB he took a more macro view of the world, discussing the black struggle in a grand magnum opus. DAMN seemed to turn inward, each track representing a different shade of his and explored to death. This seamlessly seems to flit between sticky intimacy and then transition to oblique commentary on psychological shackles. I'm really impressed but I'll of course continue to absorb it over the next few weeks to make sure it's lustre holds once novelty is gone. But I'd be surprised, I think Kendrick has already proven that he isn't worrying about what will sell or what people will like. He's making his vision, and I don't think there's any argument against him being in the very upper echelon of people making music today as a whole. I'll defer to Pusha's phraseology, but Kendrick really is only chasing two ghosts.    … Expand
  53. Loganc17
    May 13, 2022
    10
    We are witnessing Kendrick’s attainment of catharsis in the package of a phenomenally produced, sonically diverse, and deeply thought provoking hour and fourteen minute soul bearing proclamation.
  54. Andal
    May 13, 2022
    7
    Better poetry than music, Kendrick's new album focuses heavily on lyricism, but without the strong melodies of his prior albums.
  55. M1-
    May 13, 2022
    10
    Such a good addition to his discography. Very personal and emotional; one of his best.
  56. Jlozano5
    May 13, 2022
    10
    Astonishing, challenging, vulnerable and lyrical. Kendrick never fails to keep me on the edge of my seat.
  57. Horaci70
    May 13, 2022
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Disfrutable, letras crudas, a ratos lenta, y puede quitarte de onda, pero la segunda parte es digna de ser llamada el AOTY.… Expand
  58. Stiegve
    May 14, 2022
    10
    Kendrick Lamar is starting to feel like an even deeper version of Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen all put together as a songwriter. I would say there are less catchy commercial hits and I dont mind it at all. The album flow is amazing and it gets better with each playthrough as I am able to notice more and more of the lyrical intricacies. Easy 10
  59. Guinoou
    May 14, 2022
    10
    Simply a master piece, the wait has a reason, kendrick did it, an beautiful painting as a music album
  60. ThulaniM
    Jun 14, 2022
    10
    With a title like Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers I didn't know what to expect but on my second listen I was overwhelmed by the honesty and humility that forms the backbone of this record. It's imperfect, not in execution, but in the way Lamar openly conveys his sift side. Classic.
  61. IdkHowToPotty
    May 14, 2022
    10
    Sonically there is simply no other album like this - it is a rap record but it is not hip hop. While there are certain tracks which have some trap, jazz, r&b or even classical influence, the sound of this album is uniquely Kendrick. Lyrically this album is also some of Kendrick's best work. Stand-out tracks for me were Auntie Diaries (with some of the most beautiful lyrics I've ever heard)Sonically there is simply no other album like this - it is a rap record but it is not hip hop. While there are certain tracks which have some trap, jazz, r&b or even classical influence, the sound of this album is uniquely Kendrick. Lyrically this album is also some of Kendrick's best work. Stand-out tracks for me were Auntie Diaries (with some of the most beautiful lyrics I've ever heard) and We Cry Together (an insanely creative, engaging and memorable track).… Expand
  62. PreciseShots
    May 14, 2022
    10
    There are a lot of words I can use to describe how this album hit me personally and how it is portrayed from Kendrick’s view, but let me tell you that the depth, emotion and sound portrayed in this album is just flawless. I love every aspect of this album and every song in it tells an individual story that goes beyond music. I can pull each song out of this album and say that theThere are a lot of words I can use to describe how this album hit me personally and how it is portrayed from Kendrick’s view, but let me tell you that the depth, emotion and sound portrayed in this album is just flawless. I love every aspect of this album and every song in it tells an individual story that goes beyond music. I can pull each song out of this album and say that the individuality of each outdoes the others in some way or form. This album I can’t even say is just music…it’s a pure work of art.… Expand
  63. SPAMPLSILIKEIT
    May 14, 2022
    10
    A very personal album from Kendrick. Introspective, lyrically great ,fantastic beats. Fans waited 5 years for this album and i don't think the majority is disappointed. I believe that Mr. Morale and The Big Steppers will age beautifully and is a Contender for AOTY.
  64. Exyys
    May 14, 2022
    10
    His best work behind TBAP. Kendrick re-invents himself again, producing a deep and moving record.
  65. DenoBe90
    May 14, 2022
    10
    I really love the deepness in this album. I expected something completely else but love this beautiful piece of art displaying his insights.
  66. Baller96jay
    May 14, 2022
    10
    Such an amazinggggg album. The content, the engineering, everything. Enjoyed every moment. Mother I Sober is one of the greatest songs I’ve ever heard. I’d be surprised if this album doesn’t win every Grammy it possibly can. Kendrick the KING. Long live
  67. Tudollapac
    May 14, 2022
    10
    Everything from the album art cover to the hype I rate it a 10 out of 10. Music and the way everything connects and ties in to the theme of the album is 10 out of 10. This was kendricks therapy album and it shows how mature and talented he still is after 5 years enjoyed everything about this album nothing negative.
  68. lino22
    May 14, 2022
    10
    it's something beyond any rapper has done in the last 20 years it"s chaotic, reflective, sensible and visceral all at the same time Kendrick is one if not THE artist of our generation
  69. Flavio9228838
    May 14, 2022
    10
    Lenda manoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo te amo kdot fdpppppppppppppppppppppppp
  70. Mindocas
    May 14, 2022
    10
    A great álbum, a masterpiece.
    Kendrick is a Genius, and always make great music.
  71. Fassoni
    May 14, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Genius. Genius.Genius. Genius.Genius. Genius.Genius. Genius.Genius. Genius.Genius. Genius.Genius. Genius.Genius. Genius.Genius. Genius.Genius. Genius.Genius. Genius.Genius. Genius.… Expand
  72. Fantanstic
    May 14, 2022
    10
    Como siempre Kendrick no decepcionando, gracias Kendrick por esta bella obra.
  73. Musicnrd
    May 14, 2022
    10
    The lyrical prowess and outstanding production as well as Kendrick’s tragic storytelling make this one of the best albums I have hear.
  74. Arshiajr13
    May 17, 2022
    10
    The best album I've ever heard
    The best album I've ever heard
    The best album I've ever heard
  75. santirp04
    May 14, 2022
    10
    masterpiece. worth the wait. beautiful album about heavy and personal topics
  76. julianes16
    May 14, 2022
    10
    A majestic piece of art. From top to bottom. The quality of the lyrics, the production behind every single song, the way everything is expressed, cohesive, sensitive, hard, even funny. Absolutely amazing.
  77. imrokid
    May 15, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Kendrick's 5th and last album with top dawg is a masterpiece. This album got variety and truly catches the feelings he has surrounding his fatherhood, relationships with family and friends but also social injustice. Songs like "We cry togheter" might not be a hit, but its a perfect image of how fights between loved ones look like while also sounding good.

    The albums versatility is unlike many other rappers, making the album entertaining with his switch of genres while also keeping the main focus and the choice of features are also very different from anyone else.

    Top Dawg did their thing with producing this album. Really helping Kendrick deliver his message, for what it means to be Kendrick Lamar, a artist, a husband, father, a idol for many and also a human.    … Expand
  78. Diknalite
    May 14, 2022
    10
    This is after 4 listens. The production on this album seemed original and fantastic. Along with the content, lyrics, and messaging make this a 10/10. Only weak things about the album IMO are that his vocals and singing sounded off to me
  79. lwishc
    May 14, 2022
    10
    nwnwjwjwjwkidudhqhwhwjisidiwjqjnwnsnsnhwhwhwhwuwuuwususuuwuwuwuwueuuwueuhdhshwjjwjwjwjwjwjjwjejejjejej
  80. lucccca
    May 14, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I feel like this album is the perfect follow up to the story line that kendrick built along the years, the album has no skips and maybe a single filler “Die Hard”, except that the album is perfect and i love it… Expand
  81. PablitoConalepp
    May 14, 2022
    10
    All the songs r very good, they have the same feeling but that does not make them identical, they are completely different songs but very good in all aspects
  82. ThePentientOne
    May 14, 2022
    10
    The best album Kendrick Lamar has released to date and my favourite album of all time. Every song is a joy to listen to, and songs like Auntie Diaries, Mother I Sober and Mirror brought me to tears and addressed serious issues. Amazing bangers such as N95, Die Hard, and Silent Hill. Every song I haven't already listed is a jammer as well. Will be credited as the most important album of the decade.
  83. akwesimishael
    Jun 1, 2022
    10
    Musically, this may not be the project I'd listen to just to vibe as opposed to let's say GKMC or DAMN, but that's why it's my favourite of Kendrick's albums so far. GKMC sounds good, but I can't connect to it on a personal level because I didn't go through all that in my childhood. TPAB is the same. beautiful storytelling and deep insight but, I don't connect with it personally because IMusically, this may not be the project I'd listen to just to vibe as opposed to let's say GKMC or DAMN, but that's why it's my favourite of Kendrick's albums so far. GKMC sounds good, but I can't connect to it on a personal level because I didn't go through all that in my childhood. TPAB is the same. beautiful storytelling and deep insight but, I don't connect with it personally because I don't live in America. DAMN was the same. but with MMBS, songs like Father Time, We Cry Together, Saviour, Mother I Sober, Mirror, etc all hit home on a personal level, because I've been there. this album may not be everyone's favourite Kendrick album, but it is for me because, for the first time, I feel like he made an album for me; I get what he's saying and I feel what he's feeling. An absolute masterpiece… Expand
  84. Bus_Boy
    May 14, 2022
    10
    After 5 long years we get this masterpiece of music, a beautiful mix of what music is and what it needs to be
  85. lolrindo
    May 14, 2022
    10
    apenas kendrick lamar fazendo as coisas como tem que ser feitas, tudo perfeito.
  86. JAYCENTH_
    May 14, 2022
    10
    Amazing experience. No dull moments or bars wasted on this project. This album further cemented Kendrick’s place as one of the greatest artists of all time.
  87. Milesfoley
    May 14, 2022
    10
    In **** credible. One if the best albums ive ever heard. So much layers in the production and in lyrics content. Artist of the generation
  88. lliir123
    May 15, 2022
    10
    Wow.. Many unexpected Songs, theres so much hidden in the lyrics and this album is so personal. You going trought every Emotion. Great Production and writing.
  89. ParackObama
    May 15, 2022
    10
    Greatest hip-hop record of the past couple of years. There’s nothing more to say.
  90. Iddo
    May 15, 2022
    10
    We’ve seen Kendrick go from a scared boy in Compton in GKMC to becoming a type of prophet in TBAP to the culmination of a cultural savior figure with DAMN. It seems now though he is talking to himself as much as anyone when he says “I am not your Savior.”
  91. Patdaddy25
    May 15, 2022
    10
    Might possibly be Kendrick’s best work of art. Just when you think he can’t possibly outdo himself what does he do? He creates his most artistic and complex piece of work. Simply amazing
  92. Alban777
    May 15, 2022
    10
    I love this album jsjsjsjsksksksksjsjdjdksjsjdjdkksksjsksjsjdjdjdjdhdjdjdjdjdjdjdjdjdjdj
  93. Heman023
    May 15, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Absolutely fantastic album. Approaching remarkably dense topics such as his relationships with his trans aunt and cousin, toxic masculinity, infidelity various other topics- kendrick lays it all on the line on an album that sonically ages like fine wine. This will certainly go down as one of his best albums and one of his most important… Expand
  94. theplant
    May 15, 2022
    10
    Kendrick really mellowed out and this album shows himself changing as he grows up. It’s one of the few albums where I love every single song.
  95. temkef
    May 15, 2022
    10
    Its a perfect album, very diverse, great story telling, sticks to a general theme, sonically beautiful. I have listened to it 13 times before writing a review.
    Mother I Sober is a wonderful addition to his discography with the storytelling beauty of Duckworth and Sing About Me, I'm Dying of Thirst
  96. eliwgold
    May 15, 2022
    10
    I had high expectations going into this album, but I was absolutely blown away upon first listen. I’ve never heard anything so raw and authentic, yet at the same time polished and precise. As a music nerd, the production is the best I’ve heard on a rap album (or at least tied with TPAB). Kendrick’s singing is much better than it has ever been, and his rapping is as good, if not better. TheI had high expectations going into this album, but I was absolutely blown away upon first listen. I’ve never heard anything so raw and authentic, yet at the same time polished and precise. As a music nerd, the production is the best I’ve heard on a rap album (or at least tied with TPAB). Kendrick’s singing is much better than it has ever been, and his rapping is as good, if not better. The album feels like a play and gets better with every listen.… Expand
  97. Debo89
    May 15, 2022
    10
    Amazing artwork by Kendrick as usual. After 5 years of absence, Kendrick presented us with a mural of his mind like no other could. From production to lyrics to the themes of each track, be prepared for a beautifully raw therapy session!
  98. JARI22
    May 16, 2022
    10
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  99. WilbertJEN
    May 16, 2022
    10
    The 5 years that Kendrick disappeared definitely didn’t disappoint, a production and lyrical masterpiece as many protects from this artist, Kendrick is the most important rapper of our generation and this album shows us why.
  100. FuocoVFL
    May 16, 2022
    10
    Amazing nomsayn, beautiful subject that had to be talked about, this album is therapy for all of us and for kendrick himself.
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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]
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