Old
by Danny Brown
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 169 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 158 out of 169
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 169
  3. Negative: 4 out of 169
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  1. asap_
    May 30, 2023
    7
    my main problem here is that danny tries to seperate his two sides, making one side of fun, but a little soul less side b, and a lyrical, but not special side a, song like kush coma, and torture are definetly stand outs, its definetly his worst album and i wish he kept the maniac in danny on side a more
  2. All_ButTrU4
    Jun 28, 2022
    7
    Another impressive album. It doesn't quite reach the heights of XXX crazed mania but the decrease in pace allows a different side of him to catch-up and develop. Here he sounds just as the album title says and with it he reminiscences on what brought him here. I didn't expect that charli xcx feature but it still worked so i cant complain.
  3. nirvanafreak
    Oct 28, 2015
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Favourite Songs: Side A (Old), Wonderbread, Lonely, Float On (feat. Charli XCX), Red 2 Go, Side B (Dope Song), Dope Fiend Rental (feat. Schoolboy Q)
    Least Favourite Songs: 25 Bucks (feat. Purity Ring), Smokin & Drinkin, Kush Coma (feat. A$AP Rocky & Zelooperz)
    After listening to 'XXX' I found it impossible not to listen to Danny Brown's follow up record 'Old'. Side a of the album definitely matched the quality of his breakthrough album. I was listening to this and for the first 10 tracks I was thinking damn he **** nailed this. Danny was good as always but instrumentally it was amazing. There was a lot of times when it reminded me of the classic 90s hip hop beats but it never lost its left field edge. Lyrically it's pretty melancholy- like side b of the previous album- but this time it feels a bit more personal. Not only exploring drug addiction but his image, releationships, life growing up, a multiple number of things. Every song had single potential especially 'Wonderbread'; the biggest what the **** moment of the album. I was not expecting those flutes straight after the electronic '25 Bucks'. They're just completely different sonically. It might have also stood out to me because of how much better it is than '25 Bucks' which has this plain electro-pop chorus that I feel like I've heard a million times before. The singing is **** and I'm definitely not going to check out Purity Ring, not that I was interested in them anyway since all I've heard about their latest effort is complaints. The only thing that saves the song is Danny's flow but that barely lifts the quality above mediocrity. This is much the same on the turnt up second half of the album. The only savour is his flow, or flows; he seems to switch them seemingly effortlessly without it sounding forced and like on 'XXX' I often confuse his voice as a feature. That's only when I'm zoning out though if I listen to the lyrics it's obviously Danny Brown, wether it be because he's contemplating on his past life drug dealing and avoiding authorities (never in a braggadocious way though) or saying some weird **** that could only come from the mind of the Adderall Admiral. But as I said the second half is mediocre at best and quite disappointing considering how great the first half was. Maybe the songs are really good live but to be honest I don't even find them to be that good as banger tracks. I have the same issue with it as I do with the titular track off of Tyler, The Creator's latest album; I get that he wants some tracks that are good to play live but I think it's unnecessary to put them on a full length studio album for that reason. He could've put them out on a separate EP and left the album with just the first half which has a sufficient amount of tracks on or he could've just not released them because there's not a rule that says you can't perform unreleased songs. So I'm not a huge fan of side b although there's a few exceptions to this; when 'Side B (Dope Song)' came on and it got to the drop I had a **** rave on my bed. The track after 'Side B' (Dubstep') was pretty good as well, I absolutely loved Scrufizzer's verse. It was probably the standout feature for me. Beyond that the songs became kind of one dimensional, often pretty predictable and tiresome. Thankfully, it closed out beautifully with 'Float On' which had minimal backing vocals from Charli XCX and I found it to be quite beautiful. It was a good choice keeping her contributions subtle as well she's more of a bubblegum pop star than a beautiful vocalist. The track took the sound back to the first half of the album and at that point it felt like a blessing.
    Improvement On Previous Project?: No
    Try This If You Like: Grime. The EDM inspired beats sound similar to a lot of songs I've heard by English MCs.    … Expand
  4. Brian8781
    Aug 1, 2015
    9
    To be quite honest, when I first heard of danny brown was when I was listening to Ab-Soul's Control System album on the song titled "Terrorist Threats". Hearing Danny's verse for the first time wowed me. After that I decided to listen to his solo work and found out about his mixtape called "XXX". For the most part I enjoyed danny's rapping and the instrumentals but somehow the mixtapeTo be quite honest, when I first heard of danny brown was when I was listening to Ab-Soul's Control System album on the song titled "Terrorist Threats". Hearing Danny's verse for the first time wowed me. After that I decided to listen to his solo work and found out about his mixtape called "XXX". For the most part I enjoyed danny's rapping and the instrumentals but somehow the mixtape didn't click with me. Then here comes his new album called "Old". My first reaction while listening to the entire thing surprised me, what I enjoyed most about this album compared to his mixtape "XXX" is that I felt Old was a more structured album with better rapping and instrumentals compared to "XXX". Another thing I also enjoyed about Old is that the album is split into 2 halfs. Side A talks more about his past growing up in Detroit while Side B shows danny's wild side with crazy EDM styled bangers. I recommend you listen to this album ASAP, you won't be disappointed.… Expand
  5. ben_zo77
    Jun 26, 2014
    8
    Old is another elite alternative rap album from Danny Brown, following the release of XXX. For a 19-track album, there are very few weak spots. Every song is at very least pretty good. The production is ridiculously on point. ~ 8.2/10

    I couldn't decide on a best song, as there are so many great ones. Notable tracks: "Gremlins", "Dope Fiend Rental", "Torture", "Clean Up", "Side B    Old is another elite alternative rap album from Danny Brown, following the release of XXX. For a 19-track album, there are very few weak spots. Every song is at very least pretty good. The production is ridiculously on point. ~ 8.2/10

    I couldn't decide on a best song, as there are so many great ones.

    Notable tracks: "Gremlins", "Dope Fiend Rental", "Torture", "Clean Up", "Side B (Dope Song)" & "Float On"    … Expand
  6. corbinwellsssss
    Jun 9, 2014
    10
    Easily one of the top albums of 2014, From the Side A of the OLD side of Danny brown transitioning to Side B which is the new Hipster, crazy, Partying Danny brown. You have to be Insane to not like this album it's simply Perfect.
  7. BetterOffDead_
    May 16, 2014
    7
    I was impressed with the album by danny considering there's two sides to it.. What I mean is half of the album is deep and the other half is party. On this previous mixtape/album it all had a druggy party Theme to it. I like with old he put two sides to it, it showcases that Danny can put well written songs that aren't just party related, but still having a party side to the album to. TheI was impressed with the album by danny considering there's two sides to it.. What I mean is half of the album is deep and the other half is party. On this previous mixtape/album it all had a druggy party Theme to it. I like with old he put two sides to it, it showcases that Danny can put well written songs that aren't just party related, but still having a party side to the album to. The production is well done, Danny's flow changes depending on the topic of the track. All up I enjoyed this album even though some of the tracks didn't have that much substance, definitely worth checking out. 7.9/10… Expand
  8. Bleat0124
    Mar 12, 2014
    6
    The King of Rap Realism did not quite bring it on this one. Mostly, the album is way too long, so much full, and it gets trying to go through the whole thing; that's not good. There are some standout tracks, like the very, very underrated "Wonderbread," which can be seen as the embodiment of Realism in rap. Of course there are the bangers and the Jams, but overall, this album is too much.The King of Rap Realism did not quite bring it on this one. Mostly, the album is way too long, so much full, and it gets trying to go through the whole thing; that's not good. There are some standout tracks, like the very, very underrated "Wonderbread," which can be seen as the embodiment of Realism in rap. Of course there are the bangers and the Jams, but overall, this album is too much. Sadly it was the best rap album in 2013.… Collapse
  9. MRAButterfly
    Feb 24, 2014
    10
    There is no bad song on this album. Probably the best work Danny Brown has ever done (and this is coming from a fan who thought he would never be able to top XXX)
  10. R-L-Bartlett
    Feb 22, 2014
    8
    Danny Brown's "Old" starts off with almost no hesitation, bringing a mid-paced, contemporary boom bap sound to the first few tracks like "Side A (Old)" and "The Return". He raps with a serious and dark tone; a stark contrast to his wild and eccentric style on his more well-known singles. But this album is a split between the serious, old-school style and the more Electronic/EDM influencedDanny Brown's "Old" starts off with almost no hesitation, bringing a mid-paced, contemporary boom bap sound to the first few tracks like "Side A (Old)" and "The Return". He raps with a serious and dark tone; a stark contrast to his wild and eccentric style on his more well-known singles. But this album is a split between the serious, old-school style and the more Electronic/EDM influenced beats Danny hops on. His lyrics are also split between melancholy raps about living in Detroit, sell drugs to barely get by like on the track "Gremlins", and high octane lines about partying, popping molly and smoking and drinking like a the aptly named track "Smokin and Drinkin". Some people won't agree, but I don't mind when Danny raps about generic rap topics because he makes it interesting. He does this by using his sharp wit and sense of humour. He'll be the first to admit that those songs aren't meant to be taken seriously, they're meant to get loose to. And if you doubt Danny's lyrical ability, just listen to his storytelling ability on tracks like "Torture". He paints a vivid picture of his past trials and tribulations that most contemporary rappers can't even imagine. The featured artists did their job on their tracks respectively, but nothing standout. But its hard to outshine Danny with his chameleon-like personality. There is a good mix of beats and styles on the album, and Danny confidently rides each beat with relative ease. Overall, the album was great. It's strong point is how eclectic it is. Definitely a personal album of the year of mine.… Expand
  11. daretobemark
    Feb 5, 2014
    10
    The great thing about Old is the fact that it is completely different from anything else ever made. The first side is the deep side showing a new side of Danny without really sacrificing any of the energy that makes him so great to listen to. The Side B is all energy and still tells a story of growing up in the hood. One of the albums of the year and a pace setter for unique hip hop
  12. samir634
    Dec 4, 2013
    10
    Too many hipsters posting reviews. The fact is the first side is deep, the second side is dope. One pushes the mind to the limit with its lyricism and intense story telling, it pushes emotions with its down to earth roots. The second half pushes hip-hop as a music genre to the limit with its twisted edm influenced trap beats, Dip sounds like a club banger from the future. The second halfToo many hipsters posting reviews. The fact is the first side is deep, the second side is dope. One pushes the mind to the limit with its lyricism and intense story telling, it pushes emotions with its down to earth roots. The second half pushes hip-hop as a music genre to the limit with its twisted edm influenced trap beats, Dip sounds like a club banger from the future. The second half listen to when you party, listen to it when you are on your own, its still great, you aren't looking for lyricism on those songs, you are looking for flows, and verbal attacks (hence Scrufizzer as a feature, the unique beat choices. The first half just happens to also be produced extremely will for what it is.… Expand
  13. phenomgoodmusic
    Nov 18, 2013
    8
    Despite his dirty, disturbing lyrics and his annoying voice, he created a decent album that shows why he is unique and different from today's generation of rappers.
  14. r0tan0rtan
    Oct 24, 2013
    7
    I'm not going to go into much detail, since Danny Brown isn't for everyone. If you are a Danny Brown fan, definitely pick it up. Personally, I prefer XXX by a long shot, mostly because of the way the album was constructed, but Old still shows Danny Brown at his best. The production on this album is pretty damn amazing and that's the one thing where I think it 'beats' XXX. Get it, beats?.... 7/10
  15. blogfirstlast
    Oct 24, 2013
    7
    Although this album did not live up to its predecessor, Old can still be enjoyed as a conscious/crazy hip-hop album to enjoy. Danny continues to impress even if its at a slower pace. I still fall in the fan section for this one.
  16. PRTYNTGRVS
    Oct 23, 2013
    7
    Overall, Danny Brown proves to be a good emcee, if not a great one. He’s versatile, and can throw knuckleballs left and right. However, his shift of themes is too awkward, and not as interesting when juxtaposed with his more intellectual tracks. Oh well...TURNT UP!

    Follow @PRTYNTGRVS for more music reviews
  17. N10
    Oct 14, 2013
    10
    Did Danny Brown's "Old" live up to my hype?

    Side A has the more "Hybrid" feel too it and is the more introspective part with a lower vocal delivery while Side B is the festival ready set with a lot catchy drugged/party till we die hooks and lyrics, with a vocal from Brown mostly high through out this half. If you're a fan of lyrics, you'll find some tracks that you will appreciate at    Did Danny Brown's "Old" live up to my hype?

    Side A has the more "Hybrid" feel too it and is the more introspective part with a lower vocal delivery while Side B is the festival ready set with a lot catchy drugged/party till we die hooks and lyrics, with a vocal from Brown mostly high through out this half.

    If you're a fan of lyrics, you'll find some tracks that you will appreciate at least. Though, this is more experimental than your average rapper, this dude is someone you've got to get used to at first, so it's understandable if you would end up hating it at first listen.

    "Old" is the better record from Danny to introduce to a larger folk than his earlier releases to be honest. This tape has more of a 90's boombap gritty (especially Side A) feel too it, and is versatile enough, with some trap/EDM inspired beats and instrumentals. It's more gritty, more appealing to a wider listeners, it's some his fans and rap fans can enjoy overall.
    Danny's storytelling is better than ever, he paints a picture so vivid that it's hard to loose interest off once you get into him as an artist. As a rapper, Danny has released some of the best works this year lyrically, musically it dosen't get old it fits his lane perfectly. Well put together, Danny Brown's narrative is stellar, the production is superb, this album is absolutely fantastic.

    Is it my favorite project from Brown? Quite not sure, but it's a top release of the year and that's for sure.

    Loving it!    … Expand
  18. adhamhany
    Oct 11, 2013
    9
    This is a very good year for rap. And this album is one of the reasons why. Danny Brown's flow is incredible and highly charismatic. The beats and overall production are top-notch. I was also pleased to listen to the guests of the album like Purity Ring, Charli XCX, and A$AP Rocky. This is a must-have for any fan of rap and hip-hop.
  19. Duu
    Oct 11, 2013
    8
    This is a very good album by Danny Brown. Lyrically it spans the range between really serious and really braggadocios and outrageous (I did take issue with the trite brag raps that demean women). Brown He sounds good and he paints pictures very well. This album is not a classic, but as far as new/contemporary rap goes, Danny Brown stands out above many of the rest. Kendrick Lamar isThis is a very good album by Danny Brown. Lyrically it spans the range between really serious and really braggadocios and outrageous (I did take issue with the trite brag raps that demean women). Brown He sounds good and he paints pictures very well. This album is not a classic, but as far as new/contemporary rap goes, Danny Brown stands out above many of the rest. Kendrick Lamar is currently the best rapper alive and there just doesn't seem to be anyone on his level of being both melodically and lyrically special. (Eminem is the best rhymer alive and paints a picture very well, although his stories are just not that interesting in general unless you are a hip-hop fan). But Danny Brown tries to capture a hard east coast sound and he does it very well. There are no classic songs on this album, but 12 out of the 19 songs are satisfactory to very good. I look forward to future albums from Danny Brown. This album is one for fans of Mceeing.… Expand
  20. RickFlairbombed
    Oct 9, 2013
    9
    This is a phenomenal follow up to XXX. The lyrical depth that Danny Brown goes into shows he's one of the best story tellers in rap. So many horror stories of his youth come through in Side A, while Side B follows more in the same vein of XXX, a craving for drug escapism. Interesting to hear how Danny Brown raps in a more straight normal style in Side A, whereas the second half has him atThis is a phenomenal follow up to XXX. The lyrical depth that Danny Brown goes into shows he's one of the best story tellers in rap. So many horror stories of his youth come through in Side A, while Side B follows more in the same vein of XXX, a craving for drug escapism. Interesting to hear how Danny Brown raps in a more straight normal style in Side A, whereas the second half has him at his most eccentric. The beats in the second half are also more distorted and effects driven, helping to push the concept of the album that really splits after "Clean Up."
    None of the songs last longer than 3 minutes, which is unfortunate on a track like "Lonely" where I'd love if the chorus was repeated. Also means that nothing here really outstays its welcome, which is great for a 19 track album. Making my top 10 for the year, and possibly best rap album, although Run the Jewels is still getting regular play.    … Expand
  21. Hey-Person
    Oct 8, 2013
    8
    Danny Brown's long waited old has finally came out and was well worth the wait. Danny's previous album XXX had what you could say are 2 halves to the album. The first half was Danny's party side and the second half was Danny's more serious and introspective side. The problem with that was people would only be listening to the first half and would become less interested in the second halfDanny Brown's long waited old has finally came out and was well worth the wait. Danny's previous album XXX had what you could say are 2 halves to the album. The first half was Danny's party side and the second half was Danny's more serious and introspective side. The problem with that was people would only be listening to the first half and would become less interested in the second half once he went into the more mellow beats and deeper/darker topics, even though they were just as good content wise to his first half.

    This album though, is the exact opposite. There are 2 halves to the album. The first being (old) which is the deeper, moodier side. The second half (dope) is the more party side starting with one of my favorites on here, "dope song". This setup guarantees that the people who have only listened to Danny Brown's party songs would start the album with a taste of the music that they may have not listened to originally before from Danny.

    In terms of production though, this album is spot on. On this album we are seeing production from a range of amazing produces like Rustie, SKYWLKR, A-Trak, Paul White, and even BADBADNOTGOOD. All of the production choices are mostly in good taste, and even though the production is extremely ranged because of the shear amounts of songs coming from different producers, they never seem so distant that the album seems like random beats thrown together. The album is consistent in production taste, and also lyrical content. Which brings me to my only real gripe of this album...

    If you have listened to Hybrid, XXX, and then this, then you will notice that the lyrical content does almost seem so consistent that it could almost be coined as repetitive. Does this make this album less enjoyable than XXX because of that?? Eh...I don't really know. The album is just so good that repetitive lyrical content almost doesn't even phase me on my overall rating.    … Expand
  22. CharlieJHD
    Oct 8, 2013
    9
    This is what i've been waiting for all year, Danny's unique sound of hip hop is still here but he experiments with his more smoother sounding voice and the result is one of the best hip hop albums this year.
    This album is simply hip hop album of the year so far.
  23. indiegalaxy10
    Oct 8, 2013
    8
    Usually the hip hop doesn't work for me but this album is the pretty exception, Danny is an intelligent guy and his lyrics and music are awesome, maybe this is the best rap album of all the year
  24. MylesMinott
    Oct 8, 2013
    9
    This album is incredible. Danny Brown shows his versatility by having two sides to the LP. One displaying his, low, gravely, monotone voice over 90's boom-bap inspired instrumentation, the other, the high pitched whelp and screech he showcases over EDM influenced trap-style beats. Both sides are very well polished, no rapper currently could do what Danny Brown did with this album. HisThis album is incredible. Danny Brown shows his versatility by having two sides to the LP. One displaying his, low, gravely, monotone voice over 90's boom-bap inspired instrumentation, the other, the high pitched whelp and screech he showcases over EDM influenced trap-style beats. Both sides are very well polished, no rapper currently could do what Danny Brown did with this album. His witty lyricism is on point as always.… Expand
  25. Spangle
    Oct 8, 2013
    8
    Overall, a really good album. I am not a big Danny Brown guy at all and am generally annoyed by his voice, but here, he largely seems to rap normally and when he does, it is incredibly effective. It is so effective, in fact, that I sort of liked it when he rapped in his silly, crazy voice that he so frequently uses. I was quite impressed by this album as a whole and it is most definitely aOverall, a really good album. I am not a big Danny Brown guy at all and am generally annoyed by his voice, but here, he largely seems to rap normally and when he does, it is incredibly effective. It is so effective, in fact, that I sort of liked it when he rapped in his silly, crazy voice that he so frequently uses. I was quite impressed by this album as a whole and it is most definitely a very good project. In my eyes, Danny Brown took major steps forward with this album.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

52
#52 Best Album of 2013
57
#57 Most Discussed Album of 2013
64
#64 Most Shared Album of 2013

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
83

Universal acclaim - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 30
  3. Negative: 0 out of 30
  1. The Wire
    Dec 11, 2013
    50
    This strained affair makes the party rocking simplicity of 2 Chainz or even LMFAO look absolutely artful. Brown's too smart to make music this dumb effectively. [Nov 2013, p.66]
  2. Under The Radar
    Nov 14, 2013
    85
    Intelligent earnest lyricism, raw subject matter, exquisite minimalist production, and bombastic thrills. Old doesn't sound like anything approaching a conventional hip-hop record--and in a year when the majority of rap's big hitters failed to deliver, it couldn't feel more indispensable.
    Read full review
  3. Uncut
    Oct 31, 2013
    80
    His guttural, rat-tat flow is raw and unleavened, but it's the way he uses it--in flights of fancy and feats of mischief--that's truly the nub of his appeal. [Dec 2013, p.66]
See all critic reviews »