Pro Tools
by GZA
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. RapReviews.com
    85
    Pro Tools could be called a return to form, but since GZA never lost the form in the first place, it would be more apt to say that he's kept the peak form he already had and just honed his lyrical tongue to an even sharper and more polished edge.
  2. The A.V. Club
    83
    GZA's cold-blooded sonic cinema invites and rewards repeat visits.
  3. MSN Consumer Guide (Robert Christgau)
    83
    Never thought I'd say this, but RZA isn't missed--the budget production enhances a master lyricist's specialty by subtraction.
  5. cokemachineglow
    82
    His flow is, as always, commanding, effortless, and unrelenting, making it hard to grab individual lines when each is intricately related to the next.
  6. AllMusic
    80
    Even if they're slow to arrive, GZA's full-lengths rarely disappoint. Pro Tools is no different, but with so many divergent projects and experiments from the Clan filling the five previous years, this throwback also proves the crew's original formula still works splendidly.
  7. Hartford Courant
    80
    Pro Tools surprises because it features consistently powerful backing tracks, several built on the strings-and-scratchy-soul brilliance of Wu mastermind RZA.
  8. Billboard
    80
    You could count the number of hooks on one hand and most tracks clock in at the three-minute mark, ostensibly to let GZA inhale occasionally. But it's worth a listen to hear what sneaky, suspicious, image-heavy tricks still emerge from his notebook.
  9. Slant Magazine
    70
    More than anything, it serves as a satisfying example of a hip-hop artist who has not burnt out or sold out his craft to be an industry kingpin.
  10. Tiny Mix Tapes
    70
    The Genius’ latest full-length Pro Tools is no different; while its power as a long-player doesn’t hold up very well, random dissection brings out tracks destined for analog and digital freaks alike (in case that title--and the sparse cover--had you worrying).
  11. Pitchfork
    68
    As a pure lyrical record goes, Pro Tools doesn't disappoint, but fans who want everything to be a banger will be let down to find that there's not a lot of headknock here.
  12. PopMatters
    60
    For those who listen to hip-hop for great lyrics, GZA is still as good as it gets.
  13. NOW Magazine
    60
    Alphabets picks up where Animal Planet left off and the devastating Labels began in 1995, but it suffers from the law of diminishing returns.
  14. Spin
    40
    These C-grade tracks ape RZA's trademark sound, but lack any sense of melody; and the album seems randomly cut-and-pasted. [Oct 2008, p.112]

Awards & Rankings

79
#79 Most Shared Album of 2008

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 11 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 11
  3. Negative: 1 out of 11
  1. BIGMAN22
    May 20, 2016
    10
    GZA remains one of hip hop's top lyricists delivering mind dazzling rhyme patterns over stellar production. he displays those miraculousGZA remains one of hip hop's top lyricists delivering mind dazzling rhyme patterns over stellar production. he displays those miraculous skills on here. like liquid swords this one doesn't disappoint.… Full Review »
  2. CaseyE
    Sep 1, 2008
    10
    Holy good god this album is amazing. sooooooo smooth makes me very happy.
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