Speakerboxxx/The Love Below
by Outkast
  • Record Label: La Face
  • Release Date: Sep 23, 2003
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 401 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 356 out of 401
  2. Mixed: 23 out of 401
  3. Negative: 22 out of 401

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  1. JelaniT
    Jan 30, 2004
    10
    One of the most innovative solo / group productions ever made. Dre's set grabs your attention with Hey Ya and Pink and Blue. Big Boi keeps said attention and earns your respect for both artists' talent and overall musicianship; which ranges from the way, Way, WAY out there funk and pop (Dre) to down home, deep fried, beat laden hip hop sensibilities (Boi). Its good all around!
  2. JesusQ
    Jan 5, 2004
    9
    Close to 10. Great record. Loved every minute of it except the weird talking skits between tracks. All hip-hop albums do that now. Makes it hard to listen to...having to skip bs stuff. I cannot get enough of this right now. Dre is awesome. And all of you who say he is going too far from hip hop remember another man who was good but went too far away from his roots....he went on to do some Close to 10. Great record. Loved every minute of it except the weird talking skits between tracks. All hip-hop albums do that now. Makes it hard to listen to...having to skip bs stuff. I cannot get enough of this right now. Dre is awesome. And all of you who say he is going too far from hip hop remember another man who was good but went too far away from his roots....he went on to do some good things. His name os Jesus. … Expand
  3. HK
    Jan 6, 2004
    10
    Speakerboxxx - SIC!!! The love below - SUXXX!!!
  4. DanC
    Feb 1, 2004
    10
    If these two CDs are not the greatest hip hop CDs ever, they are seriously close!
  5. chris
    Feb 13, 2004
    6
    number 1 problem with most double albums? bloatedness. while this album will surely become a pop culture artifact, i have quite a few qualms with it. speakerboxxx: has quite a few great hip hop tracks and a few incredible ones. the love below: has a few comedy routines (boooo!) and lots of (almost 80 minutes worth) jazz/r&b endeavors that don't have staying power. this album probably number 1 problem with most double albums? bloatedness. while this album will surely become a pop culture artifact, i have quite a few qualms with it. speakerboxxx: has quite a few great hip hop tracks and a few incredible ones. the love below: has a few comedy routines (boooo!) and lots of (almost 80 minutes worth) jazz/r&b endeavors that don't have staying power. this album probably would have been brilliant as a collaborative single effort. BUT.. in deserved recognition of their avant-garde credo, i recommend any of their previous 4 albums.… Expand
  6. KeithR
    Feb 6, 2004
    3
    I'll keep this short. DON'T BELIEVE THE HYPE. Outkast hasn't put out a good album since Aquamini... and even that album was sub-par. I am convinced 90% of these reviewers have never heard Outkast's real masterpiece. That masterpiece of course is their second release, ATLiens. That album is one of the all time greats... up there with Nas's "illmatic" and Wu-Tangs I'll keep this short. DON'T BELIEVE THE HYPE. Outkast hasn't put out a good album since Aquamini... and even that album was sub-par. I am convinced 90% of these reviewers have never heard Outkast's real masterpiece. That masterpiece of course is their second release, ATLiens. That album is one of the all time greats... up there with Nas's "illmatic" and Wu-Tangs "Enter the 36 Chambers". Listening to an album like Speakerboxx makes me yearn for the days when hip hop was at its peak... hip hop circa- 1993 to 1996. Well those days are over and this album is just another example of that fact. Do yourself a favor and cop the ATLiens album and see Outkast at their full potential.… Expand
  7. Melo
    Mar 30, 2004
    10
    this has to be one of the most original albums ever mostly on andre's part this album has everything going for it if it've been seperate albums i would've given speakerboxx an 8 cause it's better than average hip hop and i would've given the love below a 9 cause andre "ice cold" 3000 just took it to another level andre is no longer a rap or hip hop artist he is this has to be one of the most original albums ever mostly on andre's part this album has everything going for it if it've been seperate albums i would've given speakerboxx an 8 cause it's better than average hip hop and i would've given the love below a 9 cause andre "ice cold" 3000 just took it to another level andre is no longer a rap or hip hop artist he is now a music artist cause his album is for people of different taste in music and "prototype" is one of the most beautiful songs i've ever heard even if the man can't sing it's still beautiful so since this is one album i can't give it no less than a ten… Expand
  8. KennyB
    Mar 5, 2004
    10
    I apolgize for grabing it so late. Big Boi did his thisle(as usual) and 3000 dropped the best record (sleeper) since " Here My Dear",Marvin Gaye...Thank yall Peace..
  9. claireg
    Jun 10, 2004
    10
    its wiked
  10. JuliusD
    Jul 13, 2004
    10
    The Love Below is the best album I have ever owned. Of course, number #2 is Stankonia. Speakerboxx is completely off the hook! These cats are funky!!!
  11. KyleighH
    Feb 11, 2006
    10
    This album is also cool. I love the song "Roses" and I even saw the music video for it on MTV and thought it was terrific. I give this album two thumbs up.
  12. KidA
    Aug 5, 2006
    5
    Don't see me as a hater, I love Stankonia, but this album is just not that great
  13. RabZ
    Nov 2, 2003
    10
    Hey ya! 2 for 1....Great. What kan be better then this.
  14. BoydB
    Oct 14, 2003
    10
    this album is there 2nd best next to there 1st one.... i did not think it could be done and they did it.....
  15. jorman
    Oct 15, 2003
    10
    Can somebody suck the underwear out of my ass cheeks? I mean, seriously, I feel like a Banana-Mör bar. Robin Williams is on the PHONE. THE PHONE.
  16. BrandonR
    Oct 17, 2003
    10
    This is one of the best Outkast albums. A lot of people do not understand the statements that Andre is to make, but that why he added 3000, because he is ahead of his time. To all the critics of 3000, close your mouth and open your mind. Stop looking at the way he dresses and listen to the music.
  17. BennieJ
    Oct 19, 2003
    9
    If there was ever a doubt about who is #1 - ERASE IT! Funky, complex, brilliance!
  18. diggerdig
    Dec 11, 2003
    9
    I like every song on The Love Below. I really think "Hey Ya" is the best song. Andre 3000 was a genius when creating this song. I especially like the line"give me some surgar, i am your neighbor ahh" and "shake it like a poloroid picture". Those lines are just genius.
  19. deucejake
    Dec 12, 2003
    9
    Anybody who doesn't like this album should be ripped apart by wild dogs and then slowly fed into the incinerator of darkest hell. If you don't like Outkast you don't like music. And you're an un-American terrorist (just like King George II).
  20. Adonis
    Oct 22, 2003
    5
    I give it a 5 because only half of the cd is even worth hearing. How can you call youself an hip hop artist, when u sing (very badly at that) the entire album.
  21. NseE
    Dec 25, 2003
    10
    I thought 'Elephant' by The White Stripes was album of the year, then this came along. Awesome!!! Every track is a classic, and the humerous interludes ('God', 'Where are my panties') are a scream. Standouts include the lyrically superb 'War', 'Hey ya', 'Happy valentine's day', 'Spread', 'Flip flop rock', I thought 'Elephant' by The White Stripes was album of the year, then this came along. Awesome!!! Every track is a classic, and the humerous interludes ('God', 'Where are my panties') are a scream. Standouts include the lyrically superb 'War', 'Hey ya', 'Happy valentine's day', 'Spread', 'Flip flop rock', 'Reset', 'Knowing, the hidden jazzy track, everything. A classic that defies categorisation. Brilliant!!!… Expand
  22. TerrencW
    Oct 23, 2003
    10
    Perfection of one's art has been attained. If perfection is attainable. OUTKAST has found it and went miles beyond it.
  23. ThaGMannn
    Oct 23, 2003
    1
    ok...so i pop in The Love Below in to my anxious cd player; my face radiating with an enormous grin, sweat drips down my face in anticipation of the album's ultimate billiance and magnificence. i press the play button--my heart stops and my eyes expand.........the music starts and i don't know what to think, all i know to do is to listen....to listen...to......"What DA (*insert ok...so i pop in The Love Below in to my anxious cd player; my face radiating with an enormous grin, sweat drips down my face in anticipation of the album's ultimate billiance and magnificence. i press the play button--my heart stops and my eyes expand.........the music starts and i don't know what to think, all i know to do is to listen....to listen...to......"What DA (*insert here*)!!!!!" This album was a complete mess, both of them. The love below is not worthy of being...period. I admit that i could have made up a whole bunch of random sayings and put them into a prince song; I definately don't need to pay $18.95 to do so either. The love below just made absolutely no sense whatsoever and i expected, and demanded (with what i just payed!), a LOT more from these albums. The lyrics in Dre's cd were completely oblivious to any meaning whatsoever and totally lowered his potential and actual skill to that of a sex-happy version of the butler from the fresh prince of bel-air. In addition to this utter nonesense, the songs on The Love below were way too short (in relevance to lyrics)--some only lasting a couple minutes (ex. Dracula's Wedding, Take your cool (or whatever its called)). And still those songs managed to have no real meaning. What i did like about it was the last track (or any part...not song...where dre actually rapped...which was about maybe 2 min collectively). I mean that was basically the reason y i got this album--i know big boi and dre can rap...especially when they do it together...though i'm not saying that they NEED each other. That's also y i thought that this album would have been a good investment--seeing the two different styles of rap (and yes i like both). The Love Below holds no bearing in the musical world--only a host of great, great beats put to a shameful waste. Speakerboxxx...well lets just say i was a lot happier when i took the love below out of my saddened and on-the-brink-of-suicide (or homiside...i'm not really sure at the moment), stompped on it a little, cursed it out, then gently placed the Speakerboxxx cd into my player. I knew it couldn't be nearly as bad as dre's cd, so i was able to listen with a lenient ear. To tell u the truth, i actually enjoyed the cd...or at least the first 5 or 6 songs. I mean...great beats, hot lyrics (i love how big boi flows...even if what he says doesn't really make sense anyways). Everything that i wanted outta $18.95 (i'm still kinda mad about that). But despite these qualities, i found that most of the songs were too short and didn't have enough lyrical content to be labeled a song...more like a really cool beat with a couple of words in it (aka...techno...). The funny thing about these cds (don't mind me talking out of place) is that what one had...the other one lacked. This saddened me because it just makes me imagine if they had done one, excellent quality, calibur album. i swear it would have been spectacular (even more so than bentley fondsworth...and yes i actually listened to that absolutely pointless and gay skit). Then, and only then, would i say that this album would have been worthy of being the album of the year. Anyways, back to Speakerboxxx, i also think it was too short as a whole album, due to little skits in between songs and that annoying "speakerboxxx" techno sounding whatever-it-was thing. A lot, (i'd say every song maybe except 2 or 3) of the songs were missing one vital thing--a good hook (where dre should have been). And even though the raps were pretty good on big boi's behalf, it would have been nice in some of the songs to have dre do a little rap...i mean that's y outkast is called outkast right? On the positive, i can't seem to stop listening to "Bowtie" (just cuz i'm a p.i.m.p./ and these things just come natural to me ;-) ). Speakerboxxx/The Love Below (as i aforemention)...was a piece of crap...constantly banging on a drum to be called music. Well...actually more like The Love Below was like that. But, to be absolutely honest i did enjoy two songs from that album--Behold a lady and Spread (kinda took it back old school a little) Speakerboxxx...there was something missing that just didn't make it a good album overall. And for reality purposes, it definately wasn't worth no $18.95! (i still can't get over that...i mean i don't make a lot of money to begin with so this really hurt me financially in addition to emotionally). I really wish that Outkast would have really listened to this cd themselves before exposing it to the innocent public...and get a little taste of their own poison--realize that this album was a waste of money ($18.95!!!! ahhh!!!) and time. I give this cd a 2 just because of the shear effort for trying to be original... there were instances of good music through both cds (i'd say about 15 secs every 30 min for The Love Below), this album was still a complete failure and did not live up to the expectations and true ability of Outkast. Wait...oh crap i gave them a 1!!...well its not like they deserved it anyways :-).… Expand
  24. omega374
    Oct 25, 2003
    10
    i haven't heard it yet, but i think since big boi and andre 3000 are hot they deserve a ten. Detroit WHAT
  25. jeremiahm
    Oct 25, 2003
    5
    Big Boi's album was decent. I dont know what is on the mind of andre. He loosing it more and more every year outkast comes out with a new cd.
  26. zachdogg
    Oct 28, 2003
    10
    pure genius... adrenaline rush on both sides.. Outer Space meets parts unknown.. great job to both.. Speakerboxx the slightly better cd though..
  27. NealS
    Sep 12, 2003
    10
    Great album, the first disk continues the 'outkast' feeling. The 2nd CD is excellent in it's own way. It explores a lot of untouched areas by hip-hop artist. When i noticed the track with Norah Jones (Take Off Your Cool), I was shocked. Great purchase.
  28. AbramB
    Sep 18, 2003
    10
    This album is weird as hell at first...keep listening. PLEASE. This albums takes a keen year to understand it. Keep listening to it over and over again. It may be too overwhelming at first, but once you listen through it a few times you'll love it.
  29. JasonC
    Sep 22, 2003
    10
    This particular cd far surpassed anything that had ever been attempted to be created. The love below is the decades best most intresting album. Me being from the south, Huntsville, Alabama i am proud to play this cd anywhere i go. Not to be forgotten Big Boi's Speakerboxxx shows why outkast, cee lo green, and ludacris are the tightest lyracist out. Frankly put these guys is (off the brain).
  30. CoreyW
    Sep 23, 2003
    9
    Sophistifunk - is this what we are supposed to call it? I do believe so. Number of people shot and drugs taken in this album? Zero. So it doesn't fit the "mold" that's been placed on "Rap" by the big Record Labels who refuse to sign great acts and instead promote former drug runners and gangsters... Outkast blows everything out there in the big poppy prefab world and delivers a Sophistifunk - is this what we are supposed to call it? I do believe so. Number of people shot and drugs taken in this album? Zero. So it doesn't fit the "mold" that's been placed on "Rap" by the big Record Labels who refuse to sign great acts and instead promote former drug runners and gangsters... Outkast blows everything out there in the big poppy prefab world and delivers a very fine-tuned and genre-busting CD. Great album, enough said. E-Zines like Stylus shouldn't be counted in the whole of the Metacritic rating system, they obviously listen to too much 50 Cent and The Neptunes (which would make anyone sane enough not to be swayed by Pharell's bank account throw up), not enough "real rap."… Expand
  31. Ashekyssss
    Sep 23, 2003
    10
    its hot!
  32. kenm
    Sep 24, 2003
    10
    Perfect. @ unique and totally different cd's that are the two best hi hop cd's of the year by themselve's. Outkast has outdone itself again.
  33. AshS
    Sep 24, 2003
    10
    I give this album a Super 10. Outkasts' style and and content are ever changing. Anyone whose tired of all the same ideas and concepts that are going on today can appreciate the diversity brought to the table by this flawless duo. The album is diverse and touches every emotion and feeling inside my body. It takes me on a journey to seek out the many sides and personas of the group. I give this album a Super 10. Outkasts' style and and content are ever changing. Anyone whose tired of all the same ideas and concepts that are going on today can appreciate the diversity brought to the table by this flawless duo. The album is diverse and touches every emotion and feeling inside my body. It takes me on a journey to seek out the many sides and personas of the group. Anytime an artist can let their fans in like that it must be appreciated. … Expand
  34. PoundsKbfunk
    Sep 24, 2003
    10
    Q magazine writes, "The Love Below isn't really hip hop at all", but so what if it not hip hop-it's better than hip hop-it's music!! Album of the year! Hands down!
  35. AdamM
    Sep 24, 2003
    10
    Outkast continue to flip it better than any group in the game. Continuing to diversify as their careers lengthen, they're sure to impress us for years to come. Dope underground shit: Viktor Vaughn - Vaudeville Villain
  36. Jeff
    Sep 25, 2003
    10
    Few commercial artists around take as many risks as this album does. Buy this CD now...thank me later.
  37. daver
    Sep 25, 2003
    10
    about 40 tracks. over 2 hours of listening pleasure. each song hits another unique topic and takes the listener to another train of thought all together. i think some people are afraid to tell the truth that they like the solo debuts from this duo because if there are too many critics saying its a masterpiece, outkast could stay this way. hell, if they continue to make music this great, i about 40 tracks. over 2 hours of listening pleasure. each song hits another unique topic and takes the listener to another train of thought all together. i think some people are afraid to tell the truth that they like the solo debuts from this duo because if there are too many critics saying its a masterpiece, outkast could stay this way. hell, if they continue to make music this great, i won't mind.… Expand
  38. kaydee
    Sep 25, 2003
    10
    This is by far the best Outkast album ever. READ MY TEXTThis album will sell 10 million copies by the end of the year.
  39. lewisalex
    Sep 26, 2003
    10
    love adre3000's cd, but big bois is garbage. what they need to do is stay together and keep putting out the hits.
  40. JaredB
    Sep 26, 2003
    10
    Phat, ill, and everything else inbetween, a true collaboration of talents. Allowing the personalities of each to shine in one beautiful jewelry case is my heaven! Thank you Outkast for breaking your second release into my top 10 albums of all time. Aquemni, meet SpeakerboxxTheLoveBelow.
  41. carlos
    Sep 27, 2003
    10
    this album is insane and couragous it better get album of the year
  42. DCipher_7
    Sep 27, 2003
    10
    Outkast has once again raised the bar for artist in the hiphop industry. Big Boi reclaims his stand as one of the top mcs in the industry when he rips thru a variety of different tracks from crunk, to southernfunkdafied on his solo shot. Andre3000 has litterally done the equivalent to reinventing the wheel in the industry by single handedly becoming the protocol for every artist in every Outkast has once again raised the bar for artist in the hiphop industry. Big Boi reclaims his stand as one of the top mcs in the industry when he rips thru a variety of different tracks from crunk, to southernfunkdafied on his solo shot. Andre3000 has litterally done the equivalent to reinventing the wheel in the industry by single handedly becoming the protocol for every artist in every genre. One word to describe his album...WOE! … Expand
  43. EmersonD
    Sep 28, 2003
    10
    Arguable flaws, truly visionary, I would really rate them separately as Speakerboxxx 9 and The Love Below 10, but putting them together Andre brings up the average just enough. Best rap group ever, and not an easy thing to admit either.
  44. icecold
    Nov 2, 2004
    10
    No one has ever done it , two of the greatest cd's packages together? It like a two for one lapdance! CLASSIC.
  45. dougd
    Feb 12, 2004
    10
    Outkasts is tight but what is the deal with all the pianno music on the Love below,but i like Hey ya ,and the way u move, so gotta give it up soooo. i gavem a 10
  46. jamikaw
    Apr 11, 2004
    10
    i think it rocks it would have 2 b the best cd i really like the song roses and prototype. OutKast rocks
  47. jimf
    Jun 17, 2004
    10
    GREATEST ALBUM EVER
  48. GaborA
    Aug 24, 2004
    6
    Speakerboxxx is the more similar to an older Outkast album but its not nearly as good and not only becuase of Dre's absence. Love Below is an embarrasment for the talented Dre. Its not that hes not rapping or anything its just flat out terrible. If a three year old came up to me with lyrics in crayon on paper that said "roses really smell boo boo" then i would scold him for writing Speakerboxxx is the more similar to an older Outkast album but its not nearly as good and not only becuase of Dre's absence. Love Below is an embarrasment for the talented Dre. Its not that hes not rapping or anything its just flat out terrible. If a three year old came up to me with lyrics in crayon on paper that said "roses really smell boo boo" then i would scold him for writing terrible lines. If your goal was to lose the old die hard outkast fans who nodded their heads to Synthesizer to prepubescent thirteen year old girls and the ficile cheering of the masses then mission accomplished. … Expand
  49. EthanK
    Nov 23, 2005
    10
    **** rolling stone magazine. this album is genius.
  50. JuliaW
    Nov 7, 2005
    10
    Soooooooooo good
  51. TheHams
    Feb 14, 2006
    6
    The Love Below is extraordinary. It alone deserves a 10. However, Big Boi's half sounds extremely over-produced. The beats are just horrible. Stankonia was much better.
  52. ksnizzle
    Nov 11, 2003
    10
    Totally unique and untouchable. Outkast has two minds that work together as one, or in this case two cds that are like no other in the game. That is why they continue to be the best in the game. They are not afraid to do what they feel. Classical, if you don't like it, then you can't appreciate good musick.
  53. BigWorm
    Nov 17, 2003
    10
    OFF THE HOOK. The lyrics and the level of thought behind them are unmatched, in todays hip-hop culture. Many people will not be able to relate, if they only listen once, or separate what they hear from what they think (your mind and ears should work together, when listening to these albums). I was a little thrown off, initially. But, after further indulgance, I can't seem to stop OFF THE HOOK. The lyrics and the level of thought behind them are unmatched, in todays hip-hop culture. Many people will not be able to relate, if they only listen once, or separate what they hear from what they think (your mind and ears should work together, when listening to these albums). I was a little thrown off, initially. But, after further indulgance, I can't seem to stop listening. I've been listening to These brothers (from another mother), since their first release. They haven't let me down yet.… Expand
  54. AndrewR
    Nov 21, 2003
    8
    Speakerboxxx/The Love Below is loads of fun, and I admire the double-album format, but man, this album would've been just perfect if Dre and Big Boi had actually collaborated more. As it is, Big Boi's Speakerboxxx feels like an Outkast album, and all the incredible dopeness that comes with it. Dre's disc, The Love Below, is a fine listen, but it's all over the place Speakerboxxx/The Love Below is loads of fun, and I admire the double-album format, but man, this album would've been just perfect if Dre and Big Boi had actually collaborated more. As it is, Big Boi's Speakerboxxx feels like an Outkast album, and all the incredible dopeness that comes with it. Dre's disc, The Love Below, is a fine listen, but it's all over the place and at times too "out there," because Dre knows he's a creative genius and suffers by trying to jam-pack The Love Below with his creativity. It works sometimes-- "Happy Valentine's Day," "Dracula's Wedding," and "Hey Ya!" are all incredibly jumpin'-- but there's just one too many sub-Prince funk ballads to make it a uniformly great listen. And for all of Outkast's innovations, they still haven't learned to make a skit-less hip-hop album. That said, Speakerboxxx/The Love Below is well worth the price tag, jam-packed with great tunes (particularly on Boi's disc) and one of the most entertaining releases of 2003 thus far.… Expand
  55. Jessica
    Nov 26, 2003
    8
    Speakerboxx--I liked to sit down and listen to all the lyrics and beats in these songs. They mix funky soul, rhythm and blues, modern day hip hop and rap. The Love Below--more like a cd I would just put in the player and not pay attention to and use as background music. The mixture of styles were all over the place, they don't flow together. My favorites on Speakerboxxx are Ghetto Speakerboxx--I liked to sit down and listen to all the lyrics and beats in these songs. They mix funky soul, rhythm and blues, modern day hip hop and rap. The Love Below--more like a cd I would just put in the player and not pay attention to and use as background music. The mixture of styles were all over the place, they don't flow together. My favorites on Speakerboxxx are Ghetto Muzick(spelling?), War, Church, and The Way you move. On the Love Below, my only favorite so far is Hey Ya. Although these are separate cds, they still work together on some of the songs. I think this cd is a definite for any OutKast fan and for those who are open-minded. The feelings I got listening to these cds range from energetic, sexy, mellow, happy-go-lucky, tough, funny, weird, "what the heck is this!?" (at some points), overall its a good trip.… Expand
  56. HourKittt
    Dec 24, 2003
    10
    This album restored my faith in hip hop. It's simple as that. I got scared that everything would turn in to eminem&co-style shit. Until two dope boyz came back and made my day. May their future be a bright one. Praise be.
  57. KiriC
    Nov 24, 2005
    10
    WTF is with all the people that didn't give this album 10!This is by far one of the biggest leaps in hip-hop/rap history. sheer originality explodes from every song, i would say it is up there with stankonia by far.
  58. briang
    Nov 25, 2005
    10
    One of the most creative, open-minded albums ever composed. Freedom of expression reigns to the point of laughablility, yet the intelligence and depth of thought goes far beyond anything comical. It's painfully insightful about todays life in love.
  59. DanielJ
    Dec 14, 2005
    10
    Speakboxxx is the best hip hop album ever...bar none! The Love Below is strange but still entertaining.
  60. AaronH
    May 9, 2007
    8
    Good music is not self indulgent. If you're looking for gangsta, this isn't it. Please, if gangsta is what you're looking for, by all means, buy a 50 Cent album. If you like R&B that borders on jazz, The Love Below has its moments. In fact, it has enough moments that someone like me, who generally avoids hip-hop, bought the album. As for the comparisons to Prince--the Good music is not self indulgent. If you're looking for gangsta, this isn't it. Please, if gangsta is what you're looking for, by all means, buy a 50 Cent album. If you like R&B that borders on jazz, The Love Below has its moments. In fact, it has enough moments that someone like me, who generally avoids hip-hop, bought the album. As for the comparisons to Prince--the resemblance is superficial. Andre 3000 is in his own territory here.… Expand
  61. MalikM.
    Jul 15, 2007
    10
    This IS THE GREATEST ALBUM I EVER HEARD ANDRE 3000 IS A MUSICAL GENIUS
  62. ShaanS
    Mar 28, 2007
    7
    Pales in comparison to Stankonia. Not the genre molding album the critics claimed it to be. They must have needed a rap album to their top 10 lists to diversify.
  63. DanA
    Jun 24, 2007
    10
    Funking amazing album. Can never stop listening to it. The Love Below is genius, and Speakerboxxx is like an extension to the previously awesome style Outkast has been known for. A classic.
  64. RSkells
    Sep 6, 2006
    7
    I love outkast. i really do. but this album was not up to snuff with previous efforts. Outkast is one of the greatest hip hop acts of all time with a fantastic track record and i cannot help but measure this album against records like stankonia and the incomparable Aquemini. Those albums featured two partners in music, complimenting each other perfectly. here, we see two unique artists I love outkast. i really do. but this album was not up to snuff with previous efforts. Outkast is one of the greatest hip hop acts of all time with a fantastic track record and i cannot help but measure this album against records like stankonia and the incomparable Aquemini. Those albums featured two partners in music, complimenting each other perfectly. here, we see two unique artists drifting away from each other creatively, each losing a bit of their shine in the process. there are still some good tunes on this ablum(s?) but its not the consistent brilliance that one expects from an outkast disc.… Expand
  65. RichardB.
    Dec 28, 2007
    10
    Best album I've ever bought.
  66. Alex
    Oct 29, 2007
    10
    Not to sound fanboyish or anything but OutKast is arguably the greatest music group to ever come out during the 21st century.
  67. ChrisR.
    Oct 6, 2007
    8
    60 Rolling Stone Each of these albums is as noteworthy for what's missing as for what's there. What the fuck type of beating around the bush bullshit is this? I hope that their headquarters burns to the ground along melting all their cappuccino machines. I didn't listen to this album BTW, just guessing how good it is from the singles.
  68. James
    Nov 1, 2007
    10
    Outkast is the greatest hip hop group out there today!
  69. ToddS
    Jan 3, 2007
    5
    Why is the an Outkast album? Big Boi and Andre do approximately 3 songs together on the entire 2-disc album. This isn't an Outkast album. It's 2 solo albums put together with Andre reinventing himself as the new Prince of the millenium, and Big Boi showing that he can't hold a solo album on his own (he has a guest featured on almost every track). Not a bad album as far as Why is the an Outkast album? Big Boi and Andre do approximately 3 songs together on the entire 2-disc album. This isn't an Outkast album. It's 2 solo albums put together with Andre reinventing himself as the new Prince of the millenium, and Big Boi showing that he can't hold a solo album on his own (he has a guest featured on almost every track). Not a bad album as far as commercial hip-hop is concerned, but nowhere near as great as their prior releases. Big and Andre need to ditch the marketing ploy and stop calling themselves Outkast for they have officially gone solo with this release.… Expand
  70. DavidH
    Apr 25, 2007
    10
    absolutely incredibly orginal, outkast continue to redefine hip hop and r'n'b, while pushing the envelope to create an album that is jam-packed with weird, unpredictable, thoroughly exciting tracks, like nothing you've heard before. I think it is impossible to compare the two discs, while both are beautifully flawed, they both contain so many different strengths. While the absolutely incredibly orginal, outkast continue to redefine hip hop and r'n'b, while pushing the envelope to create an album that is jam-packed with weird, unpredictable, thoroughly exciting tracks, like nothing you've heard before. I think it is impossible to compare the two discs, while both are beautifully flawed, they both contain so many different strengths. While the love below is sexier, more soulful, with wildly bizzare hooks and some softer chilled songs, it is perfectly clear that the love below is a redefining r'n'b album, speakerboxxx redefines hip hop, containing very lively catchy jazzy songs, and then becoming very dark, more street and urban, still containing wildly catchy hooks, and both are emotionally resonant. while it is impossible to rule out one as better, everyone will have their favourite, depending on their preference to either r'n'b or hip hop. overall, one of the most successful albums ever, and my favourite album ever!… Expand
  71. DorianL
    Mar 15, 2007
    2
    2 for effort. This is the worst album of theirs that I have heard, this album made me lose alot of respect for Outkast although I have listened to them from the start. I just don't even want to listen to Idlewild. I still love the rest of their albums
  72. ScottW.
    Aug 19, 2007
    8
    The secouned is a tie at 8.0 Very fun guys to listen to, and without a dull moment once again makes this a fine secound installment.
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Awards & Rankings

2
#2 Best Album of 2003
5
#5 Most Discussed Album of 2003
8
#8 Most Shared Album of 2003

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
91

Universal acclaim - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. Los Angeles Times
    Apr 17, 2012
    100
    OutKast's duo have made a cohesive statement that not only cries at the boundaries of rap music but vaults over them to a place where the music sounds like neon colors and the only rule is that you must free your mind. Your ears will follow.
    Read full review
  2. Mojo
    90
    The genius of past Outkast isn't diluted or diminished across these disks, rather it's doubled, expanded and explored. [Sep 2003, p.99]
  3. New York Magazine (Vulture)
    80
    Speakerboxxx--by itself the album of the year--makes the failings of The Love Below all the more evident.
    Read full review
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