The Epic
by Kamasi Washington
Metascore
83

Universal acclaim - based on 7 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
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  1. RapReviews.com
    Jul 2, 2015
    90
    It is an album that pushes boundaries and yet is always listenable and relatable, even at its most intricate and complex.
  2. Pitchfork
    Jun 18, 2015
    86
    The big news is that The Epic actually makes good on its titular promise without bothering to make even a faint-hearted stab in the direction of fulfilling its pre-release hype.
  3. The Guardian
    Jun 18, 2015
    80
    Only a shortage of thematic surprises--given its extravagant length--keeps it from being quite the seismically jazz-changing departure that some admirers are claiming.
  5. Uncut
    Jun 18, 2015
    80
    There's some filler among three hours of material but the instrumentals are staggering, pulsating pieces that breathe life into soul-jazz. [Jul 2015, p.84]
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  6. AllMusic
    Jun 18, 2015
    80
    Holistic in breadth and deep in vision, it provides a way into this music for many, and challenges the cultural conversation about jazz without compromising or pandering.
  7. Drowned In Sound
    Jun 18, 2015
    80
    This is wonderful stuff.
  8. Rolling Stone
    Jun 18, 2015
    70
    To be sure, it's a jazz album, as much about tradition as expanding it, informed by Coltranes (John and Alice), Miles Davis fusions, bebop and more; yet it's clearly shaped by crate-digger funk and film scores, hip-hop collage and gospel.

Awards & Rankings

61
#61 Best Album of 2015
91
#91 Most Shared Album of 2015

User Reviews

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User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 78 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 73 out of 78
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 78
  3. Negative: 2 out of 78
  1. 2ndBMN
    Jul 14, 2015
    10
    An absolute stunning, soulful and honest bravura masterpiece. I was completely scared of its beauty in the first listening. It's a grippingAn absolute stunning, soulful and honest bravura masterpiece. I was completely scared of its beauty in the first listening. It's a gripping piece of work. Kudos, Kamasi.… Full Review »
  2. SirMeatwad
    Jun 28, 2015
    9
    Fantastic modern jazz album. 3 discs totaling 3 hours. It's just insane Kamasi released soooo much music here and he keeps the qualityFantastic modern jazz album. 3 discs totaling 3 hours. It's just insane Kamasi released soooo much music here and he keeps the quality consistently high throughout the entire 3 hours. Anyone looking to check out some modern jazz, this is a great place to look. Kamasi played on some tracks on Kendrick Lamar's To Pimp A Butterfly and the 2 of them along with Flying Lotus, and bassist bassist Thundercat have all been working together quite a bit lately. It's pretty exciting to see… Full Review »
  3. jtucker7
    Aug 19, 2015
    10
    Kamasi Washington is a true musical genius. At first i was scared of the 3 hour run time but once i got into it that went away and all iKamasi Washington is a true musical genius. At first i was scared of the 3 hour run time but once i got into it that went away and all i wanted was more! I defiantly recommend this album to anyone. Its a masterpiece!… Full Review »
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