This Unruly Mess I've Made
by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
User Score
6.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 153 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 87 out of 153
  2. Mixed: 32 out of 153
  3. Negative: 34 out of 153
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  1. TimW001
    Feb 28, 2016
    7
    This album is filled with some good songs and a few completely unforgettable tracks. Fantastic production from start to finish and also incredible features (KRS-One, Melle Mel, chance the Rapper, Idras Elba). The Train, Light Tunnels, Downtown, Buckhot, Kevin, Growing Up, St Ides, are all great songs and worth listening. Not as strong, thoughtful, or fun as 'The Heist'. Many people willThis album is filled with some good songs and a few completely unforgettable tracks. Fantastic production from start to finish and also incredible features (KRS-One, Melle Mel, chance the Rapper, Idras Elba). The Train, Light Tunnels, Downtown, Buckhot, Kevin, Growing Up, St Ides, are all great songs and worth listening. Not as strong, thoughtful, or fun as 'The Heist'. Many people will give this album a low rating because a lot of people hate Macklemore, but in reality it's an decent album.… Expand
  2. sevo1334
    Feb 28, 2016
    8
    I saw many reviews saying how bad the album is, I disagree with this but then again music is a very opinionated topic, some will like this album and some will not.

    Firstly I would like to point out that this album in nothing like 'The Heist', I felt like there was a perfect balance of funny and ridiculous songs mixed with serious songs like 'A Wake', with their new album I find the same    I saw many reviews saying how bad the album is, I disagree with this but then again music is a very opinionated topic, some will like this album and some will not.

    Firstly I would like to point out that this album in nothing like 'The Heist', I felt like there was a perfect balance of funny and ridiculous songs mixed with serious songs like 'A Wake', with their new album I find the same thing but it doesn't have the same spark as 'The Heist', don't get me wrong I think this album is something great and special, what I really like about Macklemore and Ryan Lewis is that they produce music that's different to the same things we hear on the radio daily and they have done it again with this album.
    Pros:
    - The songs have great lyrics and the beats are great, a joy to listen to especially if you own equipment with powerful bass.
    - As I said the music is unique in my opinion and that comes as a massive pro for me.
    - There are some really good and funny songs in the album, I suggest checking out 'Dance off'.

    Cons:
    - As good as the album is, I don't think that it has the same balance and spark that the previous album did, the previous album had many songs that I enjoyed over a long period of time, songs such as 'Thrift Shop' and 'Castle' but I feel this album does not have that same level in it (if that makes any sense).

    That was the only con I found but unfortunately for me that was a big one as I really enjoyed the style of the previous album which made me give it an 8/10 but this doesn't mean that you shouldn't check it out, I think this album is worth every penny.

    Good Job to Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, some great work went into this album and it totally paid off.    … Expand
  3. Xaviale
    Feb 28, 2016
    9
    Once, you reach success as an artist you gain an ability to do more of what you really want. This album doesn't have an epic epiphany like The Heist although it feels like Macklemore really expanded his horizons with this album.

    It has its upbeat tracks and of course it more somber and serious topic tracks. We don't need another Heist album. I feel like this album was much needed    Once, you reach success as an artist you gain an ability to do more of what you really want. This album doesn't have an epic epiphany like The Heist although it feels like Macklemore really expanded his horizons with this album.

    It has its upbeat tracks and of course it more somber and serious topic tracks.

    We don't need another Heist album. I feel like this album was much needed from Macklemore.    … Expand
  4. wrognibene
    Feb 26, 2016
    7
    Macklemore and Ryan Lewis' sophomore album together falls short of the fun-factor from "The Heist," but still features plenty of brilliantly scored pieces of poetic justice. Overall, Ryan Lewis shows once again that he can create music that adds to someone's words and not the other way around, and most of the time, Macklemore steps up to the plate.

    Unfortunately, this time around, they    Macklemore and Ryan Lewis' sophomore album together falls short of the fun-factor from "The Heist," but still features plenty of brilliantly scored pieces of poetic justice. Overall, Ryan Lewis shows once again that he can create music that adds to someone's words and not the other way around, and most of the time, Macklemore steps up to the plate.

    Unfortunately, this time around, they don't always hit the mark. The lyrics are more overtly political, and we lose a little of that subtlety that made songs like "Same Love" and "Thin Line" easy to listen to but heavy to think about. There are at least three songs that deal with Macklemore's struggle to understand his place in Hollywood and his frustration with fame and entertainment culture.

    That's not to say it's all as extremely self-aware as "White Privilege II" (an impressive, albeit long-winded piece). Last summer's hit "Downtown" remains just as fun as the first time we heard it, the hilarious "Let's Eat" is both satirical and catchy, and "Growing Up" is a powerfully introspective piece about being a young parent, with excellent backup vocals by Ed Sheeran.

    It won't have as many plays as "The Heist," but "This Unruly Mess I've Made" is definitely worth more than one listen.    … Expand
  5. tlbetz
    Feb 27, 2016
    10
    This is a fantastic album, and I cannot stop listening to Light Tunnels, Dance Off, and Need to Know. Kevin ft. Leon Bridges is an incredibly deep song about addiction and a lot of people will definitely be able relate to it.
  6. fidasek
    Feb 26, 2016
    10
    TUMIM is missing some of the catchiness The Heist offered, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. This time, whole album is more serious while it remains easy to listen with some parts that will stay in your mind for some time. It kinda reminds me of RAM from Daft Punk with the way TUMIM is built. It also has a lot of variety, features some old school, some modern, some pop-like songs andTUMIM is missing some of the catchiness The Heist offered, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. This time, whole album is more serious while it remains easy to listen with some parts that will stay in your mind for some time. It kinda reminds me of RAM from Daft Punk with the way TUMIM is built. It also has a lot of variety, features some old school, some modern, some pop-like songs and while some of the songs may seem redundant on their own, it adds that ridiculousness and corniness to whole LP that Macklemore is known for. So if you are looking for some damn funny songs with sweet tones and liked The Heist, you may not like TUMIM. It's not that album that makes you think "wow I like rap and hip hop" as The Heist, and I don't even think it was Macklemore's aim this time. TUMIM to me is an album that is done for his fans and is honest and comes directly from his heart.… Expand
  7. Jonas17
    Feb 27, 2016
    10
    This really is an amazing album. Especially 'Light Tunnels' and 'Let's eat' are very good and funny aswell. The whole album has a catchy sound and contains a lot of humor. But there are also some emotional songs like 'Kevin' and 'White Privilige' . A 9 out of 10 for me
  8. nirvanafreak
    Feb 27, 2016
    7
    Favourite Songs: Downtown, White Privilege II, St. Ides, Buckshot, Let's Eat
    Least Favourite Songs: Brad Pitt's Cousin, Dance Off
    After 4 years of studio album silence, independent rapper Macklemore has finally returned with 'This Unruly Mess I've Made'. When I was listening to it for the 3rd of 4th time I was still trying to figure out how much I enjoyed the overall project. It was    Favourite Songs: Downtown, White Privilege II, St. Ides, Buckshot, Let's Eat
    Least Favourite Songs: Brad Pitt's Cousin, Dance Off
    After 4 years of studio album silence, independent rapper Macklemore has finally returned with 'This Unruly Mess I've Made'. When I was listening to it for the 3rd of 4th time I was still trying to figure out how much I enjoyed the overall project. It was strangely very hard because there's tracks I almost hate (Brad Pitt's Cousin), a lot of tracks that are just ok and a handful of tracks that I love- mostly the singles released beforehand. It's hard to pin point the album into one category because it can go from funk pop to piano balladry but I think uplifting might be the best word for it. It's by no means a fun project, as for every fun song that doesn't take itself too seriously there's a very sad, socially conscious song, although Macklemore does seem to see the light at the end of the tunnel (no pun intended) on the more depressing songs. He's still an average MC but he gets his point across very well and in the final track he almost shoots down any criticisms that might be thrown at the song or album which is probably why it's 8 minutes long. I enjoy some of the novelty songs in the track list but they're too often the records downfall. I love the humour on 'Let's Eat' and his defiant cry of "I LOVE FRIED **** is weirdly very satisfying but the topics in 'Dance Off' have been explored by the duo before and it's production is annoyingly commercial. There's another novelty song 'Brad Pitt's Cousin' which is downright terrible mostly because of the trashy chorus. Overall, this album is a bit of a mess but it has some amazing songs on and I'm still happy for their success as they are still somehow independent artists. Better Than Previous Project?: Yes Try This If You Like: Surf by Donnie Trumpet & The Social Experiment    … Expand
  9. Huraxdax
    Feb 27, 2016
    9
    I'm truly impressed with this Record. Right when I played the first song, it captivated me. Not only do I appreciate the smart and thoughtful lyrics, I also think that the usage of less electric-sounding beats and melodies that go more in the direction of classical R&B fits perfectly and makes this Album sonically cohesive.
    The first song, Light Tunnels featuring Mike Slap stood out to me    I'm truly impressed with this Record. Right when I played the first song, it captivated me. Not only do I appreciate the smart and thoughtful lyrics, I also think that the usage of less electric-sounding beats and melodies that go more in the direction of classical R&B fits perfectly and makes this Album sonically cohesive.
    The first song, Light Tunnels featuring Mike Slap stood out to me especially. The idea of sharing the experience of an award ceremony in a song is something I haven't seen yet. And it works well as Macklemore himself seems to have experienced the events he's rapping about.
    Obviously, White Privilege II is already iconic. This 8 minute long masterpiece of a hip hop song about racism and the black-lives-matter movement has so many levels and details and changes inside itself and that makes every second of it worth listening - over and over again.
    But songs like Let's Eat featuring XP show that not everything about the Record is deep and serious. Let's Eat is a positive-sounding tune about not caring about one's weight but instead enjoying life.

    All in all i'm in love with Macklemore's new album and i'm sure it will rise to great success.    … Expand
  10. ronniethaman
    Feb 28, 2016
    7
    Imo, The Heist was a great album. But unfortunately for me, TUMIM doesn't quite live up to what The Heist was. While I do think this is still a good album, it's kept from being a great album by what seems to be 2 of the worst hip hop songs this year so far, Dance Off and Let's Eat, along with some songs that contain some of his worst and corniest lines to date. "I'm so low that my scrotumsImo, The Heist was a great album. But unfortunately for me, TUMIM doesn't quite live up to what The Heist was. While I do think this is still a good album, it's kept from being a great album by what seems to be 2 of the worst hip hop songs this year so far, Dance Off and Let's Eat, along with some songs that contain some of his worst and corniest lines to date. "I'm so low that my scrotums almost dragging up on the concrete." I grab my ankle and pull it up, and do that thing where I move my butt." "What if I actually read an article? Actually had a dialogue?" Macklemore still shows the lyrical skill of a spitter on some tracks, but the album can reach extreme levels of corny, and it also comes off as a bit preachy like the songs Need To Know and parts of Light Tunnel's which I thought were both of the better songs of the album. His preachiness almost reminding me of Hopsin a bit. (Who I am not a fan of at all...) The album's higher points are really the more exciting tracks like Light Tunnel's, Downtown, Brad Pitt's Cousin, Buckshot, and even Kevin which touches on the over-prescription of drugs in America and his friend Kevin who died from being a drug addict, as well as macklemore who was an addict himself and has such a soulful chorus from soul singer Leon Bridges. While I do like the album's more introspective parts like need to know which had a fantastic chance the rapper verse and arguably better than his verse on The Life Of Pablo, growing up and st. ides, ryan lewis just falls short on the instrumental side with these tracks. the heist had some really fantastic tracks on there, them being wing$, and same love, that sounded interesting along with there being a great message. Only Kevin really did that for me on this album. overall this is a good album, but the instrumentals needed improvement, and Macklemore needs to stop with the corniness of his songs.

    Fav Songs: Light Tunnels, Downtown, Brad Pitt's Cousin, Buckshot, Kevin, Need to Know, White Privilege 2.
    Least Fav Songs: Dance Off, Let's Eat, Bolo Tie, The Train    … Expand
  11. ericchristt
    Feb 27, 2016
    10
    Not sure how these idiotic critics didn't like this album. Maybe they haven't listened to enough rap? Because this is one the greatest albums this year. You can tell they spent time to produce a album that tells so much about themselves. Every song can be listened to on repeat for hours.
  12. cameronlow
    Feb 26, 2016
    9
    I definitely can appreciate conscious hip hop with great beats (with no drama/PR stunts and NO autotune). The guests on the album compliment macklemore and ryan lewis quite well.
  13. LADYGAGAGreece
    Feb 29, 2016
    10
    When I first listened to "The Heist" it instantly became one of my favorite albums and I could never imagine that this killer duo would make a better record to be honest. I just have to say "This Unruly Mess I've Made" proved me so so so wrong!
  14. allineed
    Mar 19, 2016
    8
    It's a good album, not as good as "The Heist", but it is still good. In these last years, rap has become more and more commercial, even many rap songs have pop features so it is noteworthy Macklemore & Ryan Lewis don't need that to make a good rap song. I really like the indie-rap touch and some topics of this album. There are funny songs and serious/mature songs.
    Definitely, my favorites    It's a good album, not as good as "The Heist", but it is still good. In these last years, rap has become more and more commercial, even many rap songs have pop features so it is noteworthy Macklemore & Ryan Lewis don't need that to make a good rap song. I really like the indie-rap touch and some topics of this album. There are funny songs and serious/mature songs.
    Definitely, my favorites are "Growing Up", "Light Tunnels", "The Train", "White Privilege II", "Dance Off", "Kevin" and "Spoons"; and my least favorite song is "Let's Eat".

    Stop hating and enjoy the music!    … Expand
  15. Khazak
    Feb 26, 2016
    9
    Modern and Forward Thinking, TUMIM really pulls off something incredible, its slightly sloppy, naive or childish in some parts but just as to be expected by a Macklemore album. But the true appeal and greatness of this album is its grasp on current affairs and its dedication to tackling serious social problems. Macklemore and Ryan Lewis join the leagues of other hip hop and rap artistModern and Forward Thinking, TUMIM really pulls off something incredible, its slightly sloppy, naive or childish in some parts but just as to be expected by a Macklemore album. But the true appeal and greatness of this album is its grasp on current affairs and its dedication to tackling serious social problems. Macklemore and Ryan Lewis join the leagues of other hip hop and rap artist which have also tried to tackle such events, but with their own touch. Ryan Lewis yet again delivers smashing and powerful beats and rhythms which are just beautiful. Truley a very well crafted album, and definitely worth the wait.… Expand
  16. erreelesiete
    Mar 3, 2016
    9
    A surprinsingly diverse album that shows the duo's search for finding new sounds and themes. A truly worthy album of your time and attentions. Tracks like Light Tunnels, Downtown, Dance Off and of course White Privilege II are must hears.
  17. TyrionLannister
    Mar 8, 2016
    8
    i love macklemore, this is a good album great songs very nice lyrics..........................................................................................
  18. Xtiangunther
    Sep 14, 2016
    10
    People will look back and realize how much they missed on this. This is a GREAT album. As a fellow Seattleite, I can tell you, Macklemore and Ryan have zero interest in pretending they are something they are not. They are Seattleites. We are earnest, relatively well-educated idealists here. The REAL pretension is those who cast negative reviews on ANY artist with anything constructive toPeople will look back and realize how much they missed on this. This is a GREAT album. As a fellow Seattleite, I can tell you, Macklemore and Ryan have zero interest in pretending they are something they are not. They are Seattleites. We are earnest, relatively well-educated idealists here. The REAL pretension is those who cast negative reviews on ANY artist with anything constructive to say, unless it is cloaked in malaise (U2 is another example that critics love to hate). As a fellow musician, I can tell you, almost no critic could even dream of creating an album of such depth and breadth, honesty and talent as is contained here. The choirs, the arrangements, the global spice from the US South, the Middle East, MoTown, England, etc. are epic. The lyrics are fresh and deep. Yes, he sings "I want to be Hugh Jackman/ you know jacked, man”. Had snoop sung it, it'd be declared 'genius', only underscoring Macklemore's points about bigoted double-standards and hypocrisy. Hipster rubbish rags such as "TinyMixTapes" (gee, talk about pretentious) declaring the music 'not good' only prove they are unworthy of anyone's attention. This Album sores with great variety and intelligence. "Downtown" is perfect pop-genius, glorifying the moped (SO Seattle!!!) where motorcycle's usually are referenced. "St. Ides, with its twangy guitar lick loop, laments Seattle's condo-ification and rapid rise that threatens all the emerald City means to so many. I could go on and on, Black Lives matter reflections, Michael Jackson tinged dance raps, raging against unbridled Capitalism's destruction, the absurdity of fame and Grammy-award posturing -this is amongst the best thinking-person's hip hop, set to GREAT MUSIC.… Expand
  19. deguz6
    Sep 17, 2016
    10
    Great album. Great content. Love the song Kevin. Please keep doing your thing Macklemore. I made this account just to give you a positive review. I listened to both albums back to back many times, great, inspirational albums. I'm really tired of rappers with drug, money, and violence themes gathering so much praise, makes no sense. Lyrically and creativity wise, not many are on thisGreat album. Great content. Love the song Kevin. Please keep doing your thing Macklemore. I made this account just to give you a positive review. I listened to both albums back to back many times, great, inspirational albums. I'm really tired of rappers with drug, money, and violence themes gathering so much praise, makes no sense. Lyrically and creativity wise, not many are on this your... tiramisu… Expand
  20. arascic
    Feb 18, 2017
    7
    It's a nice album overall. It deals with interesting and relevant topics like the music industry and the hypocrisy of the Grammy's. It talks about drug abuse especially prescription based ones (Xanax for anxiety, Adderall for focus and Ambien for sleep, as Mack put it himself), he talks about obesity and the culture of food porn in America, then he shuts some hater mouths together with YGIt's a nice album overall. It deals with interesting and relevant topics like the music industry and the hypocrisy of the Grammy's. It talks about drug abuse especially prescription based ones (Xanax for anxiety, Adderall for focus and Ambien for sleep, as Mack put it himself), he talks about obesity and the culture of food porn in America, then he shuts some hater mouths together with YG in order to wrap things up talking about racial issues on White Privilege II. However, though the themes are very important and relevant I feel that Macklemore should have approached majority of them in a more thoughtful manner, because when listening I feel like he's really just scratching the surface and doesn't really go any deeper than the rest of us in our thinking. I did compare this to Lamar's TPAB since you can call both of these records as "conscious" and I admire Kendrick's style of addressing important issues much more than Macklemore because Kendrick is careful in picking the topics, and then gives it a lot of lot of thought, creates an amazing concept, and then executes the concept both lyrically and sonically in a flawless manner. Hell, even J Cole did one track where he addressed some politics in a more thoughtful way than Mack. I'm not trying to diss Mack, but If he wants to make these types of records and not just chug out pop hits, IMHO he will need to do a lot of homework studying those that did it before him. Anyways, I do recommend you give this album a listen through.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

39
#39 Most Discussed Album of 2016
65
#65 Most Shared Album of 2016

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
59

Mixed or average reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 17
  3. Negative: 1 out of 17
  1. PopMatters
    Mar 24, 2016
    50
    Though This Unruly Mess I’ve Made is decent, its biggest failing lies in its quality control. For every good song, there are two mediocre and/or forgettable ones next to them.
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  2. Pretty Much Amazing
    Mar 18, 2016
    50
    “Kevin” and “White Privilege II”, obvious attempts to spark political discourse, see an artist not afraid to speak his mind. It makes meme-chasing moments like “Brad Pitt’s Cousin” and “Dance-Off” all the more forgettable.
    Read full review
  3. RapReviews.com
    Mar 15, 2016
    75
    Despite some lyrical flaws here and there, it still shines.
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