If there's little of the duelling gamesmanship that made their 1993 debut so remarkable, this is still a joyful comeback, brimming with big screen music. [Feb 2015, p.91]
A Better Tomorrow isn’t all good (most noticeably, it’s lacking killer verses from Raekwon and Ghostface Killah), but it’s a bold, clever album that’s thankfully positioned away from the hip-hop zeitgeist.
RZA’s chosen musical style here appears to be “mid-paced jam band” which hardly helps in enlivening rappers who give off a distinct vibe of puffy middle age. The better tracks – Necklace, Miracle, 40th Street Black--are produced by others.
While RZA’s desire to evolve is laudable (drumline, terrific), the flawed musical execution on sluggish tracks “Ron O’Neal,” “Miracle,” and “Preacher’s Daughter” is at odds with the rappers’ combustible virtuosity.
A Better Tomorrow has very little to do with the music of 20 years ago, but it has even less to do with the music of today; it’s completely out of joint, an island of irrelevance forced into being by the labor- and drama-intensive nature of the group.
I don't get all the hate. If you a true Wu head this album is for you. It's Wu doing Wu. It's 2014 not 1993. They all in there 40s withI don't get all the hate. If you a true Wu head this album is for you. It's Wu doing Wu. It's 2014 not 1993. They all in there 40s with different priorities than they had when they were in their 20s. This album is a lot better than all the critics and users have rated it. It's the evolution of the Wu-tang Clan. They're not going to be angry and raw after 20+ years in the game. People need to appreciate this album for what it is not what they want it to be.…Expand
I don't get all the hate. If you a true Wu head this album is for you. It's Wu doing Wu. It's 2014 not 1993. They all in there 40s withI don't get all the hate. If you a true Wu head this album is for you. It's Wu doing Wu. It's 2014 not 1993. They all in there 40s with different priorities than they had when they were in their 20s. This album is a lot better than all the critics and users have rated it. It's the evolution of the Wu-tang Clan. They're not going to be angry and raw after 20+ years in the game. People need to appreciate this album for what it is not what they want it to be.…Expand
No, no, no bad reviews. It's the WU Tang giving me what I wanted, High treble keeping the song together with the meat of mid-FQ provided byNo, no, no bad reviews. It's the WU Tang giving me what I wanted, High treble keeping the song together with the meat of mid-FQ provided by vocals and the LF provided a metronomic Bass line that sandwiches together the old skool vibe I grew up to. Please bear in mind this in IMO so don't internet hate me. Yes rap has become so much more polished than it was back in the WU era and if you are looking for a Kendrick's quality tune it isn't going to match but just vibe to this. It's worth the effort!…Expand
I have been a hip hop head since the late 80s and this month I turn 44. What I was doing in '93 is a little different than what I am doingI have been a hip hop head since the late 80s and this month I turn 44. What I was doing in '93 is a little different than what I am doing now and I think the reviews for this album have been a bit harsh, because like me, I think the Wu are allowed to mature.
Is it an instant classic? No it isn't. It doesn't have the feel like a cash grab and to me it feels like it was a legitimate attempt at putting the best possible album forward. There are a number of standout tracks (Ruckus in B minor, Mistaken Identity, Miracle, Ron O'Neal, etc.) and only a few truly weak tracks (Necklace - I am specifically looking at you).
Bottom line, I loved the Wu back in the day and this album is hella better than a number of other recent releases and I do not think it is the brick all the critics are making it out to be. If you liked Wu back in the day, I say listen to the album and make your own judgement on it, but for me it was much better than expected.…Expand
There are some standout tracks, and maybe some tracks that make you scratch your head. One positive thing I can say about Wu Tang Clan (andThere are some standout tracks, and maybe some tracks that make you scratch your head. One positive thing I can say about Wu Tang Clan (and OutKast) is that all their albums sound different. Fans always ask for something different, then complain that it doesnt sound like previous efforts.…Expand
Since thier first classic release, wu-tang's releases have become watered down and disjointed. With perhaps the exception of Triumph. But iSince thier first classic release, wu-tang's releases have become watered down and disjointed. With perhaps the exception of Triumph. But i thought RZA did a good job re-capturing the NY, grimey sound remeniecent of earlier albums. Although this album doesn't seem to have any cohesiveness, it is still better than recent releases and most of the clan's recent individual efforts. All in all each meber still has lyrical ability and lays it down nicely on this album.…Expand
as a big fan of wu tang i felt disappointed when i heard this album. the beats sounded bland and uninspiring. the lyrics didnt have the hungeras a big fan of wu tang i felt disappointed when i heard this album. the beats sounded bland and uninspiring. the lyrics didnt have the hunger and gritty sound they once possessed. lot may have to do with the argument between rae and rza over how the album's direction was supposed to go. while their past work are classics this one doesn't really make the cut. this one sadly i wont be adding to my category of classics.…Expand
