A Better Tomorrow
by Wu-Tang Clan
Metascore
60

Mixed or average reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 24
  3. Negative: 1 out of 24
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  1. Q Magazine
    Jan 7, 2015
    60
    It's far from perfect, but if this is Exit The Wu-Tang, they can go out with heads held high. [Feb 2015, p.112]
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  2. XXL
    Dec 11, 2014
    60
    With a slimmed down tracklist and looser vision, A Better Tomorrow would be a fantastic offering. But as it stands, what could be the last Wu-Tang album ever leaves much to be desired.
  3. Slant Magazine
    Dec 2, 2014
    60
    A Better Tomorrow mostly proves that, no matter what conflicts may be simmering, there's enough sustained talent at work here to keep the usual material feeling fresh. It's forays outside that established template that make for the worst moments.
  5. Spin
    Dec 2, 2014
    60
    Something is definitely missing on A Better Tomorrow: not necessarily the cryptic slang and mythology, but that RZA and the other members haven't found something to replace what stood them apart from the crowd.
  6. The Guardian
    Dec 1, 2014
    60
    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.
  7. The Observer (UK)
    Dec 1, 2014
    60
    Nothing here sounds contemporary, but it’s all accessible, and the likes of Crushed Egos (big shouty chorus, nimble organ-haunted verses) sound as good as back in the day.
  8. Exclaim
    Dec 1, 2014
    60
    A Better Tomorrow never really coalesces into a satisfying whole.
  9. Pitchfork
    Dec 3, 2014
    59
    Where overbearing arrangements don’t get in the way, a cloying sentimentality does.
  10. Rolling Stone
    Dec 18, 2014
    50
    This is the sound of a team of great fighters competing in an uncomfortable new arena.
  11. RapReviews.com
    Dec 9, 2014
    50
    RZA is certainly experimenting on a bunch of tracks, but results are unconvincing.
  12. Boston Globe
    Dec 2, 2014
    50
    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.
  13. Consequence
    Dec 1, 2014
    42
    While the goodwill is obfuscated by a lack of direction, A Better Tomorrow is made further futile because of the misinformed goal of simply giving the fans another Wu-Tang album.
  14. The Wire
    Dec 16, 2014
    40
    A Better Tomorrow feels trapped by history, an impotent reflection versus a proposed resurrection. [Jan 2015, p.65]
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  15. The Quietus
    Dec 10, 2014
    40
    RZA does his fair share of huffing and puffing on A Better Tomorrow (see hooks to 'Hold The Heater' and 'Crushed Egos'), but the widescreen production lacks the intensity to motivate a jaded clan.
  16. NOW Magazine
    Dec 1, 2014
    40
    Still their strongest effort since The W, but Wu-Tang Clan exhaust their fans' good will and nostalgia without a classic to show for it.

Awards & Rankings

99
#99 Most Discussed Album of 2014

User Reviews

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User Score
6.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 48 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 48
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 48
  3. Negative: 4 out of 48
  1. geedup
    Dec 2, 2014
    6
    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.… Full Review »
  2. RMR
    Dec 2, 2014
    10
    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.… Full Review »
  3. echoaplhaecho
    Dec 5, 2014
    10
    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!… Full Review »
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