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Black Radio
by
Black Radio Image
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 12 Ratings

  • Summary: The jazz pianist's latest album of original and cover songs features guest appearances by Bilal, Erykah Badu, Lalah Hathaway, Shafiq Husayn, Ledisi, Lupe Fiasco, KING, Chrisette Michele, Mos Def, Musiq Soulchild, Meshell Ndegeocello, and Stokley Williams.
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  • Record Label: Blue Note
  • Genre(s): Rap, Jazz, R&B, Adult Contemporary R&B, Contemporary Jazz, Alternative R&B
  • More Details and Credits »

Top Track

Gonna Be Alright (F.T.B.)
Just bring me the sunshine with your smile I'll be okay No matter if the rain falls When you call, I'll be okay Just bring me the sunshine with your... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. BBC Music
    Feb 28, 2012
    90
    Overall, Black Radio surpasses the excellence of Double Booked, which is a brilliant album in its own right.
  2. AllMusic
    Feb 28, 2012
    90
    Black Radio creates an entirely new context for popular music in its near erasure of boundaries. It is the sound of the future--even if no one knows it yet.
  3. Okayplayer
    Mar 12, 2012
    89
    Glasper managed to create a beautiful album from start to finish that will easily be added into conversations with greats like John Coltrane's Blue Train.
  4. Rolling Stone
    Apr 2, 2012
    70
    With music this smart and inviting, the implied diss of mainstream mediocrity doesn't feel like sour grapes; it feels like a blueprint forward.
  5. Austin Chronicle
    Mar 15, 2012
    67
    Sometimes, he floats as a delicate mist (around the vocals of Erykah Badu on Mongo Santamaria's enduring "Afro Blue.") At other points, he's a guiding light, riding the beat ("Why Do We Try.")
  6. Q Magazine
    Jul 10, 2012
    60
    It's when the rappers stand down that it hits its stride. [Jun 2012, p.108]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. Blurt Magazine
    Feb 29, 2012
    50
    Black Radio would have been more successful if the music used some of jazz's subtle spontaneity in the arrangements instead of satisfying itself by going for the easy laidback vibe.

See all 15 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. yeayeayea
    Mar 18, 2012
    10
    this album is my bread n butter. I've been listening to hip hop, soul, jazz, rock, alternative, everything, and this album just amalgamatesthis album is my bread n butter. I've been listening to hip hop, soul, jazz, rock, alternative, everything, and this album just amalgamates it beautifully. So Robert Glasper, kudos man, and keep on your path, keep carving it, because it's gonna be traversed by a lot of people in the future man. You are a pathfinder.… Expand
  2. AlexxTrusc
    Apr 3, 2012
    7
    If on the album supporting artists are : Bilal, Erykah Badu, Lalah Hathaway, Shafiq Husayn, Ledisi, Lupe Fiasco, King, Chrisette Michele orIf on the album supporting artists are : Bilal, Erykah Badu, Lalah Hathaway, Shafiq Husayn, Ledisi, Lupe Fiasco, King, Chrisette Michele or Mos Def - it is bound hard to call it unsuccessful. Especially if it comes from the hands of Robert Glasper and it's a mix of various styles: from hip-hop and jazz in "Lift Off Mic Check", to the soulful ballad with a strong beat in the background "Afro Blue". LP however continues to be a jazz album, albeit rather experimental - but worth the money.… Expand
  4. raviopatra
    Nov 17, 2013
    6
    The albums as a whole is fairly impressive, but the problem for me is that no tracks stand out at all. The production is obviouslyThe albums as a whole is fairly impressive, but the problem for me is that no tracks stand out at all. The production is obviously praiseworthy, but I feel like there's no climax to it. And the "Smells Like Teen Spirit" cover is such an anticlimactic closing.… Expand

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