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I'll Sleep When You're Dead
by
I'll Sleep When You're Dead Image
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 32 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 58 Ratings

  • Summary: El-P's long-anticipated second solo disc features collaborations with Cat Power, Trent Reznor, Matt Sweeney, Aesop Rock, and The Mars Volta.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 32
  3. Negative: 0 out of 32
  1. Stylus Magazine
    100
    Ultimately, I’ll Sleep When You’re Dead displays a type of artistic growth almost alien to the genre.
  2. Hartford Courant
    90
    The Impressionistic sound painting El-P has long threatened - and finally delivered.
  3. Drowned In Sound
    80
    El-P has masterfully used New York’s dark corners as a productive muse on I’ll Sleep When You’re Dead.
  4. Urb
    80
    There was a lot going on, but it's not until now... that El-P's music could actually be called full. So full that even silence weighs a ton. [Mar 2007, p.95]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. The A.V. Club
    75
    Nobody makes hip-hop as textured and atmospheric as El-P, and he manages to temper his disorienting noise with soulful suggestions this time out.
  6. New Musical Express (NME)
    70
    If you enjoy using your brain rather than listening to it fizzle to the strains of Virgin Radio, then buy this.
  7. Boston Globe
    50
    "I'll Sleep" isn't supposed to be easy listening, but it shouldn't be this hard, either.

See all 32 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 27
  3. Negative: 0 out of 27
  1. heightsy
    Mar 6, 2007
    10
    i am in the camp that finds ISWYD by far better than Fantastic Damage. the first record only has the privilege of being FIRST, which does not i am in the camp that finds ISWYD by far better than Fantastic Damage. the first record only has the privilege of being FIRST, which does not make it BEST. What ISWYD lacks in "difficulty" it makes up for its "refined" nature of being a more graceful, yet streamlined, and bitingly penetrative listen. Regarding the "guest-spots": With all the added big-name indie-rock glitterati, I am beyond glad that they are barely noticeable. Unlike the Cage album **ahem**. Cop this. Cop this. Cop this. El, used to annoy me, but funnily enough he saves Def-Jux. This is one for all those people who question the vitality of hip-hop. Damn Lif, why can't you do this?… Expand
  2. johnnyb.
    Jun 12, 2007
    10
    I would call el-p ahead of his time, but I don't think time will ever catch him.
  4. PaulF
    Mar 19, 2007
    10
    album of the year by far!!! the best hip hop album in years - scratch that the best album in years full stop - can't stop playing it!!!
  5. music411
    Mar 26, 2007
    10
    This record is definitely better than his last one. It has more depth, more thorough writing and production definitely sounded like it was This record is definitely better than his last one. It has more depth, more thorough writing and production definitely sounded like it was afforded with better mixing and eqing because it really hits! amazing.… Expand
  6. hypernation
    Jan 24, 2008
    10
    this album along with Saul williams niggy tardust will completely change your view on what hip hop is capable of. Incredible, diverse and all this album along with Saul williams niggy tardust will completely change your view on what hip hop is capable of. Incredible, diverse and all too rare in this landscape of mediocrity.… Expand
  7. WeeWeeJumbo
    Apr 28, 2007
    9
    Purists may balk but in my opinion, this is even greater than Fantastic Damage. El-P's definitely focused on thie production here, and Purists may balk but in my opinion, this is even greater than Fantastic Damage. El-P's definitely focused on thie production here, and every song just begs to be replayed. I'm having a hard time trying not to ruin it by listening to it too many times. There's still a problem from the first album, the production often overpowers El-P's lyrics, which are already dense and obscure; but it's worth the challenge. Spectacular album, if you're a fan of indie hip hop or if you're just tired of the mainstream (and you should be), defintely get this album.… Expand
  8. JosephM
    May 30, 2007
    5
    I'd rather listen to Aesop Rock. This album is good front start to finish, but it only has one stand out track, and that is not enough for me.

See all 27 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

68
#68 Best Album of 2007

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