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It Is What It Is
by
It Is What It Is Image
Metascore
84

Universal acclaim - based on 23 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 68 Ratings

  • Summary: The fourth full-length release for the Los Angeles-based artist features guest appearances from and Steve Arrington, Childish Gambino, Louis Cole, Zack Fox, Steve Lacy, Lil B, and Ty Dolla $ign.
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Top Track

Black Qualls
I just bought a crib On top of the hill And I bought a brand new ride Am I keeping it real? There's nothing wrong If you got it I'm not living in... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. AllMusic
    Apr 6, 2020
    90
    The album's title is repeated across the variegated yet flowing sequence, utilized as either a mantra or verbal spackle, always in tribute. Just as moving is Thundercat's heart-in-throat salutation in the closing title track, briefly stated just before his bass intertwines with Pedro Martins' guitar to gorgeous effect. As on the earlier Thundercat LPs, outer space and homeboy escapades, comic courtship and elusive companionship, and philosophical insights also inform the material. ... There are no throwaways or novelty tunes.
  2. Glide Magazine
    Apr 1, 2020
    90
    The weight of loss, the pain of failed love, the bleakness of it all, combined with Thundercats effervescent playing, unique playfulness and a giddy sense of humor combine on It Is What It Is, resulting in the best album of Brunner’s career and one of the strongest of 2020.
  3. Paste Magazine
    Apr 8, 2020
    88
    Bruner’s playing—and, increasingly, his writing as well—is so distinctive he’s able to own it even as he tones down his outsize personality. Many modern artists have mined these sounds, but few have honored them quite like Bruner does on It Is What It Is.
  4. Clash Music
    Apr 1, 2020
    80
    It’s an album embracing difference, accepting highs and lows: just what we need right now.
  5. Q Magazine
    Apr 7, 2020
    80
    Soft soul, gibbering jazz fusion and the cyber-futurism of overseer Flying Lotus still works a collective shock. [Jun 2020, p.96]
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  6. musicOMH.com
    Apr 3, 2020
    80
    It Is What It Is sparkles with inventive songwriting, chunky production and pervasive good vibes, a worthwhile addition to any R&B or jazz fan’s collection.
  7. The Observer (UK)
    Apr 6, 2020
    60
    The drawback here is not that Bruner hasn’t made the out-and-out pop album his narrative arc as an artist might demand. Nor is it that he is showcasing his conservatoire-grade talents. It is, perhaps, that he doesn’t sit with one emotion, be it high or low, for a sustained length of time.

See all 23 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 9
  3. Negative: 1 out of 9
  1. jackmcgovrn
    Apr 5, 2020
    10
    Building off the sounds of “Drunk” and the space-age, atmospheric textures off of projects like Flying Lotus’s “Flamagra”, under whichBuilding off the sounds of “Drunk” and the space-age, atmospheric textures off of projects like Flying Lotus’s “Flamagra”, under which Thundercat had a heavy involvement in, “It Is What It Is” once again is another classic, seeming to only get better the more you listen to it.… Expand
  2. RafaJime
    Apr 12, 2020
    10
    His best work to date. Most cohesive album with an emotional rollercoaster that brings you into the current state of someone trying to regainHis best work to date. Most cohesive album with an emotional rollercoaster that brings you into the current state of someone trying to regain his strengths after losing somebody important.… Expand
  4. SoundAndFilm
    Apr 3, 2020
    9
    Delivering more of what everyone's hungry for, It Is What It Is ticks all the boxes without ever being predictable. 

    Irresistibly funky and    Delivering more of what everyone's hungry for, It Is What It Is ticks all the boxes without ever being predictable. 

    Irresistibly funky and playful, the Drunk follow up presents a matured and soulful Thundercat on an album that makes its 37 minute run-time an absolute joy.
    … Expand
  5. strangetheyonny
    Apr 3, 2020
    9
    This album is as dense(if not more dense)instrumentally as Drunk, as Thundercat proves that he is a master of fusing jazz, soul, funk,This album is as dense(if not more dense)instrumentally as Drunk, as Thundercat proves that he is a master of fusing jazz, soul, funk, electronica, and many other genres. Along with this, he pens lyrics that are at times humorous(seen with the Overseas skit ft. comedian/rap star Zack Fox and Dragonball Durag)but at other times introspective in thoughtful(through his tributes to his late friend Mac Miller on the tracks Fair Chance and the album’s title track). This is such a beautiful album. This is the best project of his career, and it should certainly be considered one of the best projects to come out this year.… Expand
  6. Lajaleaa
    Jun 10, 2020
    8
    ( 81/100 )

    Stephen Bruner es un compositor y bajista de Los Angeles que pertenece al nuevo mileno o Contemporary Jazz. Se denota por su    ( 81/100 )

    Stephen Bruner es un compositor y bajista de Los Angeles que pertenece al nuevo mileno o Contemporary Jazz. Se denota por su estilo luxury y elegante que a impulsado a artistas como Erykah Badu y Kendrick Lamar. En este álbum, producido junto a Flying Lotus y con colaboraciones de Kamasi Washington y BADBADNOTGOOD, Thundercat se muestra con un ritmo entre chill y dance de Funk, Groovy, Jazz y Acid que, junto a su canto, este trabajo de RAndB se diluirá sutilmente en el humor de la gente con armonía.
    -
    Stephen Bruner is a composer and bassist from Los Angeles that belongs to the new millennium or Contemporary Jazz. He stands out thanks to his luxury and elegant style that has propelled artists like Erykah Badu and Kendrick Lamar. In this album, produced along with Flying Lotus and with collaborations of Kamasi Washington and BADBADNOTGOOD, Thundercat presents a rhythm between chill and dance of Funk, Groovy, Jazz and Acid that, along with his singing, this work of R&B will subtly dilute in peoples mood with harmony.    … Expand
  7. Sadvilliany
    Apr 4, 2020
    8
    Really solid project from Thundercat. I don't listen to funk all to much, but this album makes me want to. This is my first full listenReally solid project from Thundercat. I don't listen to funk all to much, but this album makes me want to. This is my first full listen through of a Thundercat album, and I'm already hooked. It feels mature, but also keeps a tone of fun. Don't have much to say other than this is one of my favorite albums of the year so far, and I heavily recommend it.

    Favorite Tracks: Interstellar Love, Black Qualls, Funny Thing, Dragonball Durag, It Is What It Is
    Least Favorite Track: How Sway    … Expand
  8. RageNate
    Apr 6, 2020
    3
    Worthies (4/15):
    - Black Qualls
    - Dragonball Durag
    - King Of The Hill
    - Unrequited Love

See all 9 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

60
#60 Best Album of 2020

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