Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers
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Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers Image
Metascore
85

Universal acclaim - based on 26 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.8

Universal acclaim- based on 1464 Ratings

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  • Summary: The fifth full-length studio release for rapper Kendrick Lamar features guest appearances from Baby Keem, Blxst, Sam Dew, Ghostface Killah, Beth Gibbons of Portishead, Kodak Black, Tanna Leone, Taylour Paige, Amanda Reifer, Sampha, and Summer Walker.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. Consequence
    May 13, 2022
    100
    Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers is another bonafide masterpiece.
  2. The Line of Best Fit
    May 13, 2022
    100
    It being one so vulnerable and exposing (including using his family for the artwork), stripping the skin down to the bone, is bold, beautiful, but most importantly, a reminder that an artist like Kendrick Lamar is once in a generation.
  3. RapReviews.com
    Jun 17, 2022
    90
    Through over 70 minutes of Lamar’s latest, every facet of life for the young Compton rapper is held up to the light. Love, pain, hope, despair, triumph, defeat, it’s all there. ... He’s a rapper who understands rapping is more than just a good beat, a good punchline, or a good vocal tone. He’s blessed to have all of that but he takes the platform he got from it and makes art that will last a lifetime.
  4. The Telegraph (UK)
    May 13, 2022
    80
    If you can look beyond the occasional ham-fisted blip – the command to “stop tap dancing around the conversation” that closes out the otherwise-astounding We Cry Together is the most egregious example here – then there’s so much reward.
  5. Uncut
    Jun 20, 2022
    80
    By far the most compelling persona on Mr Morale & The Big Steppers is the Kendrick who is trying to make sense of his own family. ... ["Mother I Sober" is] a tour de force, almost but not quite as revelatory as "DUCKWORTH", a similar family saga off 2017's DAMN. And the best moment is when the strings swell and Lamar's voice changes. [Aug 2022, p.24]
  6. The Observer (UK)
    May 23, 2022
    80
    This electrifying, uneasy record stops, starts and turns, often within the confines of one track. The beats are restless; few comforting grooves are allowed to build for very long.
  7. The Wire
    Jun 15, 2022
    50
    Introspective, emotionally charged pieces such as “Father Time”, “We Cry Together” and “Savior” provide high – or jarring – points on the record, but elsewhere there are periods of lull absent on previous efforts. ... As sonically impressive as his latest album may be, his approach to the topics under discussion doesn’t feel sufficiently thought out. [Jul 2022, p.48]
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See all 26 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 426 out of 488
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 488
  3. Negative: 46 out of 488
  1. Alterevn
    May 13, 2022
    10
    This album is genius. It's not what I expected which keeps it fresh and gives it replay value. It's such a well crafted and heavy albumThis album is genius. It's not what I expected which keeps it fresh and gives it replay value. It's such a well crafted and heavy album executed at the highest standard. oklama gets a 9 from me. We need this in modern rap.… Expand
  2. J-Olly2018
    May 13, 2022
    10
    5 anos depois outra obra prima impecável desde a estética até os beats e letra.
  4. MultiTaskNAsasN
    May 15, 2022
    10
    Amazing! Transcends hip hop! Everyone should give this amazing piece of art their time!
  5. IfGeraltwasbrow
    May 13, 2022
    10
    This album is probably going to be divisive because it is unlike Kendrick has ever released. If you ask me, that is all the more reason toThis album is probably going to be divisive because it is unlike Kendrick has ever released. If you ask me, that is all the more reason to love it. It's personal, it's raw, and it's at the same time subtle.… Expand
  6. DropTheL
    May 13, 2022
    10
    Kendrick is full command of his poignant, razor sharp lyricism and observational prowess. A dense and deeply affecting project.
  7. gjv0923
    May 14, 2022
    9
    After 5 full listens of this album I can say with confidence this thing is so nearly 10. The subject matter that Kendrick is talking about isAfter 5 full listens of this album I can say with confidence this thing is so nearly 10. The subject matter that Kendrick is talking about is so close to him and who he is. This is Kendrick at his most vulnerable. The expectations he faces from "To Pimp a Butterfly" and "good kid m.A.A.d city" to a sorta underwhelming in comparison "DAMN" have built immense stress in his life and have highlighted deep rooted problems in himself which he has noticed and seen in others surrounding himself such as other rappers and family members. This album is Kendrick lyrically breaking himself down in order to build a better future for him and his family. My only real issue with this album is that the track "Auntie Diaries" just feels a bit out of place here. The track itself has a great message behind it, but I feel in the overall theme of the album its just kind of out of place here. That is really the only issue I have with the album, the production is very good and different from anything else Kendrick has done, Kendrick's lyrics are outstanding as always and overall the album has a lot to say and a lot to reflect on from Kendrick.… Expand
  8. Aldoilv
    May 13, 2022
    0
    El mejor álbum del mundo, es lo mejor, MOTOMAMI es bueno como este, te enamoras de principio a fin, estos 2 álbumes salvaron el 2022, escuchenEl mejor álbum del mundo, es lo mejor, MOTOMAMI es bueno como este, te enamoras de principio a fin, estos 2 álbumes salvaron el 2022, escuchen la pista 5 la mejor… Expand

See all 488 User Reviews

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