Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers
by Kendrick Lamar
  • Record Label: pgLang
  • Release Date: May 13, 2022
User Score
8.8

Universal acclaim- based on 1481 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,343 out of 1481
  2. Mixed: 42 out of 1481
  3. Negative: 96 out of 1481
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  1. BOBHABANAY
    May 14, 2022
    10
    probably the best album released that year along with motomami. Must hear. If you think it’s under 8 you’re a stupid **** Anyways listen to it it’s gonna be your best hour and 13 minutes.
  2. regalrosas
    May 14, 2022
    0
    overrated mid mid mid mid mid mid mid mid mid mid mid mid mid mid mid mid mid
  3. dejackamo
    May 14, 2022
    5
    Has some great lyrics, both bars and lyrics. Just not an album I really want to vibe to. Just playing while playing video games or on a drive, just doesn’t do it for me.
  4. davidthecritic
    May 14, 2022
    10
    An amazing piece of art. This is Kendrick's most vulnerable project yet, exposing everything that we might not know about him. Of course the G.O.A.T dropped a masterpiece, no one expected anything else.
  5. JayDeeshka
    May 13, 2022
    10
    It's incredible how he combines different topics and different styles on that album.
  6. CameronEarls
    May 13, 2022
    6
    It's not bad by any means, but it also isn't great. He sacrifices musical value for intricate storytelling and to me it doesn't pay off. The production is uninspired and there isn't a lot of replay value here. The lyricism is top notch however. The problem with this album is that he tried to re-capture the ethos of Good Kid, but is so far removed from that life at this point that itIt's not bad by any means, but it also isn't great. He sacrifices musical value for intricate storytelling and to me it doesn't pay off. The production is uninspired and there isn't a lot of replay value here. The lyricism is top notch however. The problem with this album is that he tried to re-capture the ethos of Good Kid, but is so far removed from that life at this point that it doesn't resonate like it once did, and his modern day problems really aren't as captivating to listen to. Sorry, but a song about accepting your transgender relatives just doesn't make for a particularly riveting or relatable track.… Expand
  7. mindrippin
    May 13, 2022
    10
    Flawless album. The production is out of this world, features are great, lyricism is amazing. Kendrick experimenting these new varieties of sounds didn't fail at all. The message behind the album is also very strong. A brilliant introspective and personal album. A very very versatile masterpiece which will get better and better every listen.
  8. vallonicka
    May 13, 2022
    0
    Maybe my copy was bootlegged, but this album is garbage. Noise, lame lyrics, boring, a million light-years away from Lamar's best work to date, "To Pimp A Butterfly". Not sure what the "experts" are hearing to give this a 100, not even close. The hype definitely driving these ratings, because it can't be the music.
  9. MattBarto1
    May 13, 2022
    10
    I’ve never had so much to say, while simultaneously feeling speechless. This album is truly incredible. A sprawling and dense journey into the mind of one of the greatest artists of all-time.
  10. Sacrimony
    May 13, 2022
    3
    His worst album by far. Sonically the album doesn't sound that great. Production is very poor especially from the first half of the album. Some of the concepts here are interesting but the way its delivered is very bland. It honestly feels like a collection of B sides and throwaways that didn't make it onto Damn.
    I don't see much replay value here and after a few months I think most    His worst album by far. Sonically the album doesn't sound that great. Production is very poor especially from the first half of the album. Some of the concepts here are interesting but the way its delivered is very bland. It honestly feels like a collection of B sides and throwaways that didn't make it onto Damn.
    I don't see much replay value here and after a few months I think most people will forget about this project.

    Standout Tracks: Savior, Mirror and Mother I sober.
    Rest: Mid-Trash    … Expand
  11. PatchWurk777
    May 13, 2022
    9
    Mr. Morale and The Big Steppers is an amazing album that takes a while to get in it’s groove, but when it does, it’s absolutely glorious.
  12. Ershad
    May 13, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. At the very very first listen i felt shocked. The whole day, I kept listening and I thought it was definitely a good album, but smth didn’t click with me. Until at like A few re-listens and when I realised more and more of the stuff he was rapping about. This is honestly one of my favourite pieces of work I got from Kendrick. The whole vibe of the album, the topics that r discussed the musical side of the album.. it just levitates me. Another great album from K. Dot… Expand
  13. AttendantHeart
    May 13, 2022
    10
    silencio todos, Kendrick ya está sonando. silencio todos, Kendrick ya está sonando. silencio todos, Kendrick ya está sonando.
  14. PhantomCrown
    May 13, 2022
    10
    Honestly I was expecting something different but god, oh my god, Kendrick you are the goat, beats, lyrics, I love every song.
    Atm my fav song is Die Hard
  15. xx_progamer_xx
    May 13, 2022
    10
    best **** ever i loved with all my soul pls god when i die open the heaven with this song
  16. Juanjo_
    May 13, 2022
    10
    this is incredible, I have no words to describe everything that he transmitted to me, what a magnificent album, all my respects to Kendrick, thank you for blessing us with this masterpiece of rap
  17. Horaci70
    May 13, 2022
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Disfrutable, letras crudas, a ratos lenta, y puede quitarte de onda, pero la segunda parte es digna de ser llamada el AOTY.… Expand
  18. BaileyJ
    May 13, 2022
    10
    At first, honestly I wasn't a huge fan. After 5 listens, I consider this a masterpiece. Even better than his last release DAMN. Just so full of heart and passion.

    And such a consistent experience all around. Still one of if not the best catalogues in hip-hop.
  19. Jlozano5
    May 13, 2022
    10
    Astonishing, challenging, vulnerable and lyrical. Kendrick never fails to keep me on the edge of my seat.
  20. 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, escuchen la pista 5 la mejor
  21. Softanne
    May 13, 2022
    10
    It is an album with celestial notes and lyrics written by the gods outside this plane. Kendrick Lamar has the power to do this, he definitely deserves to be album of the year
  22. Victor1985
    May 13, 2022
    10
    We can appreciate a very free, vulnerable and personal Kendrick project. The way he describes and shows each of his own traumas and personal histories on his own way in a very well produced musical sound a very deep project.
  23. Xahdemino
    May 13, 2022
    10
    I think it will take me a while to process this so I guess this is more my initial gut instinct response, but I think this is a remarkable achievement. I think the production is at least as complex and captivating as TPAB , which I did not think.id be saying when comparing to an album which had some free flowing jazz sections! His ability to ride each beat, or even each 4 bar sectionI think it will take me a while to process this so I guess this is more my initial gut instinct response, but I think this is a remarkable achievement. I think the production is at least as complex and captivating as TPAB , which I did not think.id be saying when comparing to an album which had some free flowing jazz sections! His ability to ride each beat, or even each 4 bar section perfectly, matching transitions perfectly and just the technical ability in his rapping takes your breath away, before you can even contemplate the message behind it .

    I'm still trying to tease out all of the themes running through the project, but one of the things which stood out was the range of his viewpoints. I thought in TPAB he took a more macro view of the world, discussing the black struggle in a grand magnum opus. DAMN seemed to turn inward, each track representing a different shade of his and explored to death. This seamlessly seems to flit between sticky intimacy and then transition to oblique commentary on psychological shackles. I'm really impressed but I'll of course continue to absorb it over the next few weeks to make sure it's lustre holds once novelty is gone. But I'd be surprised, I think Kendrick has already proven that he isn't worrying about what will sell or what people will like. He's making his vision, and I don't think there's any argument against him being in the very upper echelon of people making music today as a whole. I'll defer to Pusha's phraseology, but Kendrick really is only chasing two ghosts.    … Expand
  24. JJSM00
    May 13, 2022
    10
    una obra maestra de pie a cabeza, es increíble lo que logra trasmitir! todas las canciones conectan con el oyente.
  25. tomuch4u
    May 13, 2022
    1
    By far Kendricks's worst project. Sonically this album does not measure up to his fantastic discography in the past or the contemporary albums of his peers. There are some good concepts on this Album but they are poorly executed. Lyrics Production and Flows are all average. You know its bad when Kodack Black needs to carry the song with Kendrick's subpar performance. No hit songs here thatBy far Kendricks's worst project. Sonically this album does not measure up to his fantastic discography in the past or the contemporary albums of his peers. There are some good concepts on this Album but they are poorly executed. Lyrics Production and Flows are all average. You know its bad when Kodack Black needs to carry the song with Kendrick's subpar performance. No hit songs here that will compare to albums like DAMN and Madd City. Immensely disappointing after a 5 year hiatus.
    This is coming from a decade-long Kendrick fan. This is the only honest review you will see on this site.    … Expand
  26. WALTZHD
    May 13, 2022
    10
    Amazing, an instant masterpiece. Kendrick is indeed in a league of his own. An artist who has so much love for the craft that he doesn't ride waves or do it for the billboard charts but for his heart and the heart of millions. Music as an art can be therapy and Kendrick puts it to great use. Even when he uses a trap kinda beat, it's for a purpose to elevate the message not for clubAmazing, an instant masterpiece. Kendrick is indeed in a league of his own. An artist who has so much love for the craft that he doesn't ride waves or do it for the billboard charts but for his heart and the heart of millions. Music as an art can be therapy and Kendrick puts it to great use. Even when he uses a trap kinda beat, it's for a purpose to elevate the message not for club bangers. He has truly distinguished himself from his peers time and time but with this vulnerable work of art, his one of a kind. There is none like him.… Expand
  27. M1-
    May 13, 2022
    10
    Such a good addition to his discography. Very personal and emotional; one of his best.
  28. bestreviewereve
    May 13, 2022
    10
    This is one of the most well-put-together and crafted albums I have ever listened to. This is the infinity War of hip-hop albums. The production is incredibly crisp and matches the tones of the music perfectly. The entire thing has a story so strong that it reminded me of Hamilton, like a screenplay. This is Kendrick at his most experimental and it just works. Only the greats can make anThis is one of the most well-put-together and crafted albums I have ever listened to. This is the infinity War of hip-hop albums. The production is incredibly crisp and matches the tones of the music perfectly. The entire thing has a story so strong that it reminded me of Hamilton, like a screenplay. This is Kendrick at his most experimental and it just works. Only the greats can make an album so experimental it becomes a classic in Hip hop (like Yeezus) Every song comes together to create a story that slowly unfolds before you surrounded by perfect production. This has the tellings of an album that will challenge every rap artist and change the soundscape of hip hop. It inspires people to want to be better, to be their best self. It is a reflection of how they all have their own story to tell.
    It's the most emotional Kendrick. He’s truly showing himself in these songs. It’s very introspective in that aspect.
    The production is so in-depth. Tells a story in a way that movie soundscapes can. Literally cinematic feels like a movie.
    It feels like a soundtrack to a movie and you’re seeing all these characters tell their stories.
    Kendrick Lamar transcends media in this album. It’s a timeless, experimental masterpiece.    … Expand
  29. Bretto66
    May 13, 2022
    10
    You don't just listen to this music. Its a full body experience .I'm so glad I can count to 10.
  30. peacefulgliding
    May 13, 2022
    10
    Another masterpiece, Kendrick Lamar never disappoints, the music composed is excellent, and the lyrics are even more, this album was really, really good
  31. Mikel117
    May 13, 2022
    10
    Joya de álbum, desde principio a fin me encantó, en realidad es algo que puedes estar escuchando y disfrutando toda la letra y melodía, te amo Kendrick
  32. Erick7
    May 13, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Álbum impactante, e sem defeito, álbum do ano . Perfeito, sem palavras , nota 10… Expand
  33. Andal
    May 13, 2022
    7
    Better poetry than music, Kendrick's new album focuses heavily on lyricism, but without the strong melodies of his prior albums.
  34. Loganc17
    May 13, 2022
    10
    We are witnessing Kendrick’s attainment of catharsis in the package of a phenomenally produced, sonically diverse, and deeply thought provoking hour and fourteen minute soul bearing proclamation.
  35. Flamedz
    May 13, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Firfire fire fire fire fire fire fire this is all that I got to say FIREEEE… Expand
  36. decwilclay
    May 13, 2022
    9
    ‘Mr Morale & The Big Steppers’ - Great addition to Kendricks discography. An amazing raw sound and he once again proves why he’s one of the best to ever do it.
  37. SanMargueri
    May 13, 2022
    10
    A pesar de las barreras lingüísticas, he podido comprender el mensaje que deja en cada una de sus canciones, y debo decir, que es profundo, crudo y liberador. Su lírica y story-telling siempre está a otro nivel. También, debo decir que a nivel de producción es el mejor álbum en ese sentido, nunca deja de innovar y hacer algo diferente.
  38. jeffer21
    May 13, 2022
    8
    Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers is melodic, versatile, intimate, classy and personal
  39. Tomkk
    May 13, 2022
    1
    I think you should do better ! But obviously you didn’t. I start to wait for the next album.
  40. fakinnong
    May 13, 2022
    10
    a produção experimentalista + o lirismo incrível que já de tornou comum de se associar a kendrick só mostrar como este é um projeto especial
  41. J-Mattei
    May 13, 2022
    9
    It took me halfway through my second listen to realize how smart these albums are. They're both beautify mixed and written, and show a willingness from Kendrick to open up completely. I'm so happy with the direction he decided to take this, these are easily my favorites projects from him, right up there with TPAB.
  42. RealRomanG
    May 13, 2022
    10
    So far my rankings of Kendrick albums 1: TPAB 2: GKMC
    3: Mr Morale (2-3 are interchangeable)
    4: DAMN
    5: Section 80

    It’s one of his most experimental albums yet. I can see this album not clicking with everyone cause it doesn’t have any traditional “hits” but i personally love it for that. Most these songs will be on repeat for awhile
  43. lucas0150
    May 13, 2022
    10
    This is the most intense piece of rap music I've ever listened to. Fantastic stuff indeed.
  44. bmunge
    May 13, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is a wonderful album from Kendrick. My first listen I wasn’t completely sold because it’s so different from anything I’ve heard before. The production is absolutely magical and so instrumental. Kendrick uses this album to process things he’s holding on to, it’s basically a therapy session where we get insight into Kendrick’s experience and mind over the past 5 years. He also begins to lose his perspective of himself as a savior or a prophet and realize that he’s just a man trying to do his best for himself and his loved ones. He closes out the album repeating “I choose me, I’m sorry.” No need to apologize Kendrick, we’ll always sing about you.… Expand
  45. Jnoles07
    May 13, 2022
    10
    This is God Tier art, genuinely. Kendrick has somehow managed to elevate himself further. He is really taking victory laps at this point. God MC.
  46. 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 album executed at the highest standard. oklama gets a 9 from me. We need this in modern rap.
  47. thunderboltway
    May 13, 2022
    4
    Kendrick finally hit a piece of lint in his previously fascinating career spent navel-gazing. Songs here mostly lack structure, drums, flow, cohesion, nuance, power, and energy. Surprisingly mediocre release with big emperor’s new clothes vibes.
  48. homem
    May 13, 2022
    7
    Cool album!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  49. Kyarza
    May 13, 2022
    10
    This kendrick lamar album is really different from its predecessors with piano and orchestral prod on certain sounds of the album. At the first listening the album does not find any real interest like each of Kendrick's projects. I personally think that the album will have a good longevity over time. Thank you kendrick for working very hard during these 5 years to produce this masterpieceThis kendrick lamar album is really different from its predecessors with piano and orchestral prod on certain sounds of the album. At the first listening the album does not find any real interest like each of Kendrick's projects. I personally think that the album will have a good longevity over time. Thank you kendrick for working very hard during these 5 years to produce this masterpiece of music. … Expand
  50. Davante
    May 13, 2022
    10
    A classic album by a legendary musician. Its a journey in the mind of one of the greatest while he shares his vulnerabilities and sacrifice his ego for the greater good . I am.All of us .
  51. Kivooo
    May 13, 2022
    10
    His most introspective work. Different in so many ways than the previous works but still great in its own right. Took me 3-4 listens to fully grasps and enjoy what I was hearing
  52. alexsvnder
    May 13, 2022
    10
    the wait was long but the work was rewarding. Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers is an instant classic!
  53. pakistanicont
    May 13, 2022
    0
    i fell asleep in my lesson to this but then woke up to kendrick saying hed dick my dick on we cry together. so then i felt repent to jesus so i gave it a 10
  54. HorriblyAwkward
    May 13, 2022
    9
    Sometimes an artist shift in a way that makes us feel uncomfortable or overlooked as fans of their art. I always welcome when an artist makes music for them and not us. Kendrick continues to show us how self dedicated he is. This isn't music...it's performance art over a beat. Cheers
  55. Liam09
    May 13, 2022
    0
    Homophobic slurs were said. Bad overrated album,, also I won't support anybody who offends the lgbtqia+ community.
  56. popcornwarlord
    May 13, 2022
    7
    **** which is lazy lyricism in 2022 we cry together is a perfect example of this) were are not in the early s no more. I often found that the various styles and production on this album often very distracting from the words. This album would have benefited from a more minimal production in my opinion. That being said there are some quality moments on this album it just doesn't hold**** which is lazy lyricism in 2022 we cry together is a perfect example of this) were are not in the early s no more. I often found that the various styles and production on this album often very distracting from the words. This album would have benefited from a more minimal production in my opinion. That being said there are some quality moments on this album it just doesn't hold together that well… Expand
  57. vdrock7
    May 13, 2022
    10
    A masterpiece of an album and an incredible journey from start to finish. The wait was well worth it.
  58. MARTINCARDENAS
    May 13, 2022
    10
    This album is sublime, the wait is over and the great Kendrick Lamar returns with a powerful album and a very precise concept. The lyrics, the production are perfect and innovative. This is the big comeback of my favorite rapper...
  59. Popkidda
    May 13, 2022
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I don’t like it it’s giving 2014 rap and cheap I honestly prefer Damn more than this album it doesn’t have hits it’s just a lyrical rap album… Expand
  60. biznatch
    May 13, 2022
    10
    Listening to this album for the first time was quite jarring much like TPAB’s first listen was for me. I suspect it’s that at both times I had different expectations in my head and hearing different kinda threw me off at first. Nonetheless, a couple of spins later I can honestly say that I’m in love with this record. The lyricism is top notch and the production is pristine and sublime.Listening to this album for the first time was quite jarring much like TPAB’s first listen was for me. I suspect it’s that at both times I had different expectations in my head and hearing different kinda threw me off at first. Nonetheless, a couple of spins later I can honestly say that I’m in love with this record. The lyricism is top notch and the production is pristine and sublime. This man is a master at his craft.… Expand
  61. TieZuff
    May 13, 2022
    10
    genius. i dont know how he continues to push the envelope but he does. a generational artist.
  62. MetacriticOnur
    May 13, 2022
    8
    excellent
    [ ek-suh-luhnt ]

    adjective
    possessing outstanding quality or superior merit; remarkably good.
  63. Applezz
    May 13, 2022
    10
    Musically closer to TPAB than Damn but thematically unlike anything he has ever done.
  64. mag_vinicius
    May 13, 2022
    10
    To say a few words about "MMATBS": it's like "DAMN." but even more experimental, personal and visceral, not his easiest album to jump in, though.
    A true masterpiece to be listened to for a long time, it will age like wine.
  65. Syrianpunk
    May 13, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Just here to show support! Stream it ladies and gentlemen! Have a great day. This comment is a filler and it won’t let me post unless I have 75 characters… Expand
  66. Strand2004
    May 13, 2022
    10
    Another classic my Kendrick Lamar!

    I'll bet that is going to be the top rated hip-hop album of all time!
  67. RocketHamster
    May 13, 2022
    9
    Just wow. Kendrick is truly the goat, the features are perfect, the instrumental, lyrics everything about the album is magical
  68. swenis
    May 13, 2022
    10
    New **** new kung fu kenny! For real though this is **** amazing, please please listen
  69. AdriannoTxT
    May 13, 2022
    10
    Álbum do ano, incrível como ele sempre consegue se reinventar, é o maior rapper dessa geração,que entrega mais uma vez um trabalho impecável e super pessoal
  70. Pablors
    May 13, 2022
    9
    Poderoso, fresco, poderoso, nuevos sonidos, poderoso, bella composición, poderoso, tremendamente bailable y MUY PODEROSO.
  71. DiogoC
    May 13, 2022
    10
    Brilliant. After 5 years the king is back. Great lyrics, great production. A must listen
  72. Mattyice
    May 13, 2022
    8
    Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers is very different from the rest of Kendrick's discography in terms of its sound being far more soft and poetic than hip-hop, and that's not a bad thing in some respects. The album provides a very intimate, human, and powerful look at the inner thoughts of Kendrick's psyche and how his history shaped him today. However, unlike some of his other works, I don'tMr. Morale and the Big Steppers is very different from the rest of Kendrick's discography in terms of its sound being far more soft and poetic than hip-hop, and that's not a bad thing in some respects. The album provides a very intimate, human, and powerful look at the inner thoughts of Kendrick's psyche and how his history shaped him today. However, unlike some of his other works, I don't find as many songs on this album to be as digestible and replay-worthy. Nevertheless, this is no doubt a powerful album from Kendrick and one far more soulful than his past works, for better and for worse.… Expand
  73. seancoz
    May 13, 2022
    9
    This man is simply put cut from a different cloth. Greatest Rapper of All Time
  74. Guseyn013
    May 13, 2022
    10
    Every listen brings you closer to what Kendrick wanted to convey using the beautiful instrumentals, even more beautiful vocals, and perfected rhyme-schemes. He raises issues he has never raised before and does so in such an intimate way that for a minute you think you are in the song and living it along with Kendrick. A masterpiece.
  75. JonasCassel
    May 13, 2022
    10
    Kendrick is painting pictures of prestibe pictures of Radical Empathy by allowing himself to let his guard down.
  76. HelaDitto
    May 13, 2022
    9
    A profound album worked with the heart, It's like been on a theater play...
  77. Radioheaad
    May 13, 2022
    10
    He continues to shift the music landscape, transcending the bounds of just being being called the greatest rapper. Easily a timeless classic. Honest & vulnerable. Uncomfortable yet comforting at the same time.
  78. Biden
    May 13, 2022
    10
    Everything from the variety in flow and rhyme schemes to the topics and the raw honesty in most of the tracks is astounding. The beats, social commentary and personal experience are both thought provoking and refreshing.
  79. AfcThabz
    May 13, 2022
    10
    Father Time on Kendrick Lamar’s new album is incredible, being this vulnerable as a man is not an easy feat. The whole album evokes trauma, vulnerability, and empathy. He’s an artist, in every aspect.
  80. Marxman00
    May 13, 2022
    5
    An incredibly deep, personal, well-written, and exceptionally well-produced album.

    It's also incredibly boring and has zero energy. While I appreciate the sentiments on mental health, trans rights, and personal matters presented in these lyrics, the beats could cure insomnia and there is none of the catchy fire that Kendrick does so well on previous albums. If this album is a 10,    An incredibly deep, personal, well-written, and exceptionally well-produced album.

    It's also incredibly boring and has zero energy. While I appreciate the sentiments on mental health, trans rights, and personal matters presented in these lyrics, the beats could cure insomnia and there is none of the catchy fire that Kendrick does so well on previous albums.

    If this album is a 10, TPAB and GKMC are a 50.    … Expand
  81. KJGonn
    May 13, 2022
    10
    Kendrick is more emotional on this album than even DAMN. He is consistent in his message of self-introspection, but the theme of this album goes deeper than just finding who you are. Kendrick wants to be a part of his heritage and a part of his city but wants to recover from the sins of his youth and the sins of his current self. His most powerful songs in this respect are Mother I Sober,Kendrick is more emotional on this album than even DAMN. He is consistent in his message of self-introspection, but the theme of this album goes deeper than just finding who you are. Kendrick wants to be a part of his heritage and a part of his city but wants to recover from the sins of his youth and the sins of his current self. His most powerful songs in this respect are Mother I Sober, Mirror, and Father Time. However, this album answers those longings with peace, peace in his place in the rap game, peace in his place as a father, and peace in his past work and constant message of racial equality and cultural appreciation. Thats what I have gotten from this album with two listens. Who knows what I will get from three or ten listens. This album is beautiful, it isn’t pop and its unlike anything he has ever done. But it is a mournful, energetic at points, nostalgic, and triumphant statement that will age like fine wine. Definitely worth a listen, make sure you have good headphones.… Expand
  82. X4eva
    May 13, 2022
    10
    One of the best hip hop albums released and a very pleasurable listening experience.
  83. DigitalXtremeHG
    May 13, 2022
    9
    A magnificent display of versatility of Kung Fu Kenny , Becoming Kung Fu Hip Hop master and in which we as the listeners get to give the artist their "Flowers" or respect for a job well done beforehand , A display of the true state of the art .
  84. Peacefulblack
    May 13, 2022
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. After about 6 listens, this effort from Kendrick Lamar. Definitely feels like personal therapy session in album form. He’s exercising his demons and speaking on personal matters such as homophobia, transphobia, and his vices that have effected his family life and his relationships. This is a very different Kendrick than the one I grew up with and that’s fine. It’s not his best work and it’s not his worse. It’s simply a decent Kendrick Lamar album in my mind. Maybe it’ll grow on me after a couple more listens but atm I’m not mad at this project but I definitely understand that some of these songs will shock and anger some.… Expand
  85. TheTalkingTree
    May 13, 2022
    10
    Kendrick at his most vulnerable as he tries to muddle through his own depression and reckon his personal life and history with the image that's projected onto him.
  86. LilTamashi
    May 13, 2022
    10
    One of the best rap albums of the year, magnific tracks that makes kendrick's comeback something special and perfect, a brilliant work.
  87. LatinCritic13
    May 13, 2022
    10
    Kendrick Lamar is a master in his own craft and Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers shows it all. I don't think any other rapper will top this at all and yet K-Dot still remains as the Modern King of West Coast Hip-Hop.
  88. byuniac
    May 13, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. the bestest album of this year. definitely not disappointed, i knew he’d give some bops as always… Expand
  89. Wisi
    May 13, 2022
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. GOAT, toda la esencia de kendrick renovada.
    No es repetitivo y liricamente esta a otro nivek como siempre    … Expand
  90. liyema_mpompi
    May 13, 2022
    9
    His capacity to tackle points that are tormenting African American community and are as yet awkward to defy is praiseworthy. Mr morale and Big steppers has perfect elements, applaudable song arrangement, however much this is a twofold collection a limit for a decent undertaking project is 16 melodies, F word should have been censored same way as N*****, I'll give this one a 9/10 sinceHis capacity to tackle points that are tormenting African American community and are as yet awkward to defy is praiseworthy. Mr morale and Big steppers has perfect elements, applaudable song arrangement, however much this is a twofold collection a limit for a decent undertaking project is 16 melodies, F word should have been censored same way as N*****, I'll give this one a 9/10 since despite the fact that everybody is qualified to their own truth yet presence of mind should let you know that somethings are left obscure.… Expand
  91. Igivethebest
    May 13, 2022
    10
    The five years wait was worth the wait as Kendrick gave us a perfect album.
  92. millivanilli
    May 13, 2022
    10
    It’s like grandma’s cooking; the delicious smell kills you while waiting for the food, but the results were more than worth the wait.

    Kendrick does what he does best; bringing rap in a unique way, separating himself from the rest. Storytelling almost makes it a new genre. Probably too soon to give a review, but if I like it from the first listen, I’ll grow to love it for sure.
  93. Matador25
    May 13, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. 20/10, tremendo álbum God sinceramente considero que es de lo mejor que ha sacado Kendrick desde DAMN… Expand
  94. 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 to love it. It's personal, it's raw, and it's at the same time subtle.
  95. Funkshion
    May 13, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Different approach, great content, huge effort of art infused in the music. A classic… Expand
  96. xlNearlx
    May 13, 2022
    1
    to be kendrick lamar if it's too bad , I am quite disappointed, he raps as if he were speaking, it is not innovative, he focuses more on his lyrics than on his production
  97. Thiago555888
    May 13, 2022
    10
    The big one!

    5 anos de espera trouxe a perfeição, um toque de jazz, com flow insanos de hip-hop e uma lírica que não poupa ninguém, todo mundo está envolvido, até si próprio, obrigado Estados Unidos, obrigado pandemia, obrigado casos de racismo, polêmicas, você merecem, porque vocês deram a fúria ao homem. E ele sabe usar muito bem. Eu não esperava que Kendrick conseguiria novamente se    The big one!

    5 anos de espera trouxe a perfeição, um toque de jazz, com flow insanos de hip-hop e uma lírica que não poupa ninguém, todo mundo está envolvido, até si próprio, obrigado Estados Unidos, obrigado pandemia, obrigado casos de racismo, polêmicas, você merecem, porque vocês deram a fúria ao homem. E ele sabe usar muito bem.

    Eu não esperava que Kendrick conseguiria novamente se superar, mas ele fez de novo.    … Expand
  98. osasquin
    May 13, 2022
    10
    simply a masterpiece. kendrick outdoes himself with a phenomenal lyricism by every song and presents the listener with one of the best storytelling ever made in the history of hiphop. this albuns has remarkable songs and features, with only a couple songs that may be not as good as the others given the high standard this album puts. this gotta be the best kendrick album since to pimp asimply a masterpiece. kendrick outdoes himself with a phenomenal lyricism by every song and presents the listener with one of the best storytelling ever made in the history of hiphop. this albuns has remarkable songs and features, with only a couple songs that may be not as good as the others given the high standard this album puts. this gotta be the best kendrick album since to pimp a butterfly. the only reservation I got through this album is that it may not be one that can be played in repeat for a average listen, but the quality of this piece of art is a 10 in every aspect. I would truly give a 9.5 out of 10 but a 10 simplifies all of my feelings through this album.… Expand
  99. Gurranq
    May 13, 2022
    3
    To pimp a butterfly on a Molly comedown.

    Full of heart and soul it seems, however none of the heart and soul that existed within him in albums prior. That guy's gone.
  100. a888
    May 13, 2022
    0
    The album is terrible and definitely his worst. Anyone calling it good is d*ckriding.
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Awards & Rankings

35
#35 Best Album of 2022
6
#6 Most Discussed Album of 2022

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
85

Universal acclaim - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. 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]
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  2. 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.
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  3. 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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