Psychodrama
by Dave
  • Record Label: N/A
  • Release Date: Mar 8, 2019
User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 205 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 164 out of 205
  2. Mixed: 28 out of 205
  3. Negative: 13 out of 205
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  1. Ewanlflynn
    Jun 12, 2019
    10
    I thought I’d balance out the ratings as some people seem to believe that this album deserves a 0/10. That is ridiculous, my real rating would have been an 8; I gave it a 10 just to annoy some individuals.
    I have been listening to Dave since 2016 when I was recommended that I listen to six paths, I highly suggest you listen to that album too. Both are conceptually incredible. Dave is    I thought I’d balance out the ratings as some people seem to believe that this album deserves a 0/10. That is ridiculous, my real rating would have been an 8; I gave it a 10 just to annoy some individuals.
    I have been listening to Dave since 2016 when I was recommended that I listen to six paths, I highly suggest you listen to that album too. Both are conceptually incredible. Dave is pathing the way for a more successful type of UK rap which differs to drill and regular grime. Another artist doing this is SlowThai, I would also recommend checking him out. Psychodrama is also mixed and mastered incredibly, the whole album flows very well and is an easy listen. The hard storytelling is enough to keep the mind active yet the beat keeps the storytelling exciting and intriguing for the listener. The eleven minute song flies by with Daves use of enigma leaving the listener with questions that can only be answered by further listening. To conclude this album is definitely worth the listen, in 10 years time, this album will be a pillar in the community of British rap and its revolution. It’s 23:30, I just intended to make up for the obscene 0/10 ratings. But then waffled and wasted your time. Peak for you.    … Expand
  2. oliverschefer
    Sep 26, 2019
    10
    Psychodrama gives a beautiful insight into the harsh life of council estate England. Dave manages to go both deep and stay playful throughout the album without seeming pretentious at any stage. The live show is really something.
  3. JamesDeSkilla
    Aug 10, 2019
    9
    Big heat. Not a 10 because the songs that were meant to be radio hits I found less catchy and enjoyable than the rest of album which I don’t normally get from Dave. A No Words or two would’ve made it a 10.
  4. LiKng
    Oct 23, 2019
    10
    deep and intriguing, Dave's debut album gives the UK a new and fresh beacon of hope for their rap scene
  5. Infrasunete
    Jul 16, 2019
    9
    Wow... such a great album. I never heard about Dave before but I am glad I listen this. A very strong and mature album, very consistent, very true, from the heart. You can feel every bit of this. It's not a glamorous album but it will give you a real feel, like AccuWeather.
  6. MohammedAmin
    Dec 3, 2019
    10
    Seminal Album - in contention for album of the year for uk albums and definitely rap album of the year
  7. HughJewnitt
    Jan 5, 2020
    10
    The best rap concept album released in 2019 throughout the globe. Unbelievable maturity from a 20 year old.
  8. LogieBat
    Feb 3, 2020
    10
    An amazing reflection on the city of London and the people in it with catchy hooks and an amazing true to life feel. Dave has really hit the mark.
  9. farfetchedfan
    Feb 3, 2020
    6
    Location is AMAZING. I wish we could rate individual tracks but an amazing track doesn't make an amazing album unfortunately. The rest is underwhelming by comparison.
  10. Zxltrxn
    May 15, 2020
    10
    One of the best album I've heard in a long time. I like the fact that the album starts with the song "Psycho" and ends with "Drama". You enter a journey when you listen to this album, and it's really captivating and you really feel everything that happened in his life. It has a deep meaning. It totally deserves British Album Of The Year. Great work overall, a masterpiece, 10/10.
  11. DrCas
    Jul 4, 2020
    10
    Best debut album since Illmatic. The way the therapy sessions are intertwined with Incredible lyrics is Lamaresque. Yes, this album has almost no, if any, radio bangers. Nevertheless it is an fantastically well written album, by an absurdly talented artist
  12. Jimnoy
    Mar 12, 2019
    10
    Honest raps, complex and emotive production, but still effortlessly cool. I rarely get excited about rap these days because it all sounds the same to me, but this will make you stop and pay attention.
  13. stanley834
    Mar 20, 2019
    10
    Psychodrama is an absolute must-listen record of the 2010s decade as it deals with Dave's struggles with mental health, strained relationships, domestic abuse, racism, and social inequality. You cannot find such realistic and hard-hitting themes like this in a typical rap album that talks about sex, partying, drugs, money, and gangster life. This is conscious hip-hop at its utter finest.
  14. stanleyreeves
    Mar 24, 2019
    9
    After having heard the thoughtful and introspective lyrics of Dave on his game over EP, i was already a fan. This project could not have cemented that more. insane wordplay, emotionally challenging songs and a voice which commands attention. the only downsides to this album in my eyes are the very basic production, although the piano throughout is amazing (Dave is grade 7) and some of theAfter having heard the thoughtful and introspective lyrics of Dave on his game over EP, i was already a fan. This project could not have cemented that more. insane wordplay, emotionally challenging songs and a voice which commands attention. the only downsides to this album in my eyes are the very basic production, although the piano throughout is amazing (Dave is grade 7) and some of the weaker songs, ie purple heart. Absolutely loved this project, couldn't recommend it enough… Expand
  15. Ibn_G
    Mar 19, 2019
    6
    Psychodrama is a very introspective and personal album by Dave in which he talks about a lot of issues regarding his own mental health, his relationships, his family, his race, abuse relationship poverty and the general state of things in South London.
    His wordplay and lyrics are pretty good and mostly creative. One thing that could be a problem for some people are UK slangs that they    Psychodrama is a very introspective and personal album by Dave in which he talks about a lot of issues regarding his own mental health, his relationships, his family, his race, abuse relationship poverty and the general state of things in South London.
    His wordplay and lyrics are pretty good and mostly creative. One thing that could be a problem for some people are UK slangs that they might not understand. The beats and atmosphere are pretty chill and pretty basic, you might like that or not so much. One thing that bothers me with this album is Daves' delivery and flow. There is no real variation in how the approaches songs, so if you hear one song, most of the time you heard all the other songs just with different lyrics and another beat. The delivery also hurts the lyrics and general message he is trying to tell because it just feel like it's all on the surface and not really deep.
    All in all, Psychodrama is an alright album but nothing that revolutionary, highlight for me would include the opening track "Psycho" which is maybe the best song on the album, also tracks "Lesley" and "Screwface Capital" but without the unnecessary instrumental at the end.    … Expand
  16. jorge89
    Apr 2, 2019
    9
    Álbum del año hasta ahora. Uno de los mejores debuts de la historia del rap. Con solo 20 años de edad, Dave ha creado un álbum casi perfecto, conviertiendose posiblemente en el mejor rapero de menos de 25 años de edad.
  17. peyman_eun
    Apr 24, 2019
    10
    Wow. This album has several impressive and powerful tracks. The song "Lesley" captured me. I think it's really a masterpiece rap song with a great music. The song "Black" is another my another favorite song in this album. Well done!
  18. mishmish
    Mar 12, 2019
    10
    Incredible album, deep and intelligent lyricism that is worth paying attention to, and clever beats that accentuate the mood that Dave is elegantly creating throughout the album's tight run time. Well worth a listen, or two or three...
  19. jsimpo
    Mar 21, 2019
    10
    This is lyrically the best ever UK rap album. Album flows supremely well, wordplay is ingenius on occasion and Dave's flow entices you in to listen. Standout songs for me are Psycho, Streatham and Lesley. Standout line - "I don't need a Me 'n' U like a chef eating at his own restaurant"- so good on so many levels
  20. Paddyboiii
    Apr 10, 2019
    9
    This review contains spoilers. This is a highly rated album that certainly deserves all the praise it gets. The clever writing left my jaw open at some points when i fully grasped what he was saying. Even this early in the year it is going to be hard to beat this for best album of 2019. Each song flows into the other fairly well and the mix of subjects that Dave touches on are very relevant and topical today. I was especially impressed with the last track 'Drama' in which Dave wraps up everything that he has talked about so far, including capping off his very witty English test scheme as well as stating that 'Lesley' was based off of his relative. The only thing that lets the album down a bit is a few corny lines here and there. Other than that, i can't give a ten as there is always room for improvement. I expect nothing less from Dave a this point as he has more than proved his worth as a rapper and his honest and open introspection is almost unrivaled. Its amazing that he is only 20 and i cannot wait for more from him.… Collapse
  21. RSVaughan
    Mar 31, 2019
    5
    This album is extremely overrated somehow. It's alright, sure, Dave's storytelling and lyricism skills are outstanding at some points on the album, but they also falter on some of the less serious songs. The concept is cool, but it's not executed as convincingly as it could've been. Mostly though, the beats on this album are boring as **** They all use the same piano and it makes songsThis album is extremely overrated somehow. It's alright, sure, Dave's storytelling and lyricism skills are outstanding at some points on the album, but they also falter on some of the less serious songs. The concept is cool, but it's not executed as convincingly as it could've been. Mostly though, the beats on this album are boring as **** They all use the same piano and it makes songs that aren't super lyrical really boring to listen to. Overall this album is not nearly as good as it could've been with a more realized concept and more interesting beats.… Expand
  22. sammyanthony
    Apr 12, 2019
    6
    An okay album. Can't be compared to any other 90's scoring albums. Pretty much forgettable.
  23. LukeMontgomery7
    Mar 19, 2019
    6
    Gonna be pretty concise here, think overall the album is pretty good, with some clear standout songs, e.g. Psycho and Lesley, but needs improvement in some areas. Lyrically, album is solid and the topics he's talking about are relevant and discusses them well. Delivery is fine, but can sometimes sound a bit lethargic. Main let down of the album is the production, far too generic andGonna be pretty concise here, think overall the album is pretty good, with some clear standout songs, e.g. Psycho and Lesley, but needs improvement in some areas. Lyrically, album is solid and the topics he's talking about are relevant and discusses them well. Delivery is fine, but can sometimes sound a bit lethargic. Main let down of the album is the production, far too generic and forgettable, no tracks really stand out with great production. 6 to a 7 out of 10 for me, the fact it's receiving this level of acclaim is absurd, as pretty sure it's only because the topics he references are considered woke by the media, which is very frustrating, good lyrical content has to be backed up by good music, and sadly this album isn't in my opinion.… Expand
  24. FromKanga
    Apr 2, 2019
    6
    Good lyrics and alright instrumentals individually but it didn't fit well together for me
  25. Bosstingz
    Mar 12, 2019
    10
    This best rap concept album since good kid maad city - Kendrick Lamar
    10/10
  26. dpaudiophile
    Mar 21, 2019
    3
    Insanely overrated.

    Everyone is praising this album for the lyricism but I find most of it rather self-righteous and preachy, and even-though Dave is fully aware, and in complete control of the direction the album goes in, his words quickly come off as needing the listeners empathy, and I don't ever feel compelled to give it to him. If you don't like the first 4 bars on the album don't    Insanely overrated.

    Everyone is praising this album for the lyricism but I find most of it rather self-righteous and preachy, and even-though Dave is fully aware, and in complete control of the direction the album goes in, his words quickly come off as needing the listeners empathy, and I don't ever feel compelled to give it to him. If you don't like the first 4 bars on the album don't bother listening to the rest.

    The beats and production as a whole are forgettable and generic. Dave's flow is nice, but it gets really boring after listening for a while, like you're hearing some kind of robot do the same thing over and over again. When Dave sings, he isn't the worst, but it's probably good that he doesn't do it that often.

    The best songs are the story-telling "Lesley" (even-though it is a little too long and reaching at times), and the sixth track, "Disaster" which I think has the best production/beat and lyrics of all the tracks here.    … Expand
  27. Vincent
    Mar 13, 2019
    0
    Reposting since my review got deleted. I said what I said!

    Orginal review:
    Is this a joke? Unspecial lyrics, mediocre beats. Nowhere near an 100/100 album.
  28. JoeHill127
    Apr 3, 2019
    0
    Sorry, but this album isn't really good this album should have at least a 60 to 69 score. This album is very boring in someway, too much sadness in it, beats selections aren't really good, out of all the rap albums I've heard in my life I can truly say with confidence is that they are all better than this album. TPAB is better, GKMC is better, DAMN. is better Section.80 is better, MBDTF isSorry, but this album isn't really good this album should have at least a 60 to 69 score. This album is very boring in someway, too much sadness in it, beats selections aren't really good, out of all the rap albums I've heard in my life I can truly say with confidence is that they are all better than this album. TPAB is better, GKMC is better, DAMN. is better Section.80 is better, MBDTF is better, 4:44 is better, KOD is better, 2014 forest hills drive is better, The Cool is better, Saba's care for me is better. Man I can go on and on. It's pathetic that this album actually has a 90 some rating score like come on this album is EXTREMELY OVERRATED and doesn't deserve to be in the 90's rating score and that's facts. If this album stays a 97 or go down to a 96 then I can't take metacritc serious anymore end of story… Expand
  29. kjhkjhk
    Apr 4, 2019
    6
    my taste for rap music is very specific, i like Kendrick, Jay, Eminem but this is i dunno it's just not for me. The inflection on the words stands out but not in a tasteful way, it doesn't feel natural it feels forced
    The content on the other hand is top notch. I like the way he addresses so many many issues in a very eloquent way. But the sound of him rapping is a little cringe-worthy
  30. fifi3
    Jul 28, 2019
    7
    Emotional, introspective, deep, thoughtful. I appreciate Dave's artistic statement, but there is a lack of replay value because of its density and lack of colorful hooks. The instrumentals are also quite bland. I get that Dave wants his lyrics to be the focal point, but without any ear candy this can feel kind of winded and preachy. It's a good album, but it could have been better givenEmotional, introspective, deep, thoughtful. I appreciate Dave's artistic statement, but there is a lack of replay value because of its density and lack of colorful hooks. The instrumentals are also quite bland. I get that Dave wants his lyrics to be the focal point, but without any ear candy this can feel kind of winded and preachy. It's a good album, but it could have been better given his lyrical talent and the album's thoughtful, witty and meaningful concept.… Expand
  31. wavy
    Apr 25, 2019
    10
    This one of the best socially conscious albums of all time. Its unfortunate its not too popular. But Dave's story telling is exceptional on this album.
  32. Ncsens
    Jan 23, 2020
    9
    One of the best albums I've ever heard...
    The concepts the lyrics the flows the pictures he paints...
  33. chiccoequina
    Feb 27, 2020
    6
    The album starts with Dave laying out what the album would be focusing on with the opening track 'Pyscho' in which he describes his mental conflicts. The album continues with the song 'Streatham' where he talks about the pressures of the place of his upbringing. One of Daves highlights on the album was 'Black' in which he challenges racial issues as well as British politics. While DavesThe album starts with Dave laying out what the album would be focusing on with the opening track 'Pyscho' in which he describes his mental conflicts. The album continues with the song 'Streatham' where he talks about the pressures of the place of his upbringing. One of Daves highlights on the album was 'Black' in which he challenges racial issues as well as British politics. While Daves lyrical content in the majority of the album is witty and concise, the mellow instrumentals often cease to amaze or elevate some of the songs. Furthermore, this traps Dave into a rap delivery emulating spoken word rather than rapping often devaluing some of what Dave is saying. Therefore I believe as a whole album it was aight but lacked its full potential.… Expand
  34. utkarshbansal
    Nov 18, 2021
    9
    I'm not super into rap, but this floored me. Black and Lesley are incredible.
  35. clem666
    Mar 12, 2021
    8
    The young Dave easily attracts us in his own reflexions and daily life. His major strenght is to be found as much as in his powerful and intelligible lyrics as in its incredible self-awarereness. He surprises by his amazing song-writing and story-telling abilities sprinkled with ingenious wordplay. The messages here are varied as Dave doesn't hesitate to tackle different major issues thatThe young Dave easily attracts us in his own reflexions and daily life. His major strenght is to be found as much as in his powerful and intelligible lyrics as in its incredible self-awarereness. He surprises by his amazing song-writing and story-telling abilities sprinkled with ingenious wordplay. The messages here are varied as Dave doesn't hesitate to tackle different major issues that he witness in our society and his life.

    'Psychodrama' is the kind of record that you can easily listen to: it is accessible to all. It is sometimes much closer to spoken-word than to actual rap. It is way harder to figure out each and every messages of the album (some are hidden). I found that the interludes at the end of some tracks were great as they brought more depth to the project without being too much. They definitely go in the direction of the idea that Dave should consult a psychologist or any other mental health specialist to help him to deal with his never-ending issues.

    However, this does not mean that 'Psychodrama' is flawless or even as perfect as the press wants to describe it. I found that it lacked of instrumental variety. Where the lyrics, the themes adressed and the way they are approached are crazy-original the production quickly and easily falls in the pit of convention. 'Lesley' is the example that I found to illustrate the overly simple production. On that track the effort is only put on the crescendo, leaving the rest in total abandon. Futhermore I regret the fact that Dave didn't make much effort to make his tone and voice vary all along the album. Despite the few changes proposed by the production, if you remove the core message, Dave's presentation is very similar on all tracks.

    Some people are complaining about the overall feeling of 'Psychodrama'. Well if y'all read the album title you would have guessed that this would not be a lot of fun in the lyrics. I think that it is what makes the strenght of the record.    … Expand
  36. martinjonny
    Oct 24, 2019
    10
    What an incredibly powerful album this is. Yes, it's introspective, but it's not egocentric. On the opposite, Dave shifts brilliantly from describing the world from his inner perspective and looking at himself from the outside. Most of the melodies are melancholic, and his world play is out of this world. I've been missing the story-telling rap music, and I didn't really realize that untilWhat an incredibly powerful album this is. Yes, it's introspective, but it's not egocentric. On the opposite, Dave shifts brilliantly from describing the world from his inner perspective and looking at himself from the outside. Most of the melodies are melancholic, and his world play is out of this world. I've been missing the story-telling rap music, and I didn't really realize that until finding this. Dave has very quickly become one of my favorite rappers, and I can't wait for what's coming next.… Expand
  37. zachym11
    Oct 13, 2020
    6
    A good concept runs thought the album, however I find some a good portion of the tracks to be slightly boring and very similar.
  38. aBather
    Jan 10, 2021
    10
    I believe this album deserves a higher rating therefore I decided to give a 10 to balance out all those haters who give 0.
  39. KingDeuce
    Dec 4, 2021
    10
    Dave's debut is deep, bold and ambitious. Each song is hard hitting, not only to your ears, but your heart as well, you can really feel how much of his soul, time and effort he put into this album. It's a beautiful album, everything was made beautifully, and I strongly recommend you listen

Awards & Rankings

7
#7 Best Album of 2019
37
#37 Most Discussed Album of 2019

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. AllMusic
    Dec 13, 2019
    90
    PSYCHODRAMA has all the makings of a generational classic. Packing dense lyricism, poignant introspection, and resonant production into a neatly compiled concept, Dave's debut album is the product of a MC beyond his years, standing firmly among the Godfathers and Made in the Manors as one of the strongest British rap albums of the decade.
    Read full review
  2. The Wire
    May 7, 2019
    60
    Musically it’s mannered to the point where he makes Stormzy look like Tempa T. Token exceptions offer some respite. On “Location” with Burna Boy and “Disaster” with J Hus he briefly escapes the bland backing and naff counselling concept to explore more primal modes of expression. But ultimately the failures predominate, most notably ten minutes of the heavy handed domestic violence PSA “Lesley”. [May 2019, p.50]
  3. Q Magazine
    Apr 9, 2019
    80
    Psychodrama is a bold statement from a rapper unafraid to ask tough questions of himself--and the often unforgiving world around him. [Jun 2019, p.108]
See all critic reviews »