ROADRUNNER: NEW LIGHT, NEW MACHINE
by BROCKHAMPTON
  • Record Label: RCA
  • Release Date: Apr 9, 2021
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 109 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 96 out of 109
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 109
  3. Negative: 3 out of 109
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  1. nobdog3085
    Apr 10, 2021
    10
    This is easily their best work yet in my opinion. This album has their best blend of the hard banger tracks as it does the softer deep cuts. This album after a few listens is definitely a grower, especially one or two songs in the middle that definitely grew on me after the first listen. This is one that deserves multiple plays because of how deep some cuts here are. Starting with theThis is easily their best work yet in my opinion. This album has their best blend of the hard banger tracks as it does the softer deep cuts. This album after a few listens is definitely a grower, especially one or two songs in the middle that definitely grew on me after the first listen. This is one that deserves multiple plays because of how deep some cuts here are. Starting with the first track BUZZCUT, this is a great start to the album. Kevin Abstract really shines here with his hardest verse since GUMMY on SAT2. Danny Brown also is a fantastic feature and he really shines over this beat. The outro with Merlyn Wood and Joba is also great with their contrasting voices blending together great. This track really brings back the group feeling many were missing from Iridescence and Ginger. The second track is called CHAIN ON (feat. JPEGMAFIA). This has a nice and simple beat, but with Kevin on the hook, JPEGMAFIA, and Dom going hard really goes well nicely with the beat. Easily one of the better songs in the first half. The third track is called COUNT ON ME and this is the first "softer" song on the album sonically speaking. It features A$AP Rocky and SoGone SoFlexy along with Matt Champion on the verses with Jabari Manwa, Ryan Beatty, and Shawn Mendes on the chorus which is a nice feel-good time. This is definitely one of the more "summery" and more replay-heavy tracks that are always nice to turn on. The fourth track, BANKROLL (feat. A$AP Rocky and A$AP Ferg) is easily one of my personal favorites. This is the track where Merlyn shines the most. He has one of my favorite verses of his on this one. Asap Rocky and Asap Ferg also sound amazing here as well. The fifth track is where the album really starts to get amazing. THE LIGHT has Joba talking about his father's recent suicide and his struggles regarding that. Kevin Abstract also has a verse to close off the song where he raps about his struggles with his sexuality and how his mom feels about it. For most this is a top tier track in their catalog. The sixth track is WINDOWS (feat. SoGone SoFlexy). This is the first track so far that features a verse from all the members of the group and every one of the verses here is amazing. Personal highlights are Jabari on the chorus, Merlyn's verse, bearface's verse, and Joba's verse. This one is the longest song on the album but I think is worth the whole listen. The next two songs are probably the two most controversial ones on the whole album where people either love them or hate them. I personally love both I'LL TAKE YOU ON (feat. Charlie Wilson) and OLD NEWS (feat. Baird) but there are many others who do not like either of these tracks. They are both nice kind of pop-inspired cuts that can be a bit sappy sometimes, but I think are a fine addition to the album that doesn't really help or hurt the experience all that much. The next track WHAT'S THE OCCASION? is another favorite of mine. It has fantastic verses and a great instrumental which features a Beatles-style guitar backing track with maybe even some MCR influence here too. Another great track with a fantastic chorus by Joba yet again, and a somber rock-out outro. WHEN I BALL is the tenth track on the album which starts off with an amazing verse by Dom where he lays out the struggles of African Americans in America and the struggles they face with police and the prison system. This also has a nice verse by Matt talking about his childhood as well with Joba on the bridge and chorus and the outro. Another fantastic track. The eleventh track here might be the best on the entire record. DON'T SHOOT UP THE PARTY is a straight banger that brings back the feelings of the Saturation era group bangers like BOOGIE and SWEET for example. Kevin Abstract opens the track with a verse about his struggles with being a member of the LGBTQ+ community in America and some racial issues as well. Joba also has a verse that references the suicide of his father. One of my favorite tracks here. The second to last track is the very somber DEAR LORD which was written by bearface for Joba and his father asking for God to help his friend get through the tough times. This is an incredible track to me as it is one of the deepest and sad moments in their entire discography. This leads me to my favorite track here THE LIGHT PT. II. It again leads off with Kevin Abstract rapping a verse about his struggles with his mother and police brutality in America. This is my favorite verse of his on the entire record. Then it moves onto Joba for the rest of the song. This verse is easily his best one he has ever done with a somber and heartfelt tribute to his father who he recently lost to suicide. This song is easily the best closer to any of their albums. To wrap this up, I loved this record from front to back. This is so far my favorite album of the 2020's so far and cannot wait to see where they go on their final album later this year. Rating: 10/10… Expand
  2. Daire
    Apr 13, 2021
    10
    absolutely love this project, its what i hoped to get when i first heard the albums announcement. it definitely lived up to my expectations. easily my favourite album this year, sadly its their second last album.
  3. jizam
    Apr 10, 2021
    10
    Best release since Saturation 1. Brockhampton has shown such extreme versatility with this album that takes the listener through a wide range of emotions.
  4. thomasdaly04
    Apr 13, 2021
    9
    the best mix of past brockhampton sound with hard hitters and good slow songs that sounds like they finnaly have balenced the styles from their albums into one aswell as new good sounds especially in the light and what's the occasion, joba delivers some Incredible verses and emotional lyrics and storytelling aswell as every member having memorable good performances, there are a few boringthe best mix of past brockhampton sound with hard hitters and good slow songs that sounds like they finnaly have balenced the styles from their albums into one aswell as new good sounds especially in the light and what's the occasion, joba delivers some Incredible verses and emotional lyrics and storytelling aswell as every member having memorable good performances, there are a few boring songs and a lack of a continuous story or theme but all around best Brockhampton album yet… Expand
  5. Cumball
    Apr 9, 2021
    9
    BROCKHAMPTON delivers another great album, continuing their streak of great albums. Have been listening this album on repeat for hours. Favorite Tracks: BUZZCUT, CHAIN ON, COUNT ON ME, BANKROLL, WINDOWS, I'LL TAKE YOU ON, OLD NEWS, DON'T SHOOT UP THE PARTY, THE LIGHT PT.II. Least Favorite Tracks: Dear Lord. Overall Score 9/10
  6. Ethan_DeGag
    Apr 9, 2021
    9
    Oh my god. Chills throughout the entirety. This is their strongest album in my opinion.
  7. pig____
    Apr 9, 2021
    9
    "The World's Greatest Boyband" hit it out of the park once again with the truly excellent new record 'ROADRUNNER: NEW LIGHT, NEW MACHINE'. BROCKHAMPTON as a group really manage to merge more mainstream, radio-friendly sounds with experimental production and introspective lyrics without deviating too much from their signature style, leading to an album that is not only likely to have many"The World's Greatest Boyband" hit it out of the park once again with the truly excellent new record 'ROADRUNNER: NEW LIGHT, NEW MACHINE'. BROCKHAMPTON as a group really manage to merge more mainstream, radio-friendly sounds with experimental production and introspective lyrics without deviating too much from their signature style, leading to an album that is not only likely to have many commercially successful tracks, but will also appease both old and new fans alike. Some highlights from the track listing are the incredibly experimental and abrasive opening track 'BUZZCUT' featuring Danny Brown, the infectiously catchy 'CHAIN ON' and 'COUNT ON ME', 'WINDOWS' and 'THE LIGHT' parts 1 and 2, two deeply personal and mellow tracks that truly convey the album's themes of depression and the afterlife in a morbidly beautiful way. Overall, this album is definitely one of the best albums of the year so far and is the best album BROCKHAMPTON have released since the SATURATION era in my opinion.… Expand
  8. SIIK
    Apr 10, 2021
    7
    Heavy on the lyrics, I like the production but lacks in delivery, BUZZCUT is the intro which overshadowes the others, making you except some high energy psychedelic vibe, but ending up with some mellow vibe
  9. echoestoofar
    Apr 11, 2021
    10
    Their best work so far, took their time and made sure each track was worth the wait and each fit within an album. With an underlying theme of The Light, there is an arc throughout the album and finishes off with a heartbreaking performance by Joba on the song THE LIGHT PT. II.
  10. Sukkhokon
    Apr 10, 2021
    10
    আসলেই এই এলবামটা অনেক দারুণ
  11. Tomcrowley11
    Apr 12, 2021
    10
    This is one of the best albums I have heard in a long time, and for sure BROCKHAMPTON's best work.
    The album discusses themes ranging from where the group is at currently, the success they have found - but also themes of depression, family trauma, and hopelessness - contrasting with hope to find "the light" in all of the darkness they find themselves engulfed in.
    The features all perform    This is one of the best albums I have heard in a long time, and for sure BROCKHAMPTON's best work.
    The album discusses themes ranging from where the group is at currently, the success they have found - but also themes of depression, family trauma, and hopelessness - contrasting with hope to find "the light" in all of the darkness they find themselves engulfed in.
    The features all perform very well, and add more to each song they are on - but do not overshadow the members of BROCKHAMPTON.
    The production is amazing, from the low-key and simple but effective and entertaining sample loop on "CHAIN ON" to the hard thumping beats of "BUZZCUT" and "DON'T SHOOT UP THE PARTY" as well as RnB throwback, and chilled out beats especially on the 2nd half of the album on songs like "I'LL TAKE YOU ON" and "WHEN I BALL" add for an immersive and entertaining experience that has really impressed me, and has left me excited to see where they go from here.
    Rating 10/10
    Best tracks: All of them    … Expand
  12. bruhmoment2
    Apr 12, 2021
    8
    The long-awaited follow-up to GINGER has finally arrived. It's funny considering that the wait wasn't that long between the 2 albums, it was around a 1.5 year wait and yet we were all so eager and desperate to see what they had in store for us. This was the only time they had skipped a year from their usual annual release schedule, expectations were definitely high and yet they were ableThe long-awaited follow-up to GINGER has finally arrived. It's funny considering that the wait wasn't that long between the 2 albums, it was around a 1.5 year wait and yet we were all so eager and desperate to see what they had in store for us. This was the only time they had skipped a year from their usual annual release schedule, expectations were definitely high and yet they were able to deliver one of their most refined and arguably their strongest projects to date. At its core ROADRUNNER is still a rap album, but it explores new and old sounds to an even greater extent than their other albums. It draws inspirations from all their albums equally; from the iridescence-inspired opening track BUZZCUT, and the SATURATION-inspired track THE LIGHT, to the more mellow and ballad-like track 'WHAT'S THE OCCASION?' that draws inspiration from GINGER.

    ROADRUNNER's strongest aspect is spotlighting each member evenly more than ever throughout the album; shining the limelight on overlooked members such as Joba and Merlyn, while simultaneously giving the rest of the members their own moments or even songs. My only issue with this album is that it never feels like every track is a follow-up of the last one, aside from a few exceptions. I had the same issue with the SATURATION trilogy, it feels like a compilation of songs that have similar themes and subject matters. There's nothing wrong with that, but BROCKHAMPTON has yet to improve in their storytelling ability within their albums which is currently holding them back from achieving their peak as a group. Aside from that ROADRUNNER still manages to be an incredibly enjoyable project and is arguably their strongest to date.

    Favourite tracks: BUZZCUT, THE LIGHT, I'LL TAKE YOU ON, WHAT'S THE OCCASION?,    … Expand
  13. hausoflilluis
    Oct 28, 2021
    8
    As you go from song to song, it's a more intense atmosphere, leading to question why "the new light" if it's dark ... It's not about staying in what this album is narrating, but in what will come after this. The truth of Joba is only the key to understanding the direction of this LP, but of course it doesn't take all the leading role; Kevin Abstract has been involved in all songs. MyAs you go from song to song, it's a more intense atmosphere, leading to question why "the new light" if it's dark ... It's not about staying in what this album is narrating, but in what will come after this. The truth of Joba is only the key to understanding the direction of this LP, but of course it doesn't take all the leading role; Kevin Abstract has been involved in all songs. My amazement is taken by Bearface, because although he has few solos, they are precious.

    fav tracks: "THE LIGHT", "DON'T SHOOT UP THE PARTY", "I'LL TAKE YOU ON", "DEAR LORD" & "WHEN I BALL"
    KEY-TRACK: "THE LIGHT PT. II"    … Expand
  14. MusicNerdViking
    Apr 11, 2021
    8
    While this is their final album, I'm glad that they were able to end Brockhampton on a high note (to be fair, almost everything from their discography was high notes). The production is slick, and the mixing is pretty good as well. Although while I don't have anything particularly crazy to say about this, I do think that it is good.

    Overall score: 7.7/10 Favorite tracks: Don't Shoot Up    While this is their final album, I'm glad that they were able to end Brockhampton on a high note (to be fair, almost everything from their discography was high notes). The production is slick, and the mixing is pretty good as well. Although while I don't have anything particularly crazy to say about this, I do think that it is good.

    Overall score: 7.7/10
    Favorite tracks: Don't Shoot Up the Party, What's the Occasion, Buzzcut, Dear Lord, When I Ball, The Light Pt. 2, Chain On
    Least favorite tracks: Windows
    The album is: Pretty neat!    … Expand
  15. ringkichie
    Aug 31, 2021
    9
    BROCKHAMPTON surprised everyone with this album. Lyrically, I feel like this is one of their best albums, no doubt. However, I don't know if I would say it's their best. Only time will tell but this was just a surprise for me, incredible and on my top 3 so far.
  16. bailey-
    May 30, 2021
    8
    This is the best BROCKHAMPTON album yet. The stories that Joba present in THE LIGHT pt. 1 and 2 are deeply emotional and after listening to this album multiple times, I believe it will be in the top 3 of the year for sure.
  17. eccodreams
    Apr 11, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Easily their most consistent album to date, ROADRUNNER flawlessly blurs the line between personal vocals and banger beats. Kevin pulls through with some brilliant, rich vocals on the stellar BUZZCUT, Matt's verse on DON'T SHOOT UP THE PARTY is fittingly explosive, and Merlyn being cheered on by his bandmates on WINDOWS while he spits bars as hot as the sun is both funny and sonically incredible, and Dom's following verse is intense and brilliant. Bearface's gospel song DEAR LORD is as beautiful as it is juxtaposed against the rest of the album; I'd cut this one from any normal listen just because it's just a well deserved breather before the gut-wrenching THE LIGHT PT. II. We'll get to those songs later. The features here are very well thought out and all bring fantastic performances. I'm convinced that Danny Brown was *born* to feature on BUZZCUT. JPEGMAFIA kills it on CHAIN ON, even if the beat isn't as intricate as some other tracks here. A$AP Rocky and A$AP Ferg blend with the boys brilliantly on smooth banger BANKROLL. Baird is right at home on OLD NEWS, and SoGone SoFlexy's delivery on WINDOWS is shockingly good for someone so underground. Joba's performance is equal parts remarkable and heart-wrenching, and is more than deserving of its own section in this review. On THE LIGHT, he details the series of events that occurred after his father committed suicide in September of 2020. He talks about how he struggled to cope, and details how he's haunted by the grizzly image of the aftermath. Kevin follows up with an equally compelling exploration of his childhood. On THE LIGHT PT. II, Joba whispers an intro, and Kevin starts the song with the struggles he faced growing up, and he thanks God for helping him finding himself. Joba follows up, talking directly to his father. He questions his decision, and talks about how his memories with him make him feel. He talks about how his future family will be told about how great he was, and admits that the way he left his mother hurts the most. The light is worth the wait, I promise. ROADRUNNER: NEW LIGHT, NEW MACHINE is a must-listen. It isn't perfect, but it's the closest thing to a perfect album that Brockhampton has released so far.… Expand
  18. toadrunner
    Apr 15, 2021
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. As a new BROCKHAMPTON fan (joined after GINGER's release), this is one of their if not the most innovative record they have released. I'm a big fan of the SATURATION trilogy and contrary to other fans, I also loved iridescence. But ROADRUNNER completely trumps all of the other albums simply due to its euphoric first listen and extreme versatility. I do feel a slight disconnect between the band members on RR and the track CHAIN ON could have been a lot more than it is currently. But, the incredible storytelling and sublime production absolutely make up for it.

    Tracks like WHAT'S THE OCCASION?, THE LIGHT, and DON'T SHOOT UP THE PARTY experiment with new styles that I've never heard BROCKHAMPTON attempt before (at least that I know of) and somehow, they managed to get it right the first try. This group never fails to amaze me with their immense talent and phenomenal presence.

    I must also applaud JOBA for his phenomenal performance on this album. To be able to speak about his father's suicide on a record like this takes an immense amount of courage and to be fair, I could never do something like that. To be honest, I was kind of disappointed with the cover at first since I was expecting something futuristic/psychedelic (referring to each of the members' profile pictures), but after listening to THE LIGHT and PT. II I completely understand and love the cover chosen.

    A lot of fans complain that this is more of a JOBA album more than a BROCKHAMPTON album and I agree, JOBA was on more often than any other member but, this just shows how supportive and loving the BH family is, they've given JOBA space and freedom to reflect on his experience in the form of this album. And, it's not like JOBA completely overshadows all of the other members. Every single member has one of those "holy **** **** moments on the album. Dom's verse on WINDOWS, Jabari on OLD NEWS, Merlyn Wood on BANKROLL, bearface on I'LL TAKE YOU ON and Matt Champion bodies every verse he is in where it's on DON'T SHOOT UP THE PARTY or COUNT ON ME. So it's safe to say even though JOBA stole the show, there was still plenty of spotlights for the other members to shine.

    My personal favorite JOBA moment has to be the bridge on THE LIGHT. There is absolutely nothing more euphoric than listening to that for the first time.

    To quote one of the members (Dom) "If we can’t just objectively agree that JOBA’s performance on THE LIGHT isn’t one of the best written and recorded efforts in music, let alone the arts EVER, I really don’t care about your opinion. I don’t". I absolutely agree with Dom here, JOBA delivers an emotional and ecstatic performance on THE LIGHT, which also makes it my favorite track on the record.

    DEAR LORD was one of my weaker tracks at first but, after listening to it more carefully I realized that it is absolutely wonderful, bearface praying to God that He helps his brother (JOBA) in this trying time is beautiful and shows once again how supportive the BH family is to all of their members.    … Expand
  19. nastybunny
    Apr 12, 2021
    10
    just incredible, i have no words. i got chills. in my opinion their best album
  20. ClearableBus
    May 21, 2021
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Mi segundo álbum favorito de 2021

    Un gran disco con muy buenas colaboraciones y de lo mejor que ha sacado Brockhampton desde Saturation    … Expand
  21. Bensblonde
    Sep 18, 2021
    10
    The best Album I have ever heard with an amazing message about suicide. Highly recommended.
  22. andrilitvynchuk
    Aug 12, 2023
    9
    Why every brockhampton album is so good? I truly love these guys and felt this album

Awards & Rankings

53
#53 Most Discussed Album of 2021

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. The Wire
    Jun 29, 2021
    80
    The album progresses through tastefully understated melancholy and rage to a clutch of pop songs whose assured emo posturing melts into cries for salvation so exquisite they’re undeniable. [Jun 2021, p.64]
  2. HipHopDX
    May 4, 2021
    80
    During the first listen of the album, only a handful of its 13 tracks stood out but upon further exploration, ROADRUNNER suddenly blossomed into a sonic garden ripe with introspective brilliance.
    Read full review
  3. AllMusic
    Apr 15, 2021
    90
    Technical precision and introspective lyrics mark this album as their most rap-centric project thus far, inspiring both concentrated head-nodding and the thrill of the rush as each emcee's verse impeccably weaves from one to another.
    Read full review
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