The House Is Burning
by Isaiah Rashad
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
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  1. Clash Music
    Aug 4, 2021
    90
    He sounds freer than ever. ‘The House Is Burning’ subverts expectations. ... Rashad’s music is like a sonic encyclopaedia of Southern rap reference points.
  2. The Line of Best Fit
    Aug 4, 2021
    90
    Rashad’s gotten himself straight, and as a result he’s returned triumphantly from his 5-year absence with his best album yet.
  3. Exclaim
    Aug 4, 2021
    90
    Isaiah Rashad has returned as sharp as ever, delivering an album that houses some of the best material that he's ever released. The album never lulls over its 16-track runtime; instead, it finds an artist who's taken his time away from the spotlight back in a good space, building upon an already strong foundation to result in with the most complete project he's released.
  5. HipHopDX
    Aug 23, 2021
    82
    The House Is Burning does exactly what it’s intended to do, it allows Rashad to dust off the cobwebs going back to the southern sound he so deeply admires, while also proving to listeners he hasn’t lost a step.
  6. Sputnikmusic
    Aug 4, 2021
    78
    Ultimately the thoroughly satisfying maturation on display is enough to overcome any lyrical shortfalls.
  7. Beats Per Minute
    Aug 4, 2021
    77
    It may demand time and focus, but for those interested in a hip hop album that seeks understanding rather than any immediate gratification, this is a quiet, restrained, and uniquely giving world.
  8. Pitchfork
    Aug 4, 2021
    76
    Burning projects newfound poise and even joy through a sophisticated collage. Rashad’s collection of references and phrases plays like the inside of a jumbled but vibrant brain.
  9. AllMusic
    Aug 11, 2021
    70
    While THIB is a back-to-front vibe and an intriguing experiment for Zay's mellowed-out sound, it's one that's still negotiating its own limits.

Awards & Rankings

94
#94 Best Album of 2021
98
#98 Most Discussed Album of 2021

User Reviews

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User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 27 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 27
  3. Negative: 1 out of 27
  1. threadersjoke
    Aug 7, 2021
    9
    This album is great, definitely the sort of record you put on when you are just chilling out or going for a late night drive. The lyrics areThis album is great, definitely the sort of record you put on when you are just chilling out or going for a late night drive. The lyrics are often more simple and washed out into the mix than previous projects and that might be a turn off for people looking for something to really dissect from a lyrical perspective. There is enough of his previous style mixed in that indicates that Isaiad did this intentionally and wanted something you could vibe out to and I would be surprised if his next album did not feature his lyricism more heavily. The standouts for me were RIP Young, Chad, HBTU, and Score.… Full Review »
  2. garpar
    Aug 7, 2021
    9
    Not as lyrical as some past releases, but is bumpable from top to bottom. Keep putting on one track and accidentally cycling through the wholeNot as lyrical as some past releases, but is bumpable from top to bottom. Keep putting on one track and accidentally cycling through the whole album. One of the best albums of the year without question.… Full Review »
  3. lawnchair-larry
    Aug 5, 2021
    10
    THIB is better than The Sun's Tirade, but not as good as Cilvia Demo. However this album is still a fantastic release for Zay. No skips,THIB is better than The Sun's Tirade, but not as good as Cilvia Demo. However this album is still a fantastic release for Zay. No skips, fantastic features, dope beat selection, and a consistent vibe throughout. Definitely worth the wait… Full Review »
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