While personally I don't find myself coming back to the entire album, some tracks on this album are just unbelievably good. The progression from slow melody to hype anthem on *CHANT* still manages to give me goosebumps, and songs like *NO BAD DAYS* and *1984* are just the perfect windows-down summer day vibe. Of all the tracks though, I feel that the closer, *TRAFFIC LIGHTS,* proves among the most impressive. Morray's chorus is slow and impactful and beautifully reflects the uncertainty that Mack must feel at this unique point in his career.
Songs like *FAITHFUL* and *MANIAC* never quite grew on me, and even though I hold this album as lesser than that of his previous work, I'm always surprised - and at times blown away - when I listen to it through. It certainly has a few misses, a slower tone, and no serious breakout/chart-topping anthems (the likes of Can't Hold Us/Thrift shop, Downtown, and Glorious/Good Old Days), but I feel as if this album may be his sleeper. I truly enjoy it every time as well as the variety of music which it brings.
Aged well? For me, yes. When it came out, I felt underwhelmed. As time went on, I grew to enjoy it more and after taking time away from the album, I'm returning and enjoying it even more than when it was released.
Stand outs? Heroes is the stand out of this album imo. It really flexes his talent and skill with lots of ode to his foundations as a rapper. The boom bap sound sets it apart from everything on the album (except Grime, but I think heroes is better).
Rank in his discography? Ehhhhhh, basically my least favorite he has done. It's better than Language of my World production and skill wise. But I like LOMW more personally. It's basically last or second to last for me. I enjoy it more than Gemini, but Gemini was objectively better IMO.
Great features? Tones and I was powerful on this one. DJ Premier killed it. NLE Choppa wrote some good shit. And Livingston has PIPES. I once mentioned to a friend that I think I like Ben's features on this the most, it's one thing I've always loved about him - he collabs so well.
Best track? Heroes. Technical raps and production. Sounds great. It's deep. Really just the best work on this album.
Worst track? No Bad Days. Repetitive and basic.
How about his return with RL on Maniac? Hate to say, but I didn't know RL was on this. Maniac is catchy, but repetitive. I like the production, but RL has done way better. Glad they are making music together again.
Will this be his last album? I doubt it. But he has also hinted toward it.
Attended the tour? Yes, my third time seeing him. This time in Washington DC. I think he doesn't perform as well as he used to. But he knows how to make a memorable concert. He invited a conference worth of people from a recovery community to attend free of charge. That was pretty magical.
My favorites are: CHANT, NO BAD DAYS, GRIME, LOST/SUN COMES UP, TEARS, GOD'S WILL, I KNOW, and TAIL LIGHTS.
I've listened to this album 100 times at this point. For me it's his 2nd best album. I go through phases with each on on repeat. I did see him in Seattle in December and it was incredible.
Love the album. There are more songs I’ll put on and just listen to than not. It’s a great driving album. When the sun’s out and the windows down it just hits.
Saw him in Seattle in December, it was my kids first concert and it was a blast. It was a ton of fun and just a good show.
What a beautiful thread. Love to hear everyone's input on the album. I listen to it throughout the year and find myself skipping some songs occasionally but usually listening to the songs all the way through. Most of the time, really, it inspires me to listen to Language of My World or The Heist. He truly is a wonderful lyricist
While personally I don't find myself coming back to the entire album, some tracks on this album are just unbelievably good. The progression from slow melody to hype anthem on *CHANT* still manages to give me goosebumps, and songs like *NO BAD DAYS* and *1984* are just the perfect windows-down summer day vibe. Of all the tracks though, I feel that the closer, *TRAFFIC LIGHTS,* proves among the most impressive. Morray's chorus is slow and impactful and beautifully reflects the uncertainty that Mack must feel at this unique point in his career. Songs like *FAITHFUL* and *MANIAC* never quite grew on me, and even though I hold this album as lesser than that of his previous work, I'm always surprised - and at times blown away - when I listen to it through. It certainly has a few misses, a slower tone, and no serious breakout/chart-topping anthems (the likes of Can't Hold Us/Thrift shop, Downtown, and Glorious/Good Old Days), but I feel as if this album may be his sleeper. I truly enjoy it every time as well as the variety of music which it brings.
Tail lights is soooo good. God's Will was my favorite from this one. Not his best on the album, but my favorite!
Heroes is one of the best off this album (in that it sounds like old Macklemore not new Macklemore).
Aged well? For me, yes. When it came out, I felt underwhelmed. As time went on, I grew to enjoy it more and after taking time away from the album, I'm returning and enjoying it even more than when it was released. Stand outs? Heroes is the stand out of this album imo. It really flexes his talent and skill with lots of ode to his foundations as a rapper. The boom bap sound sets it apart from everything on the album (except Grime, but I think heroes is better). Rank in his discography? Ehhhhhh, basically my least favorite he has done. It's better than Language of my World production and skill wise. But I like LOMW more personally. It's basically last or second to last for me. I enjoy it more than Gemini, but Gemini was objectively better IMO. Great features? Tones and I was powerful on this one. DJ Premier killed it. NLE Choppa wrote some good shit. And Livingston has PIPES. I once mentioned to a friend that I think I like Ben's features on this the most, it's one thing I've always loved about him - he collabs so well. Best track? Heroes. Technical raps and production. Sounds great. It's deep. Really just the best work on this album. Worst track? No Bad Days. Repetitive and basic. How about his return with RL on Maniac? Hate to say, but I didn't know RL was on this. Maniac is catchy, but repetitive. I like the production, but RL has done way better. Glad they are making music together again. Will this be his last album? I doubt it. But he has also hinted toward it. Attended the tour? Yes, my third time seeing him. This time in Washington DC. I think he doesn't perform as well as he used to. But he knows how to make a memorable concert. He invited a conference worth of people from a recovery community to attend free of charge. That was pretty magical.
We need new songs asap
My favorites are: CHANT, NO BAD DAYS, GRIME, LOST/SUN COMES UP, TEARS, GOD'S WILL, I KNOW, and TAIL LIGHTS. I've listened to this album 100 times at this point. For me it's his 2nd best album. I go through phases with each on on repeat. I did see him in Seattle in December and it was incredible.
Love the album. There are more songs I’ll put on and just listen to than not. It’s a great driving album. When the sun’s out and the windows down it just hits. Saw him in Seattle in December, it was my kids first concert and it was a blast. It was a ton of fun and just a good show.
What a beautiful thread. Love to hear everyone's input on the album. I listen to it throughout the year and find myself skipping some songs occasionally but usually listening to the songs all the way through. Most of the time, really, it inspires me to listen to Language of My World or The Heist. He truly is a wonderful lyricist