Kendrick Lamar’s albums have sparked endless barbershop debates.
- Fans were eagerly anticipating the release of ‘Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers’.
- Rating his past albums reveals much about his musical journey.
- Each album showcases a blend of storytelling and production.
- Opinions on his albums’ rankings are deeply divided.
There’s a certain magic in debating Kendrick Lamar’s discography. From the beats to the lyrics, fans can’t seem to agree on which album truly shines. One listener, a fan for nearly a decade, shares their journey through his music, starting with the album that first caught their attention—‘Good Kid, M.A.A.D City’.
Released in April 2012, ‘Good Kid, M.A.A.D City’ remains a favorite for many, including this fan who places it above others for its standout tracks like ‘Money Trees’, ‘Swimming Pools’, and ‘The Recipe’. These songs blend storytelling, catchy beats, and a lyrical depth that’s hard to rival.
Then comes the highly acclaimed ‘To Pimp a Butterfly’. Initially praised for its artistic flair and political undertones, it presents a more jazzy, experimental direction for Lamar. However, the fan admits that over time and repeated listens, its charm faded, finding tracks like ‘King Kunta’ and ‘Alright’ as exceptions.
While ‘To Pimp a Butterfly’ was initially top-tier for this fan, the lack of replay value over time nudged it slightly down the ranks. The songs better appreciated as a cohesive album rather than shuffled into other playlists.
This brings us to ‘DAMN.’, an album that burst onto the scene with high-energy tracks but, according to the fan, didn’t quite stand the test of time. While songs like ‘HUMBLE.’ and ‘DNA.’ still resonate, others didn’t hold the same lasting appeal.
Moving on, ‘Untitled Unmastered’ offered some intriguing snippets of his creative process but lacked the standout tracks to make it a must-listen. It serves more as a behind-the-scenes peak rather than a definitive experience.
And finally, the latest double album, ‘Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers’. Many were eager to see what Kendrick had up his sleeve after a long wait. Despite high anticipation, the fan describes the sound of the album as lacking compared to previous works, with songs like ‘Die Hard’ and ‘Father Time’ standing out amongst a less engaging overall offering.
There’s a recurrent theme of disappointment over the sonic qualities of his latest, especially when held up against past masterpieces. The lyrics remain introspective, but without the captivating sound to match, they fall short.
Kendrick Lamar’s albums are a journey of artistic exploration, each sparking varied opinions among fans.
