With the Grammy nominations announced, its time for my annual review of every album of the year nominee. Track information in this review if courtesy of genius.com.
"Mr Morales & The Big Steppers" - Kendrick Lamar
PGLang/TDE/Aftermath/Interscope Records
1) "United In Grief"
This deals with mental health issues amid his career; "I can debate on my theories and sharing it....So what, paralyzed, the county building controlled us". Kendrick is also commenting on the prison complex.
2) "N95"
This is about coping mechanisms, talking about the facades that we wear; "where the hypocrites at? What community feel they the only ones relevant?"
3) "Worldwide Steppers"
This deals with Kendrick's seclusive lifestyle; "Playin' Baby Shark with my daughter, watchin' for sharks outside at the same time".
4) "Die Hard" ft/ Blxst & Amanda Reifer
Kendrick talks about his insecurities and struggles in a relationship; "We all got enough to lie about, my truth too complicated to hide now".
5) "Father Time" ft/ Sampha
Kendrick explores toxic masculinity that's been passed down; "Everything them four walls had taught me, made habits bury deep. That man knew a lot, but not enough to keep me past them streets.....Men should never show feelings, being sensitive never helped".
6) "Rich (Interlude)"
7) "Rich Spirit"
This deals with Kendrick's own qualities; "And celebrity do not mean integrity, you fool". This track could use more backing instrumentals.
8) "We Cry Together" ft/ Taylour Paige
This deals with a couple's dispute, featuring different sides. This is powerful, but gets uncomfortable and goes past the point its making.
9) "Purple Hearts" w/ Summer Walker & Ghostface Killah
This track feels scattered.
10) "Count Me Out"
This is about proving someone wrong; "A mask won't hide who you are inside, Look around, the reality's carved in lies".
11) "Crown"
This is an introspective track, with a tranquil feel to it; "Heavy is the head that chooses to wear the crown, to whom it's given, much is required now".
12) "Silent Hill" w/ Kodak Black
This deals with success & fake friendships. The chorus is so-so.
13) "Savior (Interlude)"
14) "Savior" w/ Baby Keem & Sam Dew
This is a look at society; "One protest for you, Three-sixty-five for me".
15) "Auntie Diaries"
This is a narrative look at views of the LGBTQ community; "I sat in the pew, you had stronger faith". Kendrick deals with the power of words & slurs.
16) "Mr Morale" w/ Tanna Leone
This track deals with trauma and excess; "Fightin' off demons that been outside, Better known as myself, I'm a a demigod".
17) "Mother I Sober" ft/ Beth Gibbons
Dealing with personal trauma, this track has some powerful lyrics.
18) "Mirror"
This is about fame & image; "I realized, true love's not savin' face, But unconditional, when will you let me go?"
19) "The Heart Part 5"
With a nice beat, this track really flows.
Coming off an anticipated wait, Kendrick Lamar brings it with "Mr Morales & The Big Steppers". This album flows fairly seamlessly. (90)
"In These Silent Days" - Brandi Carlile: 96
"Renaissance" - Beyonce: 93
"30"- Adele: 92
"Mr Morales & The Big Steppers" - Kendrick Lamar: 90
"Special" - Lizzo: 88
"Good Morning Gorgeous" (Deluxe) - Mary J Blige: 82
"Un Verano Sin Ti" - Bad Bunny: 81
"Music Of The Spheres" - Coldplay: 77
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