As an music expert from 1672, l am saddened to give this album a mid/10. l strongly advice Kendrick to retire immediately and get a real job as making music is clearly not his thing. I spend months listening to this album in particular and my legal team and me can’t find any good song on it. I am willing to fiII a Iawsuit against Oklama for brain damage l got from listening to this album. I think its safe to say that l need to intervene on this case and caII Kendrick to say that l’m taking over.
5:21 Fantano asking, "What did I do?" jokingly, like he didn't give DAMN. a 7 which filled Kendrick full of resentment that turned into a deep depression and caused him to go missing for 5 years.
The guy was literally the first rapper to win a Pulitzer prize for a rap album. A 7/10 was wrong, plain and simple. I literally stopped watching his videos because of that review. This is the first one I've watched since to see if he redeemed himself.
The ending lyrics into bridge on Mirror hit me like a truck. "Maybe it's time to break it off Run away from the culture to follow my heart I realized, true love's not savin' face But unconditional When will you let me go? I trust you’ll find independence If not, then all is forgiven Sorry I didn't save the world, my friend I was too busy buildin' mine again" I hope Kendrick was able to shed some weight off his shoulders and finds peace doing what is right for him, whatever choice he makes after this album.
The last song to me is the most important message on the album. “You won’t grow waitin on me” really hits hard and the best message he could possibly give us. Unfortunately alot of people will not understand that
Also remember when Noname basically sent shots at J. Cole and Kendrick for not being big leaders in the black lives matter movement. I think the message of this song applies to that situation too. That and Savior. He's an imperfect human just like everybody else, he's nobodies savior and he has his own problems that he is working on, enough to not be able to save the country at the same time.
On the ambiguity of “We Cry Together” I think the “this is what the world sounds like” line at the beginning is crucial for framing the entire song. I wouldn’t look for any consistency or actual statement of belief from the artists in their argument because I think they’re just trying to fully embody and act out what the cultural conflict and discourse/division *feels* like to be watching and listening to. The inconsistency and self contraction etc are a part of that. I think it’s interesting that in an album centered around therapy conceptually Kendrick is literally using the therapeutic technique of “diffusion” - which is a method where you externalize beliefs about yourself so that you can let go of your attachment to them. Some methods of diffusion used in therapy literally include repetition and repeating the belief in a “funny voice” something he’s literally doing in Crown. Brilliant album imo. Thanks for the thoughtful review!
Coming from a white guy that grew up in poverty with a broken family, inheriting generational trauma, and currently going through therapy to fix myself and protect my one year old daughter from said trauma, Its one of the most impactful hip hop albums I've listened to. 10/10
As a another white guy coming from your same background of trauma and broken families I can’t tell you how much I feel this. Kendrick is probably my favorite artist from this era of music. This album was cathartic. Especially because like you I’ve been dealing with these issues in therapy. It’s been such a hard couple of years and this album was like a gift to the universe. He spoke truth to all my trauma. 😢❤
The fact he came to some kind of healing gave me hope for the future..my future. I don’t want him to be anything other than who he feels he is. Truly appreciate Kendrick 🎉
Hispanic guy going through similar things. Album helped me go to therapy and legitimately changed my life. My favorite Kendrick album and one of the most meaningful pieces of music to me.
We Cry Together might be the first time I ever listened to a track with Kendrick on it and thought he may have been outperformed. I think it may be because that song is virtually a scene and Taylor’s an actor, it was almost like voice acting that rhymed. The fact that it was her rap debut is absurd, she was fucking incredible.
Her performance is just so "full" .. like, from the broken inflection when she says "reverse psychology" to her voice, the story-telling and everything in between. It's a ridiculously "whole" performance.. I was blown away.
It is amazing to me how Anthony can put together over 25 minutes of thoughtful review within 4 days of a major release. Really appreciate the work he puts in
I really like what Kendrick did on this one. The mirroring is amazing, the features are some of the best. I’m not responsible for the disappearance of 2 teenagers in 2004.
I don't think kendrick's unaware of his part in why people ideolize him the way they do. In crown he keeps repeating the line "heavy is the head that *chose* to wear the crown", showing he knows that this is something he brought upon himself in a way
While Anthony was frustrated that Kendrick didn't acknowledge his own role in playing into his savior complex on the track "Savior," I'd like to point out that Kendrick did acknowledge this on "Crown" by saying "Heavy is the head that CHOSE to wear the crown." Seems like Kendrick does in fact recognize that he brought this burden upon himself.
I feel like the whole album he subliminally says that he is the saviour and I fkin love it. On the first track he goes “she loves the songs I wrote in the bible” for example. I feel like the whole album is about him being seen as a saviour yet still just a man
When Kendrick came on the hip hop scene, being called the "savior" of hip-hop was a huge award and title that many were fighting for. To be in Kendrick's position were bragging about being a "savior" of hip-hop seems played out is overly extraordinary privilege. How can he play the braggadocious when he's trying to confront the internet's collective conscious?
@@Drip7914 You right I forget white people like me automatically understand the black experience especially when explicitly presented to us in an album where the whole theme is that Kendrick is done trying to appease us.
No no no Anthony. Crown is ur LEAST FAV TRACK?? I just- you know what? it’s okay… everything’s gonna be okay…it’s just a review…opinions are subjective…the world will go on…he’s just doing his job…it’s okay
crown is great, i thought the instrumental built up and swelled really really well and it totally surprised me, not mindblowing but an insanely good song
Kendrick told us pretty directly, he can't save everyone, nor should he. He's saving himself, and his legacy. This project seems like it has been Kendrick reaching a catharsis about several aspects of his experience, and if we [as] the audience don't quite get it, then it is what it is. "I chose me, I'm sorry"
@@masterfamclothingco that touches on things like “take off your idols” and also the themes in Savior. One thing I’ve always appreciated was how Vince Staples has constantly said “it’s not about me, it’s about the ______” mentality he has, and many other artists in general not thinking about servicing themselves, necessarily as much as it is the overarching entity music tends to take itself when it develops past a certain point. Take the attachment and even your own biases that you love your favorite artists away, and can you still connect to the music? it’s the same parallel to “take all that designer bullshit off and what do you have?” I feel like a similar sentiment is applied when he says “tell me what would you do for aesthetic” and this isn’t the first time anyone has called it out. Tyler the Creator in Lumberjack, about how people aren’t really on what they say they’re really on, Tyler has always called out that innate need to fit in with the world around us in his interviews and music, and so has Kendrick in a lot of ways but this entire album is a closer look to Kendrick we’re getting People and artists of all kinds have been calling out things out like this for the longest time, but these are some relevant examples with recent music that comes to mind for me
@@ClippersRunLA no that’s literally the point. Kendrick is a human. Took everyone this long to come to that? Have you seen how everyone talks about that guy? songs like savior and mirror are important for that. As well as N95 “take off your idols”
Listened this project in full at 4 am 11 Apr 2024, ironically after Cole called it tragic, I couldn't get into it when ut came out. Bro, I was in tears by the second to last song, by the end I felt freed from pain and shame I had carried. It was therapy for me, genuinely.
Same man. I didn't appreciate it when it first came out but recently I listened again.... And wow. Cried several times. So many songs are there for you to pull from when you're struggling.
Personally I was a fan of many of the moments you weren’t a big fan of. Crown for example being so different from anything he has done before, the simple stripped back track feels like it just hammers this mantra over and over again over a really solid piano track, and stands out as one of the more memorable tracks on the second half. Many of these diverse moments add to the inconsistency of Kendrick as a human being, and make this record feel like I get to experience where he is now, and how far he has come.
I agree, I also found Mirror to be a solid closer to the album, with the uplifting tone and declarations made by Kendrick to be refreshing and positive in response to the conclusions he’s reached in Aunties Diaries and Mother I Sober. It has a strong sense of finality and mellowness that does well to reflect Kendrick’s current stage in life, a mortal man as opposed to some kind of savior.
Hey Brad, I know you’re enthusiastic about the music, I am too, but this is a meme channel first and foremost. Please keep the music talk to a minimum and the memes to a max. Thank you for your understanding
@@frostyfrenchtoast love this. That’s exactly how I’d put it as well. Kendrick is truly shedding everything and just showing how mortal he really is, flaws and all on display.
K Lamar’s Discography Explained: Section 80 - identifying the problem GKMC - explaining the problem through story TPAB - Trying to fix the problem (savior complex) DAMN - realizing he can’t fix the problem (damned if you do, damned if you don’t) Mr Morale - coming to peace with the problem and fixing himself
Before I say anything else, I want to thank you Anthony for giving us a well thought out and intricate review on one of the most dense albums to come out in hip-hop in awhile. I shouldn't have to say that but this commitment to quality is becoming more rare by the day and I'm thankful we have you. Every other review I've read falls flat for a number of different reasons, so thank you for your hard work and honesty. The only point you made I disagreed with was when you said Kendrick's current message contradicts his past comments at the 14:00 mark. A considerable amount of time has passed since Kendrick threatened to pull his music from Spotify, and I think as an artist and individual he should be allowed to change his mind/opinion on certain topics or ideas. You started the "Redux Review" series for the same reason. I think it is only fair to accept that Kendrick's opinions on certain topics have changed as well. But besides that, this is probably the best review I've seen or read about this album. I also don't think this album is perfect but it doesn't have to be. I am just grateful we have a new Kendrick project and a critic who genuinely cares about his craft.
I don't always agree with Fantano's ratings. I def know that his scale is more harsh than the average critic or listener. But at least he has his reasonings for the scores. And usually, while I disagree with the scores, I do agree with most of his logic behind them.
I couldn’t agree more cause this is a very uncomfortable album to begin with but Anthony didn’t get to descriptive to the point where he would look insensitive and dismissive. He also didn’t hold back too much either and found appropriate ways to address Kendricks heavy songs on this album. He trippin on count me out tho
I would argue that the tap dancing represents people who avoid or “tap dance” around important conversations. I think the “Big Steppers” is a double entendre that connects people who act proud and people who are afraid to confront important issues.
Man. A "Big Step" in self betterment is selfishness as far as being a black man. Selfish In Truth. I force honesty to take the steps that come next. BROOOO SO MANY IDEALS AND CHARACTER CONSTRUCTIONS
Triple the tapping is not of a full grown adult it sounds like kids feet tapping so it could be what you said but also big steppers are his kids ? An he is mr morale
@@KingJ0727 Holy Shit... MY KIDS WILL SEEK HIGHER VALLEYS. THIS JUST BROUGHT A TEAR TO MY EYE BRO!?!?!?????? They are Big Steppers He's not tryna save the world just planting the seeds of knowledge so hopefully future big Steppers can herald the future.
The album is a 9/10 for me. Yea I agree with you on some songs like Die Hard and Purple hearts but disagree with the song Crown, that song is so dope to me. Also, I think Kendrick isn't just talkin about them as a savior but the whole idea of what a savior is. I really think the whole album is all about getting people to look Inward and fix themselves instead of looking for a savior to do it. things like therapy help but you have to do the work
Definitely expected more than a light 8. I went in with no expectations cause I didn't like damn or a lot of rap music in general but the whole album got me feeling like damn.
@@bigchris145 OK I can understand that we all have different tastes, I personally don't like we cry together, aunty diaries and world wide steppers on this album
I like how Fantano actually cares about the concept and what Kendrick intended with this record. I saw a video by Hip Hop Universe reviewing this album and it was one of the worst “reviews” I’ve ever seen. Not because he didn’t like it but because he misinterpreted the entire concept and had no clue what he was even talking about.
Every Kendrick album has been a concept album so far. It's one of the reasons why I love the guy's work so much. Section 80: campfire gathering where different people discuss the issues of their generation. GKMC: coming of age story of a teenage Kendrick with skits between songs. TPAB: meditation on what it means to be black in America with the poem running throughout. DAMN: Kendrick pondering about different concepts that humanity has thought about for ages. Mr. Morale: overcoming personal flaws and generational trauma to see the world in a more optimistic light, with the mirrored pattern between the two albums. His ambition from project to project is incredible.
I went to watch it after reading your comment. I understand this album definetely is not for everyone, but holy shit how can he miss the point so hard? Dude straight up called Kendrick a a "Messiah for his fans". That would be stupid regardless, let alone in the context of this specific album
Dawg this album isn’t deep enough to get away with the lack of objectively lacking music effort. He used to balance lyrical genius and music well, but this album didn’t have that imo.
It's because a lot of the reviewers rush through their "reviews". They listen through an album a single time and like 45 minutes later make a video/podcast.
I think we all predicted that he'd give this one a 7-to-8, keeping in mind with it's good balance of theatricality and personal issues portrayed really well. Accurate score in my opinion! Unsubscribed
It’s gonna be impossible for Kendrick to ever top GKMC and TPAB, however this album was still phenomenal and I’m looking forward to his future with PGlang
Father Time brings me to tears pretty consistently. Being raised by a hard father who lived a hard life himself has left deep, formative engravings that I honestly was surprised to see as an evocative theme for myself. Some songs just resonate with you at the right time and they stick with you after that. I think Kenny brought his fans many opportunities for such deep connections on this album.
Thank God melon. Telling people who asked me my thoughts on the record that I need more time to “digest and reconsider the project before coming to any conclusions” was getting exhausting. It’s such a relief to finally be able to speak on this deeply personally important album to me.
As a huge Kendrick Lamar fan an 8 is really fair for this album. Really good but not everyone taste, but a little shaky is some areas. Not as tight as TPAB but still so many layers to this album.
@@perplexed1783 I feel like this album so complex, but at the same time that doesn’t make a good album. There are couple of tracks that could have been touched up.
I seriously thought there would be more discussion in this chat about "Mother I Sober." Honestly, it could be the best song that Kendrick has ever written.
seriously I come from generations of abuse sexual assault was in situations he spoke of when he was talking about should he have grabbed a gun and was only five that happened in my childhood. my mom constantly asked and accused people and such that I was assaulted . now I know it is because she was. the pain of being a young boy and not being able to help your momma is a hellish guilt that I have carried as a boy to a man . I did get sexually abused but she didn't help when that happened . my parents both are alcoholics. DAD is sober thankfully . I had to parent my drunk blacked out abusive mom when I was just a teen who had previously had two traumatic brain injuries a year before doing work I should not have but was forced to where a horse stomped on me with he front feet into a wall at-least three times and have permanent brain damage 10 years later. broke my nose and face in sixteen places all the while my mom was screwing her loser boyfriend in another state I somehow halway crawled out went unconscious I wouldn't know but from those that were there and that's after I was lights out said it was minutes. I was drowning in my own blood and my sister miraculously just got back from school. grabbed the people off me who were holding me in a way that would have for sure killed me put my head in the correct position she was only 17 but a literal genius IQ and biologist was a vet tech and knew cpr and was trained as an EMT at 17. when I came back she was dragging me to the car I was blind completely in one eye . Took me to the hospital and I am still here we grew up I was born on that ranch and was horse shoeing when it happened . That is a crumb of my trauma I relate to the album the only thing is I am white ...... but my grandma you could say step but shes grandma is a Black woman from new orleans and is 80 was in the thick of racism jim crow dad and mom having kkk after then cuz grandmas dad was English and great grandma is black . So I will say I know my place but have a unique situation and my bet fiends in life school everything since I moved from Oregon in 2015 we lived in what people would call ghetto or hood an was the minority person as a cracker white boy in school and my jobs until I literally can't work anymore because I am disabled . All the people I liked and did my best to understand and happened to be friends with were black . I wish more white people understood the black struggle because it is legit real and awful . but this album but especially "Mother I Sober" is so reachable and helpful as I go to therapy and learn to be one with the universe and overcome my trauma guilt and shame and my own savior complex I choose. I wish love and healing to all who read this , may peace and love com and break the chains . be free!
I really liked mirror, it felt like an end credits type of song after the dramatic closer track Mother I Sober. The change of mood from one song to the next was very interesting and I liked the beat a lot too
It's one of my favorites so far. I saw it sort of as Kendrick handing the listener a mirro and encouraging them to delve into their own self-reflection
i remember hearing way back someone interpreting "compton" off of good kid, m.a.a.d city as an end credits moment as well, but the last two tracks of both that and mr morale feel like the reverse of each other -- the emotional climax comes on mother i sober and compton (tho in two VERY different ways), and mirror and real feel like silently exiting through the back door
Agreed. I agree with him that it sounds like a track on a beach racing game, but I kinda love it. Feels like you’re driving during a sunset after a big storm. A great finality to it.
Instructions for the fans that aren't enjoying the review: 1. Watch the review for the first time, not understand melon's review or underlying points but just try to enjoy the visuals. Understand that this review isn't like the others. 2. Watch the review for the second time, not understand the review but this time around you'll acclimate to the video. It won't throw you off and it'll start to grow on you. 3. Watch the review for a third time and this time read the closed captions and try to interpret the meaning behind it. Things will start to make more sense, the light will start to shine through and the message will be more prevalent. Already on the third watch, this time with closed captions on and a notepad. It grows on you, I promise. This will be regarded as one of fantano's best reviews one day.
I disagree with his takes on "Count me out", "Crown" and "Mirror" these were some of my favourite tracks with "Mother I Sober" being the pinnacle of this album and Kendrick's performance. It's not a 10/10 but a strong 9/10 for me. This album shows so much growth and tells me so much about his headspace
@@ayidonno ya I totally understand people not digging Crown, but I actually loved how stripped back and raw the cut was. He also put across so much emotion especially when the piano motif changed and his melody for "heavy is the head..." it really moved me. I do agree with AF though, the ending of the track kinda grinds on the ears, sounds a little irritating with the yelpy layers, fantastic track overall though.
Count me out imo is the most underrated song on the album. As far as sound and instrumentals I feel like surpasses a lot of the other tracks and I can feel the emotional connection between the beat and background vocals to the lyrics. I agree Kendrick may not have had the best vocals but you can definitely hear the emotion and the pain and regret he felt but also the forgiveness he found in himself. To me all of that emotion he put into the song really just made it stand out to me more than any other song.
8/10 is fair. Truly a beautiful album that gets better every listen and probably his deepest and most honest album. I dont think its quite as clean as TPAB but still a top 3 kendrick record.
Yeah I think it's an album that will grow over time, but it's not really a TPAB level. But few albums in the history of recording really are. This is an excellent album in every sense, and it offers a lot of new things to hear and experience that I haven't seen much of in hip hop.
TPAB was a beautiful package that’s wrapped with intense care and thought. MM&BS is also a beautiful package but it’s wrapped in plastic tape and has a few tears around the package. Still both albums are wonderful
Nah I thought Auntie Diaries was amazing, and I am trans, it genuinely led me to shed a tear and my spine shook. Trans-folk who dislike him using the F slur are just ignorant toward what he is tryna say and the art form imo. It's a story of his learning afterall. Not to mention, it isn't necessarily uncommon for kids (e.g. nieces and nephews) to deadname their older family members, esp if they knew them as that when they were born- and there are some transfolk who don't mind it. For myself, my niece calls me uncle, coz I came out before she was born, but I do know people who get called auntie/uncle despite it not aligning with their gender and they are comfortable with it. And not only that but the deadnaming, whilst simultaneously using the 'correct' terms here n there, just shows his confusion further. The emphasis on him saying the F slur 3 times twice, coming back around to his family member saying he can say it as long as he lets a white girl say the N slur, him learning that the terms are equally as awful. Idk how to put it into words tbh, but it's beautiful and I rlly connected with it
@Moody Fuck Didn't find auntie diaries transphobic, thought it used the slurs and deadnaming with good reason, and found the song to be pretty profound and healing.
The big controversy thing is that he wouldn’t really be able to say the f-slur if society was more accepting. It’s like if a white rapper said the n-word: even if the message is profound it still comes off as sort of not learning why you shouldn’t say it
We did it everybody, we escaped the curse of the 7. But seriously, this is I feel one of your best reviews Anthony. You covered so much of the themes and ideas of the album while also expressing clearly your own thoughts. I really appreciated the section at the end where you talked about your own connection to Kendrick’s works. Personally this is a 9 bordering on 10 for me, but an 8 is acceptable melon.
As an music expert from 1672, l give this album mid/10. l strongly advice Kendrick to retire immediately and get a real job as making music is clearly not his thing. I spend months listening to this album in particular and my legal team and me can’t find any good song on it. I am willing to fiII a Iawsuit against Oklama for brain damage l got from listening to this album. I think its safe to say that l need to intervene on this case and caII kendrick to say that i’m taking over.
Honestly, call me basic but I thought it was really nice to have a track like "Die Hard" in the midst of such heavy tracks (heavier than this one at least), almost served as a sort of palate cleanser for the first half. I really enjoyed Blxst and Amanda Reifer with such unique timbres that their voices bring on this one. One of those tracks that once again is just nice to listen to!
This album was very unexpected to me. I never thought Kendrick would go in this direction. I don't know how to explain it, but this made me like him in a more subjective way. It made me look more at myself and what i'm looking for in life. That last song "Mirror", it felt like something i needed to hear, even though i didn't know i was looking for it. It's a weird feeling and i understand if some people don't vibe that much with it, but for those who do, this was a very special gift. I think Kendrick is now my favorite musical artist of all time, along with Bob Dylan.
24:24 This is the exact sentiment that hopefully Kendrick gets to hear. Kendrick doesn't need to save everyone, he's given us so much thoughtful and thought provoking music that we all appreciate, and that's enough.
Yh kinda a toxic mentality if you follow that idea. As oshino meme said "you can only save yourself". It does however mean you can find guidance or support to help you along the way which maybe the fans were trying to express.
I honestly dont really understand who has he even saved until now, like if he brought his friends out of compton and out of the hood thats really good, but what does it even mean that he wants to save everyone?
24:40 i thought it was honestly a pretty sweet moment when he started addressing Kendrick directly with "you" as he goes on about how impactful his music has been to him and others :)
United In Grief 96/100 N95 91/100 Worldwide Steppers 92/100 Die Hard 83/100 Father Time 100/100 Rich (Interlude) 76/100 Rich Spirit 87/100 We Cry Together 95/100 Purple Hearts 94/100 Count Me Out 100/100 Crown 98/100 Silent Hill 96/100 Savior (Interlude) 86/100 Savior 97/100 Auntie Diaries 98/100 Mr. Morale 92/100 Mother I Sober 100/100 Mirror 100/100 94/100
I'm gonna have to respectfully disagree with one point you make. I thought Die Hard was great and in a perfect place in the album. It got off to a really intense start with United in Grief, N95 and Worldwide steppers being intense verse heavy songs. The more chilled, melodic, Die Hard was a nice breather before we go again into more heavy stuff with Father Time. Other than that my favourites are rich spirit and Mr.Morale
I can't understand disliking Crown. To me that track is pretty much flawless. The repetition of can't please everybody is kind of devastating as it feels like a bit of an ego death. It's def for the best, but still it really hit me hard.
It's definitely the most unique song that Kendrick has ever made in the fact that it isn't even a hip hop song. I love it too because of much of a switch up it is, but I can see why some people would just skip it.
I loved purple hearts, because the perfect transition from "we cry together" The end: "Stop tap-dancing around the conversation" > to purple hearts: "tippy toe and im up walking"
I agree with this rating. Even though I put TPAB & GKMC over this, I can see myself listening to this album more than all of his albums because of how it relates to me. Kendrick definitely did not disappoint after a 5 year wait. It’s funny that Fantano disliked all the tracks that reminded him of DAMN. This album was a combination of all his projects.
Agreed. He's not just rapping about ideas or a general black experience on this one - he's rapping about HIS experience, really and truly, for the first time. That alone makes it a standout record in his discography, and really relieving to see after DAMN.
This is the most overrated album I heard rs I feel like this is pandering for pretentious artsy whitebois and hipsters, tpab and gkmc are goat tier , id rather listen to almighty dp than this bullshit
I loved the album personally. I feel like there’s an interesting story if you listen to the entire discography front to back, starting with someone identifying and then trying to change the issues they see, but ultimately settling on the sobering fact that all they can truly change is their own person.
Yeah me too. I just flat out loved it. No ifs no buts. I wish people just let the artist take the reins and pull you into a story they created. But it seems people would rather just have a generic bop song instead
@@klogekaj I walked for four and a half hours listening to section.80, gkmc, tpab and damn. so I could come home around 20 min before the album droped and experience the progression in his work. I enjoy the fact that none of his albums sound the same.
This albums is a heavy 9 for me. I’ve been listening to it constantly over the last few weeks and really have been gaining much love for it. Also, Crown and Mirror are some of the best tracks, hands down. The instrumentals playing throughout are top notch and it’s Kendrick really just telling us how it is.
He would have given it a 10 if it was called To Pimp A Butterfly and it had the cover art of To Pimp A Butterfly and all the songs that were on To Pimp A Butterfly and none of the songs on the current album
Kendrick will never repeat himself with his album sound, he’s always evolving and that’s just impressive on its own, that’s why we always look forward to his albums.
mirror was one of my favorites instrumentally. the beach theme of a racing game comparison was funny, but it's still a beautiful track to me. it gives you a breather after mother i sober while solidifying the themes of the album. i reeeaally like the harmonies the strings play and that cool melody they do near the end of the chorus. if you like the sound of flower boy, this song should be pretty appealing. also, the repetition of "i choose me i'm sorry" is really powerful after all of the lessons kendrick has put into his music over the years. for him to choose to help himself over funneling his pain into music feels like the perfect conclusion to his run with TDE. it reminds me of (redacted) choosing not to attack (redacted) near the end of berserk. sometimes, you have to let go of what's been driving you in order to be happy.
I get even a Christian rock vibe from “I chose me I’m sorry” or even a slight nod to gospel or even country and folk songs, it could be interpreted in so many ways
Mother I sober is genuinely a song that goes beyond anything a song can be. On first listen it feels like you’re constantly being stabbed with emotional pain and you just have to listen and accept it
Crown: stripping back to piano and voice makes it tough to swallow Mother I Sober: using just piano and voice makes a somber and beautiful song I won't stand for Crown slander, one of the best songs on the album
Interesting. I personally think that "Crown" is a very effective song both in instrumental and lyric. Not the most appealing for sure, but I still love it as an eerie, melancholic, and tranquil ballad.
I’d like to add that with more listens, Mother I Sober grows heavier in certain ways. I realized that the “simplicity” as it may sound in Mirror is to really be a massive contrast from how bleak and sobering, and even enlightening Mother I Sober was. It was so intimate. Probably too intimate for some. Mirror being so simple and bedroom like at first is for the sake of the listener’s emotional state as well as the tone the album can end on. I also like to think it plays like End Credits, which also mirror overcoming depression. At the end of grief or any depression, you realize you were there all along no matter what the kind of grief was, you were the sole person living through that, and that by “setting yourself free” and letting go, Kendrick mentions he had to still get up and choose to take care of and carry/save himself at the end of the of the day. That’s a weightless feeling if you’ve ever felt that, so I think that’s what Mirror represents to me. Have you ever seen the sun out post rainstorm and with a rainbow? That’s what this song feels like to me. It’s like a lo-fi representation of that. And that’s where we can also look deeper and realize it’s also okay to exist in that space within yourself, to vow to be there for yourself, cause that is a big part in finding yourself. We can have our best interests in heart (like prioritizing self care, etc.) and also co exist and not hurt other people. That’s the second hardest thing to do. And that’s even if you get past the first hardest thing to do, which is overcoming the ugliest parts of you and forgiving yourself and the ones who have “killed” you. That’s not a step many willing are to take. Hence “the Big Steppers” and your new found morals as well as everything you’ve taken as well as what still remains from breaking down questionable morals, being able to hold onto your morals and still look out for yourself after represents “Mr. Morale”
Mirror for me is the perfect ending. He goes into the final 3 songs tackling probably his most difficult subjects to discuss. Mirror pulls him out of the grief of the previous 2 songs. Its excellent to end
As a fan of Kendrick, I am also incredibly grateful that he has begun to shed his savior complex. That alone made me love this album. That’s a huge change for him if you’ve been following his lyrics over the years.
i’ve always found it funny how he’s seen himself as the spiritual successor to 2pac. no disrespect though, i think he’s the closest there’s been to that.
Even though I also wasn't crazy about the closing track, I listened to the line "I choose me, I'm sorry" with a big smile on my face thinking "Well it's about time" and I just could not help but feel so happy for him. it was kind of like realizing a close friend who has been going through some sh!t has finally chosen to practice effective self-healing. I am glad this album was as much for us as it was for him--Kendrick needed an album like this
Really enjoyed this review Melon! Helped me pick up on a few things I'd missed. Gotta say that I absolutely love Mirror, might not only be my favourite on this entire project, but my favourite closer on any of his Albums. Including Mortal Man, which feels like absolute sacrilege to say. Instrumentality and musically I do actually get a ton out of this song, I love the beat, I love the difference in chord changes in the bridges, I love the bass, I ADORE the strings. But I also feel like it's such a strong closer for this chapter in Kendricks life and the album. I kind of like that lyrically there's a bit of friction with the instrumentals considering how hopeful the beat sounds, but how overwhelming a lot of the words still are here. "I chose me I'm sorry" starts to feel like an empowering statement, and ties so nicely into especially Saviour and Mother I sober, but not only how it feels like "me" means like his entire family by the end of the Project, its a shift of focus beyond self-empowerment to being there for his family DUE to that. I don't know, something about this song is just absolutely captivating. The last 5 tracks to me are such a wonderful conclusion in this album. Glad to see so much discussion about this project!
I know art is subjective but considering we’ve only scratched the surface on this album’s depth and it’s still as rich as it is, frankly is amazing. I think in general we are too critical of art. I mean the skill and level of detail (from the theme’s to production) is extraordinary.
"only scratched the surface on this album’s depth " oh god, the music nerds are getting worked up - time overanalyze every word! Just clean up after the orgy, please.
I think ultimately some of Kendrick's most memorable non-single moments across his discography will be from this album. So many tracks that are not gonna be on the radio, but WILL be essential Kendrick listening a decade or two from now.
8/10 is what I expected for the album. Kendrick's most personal album to date. Hip Hop is in its bag crazy in 2022. can't wait to see what else we gettin later this year.
While I didn't love this album, I really do appreciate an album experience that is thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish. Especially a double album at that is very impressive. And as someone who listens to at least 50 albums every 6 months, you really have to appreciate every great album experience since to me that is exceptionally rare. I just wish there was one song on the album that I could cling to like his songs back in the 2010 era. I guess that's too bad. I'll patiently wait for his followup!
Anthony, something I think you missed in addressing this album is this aspect of a therapy session and how the “dancing” sounds are him not just performing his pain for the audience, but also “tapdancing” his way around the true root of his problems, as is said by his wife at the end of “We Cry Together”. Like many men, he struggles to be vulnerable, and has such a huge ego that he doesn’t see therapy as being conducive to his mental well being, mostly due to insecurity and embarassment (“a real nigga aint need no therapy”). There’s more to say about that specific topic, but just thought I’d touch upon it.
i believe Mother I Sober is Kendrick's magnum opus. it seems that everything he has done has led to that moment on this album. in my opinion, it is the most important thing he's ever written
@@AmbrosiusIII yeah it is extremely blunt. no symbolism, no complicated wordplay. just the facts as kendrick sees them. i also find it interesting that it is left up in the air whether his cousin did abuse him or not. because he still to this day doesnt know the answer, and doesn't know if he can fully identify with all the victims that did have it happen to them. but subconsciously, that anger and shame still exists inside him even if he cant say for certain what happened.
it definitely will go down as one of the greatest kendrick tracks. it's not a track i will listen to over and over (like N95 or Silent Hill) because it is so hard hitting and requires more attention, but its beauty, suspense and lyrical brilliance is undeniable
Probably one of the most in depth reviews you've done. I think that even though this album took years to make, it was 100% worth the time and it clearly shows how much effort Kendrick puts into his music and how much he cares about what he puts out.
@@uberanmino I think it hits different if you've had this sort of fight with a loved one. That said, I've never been in this kind of fight, so I'm just theorising.
I'd really have to disagree about Mirror and Count Me Out, which were personally some of my favorites on the album, Mirror actually felt like a really climactic end to the album for me
Anthony perfectly described how I feel about Count Me Out, which brings me to the point of this comment. An underlying theme or message does not make or break a song, the execution does. Yes I can see people loving it but I wouldn't add it in my play list
Interesting you felt that way about Crown, especially the latter half. I thought the stacked, increasing vocals on the chorus were verbal indications of the constant, looming, and exponentially increasing pressure to meet the expectations of who Kendrick should be - going back to the savior complex.
He reacted to that song live on the TND Streams channel and he actually loved it. He compared him to " Kim" From Em and said that most people in the chat would never understand this track because his suscibers never even held a girl 😂😂😂😂 DAMN
As an music expert from 1672, l give this album mid/10. l strongly advice Kendrick to retire immediately and get a real job as making music is clearly not his thing. I spend months listening to this album in particular and my legal team and me can’t find any good song on it. I am willing to fiII a Iawsuit against Oklama for brain damage l got from listening to this album. I think its safe to say that l need to intervene on this case and caII kendrick to say that i’m taking over.
This Album is a 9/10 great insight to his world. It's therapeutic and a way to be open minded. Fixing yourself as a human being, Exposing the skeletons in your closet, we have flaws that need to be addressed. Listening to this album shows Kendrick is not trying to Please everyone but Accepting his role as a father and a human first.
Thanks Anthony, I needed this after that 4:00am Kendrick Lamar concert where I folded my arms and scowled the entire time. Listening to the album *properly* is exhausting!
Other than "Mother I Sober", "Crown" may be my favorite track on this record. Crown I believe to be a beautifully simple yet important track. Instrumentally it takes its time but has such empathetic vocals that go along with his delivery. The song is like a moment of epiphany that just needs to marinate. I can't please everybody.
I've listened to this a dozen or so times now, and I feel as though it's finally starting to grow on me. I think it's got a few banger sections in it and even though it's a fair bit longer and different from previous ones, dare I say more experimental, I can appreciate what Fantano's trying to say in the review. I'm almost ready to give the album a listen.
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I'm glad I can finally have an opinion on the album once again. Thank you Melon. Surprised you rated the Jack Harlow album higher than this though
Dolan dark comedy duck
Duck
Pyrocynical and colossaliscrazy
E
E
He would’ve gave an 11/10 if it was called “Come Home Mr. Morale, The Big Steppers Miss You”
Another man trying to be funny maybe provide something of value for once?
As an music expert from 1672, l am saddened to give this album a mid/10. l strongly advice Kendrick to retire immediately and get a real job as making music is clearly not his thing. I spend months listening to this album in particular and my legal team and me can’t find any good song on it. I am willing to fiII a Iawsuit against Oklama for brain damage l got from listening to this album. I think its safe to say that l need to intervene on this case and caII Kendrick to say that l’m taking over.
@@beaualIoevv bruv u spamming this shit all day, get a life. If u don't like the album, then stop
Tho GKMC and TPAB >>>
@@beaualIoevv But I’m a spammer? You’re interesting
@@rizanvou 🤡
5:21 Fantano asking, "What did I do?" jokingly, like he didn't give DAMN. a 7 which filled Kendrick full of resentment that turned into a deep depression and caused him to go missing for 5 years.
Lol
I remember he was conflicted
found himself screaming in a hotel room
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA"
Misusing his influence. Smh.
@@gavinhaney7187 the evil of Lucy was all around him
My parents loved “We Cry Together” they were still singing it after it ended.😅
😂 😂 😄😄😃😀😀🙂😐😐🙁😟☹️😦😧😧😢😢😭😭
Man i see you EVERYWHERE 🤣🤣
S no
They loved your copy and paste too
Ha ha
Didn't expect Kendrick to turn "your parents arguing" into a genre
10/10
Hopefully you don't gain the perspective that he's referencing his own relationships and not his parents.
Eminems Kim would be start of that genre...
@@keiththebat1 eminem mid
@@keiththebat1 Midnem.
@@PotatoPizza420 stop cappin its literally the one whiteboi to earn his flowers
We cry together really captures the feeling of Anthony fighting his fans for giving DAMN a 7.
should be a 6
The guy was literally the first rapper to win a Pulitzer prize for a rap album. A 7/10 was wrong, plain and simple. I literally stopped watching his videos because of that review. This is the first one I've watched since to see if he redeemed himself.
ok
@@Trippze too generous
@@stefon815 you can’t just disagree with one review and completely stop watching the reviewer
I loved Mirror personally, felt like a positive conclusion to kendricks arc over these 5 years, after the emotional highs and lows across the album
The ending lyrics into bridge on Mirror hit me like a truck.
"Maybe it's time to break it off
Run away from the culture to follow my heart
I realized, true love's not savin' face
But unconditional
When will you let me go?
I trust you’ll find independence
If not, then all is forgiven
Sorry I didn't save the world, my friend
I was too busy buildin' mine again"
I hope Kendrick was able to shed some weight off his shoulders and finds peace doing what is right for him, whatever choice he makes after this album.
But it *did* sound like a beach level in a kart racer.
@@orbitaljunkie Beach level music slaps tho
@@orbitaljunkie Rayman music
It was a good song, but I feel like sonically it sounds a bit corny.
This album is aging like wine ALREADY in my opinion
So freakn much
Yep
DEFINITELY
Just listened a couple days ago, and I agree. Sampha’s vocals r so incredible
YEAHHH
The last song to me is the most important message on the album. “You won’t grow waitin on me” really hits hard and the best message he could possibly give us. Unfortunately alot of people will not understand that
I choose me I’m sorry 🐐
pain
sounds like a farewell
you're right bro
Also remember when Noname basically sent shots at J. Cole and Kendrick for not being big leaders in the black lives matter movement. I think the message of this song applies to that situation too. That and Savior. He's an imperfect human just like everybody else, he's nobodies savior and he has his own problems that he is working on, enough to not be able to save the country at the same time.
Y'all ever just watch Anthony's glasses slowly slide down his nose until he pushes them back up?
Bro. Yes. Lmfao
The more passionate he is about an album the more often he has to push them back up 🤣🤣
Haha nah bro I came for the music review but nice observation
Gay
@@moo-moo74 😂💀
On the ambiguity of “We Cry Together” I think the “this is what the world sounds like” line at the beginning is crucial for framing the entire song. I wouldn’t look for any consistency or actual statement of belief from the artists in their argument because I think they’re just trying to fully embody and act out what the cultural conflict and discourse/division *feels* like to be watching and listening to. The inconsistency and self contraction etc are a part of that.
I think it’s interesting that in an album centered around therapy conceptually Kendrick is literally using the therapeutic technique of “diffusion” - which is a method where you externalize beliefs about yourself so that you can let go of your attachment to them. Some methods of diffusion used in therapy literally include repetition and repeating the belief in a “funny voice” something he’s literally doing in Crown. Brilliant album imo.
Thanks for the thoughtful review!
Bro i love your channel! Would also love to see u make a video analyzing mr morale and the big steppers
Dude you listen to Kendrick too?
Didn’t expect to see you here
Yeah please post something about the new album
Big agree. It’s the best song on the record for me and top 3 of any Kendrick.
Coming from a white guy that grew up in poverty with a broken family, inheriting generational trauma, and currently going through therapy to fix myself and protect my one year old daughter from said trauma, Its one of the most impactful hip hop albums I've listened to. 10/10
As a another white guy coming from your same background of trauma and broken families I can’t tell you how much I feel this. Kendrick is probably my favorite artist from this era of music. This album was cathartic. Especially because like you I’ve been dealing with these issues in therapy. It’s been such a hard couple of years and this album was like a gift to the universe. He spoke truth to all my trauma. 😢❤
The fact he came to some kind of healing gave me hope for the future..my future. I don’t want him to be anything other than who he feels he is. Truly appreciate Kendrick 🎉
A lot more of us black folk need to take a page outta your guys’ book and go to therapy too…
@@fiyahjordanz Definitely, I’m currently doing that. Advising my brothers to do so as well. We can break this generational curse !
Hispanic guy going through similar things. Album helped me go to therapy and legitimately changed my life. My favorite Kendrick album and one of the most meaningful pieces of music to me.
We Cry Together might be the first time I ever listened to a track with Kendrick on it and thought he may have been outperformed. I think it may be because that song is virtually a scene and Taylor’s an actor, it was almost like voice acting that rhymed. The fact that it was her rap debut is absurd, she was fucking incredible.
Big facts
agreed. she really owned this track. hope we'll be hearing more from her, obviously massively talented.
@@mertinho have to imagine she will be signed to PGlang after this and with their ever growing collective going forward.
But isn’t that the point a lil bit? You know we men can’t out argue women 😂😂😂
Her performance is just so "full" .. like, from the broken inflection when she says "reverse psychology" to her voice, the story-telling and everything in between. It's a ridiculously "whole" performance.. I was blown away.
It is amazing to me how Anthony can put together over 25 minutes of thoughtful review within 4 days of a major release. Really appreciate the work he puts in
its probably all he's been up to in his free time since then lol
Dickridaaaaaaaa
internet's busiest music nerd
@Persona Ego comment so rare i had to do a double take
@@Bandstand W creator
I really like what Kendrick did on this one. The mirroring is amazing, the features are some of the best. I’m not responsible for the disappearance of 2 teenagers in 2004.
Lol
what were their names?
Shoutout to Hivemind
@@DawryMike facts. changing the comment game
Ahhh, a fellow Hivemind fan, I salute you. The forest speaks through me in hyms.
I don't think kendrick's unaware of his part in why people ideolize him the way they do. In crown he keeps repeating the line "heavy is the head that *chose* to wear the crown", showing he knows that this is something he brought upon himself in a way
Wow, I didn't know non-music based TH-camrs listen to music. I guess it's true what they say, they are earth humans just like the rest of us.
Literally no one but kendrick fans "idolize" him. this shit is actually becoming cringe.....
@@curto201 lol obviously
@@curto201 And Kendrick has a lot of fans lol
Bruno mars > kung fu kenny
While Anthony was frustrated that Kendrick didn't acknowledge his own role in playing into his savior complex on the track "Savior," I'd like to point out that Kendrick did acknowledge this on "Crown" by saying "Heavy is the head that CHOSE to wear the crown." Seems like Kendrick does in fact recognize that he brought this burden upon himself.
I feel like the whole album he subliminally says that he is the saviour and I fkin love it. On the first track he goes “she loves the songs I wrote in the bible” for example. I feel like the whole album is about him being seen as a saviour yet still just a man
Fantano missed the point of the album and considering how white he is it's not a surprise.
When Kendrick came on the hip hop scene, being called the "savior" of hip-hop was a huge award and title that many were fighting for. To be in Kendrick's position were bragging about being a "savior" of hip-hop seems played out is overly extraordinary privilege. How can he play the braggadocious when he's trying to confront the internet's collective conscious?
@@jonnydude69 Tf does his skin colour have to do w anything?
@@Drip7914 You right I forget white people like me automatically understand the black experience especially when explicitly presented to us in an album where the whole theme is that Kendrick is done trying to appease us.
No no no Anthony. Crown is ur LEAST FAV TRACK?? I just- you know what? it’s okay… everything’s gonna be okay…it’s just a review…opinions are subjective…the world will go on…he’s just doing his job…it’s okay
whats good quadeca
crown is great, i thought the instrumental built up and swelled really really well and it totally surprised me, not mindblowing but an insanely good song
@@trumanavenueFr it’s a more subtle track but so beautiful and haunting to me
you can't please everybody
Quadeca has spoken
Kendrick told us pretty directly, he can't save everyone, nor should he. He's saving himself, and his legacy. This project seems like it has been Kendrick reaching a catharsis about several aspects of his experience, and if we [as] the audience don't quite get it, then it is what it is.
"I chose me, I'm sorry"
Yup! At the end of the day, even more so now, Kendrick has his family to take care of.
Exactly it isn’t about us and we as the audience needs to acknowledge it
@@masterfamclothingco that touches on things like “take off your idols” and also the themes in Savior. One thing I’ve always appreciated was how Vince Staples has constantly said “it’s not about me, it’s about the ______” mentality he has, and many other artists in general not thinking about servicing themselves, necessarily as much as it is the overarching entity music tends to take itself when it develops past a certain point. Take the attachment and even your own biases that you love your favorite artists away, and can you still connect to the music? it’s the same parallel to “take all that designer bullshit off and what do you have?” I feel like a similar sentiment is applied when he says “tell me what would you do for aesthetic” and this isn’t the first time anyone has called it out. Tyler the Creator in Lumberjack, about how people aren’t really on what they say they’re really on, Tyler has always called out that innate need to fit in with the world around us in his interviews and music, and so has Kendrick in a lot of ways but this entire album is a closer look to Kendrick we’re getting
People and artists of all kinds have been calling out things out like this for the longest time, but these are some relevant examples with recent music that comes to mind for me
@@WTFisHappeningToMe nigga we all have a family to take care of Kendrick Lamar isn’t special
@@ClippersRunLA no that’s literally the point. Kendrick is a human. Took everyone this long to come to that? Have you seen how everyone talks about that guy? songs like savior and mirror are important for that. As well as N95 “take off your idols”
Listened this project in full at 4 am 11 Apr 2024, ironically after Cole called it tragic, I couldn't get into it when ut came out.
Bro, I was in tears by the second to last song, by the end I felt freed from pain and shame I had carried.
It was therapy for me, genuinely.
Same man. I didn't appreciate it when it first came out but recently I listened again.... And wow. Cried several times. So many songs are there for you to pull from when you're struggling.
It's funny, it *is* kinda tragic, but not like what Cole meant.
Personally I was a fan of many of the moments you weren’t a big fan of. Crown for example being so different from anything he has done before, the simple stripped back track feels like it just hammers this mantra over and over again over a really solid piano track, and stands out as one of the more memorable tracks on the second half.
Many of these diverse moments add to the inconsistency of Kendrick as a human being, and make this record feel like I get to experience where he is now, and how far he has come.
I agree, I also found Mirror to be a solid closer to the album, with the uplifting tone and declarations made by Kendrick to be refreshing and positive in response to the conclusions he’s reached in Aunties Diaries and Mother I Sober. It has a strong sense of finality and mellowness that does well to reflect Kendrick’s current stage in life, a mortal man as opposed to some kind of savior.
Hey Brad, I know you’re enthusiastic about the music, I am too, but this is a meme channel first and foremost. Please keep the music talk to a minimum and the memes to a max. Thank you for your understanding
@@frostyfrenchtoast love this. That’s exactly how I’d put it as well. Kendrick is truly shedding everything and just showing how mortal he really is, flaws and all on display.
@@Marco-er4ql 😳👉👈 u rite
You fell off make better content it’s bad 🤡🤡
K Lamar’s Discography Explained:
Section 80 - identifying the problem
GKMC - explaining the problem through story
TPAB - Trying to fix the problem (savior complex)
DAMN - realizing he can’t fix the problem (damned if you do, damned if you don’t)
Mr Morale - coming to peace with the problem and fixing himself
I’m sorry lmao this is so retarted
Goofy ahh explaination
Goofy ahh explaination
Goofy ahh explaination
Goofy ahh explanation
Before I say anything else, I want to thank you Anthony for giving us a well thought out and intricate review on one of the most dense albums to come out in hip-hop in awhile. I shouldn't have to say that but this commitment to quality is becoming more rare by the day and I'm thankful we have you. Every other review I've read falls flat for a number of different reasons, so thank you for your hard work and honesty.
The only point you made I disagreed with was when you said Kendrick's current message contradicts his past comments at the 14:00 mark. A considerable amount of time has passed since Kendrick threatened to pull his music from Spotify, and I think as an artist and individual he should be allowed to change his mind/opinion on certain topics or ideas. You started the "Redux Review" series for the same reason. I think it is only fair to accept that Kendrick's opinions on certain topics have changed as well.
But besides that, this is probably the best review I've seen or read about this album. I also don't think this album is perfect but it doesn't have to be. I am just grateful we have a new Kendrick project and a critic who genuinely cares about his craft.
Thread
I don't always agree with Fantano's ratings. I def know that his scale is more harsh than the average critic or listener. But at least he has his reasonings for the scores. And usually, while I disagree with the scores, I do agree with most of his logic behind them.
@@normanfooteii5300 I am also capable of independent throught
I couldn’t agree more cause this is a very uncomfortable album to begin with but Anthony didn’t get to descriptive to the point where he would look insensitive and dismissive. He also didn’t hold back too much either and found appropriate ways to address Kendricks heavy songs on this album. He trippin on count me out tho
I love both "Crown" and "Mirror" myself. Their hooks with "I can't please everybody" and "I choose me, I'm sorry" are just so good!
Mirror is probably my fav song from the album
Those tracks hits hard I feel guilty as it speaks to me
@@magnushly9007 same. I get chills when I listen to it
I would argue that the tap dancing represents people who avoid or “tap dance” around important conversations. I think the “Big Steppers” is a double entendre that connects people who act proud and people who are afraid to confront important issues.
Man. A "Big Step" in self betterment is selfishness as far as being a black man. Selfish In Truth. I force honesty to take the steps that come next. BROOOO SO MANY IDEALS AND CHARACTER CONSTRUCTIONS
Triple the tapping is not of a full grown adult it sounds like kids feet tapping so it could be what you said but also big steppers are his kids ? An he is mr morale
At the end of We Cry Together a voice says “stop tap dancing around the conversation”.
@@KingJ0727 Holy Shit... MY KIDS WILL SEEK HIGHER VALLEYS. THIS JUST BROUGHT A TEAR TO MY EYE BRO!?!?!?????? They are Big Steppers
He's not tryna save the world just planting the seeds of knowledge so hopefully future big Steppers can herald the future.
Yes this is the comment I was looking for
Anthony, great score. A 4/10 is well deserved for this masterpiece.
Way too generous! 2/10
bruh 8/10 is in the description
Should’ve been a Not good
@@roccolakker1020 satire bro
That's overrated
you can’t see but off screen Anthony was big stepping the whole review
@TH-cam Userman lol
Unfunny
You are not a funny content creator
🤣
you mean big scared to show his true opinion becaues he'd get cancelled by u kendrick stans?
The album is a 9/10 for me. Yea I agree with you on some songs like Die Hard and Purple hearts but disagree with the song Crown, that song is so dope to me. Also, I think Kendrick isn't just talkin about them as a savior but the whole idea of what a savior is. I really think the whole album is all about getting people to look Inward and fix themselves instead of looking for a savior to do it. things like therapy help but you have to do the work
Definitely expected more than a light 8. I went in with no expectations cause I didn't like damn or a lot of rap music in general but the whole album got me feeling like damn.
You on the money with this take
Die hard and purple hearts are amazing
@@ayidonno Don't get me wrong, they're not bad songs but they're most definitely my least favorite on the album.
@@bigchris145 OK I can understand that we all have different tastes, I personally don't like we cry together, aunty diaries and world wide steppers on this album
I like how Fantano actually cares about the concept and what Kendrick intended with this record. I saw a video by Hip Hop Universe reviewing this album and it was one of the worst “reviews” I’ve ever seen. Not because he didn’t like it but because he misinterpreted the entire concept and had no clue what he was even talking about.
Every Kendrick album has been a concept album so far. It's one of the reasons why I love the guy's work so much. Section 80: campfire gathering where different people discuss the issues of their generation. GKMC: coming of age story of a teenage Kendrick with skits between songs. TPAB: meditation on what it means to be black in America with the poem running throughout. DAMN: Kendrick pondering about different concepts that humanity has thought about for ages. Mr. Morale: overcoming personal flaws and generational trauma to see the world in a more optimistic light, with the mirrored pattern between the two albums. His ambition from project to project is incredible.
I went to watch it after reading your comment. I understand this album definetely is not for everyone, but holy shit how can he miss the point so hard? Dude straight up called Kendrick a a "Messiah for his fans". That would be stupid regardless, let alone in the context of this specific album
But he still had a lot of good points though. Kendrick sounded uninspired
Dawg this album isn’t deep enough to get away with the lack of objectively lacking music effort. He used to balance lyrical genius and music well, but this album didn’t have that imo.
It's because a lot of the reviewers rush through their "reviews". They listen through an album a single time and like 45 minutes later make a video/podcast.
I think we all predicted that he'd give this one a 7-to-8, keeping in mind with it's good balance of theatricality and personal issues portrayed really well. Accurate score in my opinion!
Unsubscribed
That made me giggle, lol.... caught me off gaurd. Thank you for that....
Thumbs Down.
Unsubscribe from life...
Oh my god 😂
lol 😂😂😂
Boooo get a new joke. If you're a regular in these comments you see this meme all the time it's dead af
It’s gonna be impossible for Kendrick to ever top GKMC and TPAB, however this album was still phenomenal and I’m looking forward to his future with PGlang
This topped good kid
@@elivincent3795 debatable
@@elivincent3795 lmao okay buddy no where close
@@elivincent3795 listen to good kid maad city again
@@elivincent3795 agreed
Father Time brings me to tears pretty consistently. Being raised by a hard father who lived a hard life himself has left deep, formative engravings that I honestly was surprised to see as an evocative theme for myself. Some songs just resonate with you at the right time and they stick with you after that. I think Kenny brought his fans many opportunities for such deep connections on this album.
Thank God melon. Telling people who asked me my thoughts on the record that I need more time to “digest and reconsider the project before coming to any conclusions” was getting exhausting. It’s such a relief to finally be able to speak on this deeply personally important album to me.
You mean, you had to wait for Tony here to drop this video so you could copy his views and think accordingly to what he's saying right?
@@vinnicinhus44 Yes, we've all been waiting for him to feed us opinions we can call our own
@@vinnicinhus44 right? “the media is the new region, you killed the consciousness” much?
@@vinnicinhus44 I mean, how else do you do it?
@@vinnicinhus44 the only logical way of thinking
As a huge Kendrick Lamar fan an 8 is really fair for this album. Really good but not everyone taste, but a little shaky is some areas. Not as tight as TPAB but still so many layers to this album.
6/10
8.5 imo but it will keep growing on me
it's a 9 for me, still "worse" than TPAB and GKMC, since they're 10/10.
@@perplexed1783 I feel like this album so complex, but at the same time that doesn’t make a good album. There are couple of tracks that could have been touched up.
@@DylanDocker you just called this "around thesame tier as clb" please submit your ears to the nearest butcher.
Finally ANTHONY FANTANO is doing a review after 5 years , glad to see you back
Best comment here
Already thought he dissapeared
I seriously thought there would be more discussion in this chat about "Mother I Sober." Honestly, it could be the best song that Kendrick has ever written.
Arguably his biggest tear jerker
This isn’t a chat.
Dude fr how is no one recognizing this is one the best songs on the album
seriously I come from generations of abuse sexual assault was in situations he spoke of when he was talking about should he have grabbed a gun and was only five that happened in my childhood. my mom constantly asked and accused people and such that I was assaulted . now I know it is because she was. the pain of being a young boy and not being able to help your momma is a hellish guilt that I have carried as a boy to a man . I did get sexually abused but she didn't help when that happened . my parents both are alcoholics. DAD is sober thankfully . I had to parent my drunk blacked out abusive mom when I was just a teen who had previously had two traumatic brain injuries a year before doing work I should not have but was forced to where a horse stomped on me with he front feet into a wall at-least three times and have permanent brain damage 10 years later. broke my nose and face in sixteen places all the while my mom was screwing her loser boyfriend in another state I somehow halway crawled out went unconscious I wouldn't know but from those that were there and that's after I was lights out said it was minutes. I was drowning in my own blood and my sister miraculously just got back from school. grabbed the people off me who were holding me in a way that would have for sure killed me put my head in the correct position she was only 17 but a literal genius IQ and biologist was a vet tech and knew cpr and was trained as an EMT at 17. when I came back she was dragging me to the car I was blind completely in one eye . Took me to the hospital and I am still here we grew up I was born on that ranch and was horse shoeing when it happened . That is a crumb of my trauma I relate to the album the only thing is I am white ...... but my grandma you could say step but shes grandma is a Black woman from new orleans and is 80 was in the thick of racism jim crow dad and mom having kkk after then cuz grandmas dad was English and great grandma is black . So I will say I know my place but have a unique situation and my bet fiends in life school everything since I moved from Oregon in 2015 we lived in what people would call ghetto or hood an was the minority person as a cracker white boy in school and my jobs until I literally can't work anymore because I am disabled . All the people I liked and did my best to understand and happened to be friends with were black . I wish more white people understood the black struggle because it is legit real and awful . but this album but especially "Mother I Sober" is so reachable and helpful as I go to therapy and learn to be one with the universe and overcome my trauma guilt and shame and my own savior complex I choose. I wish love and healing to all who read this , may peace and love com and break the chains . be free!
Eyes because waterfalls man..
I really liked mirror, it felt like an end credits type of song after the dramatic closer track Mother I Sober. The change of mood from one song to the next was very interesting and I liked the beat a lot too
It's one of my favorites so far. I saw it sort of as Kendrick handing the listener a mirro and encouraging them to delve into their own self-reflection
Agreed
i remember hearing way back someone interpreting "compton" off of good kid, m.a.a.d city as an end credits moment as well, but the last two tracks of both that and mr morale feel like the reverse of each other -- the emotional climax comes on mother i sober and compton (tho in two VERY different ways), and mirror and real feel like silently exiting through the back door
yeah, Mother I Sober was the real climax and resolution of the album and Mirror was the credits. Similar to Compton in GKMC.
Agreed. I agree with him that it sounds like a track on a beach racing game, but I kinda love it. Feels like you’re driving during a sunset after a big storm. A great finality to it.
Instructions for the fans that aren't enjoying the review:
1. Watch the review for the first time, not understand melon's review or underlying points but just try to enjoy the visuals. Understand that this review isn't like the others.
2. Watch the review for the second time, not understand the review but this time around you'll acclimate to the video. It won't throw you off and it'll start to grow on you.
3. Watch the review for a third time and this time read the closed captions and try to interpret the meaning behind it. Things will start to make more sense, the light will start to shine through and the message will be more prevalent.
Already on the third watch, this time with closed captions on and a notepad. It grows on you, I promise. This will be regarded as one of fantano's best reviews one day.
this guy is the flash fr
Skull emoji
this just dropped 25 min ago tf
@@prodhazardd4468 it’s a copy/paste
Meta bro
Kendrick said I want my next record to be A24, now he needs an HBO series
for the love of god lock kendrick up for his war crimes for making mid music. i speak for everyone btw
Adam Sandler feature incoming.
@@beaualIoevv bait
@@fm.burbank8461 nah it’s actual facts
Wtf does this mean
I disagree with his takes on "Count me out", "Crown" and "Mirror" these were some of my favourite tracks with "Mother I Sober" being the pinnacle of this album and Kendrick's performance. It's not a 10/10 but a strong 9/10 for me. This album shows so much growth and tells me so much about his headspace
Yh I also love count me out and crown but I don't really like we cry together it's not a song that I did play again honestly
@@ayidonno ya I totally understand people not digging Crown, but I actually loved how stripped back and raw the cut was. He also put across so much emotion especially when the piano motif changed and his melody for "heavy is the head..." it really moved me. I do agree with AF though, the ending of the track kinda grinds on the ears, sounds a little irritating with the yelpy layers, fantastic track overall though.
Count me out is honestly my favourite from the album
yes, Crown and Mirror slap hard for me.
Yes him not being able to rock out to crown. Count me out is making me question this man deeply
Count me out imo is the most underrated song on the album. As far as sound and instrumentals I feel like surpasses a lot of the other tracks and I can feel the emotional connection between the beat and background vocals to the lyrics. I agree Kendrick may not have had the best vocals but you can definitely hear the emotion and the pain and regret he felt but also the forgiveness he found in himself. To me all of that emotion he put into the song really just made it stand out to me more than any other song.
THAT GUITAR RIFF IS SO FUCKING
The main refrain just completely takes me out of the song unfortunately, because yeah, the message is great
The production on Count Me Out is insane. I’ve had it on repeat for days
So underrated 😭
Favorite song on the record by far 🔥
8/10 is fair. Truly a beautiful album that gets better every listen and probably his deepest and most honest album. I dont think its quite as clean as TPAB but still a top 3 kendrick record.
Yeah I think it's an album that will grow over time, but it's not really a TPAB level. But few albums in the history of recording really are. This is an excellent album in every sense, and it offers a lot of new things to hear and experience that I haven't seen much of in hip hop.
TPAB was a beautiful package that’s wrapped with intense care and thought.
MM&BS is also a beautiful package but it’s wrapped in plastic tape and has a few tears around the package. Still both albums are wonderful
6/10 for me
@@megamanx1291 mafkees
Push’s album better
Wow! I can’t believe you gave Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers a “DAMN + 1”!
He gave it a TPAB - 2! wow!
he updated DAMN. as a 6
@@coolsnoopy1506 I dont recall asking
@@tahakamran6196 then stop crying 😢
he gave a igor - 1
Nah I thought Auntie Diaries was amazing, and I am trans, it genuinely led me to shed a tear and my spine shook. Trans-folk who dislike him using the F slur are just ignorant toward what he is tryna say and the art form imo. It's a story of his learning afterall. Not to mention, it isn't necessarily uncommon for kids (e.g. nieces and nephews) to deadname their older family members, esp if they knew them as that when they were born- and there are some transfolk who don't mind it. For myself, my niece calls me uncle, coz I came out before she was born, but I do know people who get called auntie/uncle despite it not aligning with their gender and they are comfortable with it. And not only that but the deadnaming, whilst simultaneously using the 'correct' terms here n there, just shows his confusion further.
The emphasis on him saying the F slur 3 times twice, coming back around to his family member saying he can say it as long as he lets a white girl say the N slur, him learning that the terms are equally as awful. Idk how to put it into words tbh, but it's beautiful and I rlly connected with it
Mucho texto
@Moody Fuck Didn't find auntie diaries transphobic, thought it used the slurs and deadnaming with good reason, and found the song to be pretty profound and healing.
The big controversy thing is that he wouldn’t really be able to say the f-slur if society was more accepting. It’s like if a white rapper said the n-word: even if the message is profound it still comes off as sort of not learning why you shouldn’t say it
attention seeking@moodyfuck4758
🤡@@1917yee
We did it everybody, we escaped the curse of the 7.
But seriously, this is I feel one of your best reviews Anthony. You covered so much of the themes and ideas of the album while also expressing clearly your own thoughts. I really appreciated the section at the end where you talked about your own connection to Kendrick’s works.
Personally this is a 9 bordering on 10 for me, but an 8 is acceptable melon.
I don’t think untitled unmastered is better than this. I’m sorry
@@cameronUwagner Why would you need to apologize, that's just your opinion, you know Melon is also just giving his opinion right??
I think it's a strong 8 to a light 9 to me. It will grow on Anthony I'm sure. And if it doesn't that's also fine.
Cringe unoriginal joke
“Bobby Jenkins” 🤓🤓
The real big steppers were the friends we made along the way
This just came out RIGHT NOW calm tf down upvoters
Kinda sad how Anthony’s comment section is people trying to be funny and one upping each other very corny
I never could be friends with those I tapped dounced around. You?
Melons
As an music expert from 1672, l give this album mid/10. l strongly advice Kendrick to retire immediately and get a real job as making music is clearly not his thing. I spend months listening to this album in particular and my legal team and me can’t find any good song on it. I am willing to fiII a Iawsuit against Oklama for brain damage l got from listening to this album. I think its safe to say that l need to intervene on this case and caII kendrick to say that i’m taking over.
Honestly, call me basic but I thought it was really nice to have a track like "Die Hard" in the midst of such heavy tracks (heavier than this one at least), almost served as a sort of palate cleanser for the first half. I really enjoyed Blxst and Amanda Reifer with such unique timbres that their voices bring on this one. One of those tracks that once again is just nice to listen to!
I fucking loved Die Hard I have no idea why people don’t like it
It's probably my favorite one, has such a nice vibe to it.
honestly i don’t really like it but that’s my opinion
Reminds me of The Ways on The Black Panther Soundtrack. Similar vibe song amidst heavier tracks.
Yaay, i loved die hard too. My favourite track off the album. Amanda's voice was so nice
This album was very unexpected to me. I never thought Kendrick would go in this direction. I don't know how to explain it, but this made me like him in a more subjective way. It made me look more at myself and what i'm looking for in life.
That last song "Mirror", it felt like something i needed to hear, even though i didn't know i was looking for it.
It's a weird feeling and i understand if some people don't vibe that much with it, but for those who do, this was a very special gift.
I think Kendrick is now my favorite musical artist of all time, along with Bob Dylan.
I thought we all expected him to go in this direction
@@JoeLaFon3 That’s not true, a lot of people were disappointed, ehich is weird to me.
24:24 This is the exact sentiment that hopefully Kendrick gets to hear. Kendrick doesn't need to save everyone, he's given us so much thoughtful and thought provoking music that we all appreciate, and that's enough.
Yh kinda a toxic mentality if you follow that idea. As oshino meme said "you can only save yourself".
It does however mean you can find guidance or support to help you along the way which maybe the fans were trying to express.
No one cares
Make better comments they are insanely bad
@@5679_ no one asked.
Young boy fell off
I honestly dont really understand who has he even saved until now, like if he brought his friends out of compton and out of the hood thats really good, but what does it even mean that he wants to save everyone?
C'mon Anthony, you can't give this album a 3/10 simply because it wasn't called Two Pimp a Butterfly: The Squeakuel
Lmaoooooo
yes he can
2 pimp 2 butterfly
hahahåaa
Sounds like a porn
24:40 i thought it was honestly a pretty sweet moment when he started addressing Kendrick directly with "you" as he goes on about how impactful his music has been to him and others :)
It was definitely one of the most wholesome moments I've seen come out of one of his reviews lol
I remember you was conflicted, misusing your influence
@@teilocadogan7841 sometimes I did the same, abusing my power, full of resentment….
@@chicken6727 resentment that turned into a deep depression
@@thecioalencar2271 Found myself screaming in the hotel room
United In Grief 96/100
N95 91/100
Worldwide Steppers 92/100
Die Hard 83/100
Father Time 100/100
Rich (Interlude) 76/100
Rich Spirit 87/100
We Cry Together 95/100
Purple Hearts 94/100
Count Me Out 100/100
Crown 98/100
Silent Hill 96/100
Savior (Interlude) 86/100
Savior 97/100
Auntie Diaries 98/100
Mr. Morale 92/100
Mother I Sober 100/100
Mirror 100/100
94/100
Agreed I feel like it was a really good album
One of the most insightful reviews you made ever. Great job unpacking this one Anthony.
GOATS recognizing each other
brad = depressed 😂😂😂
commenting again to be noticed 😂
you just copy fantano, but you are not able to form sentences like him😂
Thx for the free activity on the comment ❤️
I'm gonna have to respectfully disagree with one point you make. I thought Die Hard was great and in a perfect place in the album. It got off to a really intense start with United in Grief, N95 and Worldwide steppers being intense verse heavy songs. The more chilled, melodic, Die Hard was a nice breather before we go again into more heavy stuff with Father Time. Other than that my favourites are rich spirit and Mr.Morale
Rich spirit been on repeat🔥
Rich Spirit might actually be my favourite track. It’s fucking amazing 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Agree with your top 3 there on the album for sure
Why didn't he add a genre to the description
@@itsaboutthattime4425 BI**H IM ATTRACTIVE
I can't understand disliking Crown. To me that track is pretty much flawless. The repetition of can't please everybody is kind of devastating as it feels like a bit of an ego death. It's def for the best, but still it really hit me hard.
It's definitely the most unique song that Kendrick has ever made in the fact that it isn't even a hip hop song. I love it too because of much of a switch up it is, but I can see why some people would just skip it.
fantano also doesnt like real. its just not his taste i think
extremely boring imo that track was a weak point for me personally
You can't please everybody
@@alexbigloo you can't please everybody 🤷♂️
I loved purple hearts, because the perfect transition from "we cry together" The end: "Stop tap-dancing around the conversation" > to purple hearts: "tippy toe and im up walking"
I agree with this rating. Even though I put TPAB & GKMC over this, I can see myself listening to this album more than all of his albums because of how it relates to me. Kendrick definitely did not disappoint after a 5 year wait. It’s funny that Fantano disliked all the tracks that reminded him of DAMN. This album was a combination of all his projects.
True it feels like a refined DAMN with a touch of TPAB and GKMC
@@brandonsaunders7515 Feel like it even had elements of his Black Panther collab album that he spearheaded
A true culmination of his entire era under TDE
Had a lot of baby keen like sounding things, which Kendrick built for keem which makes sense
@@quickslices3012 definitely, it's epic being able to identify an artiste progression and evolution
Flaws aside, this is definitely Kendrick’s most intimate and human album so far.
Agreed. He's not just rapping about ideas or a general black experience on this one - he's rapping about HIS experience, really and truly, for the first time. That alone makes it a standout record in his discography, and really relieving to see after DAMN.
Its Jay Z’s 4:44 combined with Cole’s 4 Your Eyez Only, and that is a beautiful blend.
This is the most overrated album I heard rs I feel like this is pandering for pretentious artsy whitebois and hipsters, tpab and gkmc are goat tier , id rather listen to almighty dp than this bullshit
Well said 👌
@@se78n39 ur trying too hard
I loved the album personally. I feel like there’s an interesting story if you listen to the entire discography front to back, starting with someone identifying and then trying to change the issues they see, but ultimately settling on the sobering fact that all they can truly change is their own person.
Exactly!
Yeah me too. I just flat out loved it. No ifs no buts. I wish people just let the artist take the reins and pull you into a story they created. But it seems people would rather just have a generic bop song instead
wow you listened to his entire discography in one go?
@@klogekaj I walked for four and a half hours listening to section.80, gkmc, tpab and damn. so I could come home around 20 min before the album droped and experience the progression in his work. I enjoy the fact that none of his albums sound the same.
Exactly
This albums is a heavy 9 for me. I’ve been listening to it constantly over the last few weeks and really have been gaining much love for it.
Also, Crown and Mirror are some of the best tracks, hands down. The instrumentals playing throughout are top notch and it’s Kendrick really just telling us how it is.
You would’ve given this album a 10 if he called it To Pimp A Butterfly
@@beaualIoevv You've posted this same comment on another video, we get it bro you're funny.
@@stucc3054 not funny*
He would have given it a 10 if it was called To Pimp A Butterfly and it had the cover art of To Pimp A Butterfly and all the songs that were on To Pimp A Butterfly and none of the songs on the current album
Two Pimp A Butterfly
@@beaualIoevv 🤓
Kendrick will never repeat himself with his album sound, he’s always evolving and that’s just impressive on its own, that’s why we always look forward to his albums.
I honestly felt like this lp is basically Damn 2
@@SuperBeastmode3000 what exactly about it?
Lmao nice copy and paste respect
@@SuperBeastmode3000 it's literally nothing like it, damn had more mainstream up beats .
@@SuperBeastmode3000 yup i would've gave this a 6 if not lower
kendrick now has the infinity stones of good albums -
DAMN (Redux) - 6
DAMN - 7
MMBS - 8
GKMC - 9
TPAB - 10
We all know TPAB and GKMC are 10s
OH SHIT ORANGE PEANUT
he already gave untitled unmastered an 8
Untitled?
Now what would he rate section 80
Anthony describing Silent Hill as "N95 but night mode" is the most spot on description ever
TheNeedleDrop Scores on Kendrick Lamar's Discography
※ Section.80 (2011) = 8/10
※ good kid, m.A.A.d city (2012) = 9/10
※ To Pimp a Butterfly (2015) = 10/10
※ untitled, unmastered (2016) = 8/10
※ DAMN. (2017) = 7/10
※ Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers (2022) = 8/10
He did a DAMN. redux and gave it a 6.
*edit*
Just went back and he didn’t say 6, he just said he likes it less than before so it’s somewhere below 7.
@@MW2fabian he never made a video on that
@@chromehearter It’s called “10 times i changed my opinion on albums pt. 2” on the Fantano channel 3 years ago
@@MW2fabian yea but that’s not a redux and he never gives an official score
@@chromehearter yeah, went back and watched. Not official but safe to say he thinks its at least a six or lower now
mirror was one of my favorites instrumentally. the beach theme of a racing game comparison was funny, but it's still a beautiful track to me. it gives you a breather after mother i sober while solidifying the themes of the album. i reeeaally like the harmonies the strings play and that cool melody they do near the end of the chorus. if you like the sound of flower boy, this song should be pretty appealing. also, the repetition of "i choose me i'm sorry" is really powerful after all of the lessons kendrick has put into his music over the years. for him to choose to help himself over funneling his pain into music feels like the perfect conclusion to his run with TDE. it reminds me of (redacted) choosing not to attack (redacted) near the end of berserk. sometimes, you have to let go of what's been driving you in order to be happy.
Same here!!!!!
I get even a Christian rock vibe from “I chose me I’m sorry” or even a slight nod to gospel or even country and folk songs, it could be interpreted in so many ways
Bruh did you just spoil Berserk lmao
@@All4Randomness1 damn didn't expect this comment to be popular oops. still think berserk has too much great stuff to be fully spoiled.
Favorite song on the album, really helping me through some stuff
Awesome to see an up and coming artist receive an 8/10!
up and coming? 💀
@@encoremusic2265 you act like youve heard him before 🤨
@@encoremusic2265 stop pretending you know who he is
Mr. Lamar’s one of the hottest underground dudes in the game rn, I give him 2 more years to make it to young drizzy Drake’s level🥱
@@encoremusic2265 yes
Mother I sober is genuinely a song that goes beyond anything a song can be. On first listen it feels like you’re constantly being stabbed with emotional pain and you just have to listen and accept it
We cry together is one of the rap battles in the history of rap battles
WHO WON? WHO'S NEXT?
@@megatron4466 YOUUUUUUU DECIDE
@@DegdougSAV EPIIIIC
Taylor murdered bro
@@soda-2690 RABABABAUBIBORAYYYYYYY
Crown: stripping back to piano and voice makes it tough to swallow
Mother I Sober: using just piano and voice makes a somber and beautiful song
I won't stand for Crown slander, one of the best songs on the album
agree
The lyrical content of each song is significantly different, mother I somber is a lot more intimate then crown lyrically
crown was one of my favorites for sure
was i trippin out or did kendrick include Prince on crown?? i thought he was on the end of crown but i could’ve been tripping
@@sethforesi307 a song doesnt have to be super lyrical to be good
Haven't watched any of his videos in a while, but my man looks kinda buff now lol
666th like ;)
Big protein. 150 mg protein.
Interesting. I personally think that "Crown" is a very effective song both in instrumental and lyric. Not the most appealing for sure, but I still love it as an eerie, melancholic, and tranquil ballad.
It’s one of my favorites. The chorus is so simple and effective and sums up the entire album for me. Can’t please everybody.
I love crown
It's basically a guns n roses ballad. Idk if im the only one who hears that
@@synraheim17 exactly what I thought "can't please everybody"
I love it. Especially when he say amnesia lol
I’d like to add that with more listens, Mother I Sober grows heavier in certain ways. I realized that the “simplicity” as it may sound in Mirror is to really be a massive contrast from how bleak and sobering, and even enlightening Mother I Sober was. It was so intimate. Probably too intimate for some.
Mirror being so simple and bedroom like at first is for the sake of the listener’s emotional state as well as the tone the album can end on. I also like to think it plays like End Credits, which also mirror overcoming depression. At the end of grief or any depression, you realize you were there all along no matter what the kind of grief was, you were the sole person living through that, and that by “setting yourself free” and letting go, Kendrick mentions he had to still get up and choose to take care of and carry/save himself at the end of the of the day. That’s a weightless feeling if you’ve ever felt that, so I think that’s what Mirror represents to me. Have you ever seen the sun out post rainstorm and with a rainbow? That’s what this song feels like to me. It’s like a lo-fi representation of that. And that’s where we can also look deeper and realize it’s also okay to exist in that space within yourself, to vow to be there for yourself, cause that is a big part in finding yourself. We can have our best interests in heart (like prioritizing self care, etc.) and also co exist and not hurt other people. That’s the second hardest thing to do. And that’s even if you get past the first hardest thing to do, which is overcoming the ugliest parts of you and forgiving yourself and the ones who have “killed” you.
That’s not a step many willing are to take. Hence “the Big Steppers” and your new found morals as well as everything you’ve taken as well as what still remains from breaking down questionable morals, being able to hold onto your morals and still look out for yourself after represents “Mr. Morale”
Make better comments they are insanely bad
Not reading that book 🤡🤡
Justin is trash, i like your opinion
@@5679_ lmaoooooo
@@5679_ just trying to help people out take your god ratios elsewhere
This reminds me of the time Fantano gave mr morale and the big steppers an 8/10
ah the memories
THANKS FOR SPOILING
Spoiled
I just clicked on the video and you made me see the score before I could watch
I AM VERY THANKFUL FOR YOU TO SPOIL THE WHOLE VIDEO 😀😃😀😃👍👍👍👍
Mirror for me is the perfect ending. He goes into the final 3 songs tackling probably his most difficult subjects to discuss. Mirror pulls him out of the grief of the previous 2 songs. Its excellent to end
As a fan of Kendrick, I am also incredibly grateful that he has begun to shed his savior complex. That alone made me love this album. That’s a huge change for him if you’ve been following his lyrics over the years.
i’ve always found it funny how he’s seen himself as the spiritual successor to 2pac. no disrespect though, i think he’s the closest there’s been to that.
@@Holynoway51 he’s so much better than Tupac in every single way.
@@Holynoway51 might be a hot take but i really think he’s surpassed 2pac as an artist. they are very different artists though
Even though I also wasn't crazy about the closing track, I listened to the line "I choose me, I'm sorry" with a big smile on my face thinking "Well it's about time" and I just could not help but feel so happy for him. it was kind of like realizing a close friend who has been going through some sh!t has finally chosen to practice effective self-healing. I am glad this album was as much for us as it was for him--Kendrick needed an album like this
I still haven't heard the full album yet, but that is such a beautiful, heartwarming line. I really need to get around to it soon
this man is not your close friend. go outside. hes talking bout you too.
@@austinnelson6820 L
Really enjoyed this review Melon! Helped me pick up on a few things I'd missed. Gotta say that I absolutely love Mirror, might not only be my favourite on this entire project, but my favourite closer on any of his Albums. Including Mortal Man, which feels like absolute sacrilege to say.
Instrumentality and musically I do actually get a ton out of this song, I love the beat, I love the difference in chord changes in the bridges, I love the bass, I ADORE the strings. But I also feel like it's such a strong closer for this chapter in Kendricks life and the album. I kind of like that lyrically there's a bit of friction with the instrumentals considering how hopeful the beat sounds, but how overwhelming a lot of the words still are here. "I chose me I'm sorry" starts to feel like an empowering statement, and ties so nicely into especially Saviour and Mother I sober, but not only how it feels like "me" means like his entire family by the end of the Project, its a shift of focus beyond self-empowerment to being there for his family DUE to that.
I don't know, something about this song is just absolutely captivating. The last 5 tracks to me are such a wonderful conclusion in this album. Glad to see so much discussion about this project!
I know art is subjective but considering we’ve only scratched the surface on this album’s depth and it’s still as rich as it is, frankly is amazing. I think in general we are too critical of art. I mean the skill and level of detail (from the theme’s to production) is extraordinary.
I guess that level of critique is inevitable with such a rich medium in an interconnected world. It just raises the bar.
God I love art though.
"only scratched the surface on this album’s depth " oh god, the music nerds are getting worked up - time overanalyze every word! Just clean up after the orgy, please.
I think ultimately some of Kendrick's most memorable non-single moments across his discography will be from this album. So many tracks that are not gonna be on the radio, but WILL be essential Kendrick listening a decade or two from now.
I agree wholeheartedly
8/10 is what I expected for the album. Kendrick's most personal album to date. Hip Hop is in its bag crazy in 2022. can't wait to see what else we gettin later this year.
Kendrick is so damn good that some people are actually interpreting an 8/10 as a mediocre score. He's set the bar so high.
UTOPIAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
@@Ashyy I swear that better drop
I produce and record on my own 80s 90s
There is nothing else 🤣 chris brown maybe. Everybody dropped already.
Hearing "Stop tap dancing around the conversation" after We Cry Together really sold the album for me.
So good. Especially since the first track hints at heavy themes and ideas that aren’t really explored until the back half
Nerds
Isn't there stepping on the end of Count Me Out?
Cringe
Didn’t sell the album for you
While I didn't love this album, I really do appreciate an album experience that is thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish. Especially a double album at that is very impressive. And as someone who listens to at least 50 albums every 6 months, you really have to appreciate every great album experience since to me that is exceptionally rare.
I just wish there was one song on the album that I could cling to like his songs back in the 2010 era. I guess that's too bad. I'll patiently wait for his followup!
Anthony, something I think you missed in addressing this album is this aspect of a therapy session and how the “dancing” sounds are him not just performing his pain for the audience, but also “tapdancing” his way around the true root of his problems, as is said by his wife at the end of “We Cry Together”. Like many men, he struggles to be vulnerable, and has such a huge ego that he doesn’t see therapy as being conducive to his mental well being, mostly due to insecurity and embarassment (“a real nigga aint need no therapy”). There’s more to say about that specific topic, but just thought I’d touch upon it.
And “stop tap dancing around the conversation.” at the end of “we cry together”
i believe Mother I Sober is Kendrick's magnum opus. it seems that everything he has done has led to that moment on this album. in my opinion, it is the most important thing he's ever written
I like it but it ain't better than U
@@anesu846 im not mad at that take
agreed. it is so tragically, painfully honest in its portrayal of trauma and it only gets more potent the more i listen to it
@@AmbrosiusIII yeah it is extremely blunt. no symbolism, no complicated wordplay. just the facts as kendrick sees them. i also find it interesting that it is left up in the air whether his cousin did abuse him or not. because he still to this day doesnt know the answer, and doesn't know if he can fully identify with all the victims that did have it happen to them. but subconsciously, that anger and shame still exists inside him even if he cant say for certain what happened.
it definitely will go down as one of the greatest kendrick tracks. it's not a track i will listen to over and over (like N95 or Silent Hill) because it is so hard hitting and requires more attention, but its beauty, suspense and lyrical brilliance is undeniable
Probably one of the most in depth reviews you've done. I think that even though this album took years to make, it was 100% worth the time and it clearly shows how much effort Kendrick puts into his music and how much he cares about what he puts out.
22:05 here is a time stamp for you Drake
lol
Happy to see Mr. Morale getting a well deserved 8. Can't wait for The Big Steppers review.
We Cry Together might be Kendrick's hardest hitting track
idk bro FEAR. hits hard asf
@@baps6516 SAMIDOT
There’s like 4 tracks on the album that hit hard imo
I love the track but I wouldnt call it hard hitting. In what sense do you mean that?
@@uberanmino I think it hits different if you've had this sort of fight with a loved one. That said, I've never been in this kind of fight, so I'm just theorising.
I'd really have to disagree about Mirror and Count Me Out, which were personally some of my favorites on the album, Mirror actually felt like a really climactic end to the album for me
Agreed. And count me out is kinda a banger for me.
Count Me Out was a banger too
Anthony perfectly described how I feel about Count Me Out, which brings me to the point of this comment. An underlying theme or message does not make or break a song, the execution does. Yes I can see people loving it but I wouldn't add it in my play list
count me out it personally my favorite song, so i like this take! i love mirror too
Agreed on Count Me Out. Might be my favorite track off the album.
Interesting you felt that way about Crown, especially the latter half. I thought the stacked, increasing vocals on the chorus were verbal indications of the constant, looming, and exponentially increasing pressure to meet the expectations of who Kendrick should be - going back to the savior complex.
Literally… the fact that that song went over his emotional head throws me off… I’m question his ear for hip hop
Melon you didn’t have to take off 2 points just because We Cry Together reminded you too much of your falling out with your ex.
You’re not funny btw what a weird last name I feel bad for you imagine someone trying to pronounce that in class 🤡
You went and put the man on a charcuterie board with grapes and cheese. GAWDDAMN
He reacted to that song live on the TND Streams channel and he actually loved it. He compared him to " Kim" From Em and said that most people in the chat would never understand this track because his suscibers never even held a girl 😂😂😂😂 DAMN
i clicked on the video and saw the flannel and said "no" out loud, and then melon's first word was "yes".
What are your thoughts on the score? What'd you rate it?
Melon
@@connormac11 yes
As an music expert from 1672, l give this album mid/10. l strongly advice Kendrick to retire immediately and get a real job as making music is clearly not his thing. I spend months listening to this album in particular and my legal team and me can’t find any good song on it. I am willing to fiII a Iawsuit against Oklama for brain damage l got from listening to this album. I think its safe to say that l need to intervene on this case and caII kendrick to say that i’m taking over.
@@connormac11 3 days is not enough for me to be fully familiar with a project, but as of right now i would rate it a 9. i really love it
If this was a Kendrick Lamar album you would have given it a 10/10
Yeah, unfortunately Mr. Morale made it
@@darudemarc6114 wait I thought it was oklama
@@sowhat7655 thought it was all those big steppers
This Album is a 9/10 great insight to his world. It's therapeutic and a way to be open minded. Fixing yourself as a human being, Exposing the skeletons in your closet, we have flaws that need to be addressed. Listening to this album shows Kendrick is not trying to Please everyone but Accepting his role as a father and a human first.
This is an album that divided people so many didn’t like it and some loved it and i love that
never heard anyone that didn't like it... nobody here
@@fmcdomer go on tik tok you’ll see alot of hate
@@fmcdomer It's his worst album respectfully, DAMN was better
no way sem dropped
@@fmcdomer lol open twitter
You killed the feature on we cry together. Love the bit at the end and you going back and forth with Kendrick
im dead
Thanks Anthony, I needed this after that 4:00am Kendrick Lamar concert where I folded my arms and scowled the entire time. Listening to the album *properly* is exhausting!
Did you wait 3 months though?
😂😂😂
FIJI !
I know right.
The whole time I just kept hearing Melon in my head, saying "DON'T FUCK THIS UP" over and over.
Shit was hard.
Other than "Mother I Sober", "Crown" may be my favorite track on this record. Crown I believe to be a beautifully simple yet important track. Instrumentally it takes its time but has such empathetic vocals that go along with his delivery. The song is like a moment of epiphany that just needs to marinate. I can't please everybody.
I've listened to this a dozen or so times now, and I feel as though it's finally starting to grow on me. I think it's got a few banger sections in it and even though it's a fair bit longer and different from previous ones, dare I say more experimental, I can appreciate what Fantano's trying to say in the review. I'm almost ready to give the album a listen.
They had us in the first half not gonna lie
>I’ve listened to this
>I’m ready to listen to the album now
Be consistent rewrite the joke
'I've listened to this' as in he's listened to the review a dozen times 🤦🏼♂️
this is so spot on!
Make sure to use the proper listening method outlined by melon in his previous video. That's the only way to truly understand!