Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers
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Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers Image
Metascore
89

Universal acclaim - based on 21 Critic Reviews What's this?

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9.0

Universal acclaim- based on 1184 Ratings

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  • Summary: The fifth full-length studio release for rapper Kendrick Lamar features guest appearances from Baby Keem, Blxst, Sam Dew, Ghostface Killah, Beth Gibbons of Portishead, Kodak Black, Tanna Leone, Taylour Paige, Amanda Reifer, Sampha, and Summer Walker.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. The Independent (UK)
    May 13, 2022
    100
    A surprising meditation on fatherhood, family and friendship. Kendrick Lamar’s work has always been introspective, but Mr Morale and the Big Steppers – with guest spots from artists including Florence Welch, Beth Gibbons, Summer Walker and Sampha – has a delicacy and tenderness to it that is unprecedented for the father of two from Compton, California. Because of this, Mr Morale and The Big Steppers is most redolent of Lamar’s second album good kid, m.A.A.d city.
  2. The Guardian
    May 13, 2022
    100
    Mr Morale & the Big Steppers is absolutely crammed with lyrical and musical ideas. Its opening tracks don’t so much play as teem. ... An album that leaves the listener feeling almost punch-drunk at its conclusion.
  3. Consequence
    May 13, 2022
    100
    Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers is another bonafide masterpiece.
  4. HipHopDX
    May 18, 2022
    84
    Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers paints a gripping portrait of how trauma and therapy have morphed the 34-year-old artist beyond recognition. Even with superior production choices and a semi-triumphant tone of self-actualization, it feels as if listeners can’t fully define what place he’s in — the question of what’s left for him lingers.
  5. musicOMH.com
    May 23, 2022
    80
    Kendrick’s lyrics are as erudite as ever, and he has thankfully backed away from the excessive voiceplay of DAMN., though a few tracks could have been cut to create a more consistent listening experience. That being said, Mr Morale & The Big Steppers should be applauded for its intimacy, a remarkably detailed self-portrait of his unique, troubled mind.
  6. AllMusic
    May 18, 2022
    80
    While not always an easy listen, the album shows more of its intention as it goes, and ultimately makes sense as the next logical step forward in Lamar’s increasingly multi-dimensional artistic evolution.
  7. The New York Times
    May 17, 2022
    60
    It is an album that aims to repel, or if not quite that, then at least is at peace with alienating some of its audience. ... [The album] often feels insular, lyrically and musically. “Mr. Morale” is probably Lamar’s least tonally consistent work. ... Rangy and structurally erratic, full of mid-song beat switches, sorrowful piano and a few moments of dead air.

See all 21 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 366 out of 418
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 418
  3. Negative: 38 out of 418
  1. IdkHowToPotty
    May 14, 2022
    10
    Sonically there is simply no other album like this - it is a rap record but it is not hip hop. While there are certain tracks which have someSonically there is simply no other album like this - it is a rap record but it is not hip hop. While there are certain tracks which have some trap, jazz, r&b or even classical influence, the sound of this album is uniquely Kendrick. Lyrically this album is also some of Kendrick's best work. Stand-out tracks for me were Auntie Diaries (with some of the most beautiful lyrics I've ever heard) and We Cry Together (an insanely creative, engaging and memorable track).… Expand
  2. J-Olly2018
    May 13, 2022
    10
    5 anos depois outra obra prima impecável desde a estética até os beats e letra.
  4. Heman023
    May 15, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Absolutely fantastic album. Approaching remarkably dense topics such as his relationships with his trans aunt and cousin, toxic masculinity, infidelity various other topics- kendrick lays it all on the line on an album that sonically ages like fine wine. This will certainly go down as one of his best albums and one of his most important… Expand
  5. Seattleite
    May 14, 2022
    10
    Kendrick is now truly in a league of his own. He is beyond comparisons to 2pac and the like now. This is about the 3rd time he has completelyKendrick is now truly in a league of his own. He is beyond comparisons to 2pac and the like now. This is about the 3rd time he has completely evolved as an artist. Good Kid Mad City, To Pimp A Butterfly, And now This.. wow. Witness greatness.… Expand
  6. mindrippin
    May 13, 2022
    10
    Flawless album. The production is out of this world, features are great, lyricism is amazing. Kendrick experimenting these new varieties ofFlawless album. The production is out of this world, features are great, lyricism is amazing. Kendrick experimenting these new varieties of sounds didn't fail at all. The message behind the album is also very strong. A brilliant introspective and personal album. A very very versatile masterpiece which will get better and better every listen.… Expand
  7. BrutusMaximus
    May 16, 2022
    9
    Well hasn’t this been one of the most divisive and polarising albums of the year! Long awaited, highly anticipated and now heavily debated,Well hasn’t this been one of the most divisive and polarising albums of the year! Long awaited, highly anticipated and now heavily debated, Kendrick Lamar dropped his latest album ‘Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers’ last week and there has been no shortage of discussion online and in barbershops and street corners around the globe.

    Full review at: https://rawsidehiphop.com/review-kendrick-lamar-mr-morale-the-big-steppers    … Expand
  8. Aldoilv
    May 13, 2022
    0
    El mejor álbum del mundo, es lo mejor, MOTOMAMI es bueno como este, te enamoras de principio a fin, estos 2 álbumes salvaron el 2022, escuchenEl mejor álbum del mundo, es lo mejor, MOTOMAMI es bueno como este, te enamoras de principio a fin, estos 2 álbumes salvaron el 2022, escuchen la pista 5 la mejor… Expand

See all 418 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

4
#4 Best Album of 2022
2
#2 Most Discussed Album of 2022

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