Kendrick Lamar - Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers ALBUM REVIEW
theneedledrop・27 minutes read
Kendrick Lamar releases the album "Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers" as his final project with Top Dog Entertainment, reflecting personal growth and a shift in perspective. The album showcases intentional mirroring between discs, strong isolated themes, and a lack of linear narrative, with tracks exploring struggles, personal growth, and societal themes.
Insights
- Kendrick Lamar's album "Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers" is a reflection of his personal growth and mental well-being, showcasing a departure from the darker themes of his previous work, "DAMN."
- The intentional mirroring between the two discs of the album creates a complex narrative structure, focusing on strong isolated themes with conceptual segues that tie the project together, challenging traditional linear storytelling.
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Recent questions
What is Kendrick Lamar's latest album about?
Kendrick Lamar's latest album, "Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers," reflects a new chapter in his life, showcasing a better mental state and a more level-headed perspective. The album contrasts the dark tone of his previous work, focusing on strong isolated themes with conceptual segues that tie everything together. It features intentional mirroring between the two discs, with themes and features aligning in reverse order, bringing theatrics and a metamorphosis through struggle akin to his previous projects.
Who does Kendrick Lamar collaborate with on "Rich Interlude"?
Kendrick Lamar collaborates with Kodak Black on the track "Rich Interlude" in a mesmerizing spoken-word style that embodies personal progression. The collaboration showcases a unique blend of their styles and adds depth to the album's narrative, exploring themes of personal growth and overcoming struggles.
What is the significance of the track "Savior" on the album?
The track "Savior" is a pivotal moment on the album where Kendrick Lamar rejects his savior complex, challenging the audience's expectations and exposing his flaws. This song marks a significant narrative shift, questioning the listener's reactions to the artist's personal growth and flaws, adding layers of complexity to the album's thematic exploration.
How does Kendrick Lamar address societal openness in "Auntie Diaries"?
In the track "Auntie Diaries," Kendrick Lamar pays tribute to a trans uncle, highlighting the need for societal openness towards different sexual orientations and identities. This song delves into themes of acceptance and understanding, advocating for inclusivity and diversity in society through personal storytelling and reflection.
What themes are explored in the second disc of the album?
The second disc of Kendrick Lamar's album delves into cycles of abuse and trauma, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of these themes in tracks like "Mother Eye Sober." This part of the album continues to showcase Kendrick's introspective journey, addressing personal struggles and societal issues with a raw and honest perspective.
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Summary
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Kendrick Lamar's "Mr. Morale" Album Review
- Anthony Fantano reviews Kendrick Lamar's new album "Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers," a double LP and Kendrick's sixth full-length project.
- This album is said to be Kendrick's last for Top Dog Entertainment as he focuses on his newly formed company, PG Lang.
- The album creatively reflects a new chapter in Kendrick's life, contrasting the dark tone of his previous album, "DAMN."
- Kendrick's latest project showcases a better mental state, having worked through personal trauma and gained a more level-headed perspective.
- The album features intentional mirroring between the two discs, with themes and features aligning in reverse order.
- The record brings theatrics and a metamorphosis through struggle akin to "To Pimp a Butterfly" and a resolution reminiscent of "good kid, m.A.A.d city."
- The album lacks a clear linear narrative but focuses on strong isolated themes with conceptual segues that tie everything together.
- Disc one, "The Steppers Side," delves into Kendrick's unresolved struggles, showcasing his dark emotions and the weight fame brings.
- The track "Rich Interlude" features Kodak Black in a mesmerizing spoken-word style, embodying personal progression.
- "We Cry Together" is an intense track depicting a toxic fight between a couple, with Kendrick and Taylor Paige delivering powerful, emotionally charged performances.
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Artist's intentions questioned in track transitions
- The artist's intentions in the track are questioned, particularly in relation to their personal experiences and the song's unique nature.
- Disc one ends on a somewhat underwhelming note with the song "Purple Hearts" being criticized for blandness in vocals and chemistry with Summer Walker.
- The track transitions from a toxic fight to a love song, symbolizing love overcoming toxic moments, with a notable romantic bar included.
- "Count Me Out" represents a tonal shift on the record, focusing on reflecting on guilt, shame, and ego, with a dark gospel-inspired beat.
- "Crown" is critiqued for being overly stripped back instrumentally, leading to grating vocal inflections, but it marks a narrative revelation for the artist.
- "Savior" is a pivotal moment where the artist rejects his savior complex, challenging the audience's expectations and exposing his flaws.
- The track features a challenging message to the audience, questioning their reactions to the artist's personal growth and flaws.
- "Auntie Diaries" pays tribute to a trans uncle, highlighting the need for societal openness towards different sexual orientations and identities.
- The title track features Pharrell production, delving into cycles of abuse and trauma, setting the stage for a deeper exploration in the following track "Mother Eye Sober."
