The Blueprint

I've given this album a fair shot — probably seven or eight full listens — and I just can't connect with it the way so many people seem to. The opening track drew me in with its promise of something special, but the album never delivers on that promise. It keeps gesturing toward profundity without actually achieving it. The production is admittedly impressive from a technical standpoint, and there are flashes of genuine songwriting talent. But too much of this feels like an artist trying to be Important with a capital I rather than just making good music. I wanted to love it, I really did.

This is the kind of album that makes you reconsider your entire relationship with music. I thought I knew what this genre could do, and then this came along and expanded the boundaries so far that everything before it sounds slightly incomplete in comparison. Bold statement, I know, but I stand by it. The production is absolutely jaw-dropping. There are textures here that I've never heard on any other record. But what really makes it work is that all that sonic experimentation is in service of genuine emotion. It never feels like showing off. Every choice, no matter how unconventional, feels emotionally motivated. That's mastery.

I come back to this every few months and find something new each time.

Feels self-indulgent in places. Could have been much better with editing.

The instrumentation is gorgeous throughout. Really well produced.

I appreciate what they were going for even if it doesn't fully land.

The atmosphere this album creates is incredible.

This grew on me a lot. First listen I thought it was good, not great. By the fifth listen I was completely hooked. The subtlety of the arrangements really rewards patience and close attention.

Arguably the greatest album in its genre. Hard to argue otherwise.

Just when you think you've heard it all, an album like this comes along.