_edited.png)
8.2/10
Black Thought, a rapper known for his lyricism and heavy delivery, is back with another collaboration project, this time with American soul band El Michels Affair. 'Glorious Game' shortly follows 'Cheat Codes', offering up a groovier and softer sound than the darker and hard-hitting collaboration with Danger Mouse.
"Grateful" was the only single I listened to, and it conveniently also opens up the album with a beautiful drop into a grimy drum beat surrounded by dark synths, the only track on the album that really reminded me of 'Cheat Codes'. Lyrically, this track is also solid, talking about struggles with relationships and hitting lows. "Glorious Game" is a groovier track, with great vocals from singer KIRBY, and a beautiful groovy breakdown at the end of the track. "I'm Still Somehow" follows, a short but lyrically powerful track where Black Thought mentions the struggles of being a black man, losing loved ones, and drug addiction. The harmonies that float in the back of the beat are a wonderful touch, too.
The three-run track "Hollow Way", "Protocol", and "The Weather", offer up some of the best production on the album. "Hollow Way" comes through with subtle but present drums, slight touches of synths, and an effortless flow from Black Thought. The beat switch near the middle of the track is unexpected but executed well, going into this harder-hitting drum beat. "Protocol" has Black Thought coming in with a catchy delivery and flow, solid vocals from Son Little, and a jazzier beat with soft horns, a groovy bassline, and chill chords. Lyrically, Black Thought seems to touch on fame and accepting that it's just a part of his life, trying to make time to do things for himself. "The Weather" opens up with a pretty, sparkly synth, with the beat making a lowkey switch from slower-paced boom bap to something a bit faster, with Black Thought smoothly picking up accordingly; it's a cool touch. Black Thought touches on his childhood and what it was like growing up in south Philidelphia. It's intriguing and sweet to listen to.
"That Girl" is an okay track, with a smooth soulful beat and Black Thought descriptively touching on a relationship with a girl. It's just short and doesn't offer much to write home about. "I Would Never" opens up with a cool spacey synth, instantly going back into a laid-back jazzy boom-bap sound. It's another groovy track where Black Thought again seems to touch on what it's like being an artist. "Alone" contains punchy drums and light keys with interesting lyrical themes talking about humble beginnings and how most people start from the bottom and will face challenges, telling you that you're "not alone". "Miracle" is a fine track, I enjoyed Black Thought's flow and vocal delivery on this one, along with that subtle bassline. KIRBY returns on "Glorious Game (Reprise)", a solid reprise that opens up with a goosebump-inducing synth that slides from ear to ear. "Alter Ego" closes out the album, offering up a solidly groovy slow, and steady beat, with great guitar all-around, and an excellent bassline that hums below everything.
'Glorious Game' is a tight-knit album that contains solid music, but at times struggles to keep my full attention. This isn't something I can really just sit down and listen to, but it's great hip-hop that infuses elements of jazz and soul with a few lyrically powerful moments. If you want a laid-back groove, this is the album.
Comments