Released 15 years ago this October
4everevolution
Roots Manuva · 2011
65 min · 19 tracks · alternative hip-hop
A kaleidoscopic blend of dub-infused beats, reflective lyricism, and eclectic soundscapes that challenge conventional hip-hop boundaries.
Top tracks — play these first
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Watch Me Dance? — This track stands out with its vibrant energy and infectious rhythm, capturing the essence of celebration amidst introspective lyrics about life's struggles.
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Wha’ Mek? — With its catchy hook and engaging beat, this song exemplifies Roots Manuva's talent for blending accessible melodies with deeper social commentary.
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Revelation — This track delves into personal transformation and self-awareness, showcasing Roots Manuva's introspective lyrical style over a hauntingly atmospheric backdrop.
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The Throes of It — As one of the longer tracks on the album, it explores complex themes of existence and conflict, revealing layered storytelling and emotional depth.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's innovative blend of genres and reflective lyricism showcases Roots Manuva's unique voice in alternative hip-hop.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a spoken word intro that sets a reflective tone, followed by tracks that blend varied tempos and styles.
- Several tracks feature unconventional song structures, often shifting between multiple beats and rhythms within a single song.
- The production incorporates a wide range of instruments and samples, creating dense soundscapes that challenge typical hip-hop arrangements.
- Lyrically, the album explores themes of identity and culture, with verses that often intertwine personal narrative and social commentary.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic emotional journeys
- long, immersive listening sessions
- wave-like pacing experiences
- introspective personal reflections
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time Roots Manuva released 4everevolution, he was already an established figure in the British hip-hop scene, having gained recognition with albums like Run Come Save Me in 2001. This album marked his fifth studio release, showcasing a continued evolution in his sound and lyrical depth, following the more commercially successful Slime & Reason from 2008.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Tricky· DJ Shadow· Massive Attack
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Revelation
The verse shifts perspective to embrace a sense of liberation while confronting past mistakes.
This shift not only conveys personal growth but also invites listeners into a collective experience of overcoming adversity.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 First Growth 3:08
- 2 Here We Go Again 3:59
- 3 Skid Valley 2:46
- 4 Who Goes There? 2:55
- 5 Watch Me Dance? 4:05
- 6 Revelation 4:17
- 7 Wha’ Mek? 4:40
- 8 Takes Time 3:13
- 9 Beyond This World 2:33
- 10 Go Champ 2:19
- 11 Get the Get 2:41
- 12 Crow Bars 2:54
- 13 The Throes of It 7:03
- 14 Noddy 3:51
- 15 Much Too Plush 3:13
- 16 The Path 3:14
- 17 Banana Skank 2:55
- 18 Snakebite 2:31
- 19 Bust It 2:52
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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