Top tracks — play these first
-
→
The Guidelines — This track exemplifies Aceyalone's intricate storytelling and introspective themes, setting the tone for the album's exploration of human experiences.
-
→
The Hurt — Here, Aceyalone delves into emotional vulnerability with poignant reflections on pain and healing, showcasing his lyrical prowess and depth.
-
→
Human Language — As the title track, it encapsulates the album's overarching theme of communication and understanding within the human experience, blending narrative and lyricism seamlessly.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends jazz and hip-hop with thoughtful lyrics, showcasing Aceyalone's evolution as an artist.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of live instrumentation, with jazz elements woven throughout the tracks, creating a rich sonic backdrop.
- Lyrical themes are explored in depth, with several tracks employing complex rhyme schemes and multi-layered narratives.
- The sequencing includes interludes that serve as transitions between songs, contributing to a cohesive flow across the album's 20 tracks.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
8/10
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 exploration of surreal narratives
- wave-like pacing with introspective depth
- thought-provoking themes for reflection
- satisfying journey through human experience
- engaging storytelling with varied tempos
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward, catchy tracks
- dislike complex lyrical themes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By 1998, Aceyalone had established himself as a prominent figure in underground hip-hop, following his critically acclaimed debut 'All Balls Don't Bounce' in 1995. 'A Book of Human Language' marked his artistic evolution, showcasing a more experimental approach to production and lyrical depth while solidifying his influence in the alternative hip-hop scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Busdriver· Aesop Rock· MF DOOM
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Forward 2:24
- 2 The Guidelines 4:47
- 3 Contents 0:54
- 4 The Balance 5:07
- 5 The Energy 1:39
- 6 The Hurt 4:32
- 7 The Hold 3:40
- 8 The Walls & Windows 5:43
- 9 The Jabberwocky 1:52
- 10 The Grandfather Clock 4:57
- 11 The Reason 1:22
- 12 The March 2:04
- 13 The Vision 1:25
- 14 The Face 4:16
- 15 The Hunt (Prelude) 1:19
- 16 The Hunt 4:42
- 17 The Catch 1:25
- 18 The Thief in the Night 6:45
- 19 Human Language 7:48
- 20 Afterward 2:11
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.