What makes A Short Story About a War by Shad notable?

The album received critical acclaim for its poignant storytelling and social commentary, earning Shad a nomination for the Juno Award for Rap Recording of the Year. Its lyrical depth resonated in discussions around war and peace, positioning Shad as a significant figure in the alternative hip-hop landscape. By the time 'A Short Story About a War' was released in January 2018, Shad had established himself as a prominent voice in Canadian hip-hop. This album followed his critically acclaimed work 'Flying Colours' (2013) and marked a thematic evolution as he grappled with social issues and personal narratives against the backdrop of contemporary conflicts.

How many songs are on A Short Story About a War?

A Short Story About a War has 13 tracks, running approximately 39 minutes.

A Short Story About a War

Shad · 2018

39 min · 13 tracks · alternative hip-hop

A vivid exploration of conflict, blending introspective lyrics with alternative hip-hop beats that evoke both urgency and reflection.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Fool, Pt. 1 (Get it Got it Good) — This track exemplifies Shad's ability to weave personal experiences with broader societal critiques, showcasing his storytelling prowess and lyrical dexterity.
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Peace/War — In this track, Shad juxtaposes themes of conflict and resolution, using sharp contrasts in his delivery that reflect the complexities of societal struggles.
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Another Year — This closing track offers a reflective perspective on time and change, encapsulating the emotional weight of the album while highlighting Shad's introspective lyricism.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album's narrative and lyrical depth create a strong thematic experience, supported by effective transitions.

What we noticed

The album features a narrative structure, with tracks that flow into one another, creating a cohesive story about conflict and resolution.
Several tracks incorporate interludes that serve as transitions, enhancing the thematic continuity of the album.
Lyrically, the album employs vivid imagery and personal reflections, often contrasting urgent beats with introspective verses.

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

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Intro: Sniper 2:34
2 The Revolution/The Establishment 2:46
3 The Stone Throwers (Gone in a Blink) 2:48
4 Get it Got it Good Intro 0:27
5 The Fool, Pt. 1 (Get it Got it Good) 3:23
6 Magic Intro 0:28
7 Magic 3:42
8 The Fool, Pt. 2 (Water) 3:28
9 Sniper Interlude 2:30
10 Peace/War 4:31
11 The Fool, Pt. 3 (Frame of Mind) 3:29
12 Another Year 6:07
13 All I Need 2:58

What to play next

Listen next

TAO

2021

Go back to

Adult Contempt

2016

Full Shad discography Artists like Shad

alternative hip-hop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata