…And Then You Shoot Your Cousin
The Roots · 2014
33 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock
A conceptual odyssey weaving intricate narratives through jazz-infused beats and sharp lyrical observations on societal issues.
Top tracks — play these first
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Never — This track encapsulates the album's introspective theme, addressing personal struggles against a backdrop of haunting instrumentals that reflect the urgency of self-reflection.
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When the People Cheer — The song critiques societal apathy towards violence, utilizing a catchy hook to juxtapose a celebratory sound with dark subject matter, highlighting The Roots' signature style.
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The Dark (Trinity) — This track stands out for its layered storytelling and emotional weight, showcasing how lyrical complexity can convey profound messages about despair and hope within urban life.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's intricate narratives and seamless transitions create a compelling listening experience.
What we noticed
- The album features a continuous narrative flow, with tracks transitioning seamlessly into one another, creating a cohesive story arc.
- Several tracks incorporate unconventional song structures, such as abrupt tempo changes and shifts in instrumentation that challenge traditional forms.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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9/10
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
- steady pacing with narrative flow
- cinematic soundscapes for introspection
- short tracks for focused listening
- haunting themes of urban life
Maybe skip if you
- prefer upbeat, high-energy tracks
- seek standalone anthems
Where this album fits
- Career context
- …And Then You Shoot Your Cousin is The Roots' 11th studio album, released in 2014 during a period of artistic maturation following their Grammy-winning project Undun. By this time, the band was firmly established as a leading force in alternative hip-hop, continually pushing the boundaries of the genre while exploring complex themes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- A Tribe Called Quest· The Black Seeds· J Dilla
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Never
The narrative shifts from past regrets to present revelations creates a poignant contrast within the verses.
This shift emphasizes a journey of self-discovery, adding depth to the character's introspection by contrasting memories with current realizations.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Theme From Middle of the Night 1:27
- 2 Never 3:54
- 3 When the People Cheer 3:01
- 4 The Devil 0:38
- 5 Black Rock 2:41
- 6 Understand 2:50
- 7 Dies Irae 1:07
- 8 The Coming 3:01
- 9 The Dark (Trinity) 5:17
- 10 The Unraveling 4:20
- 11 Tomorrow 5:06
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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