A.W.O.L.
AZ · 2005
54 min · 13 tracks · gangsta rap
A gritty reflection of urban life, blending sharp lyricism with a soulful backdrop that captures the essence of East Coast hip-hop.
Top tracks — play these first
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New York — This track highlights AZ's affinity for his city, weaving personal anecdotes with vivid imagery, showcasing his ability to encapsulate the New York experience.
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Still Alive — In 'Still Alive', AZ reflects on resilience and survival in a challenging environment, delivering powerful verses that resonate with listeners who appreciate authentic narratives.
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City of Gods — The collaboration on 'City of Gods' features an impressive lineup, demonstrating AZ's ability to unite diverse voices while maintaining a cohesive sound that underscores his lyrical prowess.
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The Come Up — 'The Come Up' serves as a motivational anthem, where AZ discusses ambition and the journey towards success, making it relatable for aspiring artists and fans alike.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
AZ's lyrical depth and soulful production create a solid entry in East Coast hip-hop, though it doesn't fully stand out in its genre.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a strong, melodic hook in 'So Sincere' that sets a reflective tone for the following tracks.
- Lyrical themes of struggle and resilience are prevalent, with AZ delivering intricate verses that often feature internal rhymes.
- Several tracks incorporate soulful samples, creating a contrast between gritty lyrics and smooth production.
- The sequencing maintains a consistent pace, with the final three tracks slowing down to provide a contemplative conclusion.
- 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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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- introspective late-night reflections
- steady, consistent energy levels
- short, immersive listening sessions
- dynamic emotional journeys
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in January 2005, A.W.O.L. marks AZ's fifth studio album, coming after his critically acclaimed 2002 record, Aziatic. At this point in his career, AZ was solidifying his reputation as a prominent figure in East Coast hip-hop, following the success of collaborations with legends like Nas and his earlier work with The Firm.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 So Sincere 1:57
- 2 Never Change 4:26
- 3 New York 3:45
- 4 Can’t Stop 4:15
- 5 Still Alive 4:04
- 6 AZ’s Chillin 3:55
- 7 City of Gods 4:14
- 8 Street Life 4:33
- 9 Bedtime Story 2:12
- 10 The Come Up 3:46
- 11 Envious 2:57
- 12 A.W.O.L. 3:40
- 13 Live Wire / Magic Hour / The Truth 10:49
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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