Bleeds
Roots Manuva · 2015
40 min · 10 tracks · alternative hip-hop
A gritty blend of alternative hip-hop and dub infused with introspective lyrics and eclectic soundscapes.
Top tracks — play these first
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Hard Bastards — The opening track sets the tone for the album with its aggressive beats and incisive social commentary, showcasing Roots Manuva's signature style.
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Crying — This track combines heartfelt lyrics with an atmospheric backdrop, reflecting on vulnerability amidst tough outer shells, illustrating the emotional depth of the album.
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Stepping Hard — With its infectious rhythm and dynamic production, this track demonstrates Roots Manuva's ability to merge catchy hooks with profound messages about resilience.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's experimental nature and unique sound make it stand out in the UK hip-hop scene.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a heavy bassline and layered vocal samples, establishing a gritty atmosphere that persists throughout.
- Several tracks incorporate dub elements, such as echoing vocals and reverb-heavy instrumentation, which contribute to the album's eclectic soundscape.
- 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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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
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
- steady mid-tempo groove exploration
- introspective vibes for deep thought
- background beats for creative work
- thoughtful lyricism with rhythmic flow
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy party tracks
- prefer quick, standalone songs
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2015, Bleeds is Roots Manuva's fifth studio album, coming after his critically acclaimed 2008 album, Slime & Reason. At this point, he was solidifying his unique voice in British music, continuing to explore themes of identity and urban life through innovative production techniques.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Tricky· DJ Shadow· Massive Attack
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Hard Bastards 5:18
- 2 Crying 3:03
- 3 Facety 2:11 2:43
- 4 Don’t Breathe Out 3:20
- 5 Cargo 4:15
- 6 Stepping Hard 5:19
- 7 Me Up! 3:46
- 8 One Thing 3:48
- 9 I Know Your Face 5:22
- 10 Fighting For? 3:46
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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