Desire
Pharoahe Monch · 2007
51 min · 14 tracks · hip-hop
Pharoahe Monch's 'Desire' merges intricate lyricism with a blend of soulful beats and hard-hitting, socially conscious themes.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Free — This track stands out for its powerful message about liberation and self-expression, driven by Monch's dynamic flow and poignant lyrics.
-
→
What It Is — With its infectious hook and engaging narrative style, this track exemplifies Monch's ability to blend personal storytelling with broader social critiques.
-
→
When the Gun Draws — Monch explores the harsh realities of violence and survival with vivid imagery, creating a gripping narrative that reflects the struggles faced by many.
-
→
Trilogy: Act I / Act II / Act III — This ambitious multi-part piece showcases Monch’s artistry through complex storytelling and varied musical styles, encapsulating the album’s thematic depth.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Monch's intricate lyricism and thematic depth make 'Desire' a compelling listen, though its pacing varies significantly.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a spoken intro that sets a thematic tone, followed by tracks that alternate between aggressive beats and more melodic, soulful elements.
- Lyrically, Monch employs complex rhyme schemes and multi-syllabic patterns, often layering his verses with social commentary and personal narratives.
- Several tracks feature abrupt transitions in tempo and mood, such as 'When the Gun Draws' which shifts from a reflective tone to an intense delivery.
- The final track, 'Agent Orange', serves as a poignant conclusion, revisiting themes introduced earlier while incorporating a haunting instrumental backdrop.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
6/10
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, consistent energy levels
- dynamic emotional journeys
- thought-provoking lyrical depth
- immersive listening experience
Where this album fits
- Career context
- In 2007, Pharoahe Monch was establishing himself as a solo artist following his critically acclaimed debut album 'Internal Affairs' in 1999. 'Desire' marked his return after an extended hiatus and showcased his growth as both a vocalist and a lyricist, navigating complex themes of desire and societal issues.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Black Thought· Talib Kweli· Aesop Rock
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Intro 0:32
- 2 Free 3:34
- 3 Desire 3:32
- 4 Push 2:52
- 5 Welcome to the Terrordome 3:31
- 6 What It Is 2:56
- 7 When the Gun Draws 3:16
- 8 Let’s Go 4:16
- 9 Body Baby 3:18
- 10 Bar Tap 3:08
- 11 Hold On 3:49
- 12 So Good 3:15
- 13 Trilogy: Act I / Act II / Act III 9:24
- 14 Agent Orange 3:44
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.