What does Eardrum sound like?

A dynamic blend of sharp lyricism and vibrant production that reflects urban life and social consciousness. Rooted in alternative hip-hop and East Coast hip-hop. Start with "Everything Man".

Is Eardrum a good place to start with Talib Kweli?

Yes, Eardrum is recommended as a starting point for new Talib Kweli listeners. A dynamic blend of sharp lyricism and vibrant production that reflects urban life and social consciousness. Eardrum marks Talib Kweli's fifth studio album, released in 2007 after a series of collaborations and solo projects. At this point in his career, Kweli was establishing himself as a prominent voice in socially aware hip-hop, following the success of his previous works like The Beautiful Struggle in 2004. This album also came during an era when alternative hip-hop was gaining more mainstream attention.

Eardrum works well if you're into dynamic emotional journeys, thought-provoking lyrical content and gradual builds and payoffs.

How many songs are on Eardrum?

Eardrum has 20 tracks, running approximately 78 minutes.

Eardrum

Talib Kweli · 2007

78 min · 20 tracks · alternative hip-hop

A dynamic blend of sharp lyricism and vibrant production that reflects urban life and social consciousness.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Everything Man Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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NY Weather Report — This track exemplifies Kweli's storytelling ability, painting a vivid picture of New York's diverse culture and its struggles against a jazzy backdrop.
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Hostile Gospel, Part 1 (Deliver Us) — A powerful commentary on faith and resilience, this track blends personal reflection with broader social critique, making it a standout piece on the album.
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Say Something — Featuring a notable guest appearance, this song encapsulates the urgency of communication and connection in a fast-paced world, highlighting Kweli's lyrical prowess.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

Eardrum combines sharp lyricism with vibrant production, reflecting urban life while exploring social themes.

What we noticed

Several tracks incorporate interludes that create pauses in the flow, allowing for reflection before moving to the next song.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

dynamic emotional journeys
thought-provoking lyrical content
gradual builds and payoffs
wave-like pacing experience
immersive storytelling elements

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Showcased Kweli's lyrical depth, earning him wider recognition in hip-hop.
Career context: Eardrum marks Talib Kweli's fifth studio album, released in 2007 after a series of collaborations and solo projects. At this point in his career, Kweli was establishing himself as a prominent voice in socially aware hip-hop, following the success of his previous works like The Beautiful Struggle in 2004. This album also came during an era when alternative hip-hop was gaining more mainstream attention.
Stylistic neighbors: Common· Black Thought· J. Cole