What makes Everybody Down by Kae Tempest notable?

Everybody Down received widespread critical acclaim, with particular praise from outlets like The Guardian and NME for its innovative blend of poetry and music. The album notably secured a nomination for the Mercury Prize, highlighting its significance in the contemporary UK music landscape and its impact on the evolution of spoken word within popular music. Released in 2014, Everybody Down marked Kae Tempest's debut studio album following their acclaimed EP, which had already established them as a prominent voice in the UK spoken word scene. At this point, Tempest was transitioning from underground performances to broader recognition, setting the stage for their later works that would expand into various artistic domains.

Who is Everybody Down for?

Everybody Down works well if you're into steady flow with gradual resolution, urban storytelling with raw emotion and introspective moments of reflection.

How many songs are on Everybody Down?

Everybody Down has 12 tracks, running approximately 48 minutes.

Everybody Down

Kae Tempest · 2014

48 min · 12 tracks

A dynamic fusion of spoken word and hip-hop beats, weaving narratives that pulse with urgency and raw emotion.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Marshall Law — This opening track sets the tone with its sharp lyrical commentary on societal issues and personal struggles, showcasing Tempest's unique delivery style right from the start.
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The Truth — With its introspective verses, this track examines themes of authenticity and self-awareness, reflecting Tempest's skill in blending personal narrative with broader truths.
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The Heist — This track stands out for its vivid storytelling and intricate wordplay, capturing the essence of desperation and ambition within a compelling narrative arc.
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Happy End — Closing the album, this lengthy piece encapsulates the emotional journey presented throughout, merging poetic depth with a cathartic resolution that lingers long after it ends.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

66 /100

Alpine

Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

The album's innovative fusion of spoken word and music creates a distinct sound that stands out in its genre.

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

Influence 6/10

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 flow with gradual resolution
urban storytelling with raw emotion
introspective moments of reflection
engaging narrative through spoken word

Maybe skip if you

seeking instant gratification
prefer straightforward structures

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 2014, Everybody Down marked Kae Tempest's debut studio album following their acclaimed EP, which had already established them as a prominent voice in the UK spoken word scene. At this point, Tempest was transitioning from underground performances to broader recognition, setting the stage for their later works that would expand into various artistic domains.
Stylistic neighbors: Moses Sumney· Little Simz· Loyle Carner

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Marshall Law 5:27
2 The Truth 3:33
3 Lonely Daze 3:58
4 Chicken 2:46
5 The Beigeness 3:08
6 Theme From Becky 3:55
7 Stink 2:46
8 The Heist 3:54
9 To the Victor the Spoils 3:01
10 Circles 5:06
11 A Hammer 3:42
12 Happy End 7:15

What to play next

Listen next

Let Them Eat Chaos

2016

Full Kae Tempest discography Artists like Kae Tempest

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata