What makes Heavy Is the Head by Stormzy notable?

Heavy Is the Head debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart and features collaborations with artists like Ed Sheeran and Aitch. The album received critical acclaim for its lyrical depth and production quality, reinforcing Stormzy's status as a defining artist of his generation while also addressing themes of race, mental health, and resilience. Released on December 13, 2019, Heavy Is the Head is Stormzy's second studio album, following the critically acclaimed Gang Signs & Prayer (2017). At this point in his career, Stormzy was already a prominent figure in UK music, having secured a Brit Award and significant chart success, positioning him as a leading voice in grime and beyond.

Who is Heavy Is the Head for?

Heavy Is the Head works well if you're into steady pacing with varied energy, lyrical depth for reflective moments and short tracks for focused listening.

How many songs are on Heavy Is the Head?

Heavy Is the Head has 16 tracks, running approximately 54 minutes.

Heavy Is the Head

Stormzy · 2019

54 min · 16 tracks · grime

A powerful blend of grime and introspective lyricism that confronts fame, identity, and personal struggles with striking honesty.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Crown — This track encapsulates Stormzy's internal struggle with fame and responsibility, showcasing his vulnerability amid powerful production and lyrical prowess.
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Own It — Featuring Ed Sheeran and Burna Boy, this track combines catchy hooks with a confident delivery that highlights Stormzy's ability to blend genres seamlessly.
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Vossi Bop — As a lead single, Vossi Bop captures the essence of contemporary grime with its infectious beat and clever wordplay, marking Stormzy's cultural influence in 2019.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album blends introspective themes with strong production, showcasing Stormzy's growth while maintaining grime's core elements.

What we noticed

The album opens with a spoken word piece that sets a reflective tone, followed by tracks that alternate between aggressive beats and introspective lyrics.
Several tracks feature prominent guest verses, creating a dynamic interplay between Stormzy and his collaborators.
The final track features a gradual build-up before an abrupt ending, leaving the listener with a sense of unresolved tension.

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: 7/10
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 pacing with varied energy
lyrical depth for reflective moments
short tracks for focused listening
cathartic anthems for empowerment

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification tracks
dislike cohesive album experiences

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on December 13, 2019, Heavy Is the Head is Stormzy's second studio album, following the critically acclaimed Gang Signs & Prayer (2017). At this point in his career, Stormzy was already a prominent figure in UK music, having secured a Brit Award and significant chart success, positioning him as a leading voice in grime and beyond.
Stylistic neighbors: Skepta· J Hus· Giggs