Human the Death Dance
Sage Francis · 2007
54 min · 16 tracks · hip-hop
A raw exploration of personal struggles and societal critique intertwined with inventive rhythms and incisive lyricism.
Top tracks — play these first
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Civil Obedience — This track encapsulates the tension between personal struggle and social expectation, blending sharp commentary with a compelling rhythm that highlights Francis's lyrical prowess.
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Hell of a Year — In this standout track, Francis addresses the tumultuous events of the year with poignant storytelling, making it both relatable and reflective of broader societal discontent.
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Keep Moving — Offering an anthem of perseverance, this track combines uplifting messages with introspective lyrics, showcasing Francis's ability to inspire amid adversity.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases inventive rhythms and incisive lyricism, reflecting personal struggles and societal critique.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate unconventional rhythms and samples, creating a varied sonic landscape that complements the lyrical themes.
- The sequencing includes interludes that serve as transitions, allowing for moments of reflection amidst the more intense tracks.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- 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
- dynamic journey with emotional peaks
- reflective moments for deep thinking
- personal struggles explored through introspection
- engaging narrative that unfolds gradually
Maybe skip if you
- prefer upbeat and instant gratification
- seek standalone singles or hits
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time 'Human the Death Dance' was released in 2007, Sage Francis had already established himself as a prominent figure in alternative hip-hop, following his critically acclaimed album 'A Healthy Distrust' in 2005. This album marked a continuation of his artistic evolution, showcasing his unique blend of spoken word and hip-hop while delving deeper into themes of vulnerability and resilience.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Aesop Rock· Atmosphere· Brother Ali
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Hell of a Year
The narrative shifts from despair to determination as it acknowledges past struggles while urging resilience for the future.
This shift not only reflects a turning point in perspective but also serves as a motivational call to action amidst chaos.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Growing Pains 0:37
- 2 Underground for Dummies 4:13
- 3 Civil Obedience 4:07
- 4 Got Up This Morning 3:11
- 5 Good Fashion 1:34
- 6 Clickety Clack 3:59
- 7 Midgets and Giants 3:54
- 8 Broccilude 1:14
- 9 High Step 1:52
- 10 Keep Moving 4:36
- 11 Waterline 2:02
- 12 Black Out on White Night 4:36
- 13 Hell of a Year 4:11
- 14 Call Me Francois 3:11
- 15 Hoofprints in the Sand 5:01
- 16 Going Back to Rehab 6:11
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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