What makes Insomnia by Skepta notable?

The album debuted at number two on the UK Albums Chart, illustrating Skepta's sustained commercial appeal. Additionally, it received positive reviews for its innovative sound and collaboration dynamics, contributing to the ongoing popularity of the UK rap scene. The project also reflects a cultural moment where grime is increasingly recognized globally. By the time 'Insomnia' was released in March 2020, Skepta had already established himself as a leading figure in the grime scene. This album followed his critically acclaimed project 'Konnichiwa', which won the Mercury Prize in 2016, marking a significant high point in his career. 'Insomnia' represents his continued evolution as an artist while collaborating with contemporaries like Chip and Young Adz.

Insomnia works well if you're into steady flow with climactic moments, introspective reflections on chaos and short tracks for quick engagement.

How many songs are on Insomnia?

Insomnia has 11 tracks, running approximately 36 minutes.

Insomnia

Skepta · 2020

36 min · 11 tracks · grime

A vibrant blend of UK grime and rap, showcasing Skepta's lyrical dexterity over pulsating beats and atmospheric production.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Mains — Opening with an infectious hook, this track effectively sets the tone for the album, blending catchy melodies with Skepta's sharp delivery.
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Demons — This track delves into personal struggles and mental health themes, showcasing Skepta's introspective side amidst a hard-hitting beat.
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High Road — Closing out the album, this longer track features contemplative lyrics that reflect on success and challenges, making it a thoughtful conclusion.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong lyrical content and production while maintaining a cohesive flow across its tracks.

What we noticed

The album opens with a high-energy track, maintaining an aggressive tempo for the first five songs before introducing a slower interlude.
Several tracks incorporate atmospheric production elements, such as layered synths and deep bass lines, creating a dense soundscape.

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: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 5/10

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 climactic moments
introspective reflections on chaos
short tracks for quick engagement
pulsating beats for focused energy

Maybe skip if you

seeking lengthy immersive experiences
prefering slow, patient builds

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Shows Skepta's continued innovation and relevance in the grime scene post 'Konnichiwa'.
Career context: By the time 'Insomnia' was released in March 2020, Skepta had already established himself as a leading figure in the grime scene. This album followed his critically acclaimed project 'Konnichiwa', which won the Mercury Prize in 2016, marking a significant high point in his career. 'Insomnia' represents his continued evolution as an artist while collaborating with contemporaries like Chip and Young Adz.
Stylistic neighbors: Jme· Giggs· Stormzy