What makes Iridescence by Brockhampton notable?

'Iridescence' debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, solidifying Brockhampton's status as a leading force in alternative hip-hop. The album received praise for its ambitious production and deep emotional resonance, making it a pivotal moment in their discography as they confronted internal struggles and industry pressures. Released on September 21, 2018, 'Iridescence' marked Brockhampton's first album after the departure of founding member Ameer Vann. This album followed their critically acclaimed 'Saturation' trilogy, showcasing a shift in their sound as they navigated personal and collective challenges within the group. The project is significant for its exploration of themes like identity, community, and resilience amidst turmoil.

Who is Iridescence for?

Iridescence works well if you're into dynamic flow with varied pacing, introspective moments for reflection and eclectic beats for active listening.

How many songs are on Iridescence?

Iridescence has 15 tracks, running approximately 48 minutes.

Iridescence

Brockhampton · 2018

48 min · 15 tracks · alternative hip-hop

A vibrant tapestry of eclectic beats and introspective lyrics that captures the chaos and creativity of modern youth culture.

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Top tracks — play these first

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NEW ORLEANS — Opening with a captivating blend of urgency and nostalgia, this track sets the tone for the entire album with its dynamic production and layered vocals.
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HONEY — This track showcases a poignant exploration of love and vulnerability, featuring lush harmonies that contrast with the harsher elements prevalent throughout the album.
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SAN MARCOS — A reflective centerpiece, 'SAN MARCOS' dives into personal struggles and growth, encapsulating the collective's journey while blending smooth melodies with introspective lyrics.

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

Iridescence showcases varied production and collaborative vocals, reflecting modern youth culture's complexity.

What we noticed

The album features a wide range of production styles, with tracks shifting from minimalist beats to dense, layered soundscapes.
Vocals are shared among multiple members, often overlapping and creating a conversational dynamic rather than traditional verse-chorus structures.

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 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

dynamic flow with varied pacing
introspective moments for reflection
eclectic beats for active listening
short tracks for quick engagement
emotional depth through fragmented styles

Maybe skip if you

prefer straightforward song structures
seek instant gratification in music

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on September 21, 2018, 'Iridescence' marked Brockhampton's first album after the departure of founding member Ameer Vann. This album followed their critically acclaimed 'Saturation' trilogy, showcasing a shift in their sound as they navigated personal and collective challenges within the group. The project is significant for its exploration of themes like identity, community, and resilience amidst turmoil.
Stylistic neighbors: Odd Future· Kevin Abstract· Rico Nasty