Lasers
Lupe Fiasco · 2011
47 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock
A vibrant fusion of introspective lyricism and radio-friendly hooks, blending hip-hop with alternative and rock influences.
Top tracks — play these first
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Letting Go Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Words I Never Said — This track critiques media narratives and political apathy through sharp verses layered over an anthemic chorus, reflecting Fiasco's conscious hip-hop roots.
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The Show Goes On — An empowering anthem that samples Modest Mouse’s 'Float On', it combines uplifting themes with a catchy hook, showcasing Fiasco’s ability to meld commercial appeal with meaningful content.
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All Black Everything — In this track, Fiasco explores themes of racial identity and social justice through vivid storytelling and poignant imagery, making it a standout example of his lyrical prowess.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends genres but lacks the depth and cohesion of Fiasco's earlier work.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features upbeat tracks with strong hooks, while the second half shifts to more introspective themes and slower tempos.
- Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies and electronic elements, blending hip-hop beats with rock instrumentation.
- The lyrics often juxtapose personal struggles with broader social commentary, creating a dynamic between individual and collective experiences.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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5/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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4/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- 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
- introspective lyrical exploration
- dynamic emotional journeys
- steady, consistent energy levels
- uplifting motivational themes
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Lasers marked Fiasco's rise to commercial success, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200.
- Career context
- Released in 2011, Lasers is Lupe Fiasco's third studio album and follows his acclaimed 2007 debut, Food & Liquor, and the 2009 follow-up, The Cool. By this point, Fiasco was navigating tensions with his label over artistic direction, which led to a more commercially appealing sound aimed at mainstream audiences.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Kendrick Lamar· J. Cole· Macklemore
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Words I Never Said
The narrator delivers a compelling analysis of societal issues while addressing the listener directly, urging them to think critically about the world around t…
This direct address breaks the fourth wall, drawing listeners into a conversation and emphasizing the urgency of the message.
Tracklist
- 1 Letting Go Start here 4:26
- 2 Words I Never Said 4:16
- 3 Till I Get There 3:23
- 4 I Don’t Wanna Care Right Now 4:15
- 5 Out of My Head 3:24
- 6 The Show Goes On 3:56
- 7 Beautiful Lasers (2 Ways) 4:01
- 8 Coming Up 3:58
- 9 State Run Radio 3:57
- 10 Break the Chain 4:21
- 11 All Black Everything 3:40
- 12 Never Forget You 4:04
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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