Top tracks — play these first
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Leanin' on Slick — The title track encapsulates the album's ethos, featuring laid-back rhythms and thought-provoking lyrics that reflect on self-awareness and authenticity.
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Workin' Man's Blues — This track stands out for its commentary on the struggles of everyday life, combining catchy hooks with a soulful delivery that resonates deeply.
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Things Get Better — Closing the album on an uplifting note, this song emphasizes resilience and hope amidst adversity, showcasing Aceyalone's lyrical prowess and emotional depth.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong lyrical depth and cohesive production, making it a notable entry in Aceyalone's discography.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of jazzy instrumentals, with live instrumentation present in several tracks, creating a laid-back atmosphere.
- Lyrical themes often reflect personal introspection and social commentary, with verses that flow seamlessly into one another without traditional hooks.
- Many tracks incorporate varied tempos, with some songs shifting from mid-tempo to slower grooves, enhancing the reflective mood throughout.
- The sequencing allows for a gradual build-up of intensity, culminating in more energetic tracks before tapering off towards the end.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
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
- steady mid-tempo reflective vibes
- introspective lyrics on personal growth
- for relaxed evening listening
- smooth beats with thoughtful themes
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced, high-energy tracks
- want instant gratification from music
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Leanin' on Slick marks Aceyalone's fifth studio album, following his previous work, Rainy Dayz, released in 2009. At this point in his career, he was solidifying his reputation as a pioneering force in alternative and experimental hip-hop, continuing to explore personal and social themes through innovative soundscapes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Busdriver· Aesop Rock· MF DOOM
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 30 & Up 2:54
- 2 Leanin' on Slick 3:27
- 3 I Can Get It Myself 2:45
- 4 What You Gone Do With That 3:08
- 5 One Cup, Two Cup 2:25
- 6 Cold Piece 3:24
- 7 Pass the Hint 3:06
- 8 I'm No Cassanova 3:13
- 9 Show Me Them Shoes 3:14
- 10 Workin' Man's Blues 3:11
- 11 Boss 2:35
- 12 Things Get Better 4:03
- 13 Hit the Road 2:48
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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