Made in the Manor cover

Released 10 years ago

Made in the Manor

Kano · 2016

62 min · 15 tracks · rhythm and blues

A vibrant tapestry of UK rap and garage, blending introspective lyrics with infectious beats and an undeniable urban energy.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    T-Shirt Weather in the Manor — This track encapsulates the carefree spirit of summer days in London while cleverly juxtaposing themes of nostalgia and societal change, making it a standout anthem.
  • →
    This Is England — A poignant exploration of identity and place, this track articulates Kano's perspective on contemporary England, resonating deeply with listeners seeking authenticity.
  • →
    Little Sis — In this heartfelt tribute to his sister, Kano uses vivid storytelling to convey familial love and responsibility, showcasing his lyrical depth and emotional range.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album blends energetic beats with introspective lyrics, showcasing Kano's unique voice in UK grime.

What we noticed

  • Several songs incorporate spoken word elements, blending storytelling with musicality.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

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

  • steady pacing for focused listening
  • sharp social commentary engagement
  • personal reflection in vivid storytelling
  • late-night introspection with depth

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • want standalone singles experience

Where this album fits

Career context
When Kano released Made in the Manor in 2016, he was solidifying his status as a prominent figure in British grime. This album marked his fifth studio release and followed a four-year hiatus after the critically acclaimed album, A Mercury Prize-nominated effort that redefined his artistic approach. Having navigated various phases of his career, this record showcased Kano's evolution while maintaining a strong connection to his roots.
Stylistic neighbors
Giggs· Skepta· Stormzy

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Hail 3:31
  • 2 T-Shirt Weather in the Manor 5:16
  • 3 New Banger 4:50
  • 4 3 Wheel-Ups 4:38
  • 5 This Is England 3:38
  • 6 Little Sis 3:25
  • 7 A Roadman's Hymn 4:30
  • 8 Drinking in the West End 3:48
  • 9 Deep Blues 3:07
  • 10 Endz 3:58
  • 11 Strangers 3:36
  • 12 Seashells in the East 3:27
  • 13 My Sound 6:17
  • 14 GarageSkankFreestyle 4:43
  • 15 Flow of the Year 3:34

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata