Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Icarus — This track encapsulates the album's themes of ambition and the struggle against self-doubt, featuring clever wordplay that showcases Sims' lyrical prowess.
-
→
Brutal Dance — With its infectious beat and candid lyrics about vulnerability in relationships, this song stands out as both a danceable anthem and a poignant reflection on emotional struggles.
-
→
What They Don’t Know — Here, Sims confronts misconceptions about his life and artistry directly, delivering a powerful message that highlights the importance of authenticity in his narrative.
-
→
Shaking in My Sheets — This track's intimate storytelling reveals personal insecurities and fears, effectively balancing vulnerability with catchy hooks that resonate with many listeners.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends introspective lyrics with atmospheric production, maintaining a strong thematic focus throughout.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo flow, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
- Production elements include atmospheric beats layered with intricate samples, creating a textured soundscape that complements the lyrical content.
- 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
-
6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
7/10
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 moments of personal reflection
- thought-provoking narratives with sharp lyricism
- short tracks for quick engagement
- atmospheric sounds for deep focus
Maybe skip if you
- prefer upbeat party anthems
- want straightforward structures
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on November 4, 2016, More Than Ever is Sims' third studio album, following his previous works, Bad Time Zoo (2012) and Grind (2014). At this point in his career, Sims was solidifying his identity within the Rhymesayers label and gaining recognition as a prominent voice in underground hip-hop.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Open Mike Eagle· Aesop Rock· Homeboy Sandman
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
-
Icarus
The bridge shifts from reflecting on past failures to an assertive declaration of strength and resilience.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 A Bad Flying Bird 3:41
- 2 Icarus 2:35
- 3 Brutal Dance 3:30
- 4 OneHundred 3:54
- 5 Flash Paper 3:43
- 6 Spinning Away 3:24
- 7 Oakland Ave Catalpas 4:12
- 8 What They Don’t Know 2:36
- 9 Badlands 2:21
- 10 Buckets 3:18
- 11 Shaking in My Sheets 3:25
- 12 Voltaire 5:25
- 13 Gosper Island 4:08
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.