Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers cover

Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers

Kendrick Lamar · 2022

73 min · 18 tracks · funk · jazz · alternative hip-hop

A profound exploration of personal trauma and societal issues layered over intricate beats and introspective lyricism.

Spotify Apple Music
Own it: Amazon eBay

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic journey with emotional peaks
  • introspective themes for deep thinking
  • two-halves listening experience
  • cathartic moments of self-reflection
  • wave-like pacing for engagement

Maybe skip if you want

  • seeking instant gratification tracks
  • prefer standalone singles over cohesion

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Critical Peak — Explores deep themes and complex sounds, marking a significant point in his artistic evolution.
Themes
generational trauma· fatherhood reflections· societal masks
Career context
Released on May 13, 2022, 'Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers' is Kendrick Lamar's fifth studio album, following his Pulitzer Prize-winning 'DAMN.' in 2017. At this point in his career, Lamar was seen as a voice of a generation, grappling with themes of identity and mental health while transitioning into fatherhood and reflecting on his legacy.
Stylistic neighbors
Isaiah Rashad· Anderson .Paak· Saba
If this clicks, go next to
DAMN. — Continues exploring personal themes with a mix of introspection and societal critique.
Sounds like this from elsewhere
The Sun's Tirade by Isaiah Rashad — Both explore personal struggles and mental health through intricate production and introspective lyrics.
Care for Me by Saba — Shares a focus on trauma and vulnerability, wrapped in complex narratives over soulful beats.
KOD by J. Cole — Explores themes of addiction and identity with a reflective tone and layered production aesthetic.
New to Kendrick Lamar? Find your way in →

Tracklist

New here? Start with "United in Grief".

  • 1 United in Grief Start here 4:15
  • 2 N95 3:15
  • 3 Worldwide Steppers 3:23
  • 4 Die Hard 3:59
  • 5 Father Time 3:42
  • 6 Rich (interlude) 1:44
  • 7 Rich Spirit 3:22
  • 8 We Cry Together 5:41
  • 9 Purple Hearts 5:29
  • 10 Count Me Out 4:43
  • 11 Crown 4:24
  • 12 Silent Hill 3:40
  • 13 Savior (interlude) 2:32
  • 14 Savior 3:44
  • 15 Auntie Diaries 4:41
  • 16 Mr. Morale 3:30
  • 17 Mother I Sober 6:46
  • 18 Mirror 4:16

What to play next

This album is considered a Critical Peak in Kendrick Lamar's catalog. Explores deep themes and complex sounds, marking a significant point in his artistic evolution.

DAMN.
Listen next

DAMN.

2017

Continues exploring personal themes with a mix of introspection and societal critique.
To Pimp a Butterfly
Go back to

To Pimp a Butterfly

2015

Sets the stage with deep social commentary and complex soundscapes.
Full Kendrick Lamar discography Where to start with Kendrick Lamar Artists like Kendrick Lamar
alternative hip-hop funk jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata