Nothing Great About Britain cover

Nothing Great About Britain

Slowthai · 2019

32 min · 11 tracks · grime

Raw and confrontational, merging UK grime with punk energy to critique societal issues and personal struggles.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Nothing Great About Britain — The title track encapsulates the album's ethos, blending sharp lyrical critiques with an infectious beat that sets the tone for Slowthai's perspective on contemporary Britain.
  • →
    Doorman — This track showcases Slowthai's unique delivery and lyrical prowess, using the metaphor of a doorman to discuss access, privilege, and societal barriers in an engaging manner.
  • →
    Inglorious — With its introspective lyrics and haunting production, 'Inglorious' dives into themes of mental health and self-identity, highlighting Slowthai's vulnerability amidst his brash persona.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album's raw energy and sharp commentary create a distinctive voice in UK grime, engaging listeners with its boldness.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a title track that sets a confrontational tone, using aggressive beats and rapid-fire lyrics to establish its themes.
  • Several tracks feature abrupt tempo shifts, such as 'Doorman' which transitions from a slow build to a frenetic pace, reflecting the chaotic nature of the subject matter.
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
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

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, consistent energy levels
  • short, punchy listening sessions
  • raw, incisive lyrical content
  • contemplative social critiques
  • dynamic emotional journeys

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on January 1, 2019, 'Nothing Great About Britain' is Slowthai's debut studio album following a series of critically acclaimed EPs. At this point, he was establishing himself as a leading voice in the UK rap scene, leveraging his background and experiences to give depth to his music.
Stylistic neighbors
Idles· Skepta· Denzel Curry

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Inglorious

    A stark confrontation with personal demons occurs during a vulnerable moment in the verse that shifts from bravado to raw honesty about mental struggles.

    This contrast deepens the emotional impact, revealing layers beneath the artist’s bravado that invites listeners into a more complex understanding of his character.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Nothing Great About Britain 3:09
  • 2 Doorman 3:04
  • 3 Dead Leaves 2:48
  • 4 Gorgeous 4:15
  • 5 Crack 2:16
  • 6 Grow Up 3:00
  • 7 Inglorious 3:08
  • 8 Toaster 3:04
  • 9 Peace of Mind 2:27
  • 10 Missing 2:20
  • 11 Northampton’s Child 3:02

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata