Nothing Is Quick in the Desert
Public Enemy · 2017
40 min · 13 tracks · hardcore hip-hop
A gritty exploration of contemporary issues layered over hard-hitting beats and fierce lyricism that challenges societal norms.
Top tracks — play these first
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sPEak! Start here — This track stands out for its relentless energy and incisive lyrics that critique complacency in social movements, embodying the album's activist spirit.
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SOC MED Digital Heroin — With its sharp commentary on the addictive nature of social media, this track encapsulates the band's adaptability in addressing contemporary issues without losing their edge.
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Rest in Beats, Part 1 & 2 — This extended piece serves as a reflective culmination of the album, blending nostalgia with a call to action that highlights the urgency of their message.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong lyricism and production while addressing contemporary issues, maintaining Public Enemy's distinct voice.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a title track that sets a gritty tone, followed by a sequence of tracks that maintain a consistent mid-tempo pace.
- Several tracks feature layered vocal deliveries, with Chuck D's commanding voice often accompanied by backing vocals that emphasize key phrases.
- The final track is an extended piece that combines two parts, creating a sense of closure while also leaving thematic questions open.
- 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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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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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
- wave-like pacing with peaks
- dynamic flow through themes
- intense bursts of energy
- focused listening for impact
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward, uniform tracks
- seek instant gratification
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Marks a strong return after a hiatus, showcasing continued relevance and engagement.
- Themes
- social media addiction· political activism
- Career context
- Released in 2017, Nothing Is Quick in the Desert is Public Enemy's first studio album since 2012's The Evil Empire of Everything, marking a significant return after a five-year hiatus. This album showcases their unwavering commitment to political commentary amid changing musical landscapes, as they navigate the complexities of modern life while still staying true to their roots in East Coast hip-hop.
- Stylistic neighbors
- KRS-One· Nas· A Tribe Called Quest
Tracklist
- 1 Nothing Is Quick in the Desert 1:20
- 2 sPEak! Start here 3:31
- 3 Yesterday Man 4:20
- 4 Exit Your Mind 0:51
- 5 Beat Them All 2:55
- 6 Smash the Crowd 3:32
- 7 If You Can’t Join Em Beat Em 1:27
- 8 So Be It 3:50
- 9 SOC MED Digital Heroin 3:54
- 10 Terrorwrist 1:57
- 11 Toxic 3:11
- 12 Sells Like Teens Hear It 2:57
- 13 Rest in Beats, Part 1 & 2 6:52
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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