What makes On A Level by Wiley notable?

On A Level received significant attention within the UK music scene upon its release, reinforcing Wiley's status as the 'Godfather of Grime.' The album's lead single, On a Level, became a club favorite and helped to further popularize the grime genre, contributing to its rise in mainstream acceptance during the mid-2010s. When Wiley released On A Level in January 2014, he was already established as a key figure in the grime scene, having previously achieved commercial success with his album The Ascent in 2012. This release marked a return to his roots after exploring various styles and collaborations, showcasing his signature sound while maintaining relevance in an evolving genre landscape.

How many songs are on On A Level?

On A Level has 1 track, running approximately 3 minutes.

On A Level

Wiley · 2014

3 min · 1 track · drum and bass

A vibrant blend of UK garage and grime that fuses infectious beats with sharp lyrical wit.

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Top tracks — play these first

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On a Level — The title track encapsulates Wiley's clever wordplay and energetic delivery, serving as an anthem for self-confidence and determination amidst challenges.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

54 /100

Foothills

Higher than 43% of albums we've rated

The track blends grime and UK garage effectively, showcasing Wiley's lyrical style and rhythmic prowess.

What we noticed

The track features a steady four-on-the-floor beat with syncopated hi-hats that drive the rhythm forward.
The production incorporates elements of UK garage, including chopped vocal samples and a prominent bassline that adds depth.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 4/10

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Reinforced Wiley's status as a key figure in grime, following commercial success.
Themes: grime resilience· London nightlife
Career context: When Wiley released On A Level in January 2014, he was already established as a key figure in the grime scene, having previously achieved commercial success with his album The Ascent in 2012. This release marked a return to his roots after exploring various styles and collaborations, showcasing his signature sound while maintaining relevance in an evolving genre landscape.
Stylistic neighbors: Skepta· Jme· Stormzy