Top tracks — play these first
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Bliss Point — This track encapsulates the album's exploration of hedonism and existential musings, featuring rapid-fire verses over an infectious beat that showcases Busdriver's dexterity.
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Ego Death — Here, Busdriver delves into themes of identity and self-perception, employing intricate rhyme schemes that reflect his lyrical prowess against a backdrop of atmospheric production.
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Can't You Tell I'm a Sociopath — This track stands out for its dark humor and sharp social commentary, using irony and wit to critique societal norms while maintaining a catchy hook.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's innovative structures and abstract lyricism create a unique listening experience that stands out in hip-hop.
What we noticed
- The album features rapid shifts in tempo and rhythm, often changing within the same track, which keeps the listener engaged.
- Busdriver's vocal delivery alternates between spoken word and melodic phrasing, creating a dynamic interplay with the intricate beats.
- Several tracks incorporate unconventional song structures, eschewing traditional verses and choruses for more freeform arrangements.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- 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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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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 progression with thoughtful climax
- kaleidoscopic storytelling and lyrics
- playful surrealism in every track
- intellectual engagement through rapid-fire delivery
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward song structures
- seek instant gratification in music
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time 'Perfect Hair' was released in January 2014, Busdriver had already established himself as a prominent figure in underground hip-hop. This album followed his critically acclaimed work 'Beaus$Eros' (2012) and marked a continued evolution in his sound, blending complex wordplay with experimental production that pushed the boundaries of the genre.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Aesop Rock· MF DOOM· Shabazz Palaces
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Ego Death
The moment shifts from introspective musings on self-worth to a stark confrontation with societal expectations.
This transition underscores the tension between personal identity and external pressures, highlighting Busdriver's skill in weaving narrative depth into his verses.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Retirement Ode 3:20
- 2 Bliss Point 3:35
- 3 Ego Death 6:00
- 4 Upsweep 4:28
- 5 When the Tooth-Lined Horizon Blinks 4:09
- 6 Motion Lines 5:12
- 7 Eat Rich 3:09
- 8 King Cookie Faced (for Her) 4:06
- 9 Can't You Tell I'm a Sociopath 3:10
- 10 Colonize the Moon 9:50
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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