Top tracks — play these first
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Fire + Water — Opening the album with an expansive soundscape, this track sets the tone for introspection and contrasts vulnerability against strength. Its length allows for a deep exploration of themes central to Stormzy's journey.
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My Presidents Are Black — This track combines political commentary with personal reflection, showcasing Stormzy’s ability to intertwine activism with artistry while delivering a powerful message about identity and representation.
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I Got My Smile Back — A triumphant moment on the album, this track embodies resilience and joy after adversity, providing a hopeful counterpoint to some of the darker themes explored throughout.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines introspective lyrics with rich production, showcasing Stormzy's growth as an artist.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a spoken word intro that sets a reflective tone, followed by tracks that blend grime beats with soulful melodies.
- Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies and intricate arrangements, particularly in the choruses, creating a lush soundscape.
- The lyrics often shift between personal introspection and broader social commentary, with some tracks featuring guest artists who add different perspectives.
- 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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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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
- reflective moments of vulnerability
- steady pacing for focused listening
- emotional depth with gradual build
- soulful introspection for late nights
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek high-energy party vibes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- This Is What I Mean is Stormzy's third studio album, following the commercially successful Heavy Is the Head released in 2019. By this point in his career, Stormzy had established himself as a leading figure in UK music, known for his impactful lyrics and genre-defining sound. The album marks a continuation of his artistic exploration while addressing personal themes and societal issues.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Fire + Water 8:18
- 2 This Is What I Mean 5:25
- 3 Firebabe 3:42
- 4 Please 2:54
- 5 Need You 3:16
- 6 Hide & Seek 3:29
- 7 My Presidents Are Black 4:22
- 8 Sampha’s Plea 2:47
- 9 Holy Spirit 4:43
- 10 Bad Blood 4:03
- 11 I Got My Smile Back 4:11
- 12 Give It to the Water 4:14
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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