Released 10 years ago
This Unruly Mess I've Made
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis · 2016
65 min · 15 tracks · hip-hop
A genre-blending exploration of personal struggles and societal issues over vibrant, eclectic hip-hop beats.
Top tracks — play these first
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Downtown — This track stands out with its infectious energy and clever wordplay, showcasing the duo's ability to blend nostalgia with contemporary hip-hop flair.
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White Privilege II — A bold commentary on racial dynamics and self-reflection, this track pushes boundaries while sparking essential conversations about privilege in America.
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Growing Up — Featuring guest vocals from Ed Sheeran, this introspective piece delves into personal journeys and the challenges of maturity, resonating deeply with listeners.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends personal and societal themes with varied production, but lacks strong cohesion throughout.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a track that features layered vocal harmonies and a gradual build-up of instrumentation, setting an introspective tone.
- Several tracks incorporate unexpected shifts in tempo and style, such as the transition from the upbeat 'Downtown' to the more reflective 'Growing Up'.
- The lyrics often tackle complex themes, with 'White Privilege II' serving as a centerpiece that directly addresses societal issues through narrative storytelling.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- 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
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
- vibrant party anthems for gatherings
- reflective narratives on personal growth
- quick bursts of engaging storytelling
- cathartic exploration of societal issues
- upbeat tracks for road trips
Maybe skip if you
- seeking slow, meditative experiences
- prefer straightforward structures
Where this album fits
- Career context
- This Unruly Mess I've Made is Macklemore & Ryan Lewis's follow-up to their breakthrough album The Heist, which had catapulted them to mainstream success. Released in 2016, this album came at a time when the duo sought to navigate the complexities of fame while addressing deeper social themes through their music.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Chance the Rapper· G-Eazy· Logic
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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White Privilege II
The narrative shifts from discussing personal experiences to addressing systemic racism directly during a pivotal verse.
This transition highlights an urgent call for accountability and awareness that contrasts sharply with earlier reflections on privilege.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Light Tunnels 6:37
- 2 Downtown 4:54
- 3 Brad Pitt's Cousin 3:11
- 4 Buckshot 3:33
- 5 Growing Up 5:05
- 6 Kevin 4:40
- 7 St. Ides 3:39
- 8 Need to Know 3:52
- 9 Dance Off 3:49
- 10 Let's Eat 2:55
- 11 Bolo Tie 3:37
- 12 The Train 3:07
- 13 White Privilege II 8:45
- 14 The Shades 3:45
- 15 Spoons 3:48
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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