DAMN.
by Kendrick Lamar
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 3346 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2,962 out of 3346
  2. Mixed: 111 out of 3346
  3. Negative: 273 out of 3346
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  1. Ishanwijes
    Apr 15, 2017
    9
    9 out of the 14 songs in this album are a really good listen, the album itself doesn't really touch on a catchy upbeat type of music, most of the album is slow-ish and low beat, but Kendrick's lyrics never cease to amaze, as each song is given brilliant bars and clever rhymes as well as quick to slow changes- brilliant rap verses. The chorus of most songs are very good as well and catchy9 out of the 14 songs in this album are a really good listen, the album itself doesn't really touch on a catchy upbeat type of music, most of the album is slow-ish and low beat, but Kendrick's lyrics never cease to amaze, as each song is given brilliant bars and clever rhymes as well as quick to slow changes- brilliant rap verses. The chorus of most songs are very good as well and catchy to an extent. Overall the highlight of the album is Kendrick's lyrical brilliance, the beat and pace is well used and satisfactory- the entire album also has meaning as messages can be drawn from each song as it is clear Kendrick is up to his old tricks; playing deep and meaningful with his bars… Expand
  2. Swood64
    Apr 15, 2017
    9
    Not quite as good as To Pimp A Butterfly, but considering how perfect that album was, I was never expecting it to be.

    That being said, DAMN. is still excellent and a solid 9/10. Many of the songs on here are great, a couple are just ok, and GOD. is kinda crap. Kendrick is definitely shooting for a more mainstream sound like Good Kid, m.A.A.d. City was, and I'm not massively enthusiastic    Not quite as good as To Pimp A Butterfly, but considering how perfect that album was, I was never expecting it to be.

    That being said, DAMN. is still excellent and a solid 9/10. Many of the songs on here are great, a couple are just ok, and GOD. is kinda crap. Kendrick is definitely shooting for a more mainstream sound like Good Kid, m.A.A.d. City was, and I'm not massively enthusiastic about that, considering how great the Neo-soul, funk type sound of To Pimp A Butterfly and Untitled Unmastered sounded. I understand however that Kendrick needs to move on sonically rather than just keep doing the same thing album after album. So while my opinion on this new sound isn't as happy as some other people have been about it, I highly commend Kendrick for trying something new.

    Lyrically though, Kendrick is still on top. He is far more introspective about himself than on To Pimp A Butterfly and Good Kid, m.A.A.d. City, albums that were more about Kendrick's surroundings, that being Compton in GKMC and this new Hollywood life on TPAB. DAMN. has Kendrick thinking about himself, his own insecurities and dualities, and his continued faith in God.

    Overall, DAMN. doesn't top the masterpiece that was To Pimp A Butterfly, but it does succeed at following it up with a different sound with flying colours.

    Favourite songs:
    DNA, ELEMENT, LOYALTY, PRIDE, HUMBLE, XXX, DUCKWORTH    … Expand
  3. DarthDrizzy
    Apr 16, 2017
    9
    DAMN, is an interesting album. It begins with a narrative, and is a lot more personal than any of Kendrick's other albums. the album focuses on the nature of the person, and it begins and ends with a simple tale. He changed up his sound greatly, with production on this album being a lot more scarce, and in some ways scattered compared to the heavy sound that TPAB had. The track listing isDAMN, is an interesting album. It begins with a narrative, and is a lot more personal than any of Kendrick's other albums. the album focuses on the nature of the person, and it begins and ends with a simple tale. He changed up his sound greatly, with production on this album being a lot more scarce, and in some ways scattered compared to the heavy sound that TPAB had. The track listing is extremely strong, with only a few duds - "Love" and "God". Overall, DAMN is a solid follow-up to TPAB, and better, at least in my opinion. However, I'm also in the minority that thinks that GKMC is better than TPAB - obviously in the minority.… Expand
  4. IntuitiveKoala
    Apr 16, 2017
    9
    I don't know if this is a masterpiece, I don't know if this is a classic, all I know is after six listens (which included a read through) the only track I'm not 100% down with is humble. It's still a good track though.
  5. Seafood111
    Apr 18, 2017
    8
    Kendrick has once again blessed us with an amazing album, for the 4th time in a row. This album switches from hard hitting tracks full of bars like DNA (best track on the album IMO), and slow, emotional tracks like FEEL. and LOVE., which once again shows Kendrick's musical versatility. This is a must listen for any hip-hop fan. Unfortunately, not as cohesive as TPAB or GKMC, which is why IKendrick has once again blessed us with an amazing album, for the 4th time in a row. This album switches from hard hitting tracks full of bars like DNA (best track on the album IMO), and slow, emotional tracks like FEEL. and LOVE., which once again shows Kendrick's musical versatility. This is a must listen for any hip-hop fan. Unfortunately, not as cohesive as TPAB or GKMC, which is why I gave an 8.… Expand
  6. andrewcrockett
    Apr 19, 2017
    8
    Kendrick changed up his sound and approach, and brought a fresh, punchy delivery. Some of the concepts on this album come through clearer than ever due to his more aggressive delivery, simpler and clearer writing style and beats to match. It doesn't make your head spin with wonder and confusion like TPAB... it packs its own punch. The only thing that disappointed me was the plain soundingKendrick changed up his sound and approach, and brought a fresh, punchy delivery. Some of the concepts on this album come through clearer than ever due to his more aggressive delivery, simpler and clearer writing style and beats to match. It doesn't make your head spin with wonder and confusion like TPAB... it packs its own punch. The only thing that disappointed me was the plain sounding "Loyalty" and "Love", which both came through with luke-warm emotions for me. Don't get me wrong, I think they're decent tunes, and were probably great career moves, but the lyrics and hooks felt like pandering to radio.

    A lot of fans lost interest in Kendrick because TPAB was too intellectual and didn't have enough bangers. All in all, I think this is an awesome album, and was the album Kendrick needed to stay relevant, win back some of his basic B*tch fans, and prove that he can still rap hard as Sh*t    … Expand
  7. Lynxman
    Apr 20, 2017
    10
    The best album yet... The best parts of GKMD and To Pimp A Butterfly - he bodies a few rappers without having to get personal, and pours his heart out through insane raps over crazy beats. Fave rapper ever.

    Fave tracks in order of most liked:
    Element, DNA, Feel, Loyalty, XXX, Duckworth
  8. waiseguy510
    Apr 21, 2017
    10
    Why Damn is his best album:

    DNA is his best song up to date.

    Duckworth, Fear, Lust, and XXX are also in his Top 20 songs (XXX is a work of art)

    Yah and Element are such woke songs.

    Humble is fire.

    Love is gonna get so much radio play. Loyalty is good as well.

    I like Pride too.

    10/10 on lyricism, production, creativity, delivery,
  9. blackfisk
    Apr 30, 2017
    9
    Another amazing album by Kendrick Lamar. DNA, Humble, Loyalty, LOVE. & XXX are my favourites.
    One word to describe this album (PERFECT). In this album, as usual Kendrick Lamar proving that he is "the King" of Hip-Hop and ready for any competition. This album is totally different from his previous album "To Pimp a Butterfly" that incorporates elements of free jazz, funk, soul, spoken word,    Another amazing album by Kendrick Lamar. DNA, Humble, Loyalty, LOVE. & XXX are my favourites.
    One word to describe this album (PERFECT). In this album, as usual Kendrick Lamar proving that he is "the King" of Hip-Hop and ready for any competition. This album is totally different from his previous album "To Pimp a Butterfly" that incorporates elements of free jazz, funk, soul, spoken word, and the avant-garde and explores a variety of political and personal themes concerning African-American culture, racial inequality, depression, and institutional discrimination. Kendrick Lamar presents his most episodic and expansive project "DAMN." Beat switch in XXX. & DNA is the best moment to me as music producer and listener, usually as listener, you don't expect this type of switch. Lyrically, Kendrick Lamar is 100 % and really like his storytelling and mainly in his song that title as "Duckworth", this is the strongest song on the whole album that tells us how Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith (his record label owner) who had planned to rob a local KFC where Kendrick’s father, Ducky, was working. The robbery could have resulted in Ducky’s death, but his generosity caused Top Dawg to refrain from committing the robbery. This happened many years before Top Dawg would coincidentally sign a 15-year-old Kendrick to his label Top Dawg Entertainment.    … Expand
  10. bdurmaz
    May 5, 2017
    9
    Not as raw as Section.80
    Not as elevated as good kid, m.A.A.d city
    Not as deep and creative as To Pimp a Butterfly

    Not his best album by any means. That doesn't take anything away from this record though. K-Dot has shown the world that when does something, he does it with style.

    DAMN. has everything you can ask for in a millennial rap album.
  11. shakeella
    May 16, 2017
    10
    Creativity to its top! Again we can see that message of the struggle that certain feel in the society and the mass approved. I personally see some Grammys coming. Why not the "Album of The Year"
  12. fancritic
    May 20, 2017
    10
    Don't listen to any of these fake kendrick fans. This album has it all. The flow & vibe of section 80, the intensity and story telling in GKMC, the message and spoken word of TPAB, while also having enough room to give us something new. The people that are giving this album bad reviews, are new explorers of his music who didn't like it, and the TPAB fanatics. He spoke of this in TPAB.Don't listen to any of these fake kendrick fans. This album has it all. The flow & vibe of section 80, the intensity and story telling in GKMC, the message and spoken word of TPAB, while also having enough room to give us something new. The people that are giving this album bad reviews, are new explorers of his music who didn't like it, and the TPAB fanatics. He spoke of this in TPAB. Saying if things happen that doesnt sit right with you(with his music change, news & media trying to assassinate his character etc)will you still be a fan? Now we know who aren't true fans and are just using his name as some sort of compliment to their intelligence. Someone who they can name dropped in hiphop discussions to try to gain some sort of credibility. They will try to distort your views by saying that "their not following the hype" as if believing this album is great is soo bad. They might even use words like "bandwagon" and "casuals" as if its impossible for long time fans of kendrick to really like this album. These aren't fans of kendrick, these are fans who are fans of themselves. They will say stuff like "Im a long time kendrick fan" or "just because i didnt like this album, doesnt mean im not a real fan. Im just not following the hype" or my favorite "people always think someone is hating when they dont like something you like" . No you're not a hater for that, you're haters for creating accounts to purposedly give 0 rating to an album thats worth far more than that, simply to lower its overall under your favorite kendrick project. That is what makes you a hater, that is what makes you a 1 project fanatic. Yall wanted him to be a one trick pony, and wanted to keep him to yourselves. But music is meant to be shared amongst everyone, and everyone deserves to hear his message. Not just us long term fans. This album open doors for kendrick and expanded his demographic of people. His music is finally getting plays and recognized by many. All of this while not sacrificing himself or his message. Its easy to be a one trick pony and please the same students over again. But its takes talent and knowing how to utilize your knowledge to be able to reach the entire class. Sure they'll be some students upset about not getting the one on one attention they've grown used to, but its not just all about yall.

    Im sure yall noticed by now, that this isnt a review for DAMN, but a review of the false fans. The same fans that use to tell fans of Section 80 and GKMC, to open their minds to TPAB. But who are now closed minded by any kendrick project thats not TPAB. To you all, i give a rating score of 0. For your arrogance, closed mindedness, narcissism, and for being hypocrites.

    Stay away from kendrick future work, and go live in a basement with TPAB    … Expand
  13. Gamemod
    Aug 8, 2018
    10
    Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaammmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn..
  14. UrAvgReviewer
    Jun 10, 2020
    10
    DAMN! is an enigmatic album difficult to comprehend to its fullest for those who might be non religious.The subject matter shifts towards the “self” narrative rather than rushing to provide change for the outside world.Incredible album!
  15. gabrield1234
    Apr 17, 2017
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Unlike that **** who gave this album a 3 and **** for a few minutes in a way that basically showed that he knew absolutely nothing about hip hop, I gave this album a 8. I was pretty pleased with this album and felt that it was another great album from a great artist. However, I wasn't completely content with this album as it got a very low score in comparison to my 10/10 for "To PImp a Butterfly." I list the bad first to get it out of the way and then go through all of the good.

    The Bad:
    -The U2 Song. I'll admit that I being somewhat of a U2 fan was happy to see the effort on Bono and the gangs' part to try and bring their talents to a new genre. However, that attempt honestly fell flat and this was by far the least memorable and direct track on the entire LP.
    -The Kid Capri **** I respected Kendrick's attempt to honor the greats, but Capri's vocal parts are kinda annoying. The **** at the beginning of yah is unbearable and I found myself skipping him in subsequent listens. Definitely a dumb production decision.
    -This isn't really a bad thing necessarily, but I can complain anyway. Unlike on Buttefly (for short), I felt constantly that my lack of understanding about Christianity (I'm Jewish) and my lack of hip hop history was a negative. I don't really think this is necessarily a bad thing, but I felt as if I couldn't enjoy the album as much as the easily accessible (at least idea wise) as well as educational "To Pimp a Buttefly"

    Okay! Now that thats over, lets get onto everything I loved and boy was there a lot.

    The Track Blood- My god was this a way to open this album. Kendrick seems to be really good at opening an album with untraditional ideas and this track certainly is very out there. The Gun shot at the end of the song and fox news sample were so perfect and I loved how he constantly dissed them throughout the whole album. This track vocals and all is **** amazing. SO AWESOME

    DNA- This track is one of the first times that Kendrick has really spoken proudly about his Black Heritage and I loved every minute of it. I personally prefer the political message stuff that Kendrick puts out and this song did that really well. Again just loving the fox news bashing going on here

    YAH- I really wasn't that big of a fan of this track. However, I liked how Kendrick decided to go somewhere different with it and it keeps the fox bashing going strong.

    ELEMENT- I was pretty pleased with this track. I think that the chorus was a jab at Drake who I happen to dislike strong and I liked the feel. It was sorta easy to connect with although I felt like he lost me at some points.

    FEEL- For an emotional Kendrick song, I was actually kinda fond of this track. He looked into his isolation and out came a beautiful message. Not much else to say but good job.

    Loyalty- This **** track. Rhiana is kinda like raps good luck charm as everything she does seems to be amazing. This track is such an amazing track.    … Expand
  16. ladiesweflawles
    May 13, 2017
    9
    A breath of fresh air from both Kendrick and 2017 so far. From start to finish, you can really tell that K dot was intentional on this album. There was a story being told and the songs fit together in a cohesive way and yet were still distinct. I've already bought my tickets for his show and i'm so excited to see how he performs this live and brings this vision to life.
  17. YEAHYEAHH
    Apr 20, 2017
    10
    awesomeawesomeawesomeawesomeawesomeawesomeawesomeawesomeawesomeawesomeawesomeawesomeawesomeawesomeawesomeawesomeawesomeawesomeawesomeawesomeawesomeawesomeawesome
  18. Kelvin23
    Apr 20, 2017
    10
    This is kendrick at his lyrical best, damn is the best album yet from him... Many might say he left hes sound and its not as good as TPAB i beleive this is better. TPAB came when the community needed it was perfect for what was happening then with Black Lives Matter police brutality and with all the things happening in the world today DAMN is what we need now
  19. eboli
    Apr 22, 2017
    10
    Kendrick continues to astonish with his lyrics, concepts, rhyme and flow. Damn is another new direction sonically that once again shows how versatile and creative he is as an artist.
  20. dxoid
    Apr 29, 2017
    10
    DAMN. is definitely going down in history as one of Kendrick's greatest albums. I personally was not a fan of To Pimp a Butterfly, but his new release delivers a punch with it's lyrical input and vibes.
  21. Johnyboy101
    Apr 14, 2017
    9
    Sonically outstanding, another great album that needs to be meditated on. Lyrically one of his best with themes and undertone messages threaded from Blood to Duckworth. If Nation is released in 2-3 more days get ready!
  22. Palinodia
    Apr 16, 2017
    7
    Its a good album. Its not a ''Butterfly'' album but its a straight up beat, original and aggressive album. Kendrick says a lot on this album. A good composition, kind of jazzy in some parts. Its not what I was expecting from Kendrick but I respect his work. He is already on the top.
  23. Souverain
    Apr 19, 2017
    7
    Good Album but incredibly overrated, there is nothing new nor revolutionnary on this album and while it is a good rap album it doesn't nearly come close from deserving a 10/10
  24. TimW001
    Apr 27, 2017
    9
    Needless to say this is a very strong album. This is actually my favourite Kendrick Lamar album. Incredibly unique beats. What Kendrick succeeds so well on this album is that he always sounds different than the rest of hip hop. I especially liked the deep lyrics on Feel, and the classic hip hop sounding beat in Humble. Other tracks that are a must listen: DNA, Loyalty, Love, XXX.
  25. Twisty
    Apr 17, 2017
    9
    Kendrick offers another fantastic album. Despite not having TPAB's unique sound or not being as fresh sonically as GKMC when it came out in 2012, DAMN. offers a more accessible and easier listen to his music. Kendrick's lyrics, different voices and flows remain as good as ever. It lacks the cohesion that had TPAB but as a result the album shows a great variety of moods. However, some ofKendrick offers another fantastic album. Despite not having TPAB's unique sound or not being as fresh sonically as GKMC when it came out in 2012, DAMN. offers a more accessible and easier listen to his music. Kendrick's lyrics, different voices and flows remain as good as ever. It lacks the cohesion that had TPAB but as a result the album shows a great variety of moods. However, some of the more commercial appealing songs like LOYALTY or LOVE feel kinda out of place, maybe for their position in the tracklist, or like if Kendrick was not really convinced of which direction this project would take in terms of sound. This is more remarkable in the song GOD., probably the only low point I've found. Maybe not as well defined as his last one, but equally ambitious, and with this album his discography one of the most acclaimed and well received by any musician, ever in history.… Expand
  26. fanciful
    Apr 20, 2017
    10
    While TPAB cemented him as our generation's prophet, DAMN proves that Kendrick Lamar is our generation's artistic master. DAMN. explores more diverse sounds than its predecessor and it is his best work in a lyrical sense. Even though many people will always rightfully claim TPAB as his magnus opus, because of what an important work of art is was and still is to our time, I think DAMN.While TPAB cemented him as our generation's prophet, DAMN proves that Kendrick Lamar is our generation's artistic master. DAMN. explores more diverse sounds than its predecessor and it is his best work in a lyrical sense. Even though many people will always rightfully claim TPAB as his magnus opus, because of what an important work of art is was and still is to our time, I think DAMN. proves Kendrick's range and ability to evolve as an artist and human being. DAMN. gets better with every play.… Expand
  27. hiphopguru8
    May 9, 2017
    10
    DAMN. is a classic. This album is near flawless. It is however one of Kendrick's darker albums. He sounds more depressed and talks more about his personal life instead of politics like his previous album. Nevertheless amazing, beautiful album
  28. KripBop
    Jul 5, 2017
    10
    Damn is definetly kendricks strongest project to date fluent telling life stories not heard from gkmc and his others big step from untitled unmastered a compilation and defiently the best of best he has prove tht he can make a solid album with contextual lyrical jabs and replay value he can expand now to more longevity and play
  29. djdenzel777
    Apr 18, 2017
    8
    Very well done album. Kendrick' lyricism is good per usual, the difference being that the beats on this project add a bit more energy and are more interesting than TPAB or Untitled. There's a couple forgettable tracks, but overall a very solid album.
  30. TheFreeman148
    Apr 17, 2017
    10
    JOHNNY DON"T WANNA GO TO SCHOOL NO MORE... Kendrick's To Pimp a Butterfly was a huge disappointment for me after the stellar Good Kid MAAD City. After learning the album dropped over the weekend I gave it a listen and was blown away. This is the Kendrick I came to love years ago and this album is simply amazing. He won me back with an emotional and powerful album that highlights currentJOHNNY DON"T WANNA GO TO SCHOOL NO MORE... Kendrick's To Pimp a Butterfly was a huge disappointment for me after the stellar Good Kid MAAD City. After learning the album dropped over the weekend I gave it a listen and was blown away. This is the Kendrick I came to love years ago and this album is simply amazing. He won me back with an emotional and powerful album that highlights current events and the state of the United States. I was never a fan of singers talking about the country but Kendrick does it masterfully. YAH. will be one of my all time favorites for years to come!… Expand
  31. Futurefortune
    Apr 18, 2017
    10
    Another masterpiece, with Kendrick showing more vulnerability on this record than ever before. A challenging hip hop record for the listener with it's complexity and easily Kendrick's most daring release to date, 2017's best.
  32. brobro34343
    Apr 15, 2017
    7
    This album production is top tier and hearing Kendrick continually change his style is appreciated, however some of the songs near the end don't quite live up to what Kendrick is capable of. Many of these reviews are typical die hard Kendrick fans who would give him a 10 or 9 no matter what he put out. He seems to always get inflated scores simply because it's new Kendrick.
  33. abrownone
    Apr 14, 2017
    7
    Favorite songs are Fear, Humble, Feel, & Duckworth. I could leave the rest of the album behind, and I find this to be K dots weakest album so far. I do think the quality of the writing and delivery from K dot are superb but the production on most of the songs just falls flat. Definitely a huge step down from TPAB even though I can understand the desire to go for a minimalist production here.
  34. Elpuen
    Apr 15, 2017
    9
    It may not sit on the same level as To Pimp A Butterfly, but it certainly delivers up to my expectations. Great storytelling, and good catchy tracks. Only track that was not really memorable was God.
  35. TheGreatShredma
    Apr 17, 2017
    8
    This album was a mix of the sounds of GKMC and TPAB/UU with a twist and is amazing! IS IT WICKEDNESS OR IS IT WEAKNESS? YOU DECIDE. ALBUM ON SUNDAY???
  36. Gulfwolf
    Apr 18, 2017
    8
    Definitely not a bad project. But not Kendricks best either. A bit to inconsistent and underwhelming. Instrumentally it's kind of one dimensional. While they are enjoyable. I know they won't age very well.
  37. fitzert
    Apr 18, 2017
    8
    This album is not perfect and is inferior to "To Pimp A Butterfly". The beats on songs like loyalty are forgetable. I felt like there were corners cut with some of these song's. Dont get me wrong there are bangers on this album, songs like DNA and Humble are some of the best songs on the album.
    I didn't really enjoy some of these samples taken and things reversed and Kendrick's singing is    This album is not perfect and is inferior to "To Pimp A Butterfly". The beats on songs like loyalty are forgetable. I felt like there were corners cut with some of these song's. Dont get me wrong there are bangers on this album, songs like DNA and Humble are some of the best songs on the album.
    I didn't really enjoy some of these samples taken and things reversed and Kendrick's singing is some of the worst on any of his albums.    … Expand
  38. Reagan0
    Apr 16, 2017
    7
    I really don't like the subject matter of this album. In spite of how solid the production is, if you made an album about how you wanted to kill everyone would it even matter?
  39. The_Following
    Apr 19, 2017
    8
    This is Kendrick Lamar's darkest album yet. Filled with his insecurities, fears and what he think is wrong in modern America. Lyrically he displays angst throughout the entire album that wasn't present in his previous two albums. This is by far Kendrick's most inconsistent and disjointed album sonically to date but still a solid a album indeed. The inconsistency doesn't take away from theThis is Kendrick Lamar's darkest album yet. Filled with his insecurities, fears and what he think is wrong in modern America. Lyrically he displays angst throughout the entire album that wasn't present in his previous two albums. This is by far Kendrick's most inconsistent and disjointed album sonically to date but still a solid a album indeed. The inconsistency doesn't take away from the strong underlying message that is placed within the album. Kendrick Lamar's Versatility is apparent on this LP, definitely worth a listen.… Expand
  40. gprista
    Apr 17, 2017
    8
    If he was to give up being melodic, he should at least explore rhythm a lot further.
    On DAMN. he mostly sounds simplistic rather than minimalistic and experimental.

    The repercussion of this album is like valuing hype over content. A good album by an outstanding rapper that's going to be overrated as people are still wooing over To Pimp a Butterfly.
  41. zdlitchman
    Apr 17, 2017
    8
    So many standout tracks on yet another extremely impressive release by Kendrick. This is definitely far from TPAB, but not in its grand scale, powerful lyrics, soulful instrumentals, and awesome features. Highlights are "Pride", "Fear", "DNA", "Lust", "God", and "XXX". This album has a lot to offer and cements Kendrick as truly the greatest rapper alive.
  42. MR_headphones
    Jun 12, 2017
    7
    i like this album ranked from best to worse i'd go
    DUCKWORTH. 10/10
    DNA. 10/10
    HUMBLE. 10/10
    LOYALTY. 7/10
    FEAR. 7/10
    XXX. 7/10
    FEEL. 6.5/10
    ELEMENT. 6.5/10
    LOVE. 5/10
    YAH. 3/10
    LUST. 2/10
    GOD. 2/10
    PRIDE. 0/10
  43. sh12345
    Apr 20, 2017
    8
    Great album, but not as good as GKMC or TPAB imo. I have a feeling that the hype around this album will die out much faster, unlike the previous two.

    Best to worst tracks:
    PRIDE.
    FEAR.
    LUST.
    HUMBLE.
    XXX.
    DNA.
    DUCKWORTH.
    ELEMENT.
    GOD.
    LOYALTY.
    YAH.
    FEEL.
    LOVE.
  44. marvinstheory
    Apr 15, 2017
    9
    This is a flashback to the Section 80/Good Kid-Maad City K-dot. With a more religious theme it still holds up to the last Project ''To Pimp a Butterfly'', even though ''Damn'' is a lot more straight forward, which doesn't make it bad but it just seems unusual for Kendrick. Great Project.
  45. Harpear
    Apr 15, 2017
    8
    This album was great for sure. However I feel it was not better than TPAB or GKMC. Some of the songs sound like they are inspired by artists like Anderson .Paak or Jonwayne. Overall good album with high replay value because of songs like Humble and DNA. Only songs I didn't really like were Yah, and God.
  46. rwessmyer
    Apr 16, 2017
    8
    Glad to see Kendrick coming back to his harder verses and beats with the likes of DNA and HUMBLE, along with the beginning of XXX. My personal favorite type of KDot songs. The only reason I don't give it a 9 or 10 is because I feel as though he needs to move away from the receptiveness of his inner turmoil of living in Compton, I get that it's where he's from and all, I would just like toGlad to see Kendrick coming back to his harder verses and beats with the likes of DNA and HUMBLE, along with the beginning of XXX. My personal favorite type of KDot songs. The only reason I don't give it a 9 or 10 is because I feel as though he needs to move away from the receptiveness of his inner turmoil of living in Compton, I get that it's where he's from and all, I would just like to here more personal forward thinking on his part from Compton now, rather than dwelling in the past. Also, nothing can top Good Kidd Maad City for me....… Expand
  47. voodooo
    Apr 19, 2017
    8
    Overall, excellent album. Great use of tracks to accompany the masterful flow and lyricism shown by K., not to mention the deep meaning behind the 14 (13 not including the intro, BLOOD.) tracks. An 8 awarded to the album, with a true rating of 81.5/100 from me, coming from an average of the total scores awarded to each track, these scores consisting of the Hype, Lyrics, Beat and EngagementOverall, excellent album. Great use of tracks to accompany the masterful flow and lyricism shown by K., not to mention the deep meaning behind the 14 (13 not including the intro, BLOOD.) tracks. An 8 awarded to the album, with a true rating of 81.5/100 from me, coming from an average of the total scores awarded to each track, these scores consisting of the Hype, Lyrics, Beat and Engagement of the song. With the results in mind, HUMBLE. holds the highest score of 100 and FEAR.+BLOOD. hold the lowest tied with 60/100. I'd say DAMN. is on par, if not better than To Pimp a Butterfly, and is slightly above Good Kid, M.A.A.D City. Here's to hoping that K. keeps this inhuman streak of releasing great music going.… Expand
  48. alexbako
    Apr 19, 2017
    8
    The most ambitious and different album Kendrick has produced. Showcases themes that Kendrick has tackle before but embraces more pop-ier sound. While some tracks feel like Kendrick is not reaching to his fullest, there are others that challenge the listener and add more layers to Kendricks prolific rapping. Not a perfect album by any mean. Fav. songs : DNA, Element, Humble, Lust, XXX,The most ambitious and different album Kendrick has produced. Showcases themes that Kendrick has tackle before but embraces more pop-ier sound. While some tracks feel like Kendrick is not reaching to his fullest, there are others that challenge the listener and add more layers to Kendricks prolific rapping. Not a perfect album by any mean. Fav. songs : DNA, Element, Humble, Lust, XXX, Fear. Least Fav. : Loyalty, Love.… Expand
  49. NicklasW
    Jun 23, 2017
    8
    Kendricks 4th Album delivers an catchy and personal album which has a more mainstream sound, but is still a worthy follow up to his perfect discography where even the B-sides are worth gold. On getting a score for this project i was not sure if it deserves a 9, cause even though DAMN. is a very good Album its not as good as TPAB or good kid maad city with songs like YAH. and GOD.Kendricks 4th Album delivers an catchy and personal album which has a more mainstream sound, but is still a worthy follow up to his perfect discography where even the B-sides are worth gold. On getting a score for this project i was not sure if it deserves a 9, cause even though DAMN. is a very good Album its not as good as TPAB or good kid maad city with songs like YAH. and GOD. destroying the perfect listen of the Album, still his flow and songwriting ability together with the concept of the Album making it still a strong 8/10 for me with bangers like DNA. and HUMBLE. and thought full and interesting songs like FEAR. BLOOD. DUCKWORTH. and XXX. making the Album overall an solid listen.
    Best Songs: FEAR.,XXX.,ELEMENT.,DNA.,HUMBLE.,BLOOD.,DUCKWORTH.
    Worst Songs:GOD.,YAH.
    Recommendation: yes    … Expand
  50. Necktienick
    Oct 21, 2018
    10
    truly a masterwork in music. from the creepy intro track BLOOD. all the way to the fast paced story of DUCKWORTH. this album doesnt miss a beat. the only track that is less than amazing is LOYALTY. but that one is still good. my favorite tracks would have to be PRIDE.,XXX.,YAH.,DUCKWORTH.,FEEL.,FEAR., and DNA. but HUMBLE.,ELEMENT.,LUST., and GOD. are still incredible my favorite of thosetruly a masterwork in music. from the creepy intro track BLOOD. all the way to the fast paced story of DUCKWORTH. this album doesnt miss a beat. the only track that is less than amazing is LOYALTY. but that one is still good. my favorite tracks would have to be PRIDE.,XXX.,YAH.,DUCKWORTH.,FEEL.,FEAR., and DNA. but HUMBLE.,ELEMENT.,LUST., and GOD. are still incredible my favorite of those being LUST. Production throughout this album sounds great my favorite beats being the ones for LUST.,DNA.,LOYALTY.,GOD.,HUMBLE., and YAH. this isnt my favorite album from kendrick (my fav would probably be good kid maad city) but it is close and an incredible project from an incredible artist… Expand
  51. Lucasswiftie
    Jul 20, 2019
    10
    Uma verdadeira obra de arte. Talentoso e extremamente Lendário, faz tudo impecavelmente. Através dos seus conceitos raciais que retratam a vida cotidiana.
  52. sweeterman
    Jun 8, 2020
    10
    3 years later this is arguably one of the best albums ever made.The only problem I have found with people is that they were anticipating the same formula he used on his last LP.For someone who has read the bible whether you are religious or just reading as a form of literature you will understand the masterpiece at work on the album.Contains one of the best lyrical expressions ever by a3 years later this is arguably one of the best albums ever made.The only problem I have found with people is that they were anticipating the same formula he used on his last LP.For someone who has read the bible whether you are religious or just reading as a form of literature you will understand the masterpiece at work on the album.Contains one of the best lyrical expressions ever by a rapper with vivid concepts, storytelling and out of the ordinary rhyming schemes.

    I would suggest visiting dissect podcast’s in-depth review of the album they pretty much covered every aspect of the album.”I can’t sugarcoat the answer for you this is how I feel”
    DAMN.    … Expand
  53. Lamerson19
    Nov 9, 2020
    8
    This album is a more shallow, popularized version of to pimp a butterfly. It explores all of the same ideas with a sound that Kendrick knew would make him some serious dough. I still think it does a great job addressing the growing racial issues in America with more anger than his previous album. Overall, the anger of this album definitely strikes you and there are may catchy songs on theThis album is a more shallow, popularized version of to pimp a butterfly. It explores all of the same ideas with a sound that Kendrick knew would make him some serious dough. I still think it does a great job addressing the growing racial issues in America with more anger than his previous album. Overall, the anger of this album definitely strikes you and there are may catchy songs on the album that are very enjoyable. Overall, a few misses, but the good definitely outweighs the bad, overall a huge fan.… Expand
  54. garfield7081
    Mar 26, 2022
    7
    "is it wickedness?" is is weakness? you decide. are we gonna live? or die?"
    incredibly written album lyrically, much like kendrick's other work, but lacks in production in a chunk of its tracks.

    best song: pride

    worst song: fear
  55. rodericrinehart
    Dec 20, 2017
    10
    Upon first listen, the album is unconditionally amazing. A Grammy-award type album. On further listens and now months later, I'm pretty confident that this is on the of the greatest albums ever made. He is on top of the lyrical game in hip-hop, and really, in all of music. His beats are transcendent and fit perfectly well with his lyrics. I can't say enough good things about this album.
  56. kman5473
    Mar 15, 2018
    8
    Not a rap or hip-hop fan by any means, but picked up this album on a whim. I was not disappointed. Experimental, emotional, and an over-all solid concept album. Favorite song is, "FEEL." there are heavy inspirations by Black Paris 86, an experimental instrumental electronica group. I love how dark and moody this is. Definitely worth a buy.
  57. Daliman13
    Jul 23, 2017
    10
    Just a brilliant album from start to finish. I keep going back and forth which which song is my favorite. Somehow Kendrick keeps raising the bar, without ever selling out.
  58. brockcheese
    Oct 24, 2018
    10
    This is a great album. While it certainly is more accessible than his previous albums, he still shows nearly unlimited potential.
  59. Andremax
    Jul 10, 2018
    10
    Sounds more homogenic than To Pimp a Butterfly. A bit less epic, but it isn't a demerit, because the beats are still tastefull, lyrics increasingly sincere and confessional, but still squandering lyricism on perfect flows and beats, that, by the way, sound very modern and tasteful, with pitchs of trap. Such a perfect discography has Kendrick Lamar.
  60. Mcgillacuddy
    Feb 27, 2018
    9
    While it may have not lived up to the excellence of TPAB or even GKMC, it is still a masterful album. For one, it's Kendrick's most personal album. It helps you understand him so much that you can tell that he's unusually depressed. With his popularity skyrocketing, Kendrick is literally a king at this point and he's reached the top, but this seems to be where the road ends and KendrickWhile it may have not lived up to the excellence of TPAB or even GKMC, it is still a masterful album. For one, it's Kendrick's most personal album. It helps you understand him so much that you can tell that he's unusually depressed. With his popularity skyrocketing, Kendrick is literally a king at this point and he's reached the top, but this seems to be where the road ends and Kendrick doesn't know where else to go from there. Kendrick expresses his many feelings throughout this album on heavily personal level. While there are a few upbeat tracks like HUMBLE and ELEMENT, a majority of this album is low-fi and dark, and Kendrick's storytelling and lyricism is flawless. The craziest thing about the album, is that every song has a connection to one another, which was made even more clear on the final track DUCKWORTH. I even read that Kendrick and one of his producers scrapped many tracks from the album to make this happen. Overall, while DAMN is not Kendrick's best project, it is still an amazing accomplishment in hip-hop music conceptually, and is indeed a must-listen.

    Favorite tracks: DNA, ELEMENT, FEEL, PRIDE, HUMBLE, LUST, FEAR
    Least favorite track: LOYALTY, GOD    … Expand
  61. Refall
    Oct 8, 2017
    8
    "DAMN." is a major deviation from his previous work, 'To Pimp A Butterfly'. Jazz and soul have been replaced by a sound best put in the category of 'modern hip hop'. TPAB's cohesive storytelling was traded in for a collection of songs, each meant to convey Lamar's emotions. DAMN. is a worthwhile attempt of creating an introspective work of art. Unfortunately, the cohesiveness that we know"DAMN." is a major deviation from his previous work, 'To Pimp A Butterfly'. Jazz and soul have been replaced by a sound best put in the category of 'modern hip hop'. TPAB's cohesive storytelling was traded in for a collection of songs, each meant to convey Lamar's emotions. DAMN. is a worthwhile attempt of creating an introspective work of art. Unfortunately, the cohesiveness that we know Lamar for (from both GKMC and TPAB) has been sacrificed for -a more anthology-like album exploring the creator's psyche.

    I really, really like this album. But there's also plenty of things I miss. Perhaps what bothers me the most, is that for me personally it sounds less original than Lamar's previous efforts. TPAB reminded me of no other artist, but unfortunately, when listening to DAMN. various rappers come to mind. 'LOVE.', a collaboration with Zachary, is undoubtedly influenced by modern pop rap. Even when intended as a satirical effort, DAMN. still makes Lamar the influenced, whereas in 2015 he proved himself the influencer without question.    … Expand
  62. LinttaFlamingo
    Sep 30, 2020
    10
    It has been 1 265 days since this absolute chungus of an album was released! :D I love you Mr. Lamar, and I still listen to every song when I decide to listen to the entire album.
  63. LtXDonut
    Aug 21, 2017
    7
    Interesting beats and deep lyrical meanings, but lacks a bit of the continuity we have come to expect from Kendrick. Less cohesive than GKMC and not as off the wall as TPAB, Damn doesn't do anything particularly new or interesting that Kendrick hasn't already done better somewhere else. It is a good album, and has definitely grown on me since release, but it is his weakest major release toInteresting beats and deep lyrical meanings, but lacks a bit of the continuity we have come to expect from Kendrick. Less cohesive than GKMC and not as off the wall as TPAB, Damn doesn't do anything particularly new or interesting that Kendrick hasn't already done better somewhere else. It is a good album, and has definitely grown on me since release, but it is his weakest major release to date in my opinion. If anyone else had released this album, it would most likely be the best they ever made, but for Kendrick, good isn't good enough anymore. I enjoy the themes of morality and tackling the subject of celebrity, but it doesn't match the gripping storytelling or sharp satirical tongue of his previous efforts. Damn is definitely quite good and for sure worth heavy listening and analysis, but it is a subpar effort from an exceptional artist. A good showing, but not a fantastic one.… Expand
  64. TheBestCriticEv
    Apr 28, 2017
    8
    This album is nowhere near as thematically strong or ambitious than his last two studio albums but Kenny comes through with a more widespread-appealing record that, bar a few songs, sees Kendrick create a narrative artistically and focuses on creating some great songs. You may be disappointed but the album still proves of Kendrick's lyrical prowess and his versatility. The features areThis album is nowhere near as thematically strong or ambitious than his last two studio albums but Kenny comes through with a more widespread-appealing record that, bar a few songs, sees Kendrick create a narrative artistically and focuses on creating some great songs. You may be disappointed but the album still proves of Kendrick's lyrical prowess and his versatility. The features are used to a substantial effect and the instrumentation is nice. It's his weakest yet, but is still great compared to other records, proving he is the GOAT.
    BEST SONGS: HUMBLE, DNA, LOYALTY, FEAR (other songs still good)
    WORST SONGS: LOVE, GOD (he lost it a bit)    … Expand
  65. cordashio75
    Apr 25, 2017
    7
    People often forget that this is Kendrick's 4th studio album not his 3rd. Lyrically Kendrick brings his usual material which is fantastic. Instrumentally this album is all over the place. TPAB had better instrumentation for sure. Thematically there is no real central theme either which makes me feel that I want more from this collection of singles.
  66. Jarody
    Feb 17, 2018
    9
    Kendrick displays his dominance in this album as the best rapper of the modern generation. It's so clear that an immense amount of thought and effort was put into this album, it's so different to what we're used to and that's what makes it so excellent.
    Favourite Tracks: DNA, ELEMENT, HUMBLE, DUCKWORTH
    Least Favourite Tracks: LOYALTY.
  67. Bretto66
    May 1, 2022
    10
    From the opening tracks shocking final seconds you are both aghast and transfixed,,,,,for the remaining 53 minutes expect to be totally blown away......this is taking a genre and turning it into high art.....after 3 masterpieces in a row I now think we have confirmation that a new musical genius is in our midst!
  68. sorastrife2890
    Jul 6, 2019
    7
    to pimp a butterfly is better .
  69. FrankDiaz
    Jul 2, 2017
    9
    una obra de arte, en tiempos donde el rap se orienta a letras vacias Kendrick lo hace real con produccion y liricas honestas. Actualmente ocupa le trono del hip hop
  70. Neng-
    Jul 17, 2017
    7
    Kendrick Lamar- Damn
    Damn is way easier to listen to than To Pimp a Butterfly was, the moment Humble came online is was an absolute hit, and every other song in this album is totally enjoyable as well.
    That being said i find TPAB way more interesting to listen to, lyrically is more complex and i think that the experimental sound that it had brings more to it that this one. However, this    Kendrick Lamar- Damn
    Damn is way easier to listen to than To Pimp a Butterfly was, the moment Humble came online is was an absolute hit, and every other song in this album is totally enjoyable as well.
    That being said i find TPAB way more interesting to listen to, lyrically is more complex and i think that the experimental sound that it had brings more to it that this one.
    However, this album has some really imaginative and cool tracks that will stick to you, personally, i enjoy ELEMENT the most, New Kung Fu Kenny!    … Expand
  71. Petrocelli1960
    Sep 28, 2019
    10
    If you didn't give this a 9 or 10, you should read up on each song, and its meaning. Then give it another listen. This album has so many layers. The music is dense with different sounds, even though there are very few instruments used. K dot is a genius.
  72. Yis
    Apr 23, 2017
    9
    Not K-Dot's best album, I'd put it just beneath Section.80. I'm saying this because there are three songs off this record I cannot stand. I feel like LOYALTY., LOVE. and GOD. are really bad, especially LOVE. with its corny songwriting and horrible hook and production. Other than that I feel like this album is really great, with some amazing bars from Kendrick, and some great productionNot K-Dot's best album, I'd put it just beneath Section.80. I'm saying this because there are three songs off this record I cannot stand. I feel like LOYALTY., LOVE. and GOD. are really bad, especially LOVE. with its corny songwriting and horrible hook and production. Other than that I feel like this album is really great, with some amazing bars from Kendrick, and some great production here and there. And I really have to give it to MIKE.will.MADE.it for D.N.A. and XXX. which have great production. I did not have any respect for him before, but he really surprised me with his productions on the two songs.… Expand
  73. StealthyHipo200
    Aug 25, 2018
    7
    I feel like I'm missing something but this project just really doesn't click for me as much as Kendrick's others. It still has some great singles and good themes, but I can't help but feel this is a step down from what "To Pimp a Butterfly" and "Good Kid, M.A.A.D City" achieved. It is still a Kendrick project though so objectively it's still great.
  74. YoFineMusic
    Apr 22, 2017
    8
    Kendrick Lamar comes out with another stellar studio album that legitimizes his legacy in hip-hop once and for all. Not only does this album sounds stunning with some new production and sound mashed in, but it has a more complex story and emotion to tell in the duration of the entire project. This may not be his best project he's ever put out, but it sure is one of his best. Kendrick LamarKendrick Lamar comes out with another stellar studio album that legitimizes his legacy in hip-hop once and for all. Not only does this album sounds stunning with some new production and sound mashed in, but it has a more complex story and emotion to tell in the duration of the entire project. This may not be his best project he's ever put out, but it sure is one of his best. Kendrick Lamar is made on his earth to make music for everyone to enjoy and appreciate.

    Favorite Tracks: DNA, ELEMENT, FEEL, PRIDE, HUMBLE, LUST, LOVE, XXX, FEAR, DUCKWORTH
    Least Favorite Tracks: GOD - not really feeling this one.    … Expand
  75. fifi3
    Jul 28, 2019
    8
    Kendrick's "DAMN." is lyrically stellar, sonically rich and wrapped in a meticulous and thoughtful concept. I appreciate his experiments on this project, although it has not aged as well as I originally thought it would. Still, it is a terrific addition to an already stellar discography.
  76. HumbleReviewer
    Dec 25, 2017
    10
    After more than a month of listening to DAMN, Kendrick Lamar gives us a reason to believe that Hip Hop is alive and breathing. "DAMN" takes the listener through a story of K-DOT's rise to fame coupled with addressing social justice issues and religious sentiment. In my opinion, notable tracks within this album are DNA, YAH, ELEMENT, LOVE, PRIDE, GOD, and DUCKWORTH. Regardless if you are aAfter more than a month of listening to DAMN, Kendrick Lamar gives us a reason to believe that Hip Hop is alive and breathing. "DAMN" takes the listener through a story of K-DOT's rise to fame coupled with addressing social justice issues and religious sentiment. In my opinion, notable tracks within this album are DNA, YAH, ELEMENT, LOVE, PRIDE, GOD, and DUCKWORTH. Regardless if you are a heavy consumer of Hip-Hop/Rap, this album is worthy of a listen.… Expand
  77. DJShrestha7
    Apr 21, 2017
    8
    By far, this is Kendrick Lamar's most overrated project. It does not deserve a 96. It's maybe as good or a little better than Section 8.0, below GKMC and doesn't even come close to TPAB. Now don't get me wrong, this is a great album, at least lyrically. But it is very inconsistent. Although I love that we get to see this side of K-Dot, thematically, this album is too shaky. Its a veryBy far, this is Kendrick Lamar's most overrated project. It does not deserve a 96. It's maybe as good or a little better than Section 8.0, below GKMC and doesn't even come close to TPAB. Now don't get me wrong, this is a great album, at least lyrically. But it is very inconsistent. Although I love that we get to see this side of K-Dot, thematically, this album is too shaky. Its a very unstable album and where GKMC and TPAB rounded themselves up like a tapestry, this is more like an unfinished knit blanket. Lyrically, this album is spot on, outside of songs like GOD, YAH and LOYALTY, Kenny's delivery is fantastic. The production is amazing on most of the songs like DNA, ELEMENT, DUCKWORTH and even though lyrically im not as interested in it, GOD. Overall, Great Album with some pretty big flaws, I can't say that about TPAB or GKMC so Im going to give it an 8.… Expand
  78. edwardgonzalez
    Apr 21, 2017
    8
    I'm not too much into hip hop but this was refreshing for me, this is my first time listening to Kendrick and it might not have be as good as I hoped considering the opinion of people I mostly agree with I wasn't disappointed.
  79. esteban28gb
    Apr 24, 2017
    7
    El trabajo de Lamar siempre s sido un trabajo de excelencia, innovando tanto en sonido como en expresión artística, en este álbum lo sentí un tanto incómodo y no tan seguro de lo que estaba haciendo como en sus anteriores discos, el sonido sigue siendo impecable y experimental, pero siento que algunos interludios no están bien logrados y algunas canciones tampoco. Es un buen disco peroEl trabajo de Lamar siempre s sido un trabajo de excelencia, innovando tanto en sonido como en expresión artística, en este álbum lo sentí un tanto incómodo y no tan seguro de lo que estaba haciendo como en sus anteriores discos, el sonido sigue siendo impecable y experimental, pero siento que algunos interludios no están bien logrados y algunas canciones tampoco. Es un buen disco pero está lejos de sus trabajos anteriores.… Expand
  80. drgoff
    Apr 24, 2017
    7
    On this album, Kendrick gives everyone something. He gives the common fan an easily accessible project. He gives his fans who love him for his complex story telling and introspection many things to think about. There are a few throwaway tracks, but overall this is not a misstep by King Kendrick. Hopefully this album ages as well as his previous projects.
  81. Stone_Rob
    Apr 29, 2017
    8
    Pardon the pun, but this album is DAMN good. Unlike Good Kid and Butterfly there isn't a main theme running through the album, but songs still feel like they belong together. These songs are pretty straight forward rather then his other works which most times need to understood by really diving into the lyrics. its not perfect, but its completely welcome in this sea of rap that is over runPardon the pun, but this album is DAMN good. Unlike Good Kid and Butterfly there isn't a main theme running through the album, but songs still feel like they belong together. These songs are pretty straight forward rather then his other works which most times need to understood by really diving into the lyrics. its not perfect, but its completely welcome in this sea of rap that is over run with beats that let you down and lyrics that are so bland and braggadocios that i barely listen to any of the words being said.
    Best Songs: "DNA", "ELEMENT", "FEEL", "HUMBLE", and "FEAR"    … Expand
  82. asapkumo
    May 26, 2017
    8
    It's a good album, but not as good as his others. I was really hyped with "HUMBLE" being a great track, and to be honest he delivered, but some of the songs (LOYALTY) didn't have any repeat value. Still a great album - 8/10
  83. Sal4u
    May 11, 2017
    8
    I liked this album and i can see that he mentioned a lot of religious stories and he seems like his kinda angry or something like that and i like it i don't find a problem but comparing to other albums especially after he dropped "to pimp a butterfly" tbh this was his worst album
  84. sounwaves
    May 23, 2017
    7
    This was by far Kendrick's most commercially successful project. And there are some intriguing moments on this album like "fear" "love" and "duckworth" but overall, this is Kendrick's most scattered album both in a sonic sense and a story telling sense. This is the easiest and most available album to listen to out of any of his projects and by far the least politically driven. Much of theThis was by far Kendrick's most commercially successful project. And there are some intriguing moments on this album like "fear" "love" and "duckworth" but overall, this is Kendrick's most scattered album both in a sonic sense and a story telling sense. This is the easiest and most available album to listen to out of any of his projects and by far the least politically driven. Much of the success of this album i feel is owed to the step back from r&b and the step towards mainstream ex: DNA, Loyalty, Humble. But in comparison to his discography, i believe DAMN. lands just above Section .80. But that's just my opinion.… Expand
  85. eli_fjr
    Dec 20, 2017
    9
    Kung Fu Kenny's masterpiece. Took a couple of listens to appreciate this album as his best work.
  86. amoryblue6
    Jun 11, 2017
    8
    A departure of sorts from his recent 2 releases (TPAB and UU), Kendrick Lamar is still able to showcase his incredible lyrical talent. A wide range of songs are on display throughout this record and they all sound incredible. Kendrick's story-telling and ability to put the listener on a journey are similar to the way he did when GKMC dropped. This album is catered to be an easier listenA departure of sorts from his recent 2 releases (TPAB and UU), Kendrick Lamar is still able to showcase his incredible lyrical talent. A wide range of songs are on display throughout this record and they all sound incredible. Kendrick's story-telling and ability to put the listener on a journey are similar to the way he did when GKMC dropped. This album is catered to be an easier listen and is more streamlined for the masses but isn't forgettable as other mainstream media that is usually consumed and forgotten about. It is another album in Kendrick Lamar's catalogue that will be revisited time and time again. If TPABis the masterpiece you listen to alone in your room and GKMC is the joint you play with the homies, then DAMN is the record you bump in your car heading to mart.… Expand
  87. jacoobi456
    Sep 11, 2017
    8
    Before reading: MY OPINION. OK, let's go :D :

    Good: Genius lyrics. Genius beats. Appeals to fans that can be bothered to stick around for multiple listens to properly understand the lyrics (which when interpreted are effing amazing). Basically, not trying to get radio time (mostly anyways.). Bad: Two songs, but again: MY OPINION. I don't like the songs LOVE. and LOYALTY.,    Before reading: MY OPINION. OK, let's go :D :

    Good:

    Genius lyrics.
    Genius beats.
    Appeals to fans that can be bothered to stick around for multiple listens to properly understand the lyrics (which when interpreted are effing amazing). Basically, not trying to get radio time (mostly anyways.).

    Bad:

    Two songs, but again: MY OPINION.

    I don't like the songs LOVE. and LOYALTY., mainly due to Zacari and Rihanna respectively. I think they're a litte too mainstream and IMO it almost feels like Kendrick is being held on reigns, not allowed to let rip like he does on pretty much all of the other tracks ( I know, not the best wording, but do you see what I mean??)

    Ugly:

    I don't really have an opinion on the track GOD., so I decided to make turn the 'pro & con' review into the 'good, bad & ugly', and make the ugly section the bit where I put GOD. .) Just a bit meh.

    All in all, I love this album. I know three tracks from 14 I don't really like, but the other 11 I have had on repeat for the past week, and I mean that quite literally. Kendrick is well, well, well of all the other rappers in the game currently. For me, the best aspect of this album is Kendrick's raw talent, and how he spits bars at blistering paces on 11 tracks, lyrics which make you really sit back and rethink your view of the world ATM.    … Expand
  88. scepticpurple
    Aug 17, 2017
    9
    It may not quite stand up to either of it's monumental predecessors, but DAMN is without question Lamar's darkest and most personal album to date, with hits that will no doubt dominate radio stations for the rest of the year.
  89. Buradanu
    Aug 25, 2017
    9
    This is different from Kendrick but then again another incredible almost masterpiece from this decade defining rapper.
    Unfortunately this project seems just a little unfinished and some songs I found were a bit so so for Kendrick standards
    Here are my ratings from each song on this album: DNA. - 10/10 YAH. - 6/10 ELEMENT. - 10/10 FEEL. - 9/10 LOYALTY. - 7/10 PRIDE. - 8/10 HUMBLE.    This is different from Kendrick but then again another incredible almost masterpiece from this decade defining rapper.
    Unfortunately this project seems just a little unfinished and some songs I found were a bit so so for Kendrick standards
    Here are my ratings from each song on this album:
    DNA. - 10/10
    YAH. - 6/10
    ELEMENT. - 10/10
    FEEL. - 9/10
    LOYALTY. - 7/10
    PRIDE. - 8/10
    HUMBLE. - 7/10
    LUST. - 10/10
    LOVE. - 5/10 : This song in particular was a let down for the project. Kendrick's vocals felt a little lazy for an album like this, and in my opinion it sort of turned into cheesy quickly written lyrics that were catchy, but not mastered in the way that the feeling of LOVE. should be depicted.
    XXX. - 9/10
    FEAR. - 10/10
    GOD. - 9/10 : A lot of people did not like this song but I really could not understand why. Well written lyrics, a simple but effective chorus, I could agree that Kendrick might not be sounding very, I dunno, Humble but he is what he is, an inspiration to listen to and an excellent rapper whose lyrics are always from the heart.
    DUCKWORTH - 10/10    … Expand
  90. AdmiralJones42
    Jun 23, 2017
    7
    Kendrick Lamar's weakest is stronger than most rapper's best, but his weakest is still what it is. Too much pop woven into a record by an artist who has thrived away from the Top 40 and found his greatest inspiration in the shadows away from the radio airwaves, and within the realms of deeper political commentary and jazz fusion.. Less Rihanna features, more Thundercat and Kamasi Washington.
  91. SorryBeat402
    Jun 26, 2017
    8
    This album is good, but no where near as good as To Pimp a Butterfly or good kid m.A.A.d city. Though this album is overall enjoyable only a couple of songs are really good, (Humble, DNA, Element, and XXX)
  92. HiMyNamesEthan
    Jan 15, 2018
    10
    9.5/10 As usual, Kendrick Lamar's poeticism ,taste in production, and storytelling is absolutely phenomenal, and once again, Kendrick Lamar has released another groundbreaking, shocking, and chilling album to his discography.

    This album is insanely smart, and is definitely a great successor to the ever-so-great To Pimp a Butterfly shortly released 2 years prior. Like To PImp a    9.5/10 As usual, Kendrick Lamar's poeticism ,taste in production, and storytelling is absolutely phenomenal, and once again, Kendrick Lamar has released another groundbreaking, shocking, and chilling album to his discography.

    This album is insanely smart, and is definitely a great successor to the ever-so-great To Pimp a Butterfly shortly released 2 years prior. Like To PImp a Butterfly, this album breaks ground with its incredibly genius twist - the altering of the story when played reversed. This album continuously foreshadows this great twist, and in the last song, and probably my favorite track of the beautiful collection, DUCKWORTH., the narrator, Kid Cupri, who has set the tone for this album along with the vocals Bekon, essentially reveals this great twist. To my knowledge this has NEVER been done before in the lifetime of hip-hop. In a brief summarization, this album shows Kendrick Lamar overcoming his weaknesses, surviving the figurative gunshot the blind women has given him, and surviving the possible fate of dying in a gunfight, as referred to in DUCKWORTH., given the TDE record labels creator is sent to jail for life (charged for the murder of Kendrick's own father.) The album really challenges this idea of "what if?" The album, played backwards, polarizes Kendrick's fate when played initially, and shows him submitting to a life of cruelty, agressiveness, and crime, dying to the gunshoit wound we were referred to in the beginning of the album when played in its original order. This concept is absolutely stunning. The production is great, as always, though its production is flawed by certain instrumentals that feel compensated for something more raw and cutting edge. Overall, this album is definitely a masterpiece, disregarding the good, yet not perfect production, which is why I have rounded its score to a perfect 10. It's not the best he's done, but a very close match.    … Expand
  93. GlennTheMaster2
    Aug 2, 2017
    10
    I love the album and every song up there it's definitely a masterpiece. I can truly say that Kendrick always makes perfect projects great songs all the time and then the way he raps is just amazing props to him and others that worked on this album as well fantastic job. This album should definitely win best rap album and album of the year at the Grammy's for sure I hope he does anyhow nextI love the album and every song up there it's definitely a masterpiece. I can truly say that Kendrick always makes perfect projects great songs all the time and then the way he raps is just amazing props to him and others that worked on this album as well fantastic job. This album should definitely win best rap album and album of the year at the Grammy's for sure I hope he does anyhow next year in 2018.… Expand
  94. Danila12
    Jul 16, 2017
    10
    DAMN. is so deep album. Everyone needs to feel it! Ten! Already have top of favorite tracks. It will be good if we saw a feat. with Eminem, Dre, The Game.
  95. FruitJuice
    Jul 17, 2017
    8
    great album............................................................................................................................................................
  96. Tuneison
    May 26, 2018
    8
    DAMN. What a fantastic album from a fantastic creator. Kendrick drops some great bars and has some of the sickest flows of the year. I can't wait to hear what he does next.
  97. thejasxyeezus
    Aug 3, 2017
    8
    This is a good album, but a step down from To Pimp A Butterfly. The production is all over the place, from trap beats to soulful beats. Lyrically, a lot of the song may seem shallow or underwhelming, but works well with the album's "wicked/weakness" concept. There are some low points, for example, GOD. or LOVE. But overall, it is a solid album.

    Favorites: DNA., ELEMENT., FEEL., FEAR.,    This is a good album, but a step down from To Pimp A Butterfly. The production is all over the place, from trap beats to soulful beats. Lyrically, a lot of the song may seem shallow or underwhelming, but works well with the album's "wicked/weakness" concept. There are some low points, for example, GOD. or LOVE. But overall, it is a solid album.

    Favorites: DNA., ELEMENT., FEEL., FEAR., PRIDE., HUMBLE., XXX., DUCKWORTH    … Expand
  98. vitorboi
    Jul 28, 2017
    10
    Os produtores Sounwave e Martin sempre de parabéns. Quanta qualidade. Os vocais ficaram e as batidas ousadas brincando com a realidade do álbum, desafiando o conceito de qualidade... Parabéns!

    Melhores: Loyalty, Blood e DNA.
  99. RickyRobert
    Aug 2, 2017
    10
    I think the album was amazing the album should definitely win all the awards it's nominated for this year and part of next year as well. It's hands down the best album this year and it's hands down a grammy album of the year type of album. Kendrick did an amazing job with his album my favorite album by him though is still To Pimp A Butterfly, but he did an amazing job with this album thisI think the album was amazing the album should definitely win all the awards it's nominated for this year and part of next year as well. It's hands down the best album this year and it's hands down a grammy album of the year type of album. Kendrick did an amazing job with his album my favorite album by him though is still To Pimp A Butterfly, but he did an amazing job with this album this year 2017 never had and heard any complaints about any of his projects.… Expand
  100. Jift100
    Aug 16, 2017
    10
    The evolution of Kendrick Lamar's music is really an exhilarating thing to experience as he does something different every time. This time on DAMN he gives us the perspective of a Hebrew Israelite and a person who dies in the intro. The music is more accessible compared to TPAB this time while still containing strong messages in them, with songs like LOYALTY, DNA YAH, ELEMENT, FEAR, PRIDEThe evolution of Kendrick Lamar's music is really an exhilarating thing to experience as he does something different every time. This time on DAMN he gives us the perspective of a Hebrew Israelite and a person who dies in the intro. The music is more accessible compared to TPAB this time while still containing strong messages in them, with songs like LOYALTY, DNA YAH, ELEMENT, FEAR, PRIDE etc... very powerful album as the beats are fantastic with many switch ups and Kendrick delivers us verses that fans will never forget once again… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best Album of 2017
5
#5 Most Discussed Album of 2017
1
#1 Most Shared Album of 2017

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
95

Universal acclaim - based on 39 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 38 out of 39
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 39
  3. Negative: 0 out of 39
  1. The Wire
    Aug 8, 2017
    90
    A less deranged response to celebrity than Kanye West’s Yeezus, more imaginative than Eminem’s The Marshall Mathers LP or Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter III, it shares with the former an economy of form, and with the latter two the giddy energy of an artist coming into perfect sync with their audience. It’s also a sumptuous sounding pop record, polite streamlined mass market psychedelia. [Jun 2017, p.64]
  2. The Skinny
    Jul 5, 2017
    80
    The beats are heavy, spare, and hard. Lamar demonstrates the versatility of his flow.
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  3. Record Collector
    May 25, 2017
    100
    DAMN. sees the rapper make a 180 degree turn from the sprawling jazz/funk/hip-hop odyssey of TPAB to deliver 14 taut, tough and wise cutting-edge examples of what’s possible in hip-hop today. ... Essential stuff.
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