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
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. hamidwaziri
    Apr 18, 2017
    10
    Deep thought lyrics with the silkiest angry flow mastered only by greats like Andre 300 and Biggie. The production is something of a hybrid between TPAB and GKMC. This is not something entirely different from what he did in the last album but he came up with a successful alternate version of TPAB. Doesnt dissapoint a bit and is as good as any other Kendrick album. Clockin in to be theDeep thought lyrics with the silkiest angry flow mastered only by greats like Andre 300 and Biggie. The production is something of a hybrid between TPAB and GKMC. This is not something entirely different from what he did in the last album but he came up with a successful alternate version of TPAB. Doesnt dissapoint a bit and is as good as any other Kendrick album. Clockin in to be the shortest KDot album but still packs a nuclear amount of beautiful music for any mood. This wasnt appealing to me on the first listen the more listened the more it hooked me onto it.… Expand
  2. 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.
  3. Dannybrownstan
    Apr 18, 2017
    0
    Ive always wondered what kendrick would do after his classic tpab. Will he really go experimental, will he go trap, his style on gkmc or he would continuehis jazz sound? And we got this. Probably the most overrated rap album oat. Not only by fans but also by critics. You know what? I felt like a 5 but when i saw a damn 97 my jaw dropped to the floor. Like are you for real? Lmao ill neverIve always wondered what kendrick would do after his classic tpab. Will he really go experimental, will he go trap, his style on gkmc or he would continuehis jazz sound? And we got this. Probably the most overrated rap album oat. Not only by fans but also by critics. You know what? I felt like a 5 but when i saw a damn 97 my jaw dropped to the floor. Like are you for real? Lmao ill never take reviewers seriously if they overrate it so much and this album ends up having a 90+ not even 75 should get. It doesnt feel done or finished, yes ik its a concept album but he didnt make a good job this time. In no nonno way this is better than good kid maad city no. It has kennys WIRST and poppiest songs he ever made like loyalty and that annoying song love, the banfers are pretty meh, and the overall theme feels not finished. Kendrick ur one of my favourites but this album is your first flaw… Expand
  4. CaptainW
    Apr 18, 2017
    10
    More replay value than any other Kendrick project, best album of the year so far. I find that the problem with most Kendrick projects are that they sound fantastic on the first couple of listens, with interesting beats, bars and hidden messages but they lack replay value compared to other "big" rappers out there today (Drake, Big Sean, Logic, Kanye and even J Cole). With this, its a hardMore replay value than any other Kendrick project, best album of the year so far. I find that the problem with most Kendrick projects are that they sound fantastic on the first couple of listens, with interesting beats, bars and hidden messages but they lack replay value compared to other "big" rappers out there today (Drake, Big Sean, Logic, Kanye and even J Cole). With this, its a hard hitting set of solid tracks with relatable theme, rich production and dreamy vocals. My favorite Kendrick album to date, Thank You.… Expand
  5. ilikebeards
    Apr 18, 2017
    10
    It was difficult to not immediately compare this to the universally acclaimed jazz rap of To Pimp a Butterfly and the West Coast hip hop of Good Kid M.A.A.D. City. However, the extensive production and the profound message in his lyrics prove to be more than enough to hold it's own against his two previous masterpieces and certify itself as a classic.
  6. DungeonDisci
    Apr 18, 2017
    9
    My score says 9 but it's really an 8.5 and the results aren't even fully in yet because this album changes every listen for me. I really like DAMN. It's Kendrick's most accessible album without him losing his individuality. It doesn't follow a solid, central narrative like his last 2 albums but it finds it's themes through issues that Kendrick is concerned with like Section.80 and projectsMy score says 9 but it's really an 8.5 and the results aren't even fully in yet because this album changes every listen for me. I really like DAMN. It's Kendrick's most accessible album without him losing his individuality. It doesn't follow a solid, central narrative like his last 2 albums but it finds it's themes through issues that Kendrick is concerned with like Section.80 and projects before it.… Expand
  7. 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
  8. 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.
  9. Blaqueta
    Apr 18, 2017
    10
    Clean, beautiful follow up to Good Kid Maad City. We thought he could only sink from his last, but the different approach he took worked to perfection.
  10. mycameron23
    Apr 18, 2017
    10
    Kendrick now joins an elite group of rapper who have never had a bad album. 4/4 in his career.
    DAMN. is a fantastic listen that changes your view after every listen.
  11. DuckW0rth
    Apr 18, 2017
    10
    This album has the potential to go down in history as one of Hip Hop's greatest. It shows us another great project from one of the most talented and versatile artist of all time, This album proves us that even with a different style he can put out a great work. Thank you Kendrick for this
  12. erenay
    Apr 18, 2017
    10
    Whether you find the album's concept theories running across the internet to all be a stretch (most of them are not), Kendrick's ability to consistently create captivating songs, flowing with emotion and thought demanding responses is the true characteristic that sets him out from literally every single other artist in hip hop. He is simply a genius that our children (and their children)Whether you find the album's concept theories running across the internet to all be a stretch (most of them are not), Kendrick's ability to consistently create captivating songs, flowing with emotion and thought demanding responses is the true characteristic that sets him out from literally every single other artist in hip hop. He is simply a genius that our children (and their children) will also enjoy and respect. The greatest of all time.… Expand
  13. Ozymandias514
    Apr 18, 2017
    9
    K-dot abandons jazz for a more modern genre which can scared the old fans, despite few songs like GOD, LOYALTY and LOVE i think this album is perfect and deserve all the good reviews
  14. DrWzrdBrz
    Apr 18, 2017
    10
    Wordplay, storytelling, vocal manipulation, clean production: all marks of a classic Kendrick album. Ultimately A tense affair with the King. Not to be missed.
  15. nikoskatsaros
    Apr 18, 2017
    10
    I was convinced that after TPAB Kendrick reached his peak.But damn DAMN. was as good as TPAB but generally i liked it more.In DAMN. there isn't a song that touched my soul as How much a dollar cost,but as a whole TPAB had songs that a few days later were skipped.DAMN is a complete listening.
    Now i won't make the same mistake again i am convinced that K.Dot can give a better album than DAMN.
  16. kapitan_buko
    Apr 18, 2017
    10
    If GKMC and TPAB had a lovechild, this would be it. The depth of the music, not just of the lyrics, but the sound, the feeling, the atmosphere, is just awe-inspiring. I always thought Kendrick was one of the greatest rappers but this puts him at Number 1 no question. The album is not just an amazing rap album, it's one of the greatest albums of all time period. The guy's a genius, whatIf GKMC and TPAB had a lovechild, this would be it. The depth of the music, not just of the lyrics, but the sound, the feeling, the atmosphere, is just awe-inspiring. I always thought Kendrick was one of the greatest rappers but this puts him at Number 1 no question. The album is not just an amazing rap album, it's one of the greatest albums of all time period. The guy's a genius, what more can I say.… Expand
  17. ericombeicom
    Apr 18, 2017
    7
    Good album overall but the trap-ish feel ruins most of the songs. After TPAB (a masterpiece to me) it wasn't only about the message -which is very present in this album- but also about musicality and sound itself. You can't play those songs for someone to vibe to them. If they don't understand the lyrics they won't enjoy the song and that's a big fail.

    Playing XXX at a party before I    Good album overall but the trap-ish feel ruins most of the songs. After TPAB (a masterpiece to me) it wasn't only about the message -which is very present in this album- but also about musicality and sound itself. You can't play those songs for someone to vibe to them. If they don't understand the lyrics they won't enjoy the song and that's a big fail.

    Playing XXX at a party before I ever heard it was the biggest mistake ever.    … Expand
  18. rolli
    Apr 18, 2017
    3
    Lyrically a very good Hip-Hop album but musically it is poor. From my point of view middle of the road (en vogue) sound stripped for real innovation (just something I have heard a lot lately).
  19. ghettonerd
    Apr 18, 2017
    10
    Kendrick cements his legacy with DAMN.

    This album is conceptually genius, lyrically deep, featuring fresh and innovative production. It's rare that an artist is capable of re-inventing himself with such ease and grace. Equally rare is the commercial success that accompanies such deep works of art. Kendrick might just single handedly be this generation's Pink Floyd.
  20. soulfood
    Apr 17, 2017
    6
    This album sees Kendrick going in a more consumable and pop-driven direction, while still keeping a good selection of the songs that are as conscious as we would come to expect from him. Too many repeated flows and lyrics stop this from being phenomenal and his newly-sung vocals & falsettos come across half of the time as forced and the other half beautiful. Concept and energy are grandThis album sees Kendrick going in a more consumable and pop-driven direction, while still keeping a good selection of the songs that are as conscious as we would come to expect from him. Too many repeated flows and lyrics stop this from being phenomenal and his newly-sung vocals & falsettos come across half of the time as forced and the other half beautiful. Concept and energy are grand and it really carries this album, but compared to what he has delivered in the past this is a slight disappointment and journey into a more accessible path.

    6.8 / 10    … Expand
  21. CubKid54
    Apr 17, 2017
    10
    Kendrick Lamar has become his own genre and doesn't deserve comparison to any album or person who makes hip-hop music. He doesn't really deserve comparison to anyone currently making any kind of music. Just for something simple and fun go record random parts of LOYALTY. on Snapchat and use the backwards filter, specifically the pre-chorus at the beginning of the song and on the lines "I'mKendrick Lamar has become his own genre and doesn't deserve comparison to any album or person who makes hip-hop music. He doesn't really deserve comparison to anyone currently making any kind of music. Just for something simple and fun go record random parts of LOYALTY. on Snapchat and use the backwards filter, specifically the pre-chorus at the beginning of the song and on the lines "I'm a savage, I'm a **** I'm a king Shimmy-yeah, shimmy-yeah, shimmy-yeah, rock (yeah)" at the beginning of verse 3. The amount of time and effort that Kendrick puts into the lyrics on these songs is unmatched and utterly astounding, even the songs people are bashing as too radio friendly probably have messages and meanings that would be impossible to decypher and understand a few days after its release. DAMN. is an intricately made web of of pure musical creativeness that will be studied and finely combed over for years to come.… Expand
  22. 260zay
    Apr 17, 2017
    10
    Kendrick. Lamar. WOW.

    What can I say that hasn't been said already, Kendrick has transcended the genre yet again. Usually with critically acclaimed artists like Kendrick, after an album that has been praised and viewed as their best work, artists usually release another album that does not live towards the hype or just falls short. Nas is a victim of this, after Illmatic he was already    Kendrick. Lamar. WOW.

    What can I say that hasn't been said already, Kendrick has transcended the genre yet again. Usually with critically acclaimed artists like Kendrick, after an album that has been praised and viewed as their best work, artists usually release another album that does not live towards the hype or just falls short. Nas is a victim of this, after Illmatic he was already viewed as an all time great. And with every album he released, they could never measure up to "illmatic" standards, even though they were very good albums. But with kendrick, there has not been an album where he seems to lose sight, have writers block, or just falls short in an album. Each and every album he puts out are phenomenal, one being better from each other and being different with sounds and textures. Somehow Kendrick Lamar pulls off the impossible, by coming off one of the Benchmark albums of the genre (TPAB), and delivering, yet another classic. Duckworth is one of the best songs I've ever heard, and with that story he tells within it, it amazes me. Raps savior, Kendrick lamar does it again. This solidifies him as an all time great.    … Expand
  23. Naari
    Apr 17, 2017
    9
    Kendrick is pulling through with another amazing record, both great lyrically and production-wise. However i do have a few gripes with some songs that stop this album from being perfect, or at the same level as TPAB or good kid. God is the worst song on the album (IMO), and possibly one of his worst songs in general. Although considering his stellar career thus far, its not even that bad.Kendrick is pulling through with another amazing record, both great lyrically and production-wise. However i do have a few gripes with some songs that stop this album from being perfect, or at the same level as TPAB or good kid. God is the worst song on the album (IMO), and possibly one of his worst songs in general. Although considering his stellar career thus far, its not even that bad. I thought there was a lack of lyricism, and his singing is kind of obnoxious. Loyalty im also quite indifferent towards as Rihanna doesn't add much positively, and the 24k magic sample is chopped in a pretty irritating way. However all other tracks on here i believe are some of his best and heavily outweigh those 2 tracks. Duckworth and Fear are definitely some of his best, and some of the best songs this year. Kendrick hasn't disappointed at all, and this album cements his position in hip-hop history for me.… Expand
  24. tevin_pa9551
    Apr 17, 2017
    10
    Once again he switches up his sound slightly. Here for the album DAMN. he takes the more vulnerable route with songs like "LOYALTY." and "LOVE.". Something I thought of what he might do but when hearing both songs they don't sound as if he's being a "BIG **** Another two songs I thought that were risk was songs like "LUST." and "PRIDE.", where again sound wise he keeps progressing withOnce again he switches up his sound slightly. Here for the album DAMN. he takes the more vulnerable route with songs like "LOYALTY." and "LOVE.". Something I thought of what he might do but when hearing both songs they don't sound as if he's being a "BIG **** Another two songs I thought that were risk was songs like "LUST." and "PRIDE.", where again sound wise he keeps progressing with being confident of slowing up the album but to not damage it when I'm listening. I automatically thought of Andre 3000's Vibrate. where the beat rewinds for LUST. For the fans as I, we will still love songs like "DNA." or "ELEMENT." where he's typically rapping and effortlessly uses his voice where you think he's rhyming off beat but man from "Cartoons and Cereal" and "Look Out for Detox" he has come a long way. Even after for 4 days I'm still going back listening and loving each song as days go by. I had no expectations for this album, at points he shocked me with songs I previously brought up. So yeah man another 10/10 in my book.

    Shoutout to TDE!    … Expand
  25. 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
  26. psych
    Apr 17, 2017
    10
    Another classic album, Kendrick Lamar continues to be consistent, creative, and different. Even though this album may be mainstream or whatnot. It still has that amazing Kendrick factor. I recommend everyone to listen to this album and appreciate the hidden narrative and story.
  27. KBarbosa
    Apr 17, 2017
    10
    Esse album trouxe um Kendrick mais forte! É um album com letras bem fortes e com uma sonoridade impecável, de longe um dos melhores albuns lançados em 2017.
  28. Aniican
    Apr 17, 2017
    9
    Kendrick is back with a strong follow up to TPAB. The album is punchy and aggressive at times, but reserved and gentle at others. Best tracks: The Whole Album.
  29. dmortarotti
    Apr 17, 2017
    10
    Damn is an introspective work that doesn't drag. It has a great cohesiveness that balances the listeners mood through alternating fast and slow beats, flows, and themes.

    Many songs on the album transform throughout their duration. In an era of shortening attention spans this quality makes the album compelling. Even so, Kendrick keeps the subject matter thought provoking. Damn offers    Damn is an introspective work that doesn't drag. It has a great cohesiveness that balances the listeners mood through alternating fast and slow beats, flows, and themes.

    Many songs on the album transform throughout their duration. In an era of shortening attention spans this quality makes the album compelling. Even so, Kendrick keeps the subject matter thought provoking.

    Damn offers us the best of Kendrick: it has the sharp political commentary and self critical introspection of TPAB is right under the surface but unmistakable, especially in songs like BLOOD, XXX, and PRIDE; it catalogues the personal odyssey of Kendrick's life in Compton, similar to GKMC, in FEAR; it carries intelligence and sensitivity.

    This album transcends a traditional hip-hop/rap album.    … Expand
  30. NikoLamar
    Apr 17, 2017
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This album cements Kendrick's place in the rap hall of fame, and will go down in history as a classic. Although different to his previous studio album To Pimp a Butterfly, which will also go down as a classic, Kendrick brings a similar amount of anger and resent as he did in TPaB, but he is also showing that he is constantly evolving as an artist, as his style changes in every album. He continues to fight against discrimination, while delivering amazing production in every song on the album, and this album if more influenced by religion than his previous projects. His storytelling skill is also demonstrated, especially in the song DUCKWORTH, a song about his father and the founder of his recording label. Songs like DNA, LOYALTY and LOVE have a greater radio appeal than other songs on the album, FEEL and LUST are more mellow musically, and in FEAR, Kendrick explored the terror he had to go through at different stages in his life.… Expand
Page:

Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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.
    Read full review
  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.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »