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. 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.
  2. 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?
  3. sorastrife2890
    Jul 6, 2019
    7
    to pimp a butterfly is better .
  4. 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.
  5. 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
  6. KaeDot
    Apr 19, 2017
    7
    Damn is Kendrick's most inconsistent project to date. The message of this album is scattered and often times incoherent, and sonically this album is all over the place. Kendrick provides a couple of excellent bangers on this project, such as DNA or XXX; but he also provides very sensitized, pop-y songs that feature very lackluster singing such as LOVE or GOD. Although this isn't a badDamn is Kendrick's most inconsistent project to date. The message of this album is scattered and often times incoherent, and sonically this album is all over the place. Kendrick provides a couple of excellent bangers on this project, such as DNA or XXX; but he also provides very sensitized, pop-y songs that feature very lackluster singing such as LOVE or GOD. Although this isn't a bad album by any means, Kendrick has proved time and time again that he is capable of making excellent projects such as To Pimp a Butterfly, and Damn never manages to reach the same level as any of his past projects did. This is without a doubt Kendrick's most inconsistent project, and I would venture to say his worst project as well. I'm feeling a light to decent 7 on this one.… Expand
  7. 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.
  8. 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
  9. 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.
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. 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.
  13. 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
  14. 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.
  15. Donaldo3rd
    Aug 25, 2017
    7
    I thoroughly think that the crutch that this album possesses is that Kendrick has so many different topics going on throughout the record that it winds up feeling cluttered and over-thought thematically. There are a lot of really good tracks on here from the very aggressive and boisterous "HUMBLE" to the very reflective and borderline meditative "FEAR". I got a lot out of this album, II thoroughly think that the crutch that this album possesses is that Kendrick has so many different topics going on throughout the record that it winds up feeling cluttered and over-thought thematically. There are a lot of really good tracks on here from the very aggressive and boisterous "HUMBLE" to the very reflective and borderline meditative "FEAR". I got a lot out of this album, I just don't perceive it being as well groomed or as perfectly laid out as To Pimp a Butterfly or Good Kid, m.A.A.d. City.… Expand
  16. Yobyoni
    Nov 16, 2020
    7
    Easily Kendrick's worst album yet. Quite inconsistent and features songs that I genuinely hate (LOYALTY. & LOVE.). Of course, there are some fantastic tracks in here, such as ELEMENT., PRIDE., XXX. & DUCKWORTH. but overall, I have pretty mixed feelings about it.
  17. Atum_
    Jun 8, 2020
    7
    When I first watched Anthony "The internet's busiest music nerd" Fantano's review of DAMN. and he gave it a 7, I was shocked. How could he give Kendrick such a low score? Then I realized that it makes perfect sense for a couple of reasons. First of all: the production is a lot weaker compared to his other albums, the story, and overall songs as well. But the biggest thing is that thisWhen I first watched Anthony "The internet's busiest music nerd" Fantano's review of DAMN. and he gave it a 7, I was shocked. How could he give Kendrick such a low score? Then I realized that it makes perfect sense for a couple of reasons. First of all: the production is a lot weaker compared to his other albums, the story, and overall songs as well. But the biggest thing is that this album is not as good as TPAB or GKMC (10s), UU (9) or S80 (8), which means that the only fair score to give this thing is a 7. The production, features, flows, lyrics and concept are all weaker on DAMN. I still like this album quite a bit, but it's nothing compared to the rest of his discography. I hope his next album is great though.… Expand
  18. Shaymooose
    Aug 17, 2019
    7
    DAMN IS A 7.

    Best Tracks:Humble,DNA,Blood,Element, Loyalty,Love,XXX,
    Worst Tracks:Pride,Lust,
  19. joshfeygin
    Nov 2, 2019
    7
    Overrated. Songs like YAH, FEAR, and GOD are really boring and HUMBLE is bad and gets on my nerves. ELEMENT, DUCKWORTH, FEEL and DNA are really, really good but those 4 songs aren't enough to carry this album past an unimpressive 7. To Pimp A Butterfly and Good Kid, Maad City are much better albums.
  20. Codeling
    Sep 8, 2021
    7
    This is a very good album. I loved Feel, DNA and Humble. Some of musical experiments on this weren't really good though.
  21. WellDun01
    Mar 19, 2020
    7
    I like it. I think it has some of his best standalone songs. But as a project, it feels half baked. The themes and motifs seem like they're thrown in last minute, and it's just not tight and concise like TPAB and Good Kid are. He's like the smart student in class who threw together a project the night before the deadline and because he's talented, it still turned out pretty good. Even theI like it. I think it has some of his best standalone songs. But as a project, it feels half baked. The themes and motifs seem like they're thrown in last minute, and it's just not tight and concise like TPAB and Good Kid are. He's like the smart student in class who threw together a project the night before the deadline and because he's talented, it still turned out pretty good. Even the cover is half baked. I can't help but feel it was 3 more months away from being a certified Kendrick masterpiece… Expand
  22. andyn823
    Jun 6, 2020
    7
    I think I'm going to give this album a 7 because I love the production including the sound of punk, reggae, disco, R&B with the hip hop sound. His rap skills are incredible. This album, for me, is powerful and strong. And in my opinion, this album, is way better than his previous album, "To Pimp A Butterfly". I saw something new in this record. I love the sound. My favorite tracks on thisI think I'm going to give this album a 7 because I love the production including the sound of punk, reggae, disco, R&B with the hip hop sound. His rap skills are incredible. This album, for me, is powerful and strong. And in my opinion, this album, is way better than his previous album, "To Pimp A Butterfly". I saw something new in this record. I love the sound. My favorite tracks on this album, "HUMBLE", "DNA", "Feel", "LOVE".… Expand
  23. Kmi
    Sep 10, 2020
    7
    This is my second review of this album, and I'll start off with saying it hasn't aged that well. I dislike it more than when it came out. Before this album was a 9/10 to me. Now it's a 7. The album's good, with some great tracks like DNA., ELEMENT., and PRIDE., but overall it just doesn't blow you away. With Kendrick's previous efforts, I'm always surprised at how good they are whileThis is my second review of this album, and I'll start off with saying it hasn't aged that well. I dislike it more than when it came out. Before this album was a 9/10 to me. Now it's a 7. The album's good, with some great tracks like DNA., ELEMENT., and PRIDE., but overall it just doesn't blow you away. With Kendrick's previous efforts, I'm always surprised at how good they are while listening for the 2nd, 3rd, or 2235th time. DAMN. gets old quick, but I can still enjoy the tracklist enough to where it's still a good album.… Expand
  24. thehairyscreame
    Nov 5, 2022
    7
    i can't help but feel disappointed a little bit. however i feel that kendrick made mr. morale and the big steppers to better highlight the themes here because both albums made me feel the same things but to differing severities with myself being more connected to mr morale
  25. 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
  26. Tubbs
    Oct 2, 2022
    7
    Many amazing songs on this album but the tone gets lost for me in some parts. Hearing Kendrick try to get more radio plays is distracting at times.
  27. ChiIIaoi
    Jul 19, 2023
    7
    Review só pra lembrar a nota que eu dei pro album:
    album bom, agora só escrever pra passar dos 75 caracteres.
  28. padrah_
    May 6, 2017
    6
    A solid follow-up to "To Pimp A Butterfly". However, there are too many inconsistent, and sometimes just downright bad, tracks on this album. Thematically, "DAMN." goes deeper into Kendrick's psyche than his listeners have ever heard before. But I wasn't as big on this release as I have been on every other release he's had so far. If Kendrick cut some tracks, and didn't sing as often, thisA solid follow-up to "To Pimp A Butterfly". However, there are too many inconsistent, and sometimes just downright bad, tracks on this album. Thematically, "DAMN." goes deeper into Kendrick's psyche than his listeners have ever heard before. But I wasn't as big on this release as I have been on every other release he's had so far. If Kendrick cut some tracks, and didn't sing as often, this would've been a winner. Rather, we have an 'I Ran A Race' album.… Expand
  29. Liam700
    Apr 14, 2017
    6
    Such a goddamn powerful record that takes the best from his previous work and gives new it a new twist. The lyrics are powerful, the different experimental elements are unexpected and fun and the mixing and production is flawless. My only gripe with it is that some of the tracks feel like they were designed for repetitive radio play (LOVE. & LOYALTY.) and although I can tolerate them onSuch a goddamn powerful record that takes the best from his previous work and gives new it a new twist. The lyrics are powerful, the different experimental elements are unexpected and fun and the mixing and production is flawless. My only gripe with it is that some of the tracks feel like they were designed for repetitive radio play (LOVE. & LOYALTY.) and although I can tolerate them on the first couple of plays, I know I will eventually get sick of them. This is something Kendrick's past albums didn't have too much of. Still a fantastic effort overall… Expand
  30. pedrofaro
    Aug 15, 2017
    6
    this is the first kendrick's album that i listen in full and its diferent of what i expected. i liked, its a great album but i dont know why is so overrated, i cant see this WOW that the media and the people are giving to the album because there are bad songs like "loyalty"
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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.
    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
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