The Don of Diamond Dreams
by Shabazz Palaces
  • Record Label: Sub Pop
  • Release Date: Apr 17, 2020
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 21 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 21
  3. Negative: 1 out of 21
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  1. euanfraser
    Apr 18, 2020
    5
    This record falls short on too many levels especially when comparing it to Palaces previous records (this is no 'Black Up' or 'Lese Majesty'). The production on many of the tracks sounds rushed and boring. In most cases, the album adds nothing new and exciting to the evolution of Shabazz Palaces. However, there are a few stray tracks that I would still add to a 'Best of' list.
    'Ad    This record falls short on too many levels especially when comparing it to Palaces previous records (this is no 'Black Up' or 'Lese Majesty'). The production on many of the tracks sounds rushed and boring. In most cases, the album adds nothing new and exciting to the evolution of Shabazz Palaces. However, there are a few stray tracks that I would still add to a 'Best of' list.
    'Ad Ventures' is the best of the batch due to its clear lyrical storytelling fixed with amazing, emotional production. Overall, it is great for a deep listen.
    The first single off of 'TDODD'; 'Fast Learner' is a great track for a cool ass slow drive. The reverbed kick and soft trumpet melody set the mood for Butler to float around the scene. My only problem with it is the feature with 'Purple Tape Nate'. At some points, his rapping style gets a bit too hyped for slow vibes.
    The other pretty good track, also a single, is 'Chocolate Souffle'. The instrumental evolves nicely over the duration of the track. However, at some point, Butler's lyrics grow stale.
    With these great tracks scattered throughout the album, there are also some terrible tracks that stand out more than the better tracks.
    'Wet' is a laughable song that tries to approach Palaces favourite topic; fake people. The amount of great tracks these guys have made surrounding this topic, it is crazy to see them fall miserably short. Its as if they let a group of kindergarten kids to produce the track for fun and decided to include it in their record.
    'Money Yoga' is not as laughable as 'Wet'. There are some really great aesthetics, however, as a song, its lyrics are lackluster to the point where its hard to get through the song. In ways, it sounds like an early version of 'Fast Learner'. With the addition of auto tuned howling, its potential is plundered.
    With three tracks that stand out over the 40 minute, 10 track project, it is a bummer that this is what Palaces was conjuring over the last three years. It seems that Shabazz Palaces is beginning to grow stale. It seems that another great record from these guys is not possible unless they completely move on and begin journeying in a new direction .    … Expand

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. Mojo
    May 21, 2020
    80
    Twisting the familiar sounds into altogether more challenging forms. [Jul 2020, p.84]
  2. RapReviews.com
    May 6, 2020
    85
    It is the right combination of introspective and funky. It makes these long, endless days and weeks much more manageable. If you need something both banging and relaxing, Shabazz Palaces got you covered.
    Read full review
  3. The Wire
    Apr 28, 2020
    70
    For those who appreciated the rigour of old, the new album might offer a challenge due to its lyrical sentiments and a base literalism that might be ironic. [May 2020, p.60]
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