The Search
by NF
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 254 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 222 out of 254
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 254
  3. Negative: 26 out of 254
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  1. EdmonGM
    Nov 25, 2021
    8
    Most of the songs are great some of them are meh and a little bit too long.
  2. Tbone413
    Sep 28, 2021
    9
    This is the side of rap that I love, pure emotion and heart. None of the mainstream mumbling.
  3. GamePlayer77
    May 25, 2021
    8
    NF makes a strong entrance into the rap game with his new LP. There are many memorable tracks on here that will quickly get in your head.

    FAV TRACK: Like This
    LEAST FAVORITE: Returns
  4. gadushecko
    May 21, 2021
    9
    Лучшее, что приходилось слушать за последнее время
  5. Aneesha
    Mar 26, 2021
    10
    The album is amazing, the music is awesome and has been sung with passion, definitely one of my favorite albums
  6. Roolen
    Jun 3, 2020
    10
    Amazing. NF is one of the future faces of hip-hop. His lyrics are amazing, and all of his 5 albums are amazing. Can’t wait for the next!
  7. Cathxrtic
    May 3, 2020
    9
    "The Search" sees Nate building upon the foundation that caught him mainstream attention with 2017's album "Perception". This is easily his best album, where his progression in terms of technical skill has developed further, while still retaining Nate's signature messages centred around mental health and introspection. This time though, it's more powerful than ever, especially on tracks"The Search" sees Nate building upon the foundation that caught him mainstream attention with 2017's album "Perception". This is easily his best album, where his progression in terms of technical skill has developed further, while still retaining Nate's signature messages centred around mental health and introspection. This time though, it's more powerful than ever, especially on tracks like "Nate" and "Change", the latter of which demonstrating a fierce determination to break free of the chains that hold him and his music back from being for everyone.… Expand
  8. Mankman
    Apr 4, 2020
    9
    This won't be for everyone, but it speaks to me! Favourite album of the year so far.
  9. WumBrum
    Mar 29, 2020
    10
    I find it funny how people are comparing him to people like Eminem or Twenty one pilots, but i find it obvious that he is different. this album shows how he can convey his point without having to curse, with this he show us a high level of writing skill. Beside the lyrics he also has some high production beats which sound really good.
  10. Renan8182
    Feb 22, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. One of the best albums that I've ever heard, NF is such a great rapper and musician… Expand
  11. PeeOnPeons
    Jan 28, 2020
    8
    This album isn’t for everyone. The production is dark, heavy, and orchestral for the majority of the project, and the subject matter is rather depressing. Without context from previous albums it may seem overdone or even melodramatic, but for someone well versed in previous projects may appreciate the shift more. The lyricism on this album far outclasses all of NF’s previous works, with aThis album isn’t for everyone. The production is dark, heavy, and orchestral for the majority of the project, and the subject matter is rather depressing. Without context from previous albums it may seem overdone or even melodramatic, but for someone well versed in previous projects may appreciate the shift more. The lyricism on this album far outclasses all of NF’s previous works, with a multitude of polysyllabic rhymes, internal rhymes, figurative speech, imagery, and emotional appeal. The Search is built for people who wear their darker emotions on their sleeve. Do not go into this album thinking otherwise, it will leave you feeling either bored or mellowed.… Expand
  12. waldo89
    Dec 6, 2019
    10
    This album showcased everything that NF's fanbase loves about him. It's raw, emotional, passionate, and best of all, it's real music that a lot of people can relate to. He continues to improve with each album he releases!
  13. ABVADT
    Dec 4, 2019
    10
    One of the best albums ever!!! Never gets boring and the lyrics of all the songs are so real that they actually hurt. Definitely he meant his slogan 'REAL'
  14. Jonesbc
    Dec 3, 2019
    10
    Awesome album - very relatable lyrics - awesome in concert (Raleigh, NC 2019)
  15. LuluAndLeia
    Sep 28, 2019
    10
    Imagine Writing a bad review for such a real and helpful artist, i just cant rap my mind around that.
  16. Grandiloquence
    Sep 26, 2019
    1
    The nadir of Christian rap, already bolstered by the fact Christian rap already is a nadir.
  17. YuiMakion22
    Sep 24, 2019
    9
    The songs either hit home or they don't. He's voicing his concerns. It's still him so still good. I still liked the majority of this album.
  18. neslush
    Sep 17, 2019
    8
    Пластинка The Search — это прямой наследник и развитие стиля, продемонстрированного в 2017 году. К моему безмерному восторгу, NF значительно сократил количество фитов и левых вокальных вставок (исключением стали «Hate Myself» и «Only») и сосредоточился непосредственно на собственном речитативе.

    И вот тут Нейт оторвался на славу — такого количества различных способов исполнения в одном    Пластинка The Search — это прямой наследник и развитие стиля, продемонстрированного в 2017 году. К моему безмерному восторгу, NF значительно сократил количество фитов и левых вокальных вставок (исключением стали «Hate Myself» и «Only») и сосредоточился непосредственно на собственном речитативе.

    И вот тут Нейт оторвался на славу — такого количества различных способов исполнения в одном альбоме я никогда не слышал (хотя напомню, опыт в хип-хопе у меня небольшой). Продавливающая, словно методично вбивающая гвоздь «Nate»; падающая по крутой лестнице «When I Grow Up»; реактивно разгоняющаяся «Options»; исполненная уж точно не медленнее Tech N9ne «Returnes»; слёзодавительный медляк «Trauma»— всё это далеко не полный список огромного количества вариаций рэп-исполнения (всего в альбоме 19 треков)!

    Читай больше рецензий в канале Телеграм: https://t.me/neslush    … Expand
  19. ImNotLincoln
    Sep 13, 2019
    1
    Unbearably melodramatic, the beats are almost as melodramatic as NF is. I don't really see the hype about him being "deep" or a "lyricist". He touches on a lot of mature themes in his music but explores them with the shallow and childish outlook of a Hopsin. NF definitely has talent but the potency of lyrics loose touch due to the melodramatic sludge he fills his songs with. To makeUnbearably melodramatic, the beats are almost as melodramatic as NF is. I don't really see the hype about him being "deep" or a "lyricist". He touches on a lot of mature themes in his music but explores them with the shallow and childish outlook of a Hopsin. NF definitely has talent but the potency of lyrics loose touch due to the melodramatic sludge he fills his songs with. To make better music first he needs to get a BETTER PRODUCER, if his beats were better this album would move from a 1 to a 3 or 4. The second thing he needs to do is lose this childish demeanor he has in his lyrics. He gets a 1 on the search due to the fact that I have to recognize his raw talent, however everything else is unbearably bad, one of the worst rap records of the decade.… Expand
  20. Renne3
    Sep 8, 2019
    10
    Nate always finds a way to put in words how I’m feeling when I can’t. There’s feelings I’ve never been able to explain until his music has explained them for me. Thank you Nate.
  21. Plasmatoc
    Sep 1, 2019
    2
    Yes, it is lyrically good in some parts but all I see is a boring vent playlist, just overloading with the same topic, same style (which is a sing/rap/sing/rap), it just doesn’t seem listening when it just makes you feel uncomfortable.

    Only thing that is said to be “positive” of this track is that it’s “relatable”, what?
  22. Ratbek
    Aug 31, 2019
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I can find anything in this record. No offfense. Need to throw ur style to trash Cuz that place looks exactly for this album.… Expand
  23. Miggy2017
    Aug 29, 2019
    0
    Trash and boooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooRrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrriiiiiiiiiiiiinnnnngggg
  24. Brayden23567
    Aug 28, 2019
    10
    This album is outstanding it talks about Nate’s person life and mental health keeping it as REAL as possible to his fans, while also having outstanding lyricism and beats.
  25. Asr7
    Aug 27, 2019
    9
    I am not sure what the critics are saying, but this album pays homage to mental health issues like no other currently. The lyrics provide insight into the daily struggles of many, aswell as this the instrumentals are great with effective beats and use of instruments like the violin etc.
    This is one of the best rap albums this year in my opinion.
  26. 1994brookie
    Aug 26, 2019
    10
    The best rap album I have ever heard. Not to mention NF touching on his struggles with mental health, is helping me work through my struggles with mental health as well. This dude is running the rap game. There is no reason why this album should not win all the awards. Not even Eminem can come out with something so relatable and intimate.
  27. Luccallp
    Aug 24, 2019
    10
    This album is so amazingly crafted. A mix of heart, emotion and honesty that is lacking in music today. The journey of this album has so much impact whether you have been through it or are going through it now. Myself I have not suffered from the same things as Nate, however, I appreciate his vulnerability and skill.
  28. Akes02
    Aug 23, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Album of the year. Love everything about this new album. Check all of his music out. You wont be disappointed… Expand
  29. AMSMG99
    Aug 23, 2019
    10
    I love NFs subject matter and the darkness of his production and entire brand. I live for the strings, pianos, obscure beats and emotional lyrics he brings to life like no other current artist. Sadness can be such an artistically beautiful part of life, and I love to hear him masterfully explore the many faces of this emotion that most people run away from or only touch superficially.
    I    I love NFs subject matter and the darkness of his production and entire brand. I live for the strings, pianos, obscure beats and emotional lyrics he brings to life like no other current artist. Sadness can be such an artistically beautiful part of life, and I love to hear him masterfully explore the many faces of this emotion that most people run away from or only touch superficially.
    I hate it when people criticize the sadness he expresses in his music without understanding that no human being is made of only one type of emotion 100% of the time. Everything in life is bittersweet, this is just the side he chooses to talk about.
    While I hope for human being Nathan to be happy, I want artist NF to stay in the dark because he is just too good at playing with those corners of my mind.    … Expand
  30. VoidReviews
    Aug 22, 2019
    1
    70 minutes of autofellatio and flavorless self-pity where the """hype""" tracks fail by virtue of NF tripping over his own inflated ego. While NF may be a technically skilled rapper - and make no mistake, the flows are genuinely good on songs like "The Search" - his writing rings as pissy, his voice is insufferable (especially considering the lack of guest appearances across a twenty-song70 minutes of autofellatio and flavorless self-pity where the """hype""" tracks fail by virtue of NF tripping over his own inflated ego. While NF may be a technically skilled rapper - and make no mistake, the flows are genuinely good on songs like "The Search" - his writing rings as pissy, his voice is insufferable (especially considering the lack of guest appearances across a twenty-song album that runs over an hour), and the content loses any spark halfway through. The worst track by far is "Returns", four minutes of spiritual-lyrical-miracle-individual rapping that reads like a school shooter's manifesto. Sheer pretentiousness swarms the bleak, monotonous movie trailer beats as NF claims to be the face of 'real music', a term that reeks of elitism – and elitism not deserved if the one-note beats, obnoxious writing, and flat-out terrible hooks are any indicator. This is one of the worst albums of the decade, only a minor improvement over his last release due to one decent track at the very beginning. If you want introspection, listen to KIDS SEE GHOSTS, or Flower Boy, or GREY Area, or so many others. Just because you have edgy aesthetics cribbed from Denzel Curry and some symphonic beats doesn't make you any deeper than a wading pool.… Expand
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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
58

Mixed or average reviews - based on 6 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. RapReviews.com
    Oct 15, 2019
    80
    There are more nuanced (and enjoyable) approaches to records focused on depression. Elzhi’s “Lead Poison” is still the one I’d recommend first but NF impresses on “The Search”. ... By stripping that away, his barrage of words – married with the booming, cinematic production (credited as NF and Tommee Profitt) – is surprisingly digestible.
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  2. Pitchfork
    Aug 16, 2019
    40
    NF also shares Eminem’s shrillness and distorted sense of volume, rapping like he’s putting on the world’s loudest Punch and Judy show. He spends much of The Search darting in and out of an overbearing rappity-rap snarl-yell that can cut right through you if you don’t relate to his roiling anger.
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  3. Rolling Stone
    Aug 16, 2019
    40
    He is a genuinely engaging artist who raps with impressive intensity and clarity, if not nuance. He confronts his incurable sadness head-on, and it’s easy to identify with his mental health struggles. But for an album about depression, The Search contains a noticeable lack of tension and interior texture.
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