Wu Tang Clan, The 8 Diagrams Review

Overall Rating

Now that I've had a little time to grow into the album I have to say I am really feeling it. There is something here for everyone, a myriad of interesting and unique sound scape's ranging from eerie and surreal to just straight out banging. Rza has made the transition from producer to musician flawlessly and this album should turn the game on its ear beat wise. All the MC's deliver as usual I write this as a side note as with wu tang, it is expected they will perform.

Anyone looking for a return to the grimy boom-bap sounds of 36 chambers or Wu Tang forever will be disappointed. It is not that album at all. Ghost face features very fleetingly on this album, 3 appearances i think? anyone who loves wu tang would want to be hearing more of him. I would say the second half of the song "tarpit" is a waste. Just filled with inane dribble and and there is a little too much singing for my liking.

There will be mixed reviews for Wu Tang Clan, The 8 Diagrams , that is for certain. This is a dilemma faced by any group or solo artist with a longstanding legacy. Should they return to the sounds that put them at the mantle of the rap game in the 90s? in risk of sounding dated? or should they reinvent themselves in risk of further alienating there fan base? In this album they do more of the latter however there is enough grime here to keep a true fan enthralled. One thing which shines through above all else is the maturity of the record it sounds more socially conscious which I would say is due in the most part to the fact that RZA has taken up production roles in movies and has dabbled in 'world' music. a good example of this would be in the 'intro' to the album, yes as we are accustomed by now, it starts with a kung-fu clip. But this time rather then being the sounds of a brawl, it is a conversation between a master and apprentice about becoming a better man and well rounded individual. Having listened to this album repeatedly over the past few days it has really grown on me and in my humble opinion, this is there best album since Wu Tang Forever. It is a shame however that there may never be another Wu album due to in-fighting.

My picks: gun will go, sunlight, windmill, life changes.

J