Straight Outta Compton review

The first album by the notorious and controversial hip hop group N.W.A, which is an early and influential example of Gangsta Rap. The recent film about this group is highly recommended.

Tracks:

1. Straight Outta Compton: 9/10 it may lack a chorus, but this fast and furious track remains one of the most badass rap tracks ever recorded.

2. Fuck tha Police: 10/10 the title may initially seem unpleasant, but once you listen to the song you'll realize it's one of the best protest songs ever recorded and a rap masterpiece. Ice Cube's verse is pure genius.

3. Gangsta Gangsta: 9/10 nasty, ugly, repellent, ferocious, wonderfully wrong in every sense and utterly blistering.

4. If it Ain't Ruff: 8/10 a continuation of the awesomeness of the first few tracks, even if it isn't quite as striking.

5. Parental Discretion Iz Advised: 9/10 all 5 members of N.W.A do a great job here and show the group was a poetic one (Albeit very violent poetry).

6. 8 Ball (Remix): 8/10 a highly enjoyable remix.

7. Something Like That: 8/10 it's ugly, but just go with it. It's also brilliantly written and delivered and highly enjoyable.

8. Express Yourself: 8/10 a rare clean song from N.W.A with plenty of good rhymes and a nice message as well.

9. Compton's N the House (Remix): 7/10 the first song on the album that could be skipped but still a decent enough remix.

10. I Ain't tha One: 7/10 undeniably well-done, despite the endless sexism.

11. Dopeman (Remix): 7/10 like most of the songs on the album this goes on for too long, but it still has plenty of good bars.

12. Quiet on tha Set: 8/10 a solid and pleasingly raw track.

13. Something 2 Dance 2: 7/10 this catchy filler ends the album on a decent note.

Best song: Fuck tha Police
Worst song: Compton's N the House (Remix)

Summary: One of rap's most important albums and it's not hard to see why. Filled with anger, ugliness, social commentary and rebellion, this is the album that just won't behave and it's great fun to listen to. It's also often thought-provoking and sobering. It's a winning combination of great lyrics and excellent production, with all 5 group member giving strong performances throughout the album. Unfortunately it peaks too early with its early tracks and becomes a bit repetitive in its second half, so it doesn't quite create the same feel of euphoria through the whole album. On the whole though, this is a very good rap record which is endlessly badass and represents a form of aggressive, angry art.



Final rating: 8/10