Kendrick Lamar Albums Metacritic

Amon Skres

2 min read

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07-01-2025

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Kendrick Lamar has solidified his place as one of the most important and influential rappers of the 21st century. His discography is consistently praised for its lyrical complexity, social commentary, and innovative production. But how do his albums fare according to the critical consensus reflected in Metacritic scores? Let's delve into a review of his studio albums based on their Metacritic scores. It's important to remember that Metacritic scores represent a weighted average of critic reviews and shouldn't be the sole measure of an album's artistic merit.

A Deep Dive into Each Album:

This overview examines each of Kendrick Lamar's studio albums, referencing their Metacritic scores to provide context to critical reception. These scores are subject to change as new reviews are published.

1. Section.80 (2011): Metacritic Score - 80

Lamar's debut mixtape-turned-album, Section.80, established his raw talent and introspective songwriting. While not his most commercially successful work, it showcased his potential and set the stage for his future triumphs. The critical response was generally positive, praising its honest depiction of life in Compton and Lamar's emerging lyrical prowess. The 80 Metacritic score reflects a strong initial reception from critics.

2. good kid, m.A.A.d city (2012): Metacritic Score - 91

A significant leap forward, good kid, m.A.A.d city catapulted Lamar to mainstream recognition. The album's cohesive storytelling, vivid imagery, and introspective lyrics resonated deeply with critics and audiences alike. Its high Metacritic score reflects the widespread critical acclaim it received, solidifying Lamar's status as a leading voice in hip-hop.

3. To Pimp a Butterfly (2015): Metacritic Score - 96

This ambitious and critically acclaimed album is frequently cited as one of the greatest hip-hop albums ever made. To Pimp a Butterfly is a complex exploration of race, identity, and spirituality, showcasing Lamar's virtuosity as a songwriter and rapper. The near-perfect Metacritic score underscores the overwhelmingly positive critical reception, highlighting the album's impact and influence on the musical landscape.

4. DAMN. (2017): Metacritic Score - 90

DAMN., a shorter and more concise album compared to To Pimp a Butterfly, earned widespread critical praise for its production, Lamar's lyrical dexterity, and its exploration of themes such as faith, doubt, and morality. While not achieving the same peak score as To Pimp a Butterfly, the 90 Metacritic score still places it among the highest-rated albums of its year and in Lamar's extensive catalog.

5. Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers (2022): Metacritic Score - 95

Lamar's latest studio album, Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, builds upon his established themes and incorporates elements of psychedelia and experimental sounds. The album received overwhelmingly positive critical reviews that highlight its ambitious scope, introspective lyricism, and vulnerability. The high Metacritic score reflects the ongoing critical success of Kendrick Lamar's evolving artistic vision.

Conclusion:

Kendrick Lamar's discography reveals a continuous evolution in both his artistic expression and his critical reception. While numerical scores can't fully capture the nuances of musical artistry, the Metacritic scores provide a useful snapshot of how critics have generally perceived each of his studio albums, highlighting his consistent excellence and lasting impact on hip-hop.