Reviews (page 7 of 9)
Quite boring, nothing of note
👍
Decent - good rapping, good beats, but I need my hip hop to have a good hook and be a little more upbeat.
FUCK YES! This is my favorite solo Wu-Tang project, I think. I've also been in a real samurai movie phase so I've been thinking about this album a lot lately. Energy is felt once the cards are dealt/ with the impact of roundhouse kicks from black belts/ that attack the microphones like cyclones or typhoons/ I represent from midnight to high noon
Classic 90s hip hop/rap. I liked the amount of samples and skits, did not feel it was overpowering.
Read the label or you might get poisoned!! Highlights: Duel Of The Iron Mic, Living In The World Today, Gold, 4th Chamber, Swordsman, I Gotcha Back, B.I.B.L.E.
atmospheric, one of the best wu tang related projects
The sample choices and guests elevated it.
Fire as fuck. Real raw rhymes I like it I don’t really listen to GZA like that old school rappin. Imma probably start listening to more tho. Investigative reports is one of the most fire tracks I’ve heard from this era.
Didn’t catch much of the text but loved the album still. You could see it’s a very well planned album. Probably my favorite rap album so far. Will have to relisten one day.
I don't really listen to lyrics so can't comment on that. Musically I enjoyed it, good grooves and vibes.
Loved the samples, but tbh it wasn’t my style. Like I appreciate it and all, but can’t see myself putting this on on the subway. TBD.
i love this record !! fun inventive production, some of the best wutang member verses in the books
Incredible. Cant wrap my head around the lyricism and flow. Very glad that i got 36 chambers before this for context. Only reason it doesnt get a five is that i saw a comment saying that rza tends to leave in way too much skit and filler in the songs themselves which makes just listening to the songs difficult but its a very minor critique. Also BIBLE is probably the best song on this but it isnt even GZA lol. Amazing nonetheless 4.5
Quality Hip Hop album. Fav track: 4th Chamber
Took me a minute but I really settled into this one. There's some brilliant introspection and genuine questioning in the lyrics along with the staunch stuff. Great beats too - its probably not my preferred hip-hop vibe but I can't fault a lot of it. Fave track: Swordsman
Pretty behind on albums so rushing through some reviews a bit. This was a great hip hop record. Solid lyrics, good beats, fun transitions. Fave track: Gold
Nah! Not my thing. Only B.i.B.L.E was kind of good
Not for me.
In 4th Chamber: "Sippin rum out of Stanley Cups" Even in the 90s Stanley had a chokehold on us
Um álbum que soa clássico, os timbres de de sintetizadores e bateria soam exatamente como se espera de um álbum do genero dessa época, a maioria das músicas do álbum contam histórias, acredito que se eu conseguisse acompanhar as letras com mais facilidades iria gostar mais do álbum. É impossível não enxergar a influência disso em alguns dos melhores momentos do rap nacional.
Thought I would hate it but I didn’t.
Gjorde ikkje så masse inntrykk
Good. I enjoyed this album, although I’m not as familiar with hip-hop as I should be.
What a great album, one I barely knew. Very atmospheric and evocative, lots of fascinating world-building. Good stuff!
I liked this OK and can see why GZA is held in such high regard. This just didn’t catch me in the way some other rap albums we’ve listened to have.
Not using my style, but I did enjoy this and I learned a surprising amount about 90s rap
Eines der wenigen klassischen Hip-Hop Alben, die ich bis jetzt gehört habe. Nicht schlecht, aber würde ich vermutlich nicht mehr anhören. 4.8/10
Not my music
Liked it, but I feel as if it’s missing something to truly get me to love it 7.5/10
Damn girl, are you Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth by Killah Priest, because you are a weird and unwanted bonus ruining an otherwise perfect situation
Meh, it was fine.
Solid rap, but did not leave a strong impression. 3.5
Ran thru it twice and really liked it. Smooth delivery with well used samples and good beats. Sometimes the skits on hip hop albums are overdone or out of place but that wasn’t the case on Liquid Swords, adding to the album instead of taking away from it. Strong appearance by Method Man on Shadowboxing which was my favourite track on this one. Strong album 4 stars
For me, as far as rap goes, Liquid Swords is palatable. Unique and stylish production kept me interested, but the songs overall didn't get through to me.
Lyrics are deep and meaningful. I’m not a rap fan
Not my type of music. Would give zero stars if I could.
Wu-Tang is not for me.
"Duel of the Iron Mic" and "Cold World" are amazing.
Well crafted album, I must say. Just not type of music that I particularly enjoy
Lives up to its reputation as one of the best rap albums ever created.
Not really a fan of Dr Suess music. Kind of amusing though
I loved this more than I would have guessed.
I've stated previously on here at how disappointed I was in the Wu-Tang albums missing the mark with me. Well, that trend has ended quite spectacularly here. What an incredible album. His flow is well ahead of his time, the lyrical content is simply magnificent, and the backing music and feel is all of the best of 90s hip hop. Perfect rap album, and I'm glad to have finally experienced this legendary album. Favorite track: B.I.B.L.E.
As a rap skeptic, this is the second day in a row of rap albums that have me second-guessing my biases. This was a fine listen, with some fun sampling (the intro in particular caught my attention) and some solid energy. It didn't quite blow me away, but even at 50+ minutes, I never found myself growing overly tired of it. This is a 3.5 star album for me, if I'm being honest, but without half stars at my disposal, I don't quite know if I consider this a 4.
Good example of the underground genre. Pleasant listen, can definitely come back to listen to it again. The rap flows very naturally, and the beats are simple but catchy and great to listen to.
Liquid Swords, Genius/GZA Liquid Swords - rap with musical beat, catch few words of lyric Duel of the Iron Mic - inventive story intro, otherwise ditto Living in the World Today - ditto - melody is short loop repeated ~ Gold - ditto Cold World - ditto Labels - ditto 4th chamber - ditto Shadowboxin' - ditto Hell's Wind Staff - mixed conversations over segue to melody + rap lyric Investigative Reports -- rap over background conv. intro, ditto style Swordsman -- ditto I Gotcha Back - ditto - sick throat-slit ending B.I.B.L.E. - ditto
Yuk
I really really enjoyed the samples and beats here. Could honestly vibe to them alone, but the rapping had intent and purpose, and only enhanced the instrumentals.
Has a nostalgic feel for me. Not an everyday listen but I appreciate these sounds.
Solid album all the way through. Never listened to this before.
Justin will probably kills me for this rating but I just can’t get into this album. I’m more interested in music than lyrics and this album is heavily tilted the other way. The one track I kinda liked is the last one (BIBLE).
Really excellent, but I would have to listen to this more and live with it more to give it a true 5-star rating. Still, I'm giving it an aspirational 5-stars as sort of a message to the 1001 Songs App Gods to give us more albums like this.
Being familiar with Wu, ODB and Method Man's bigger hits, this felt like hanging out with old friends. Yet, I was too into DMB and Lilith Fair artists to be into this when it came out. My mistake for sure.
Paar nummers
Not a 5, I don't follow the lyrics too well.
Very good.
Absolute legend. 5/5
Good album I reckon’d
Fire, a bit repetitive
Great rapping, top tier, but I wish there were more hooks like 36 Chambers.
ganz geil, schöner 90er Hip Hop
When I started listening to this, I didn’t much care for it. But as it went on, the production, lyrics, and concept continued to build, and I got really into it. The haunting style and atmosphere are really unique to this record. Parts of it were almost… creepy… but I liked that a lot.
I met GZA once on the street with my sister. He asked us who our favorite member of Wu Tang was, and I said him. My sister said "Method Man", to which he replied "Fuck outta here" and I missed my opportunity to hang out with GZA. This album is great. One of the best Wu Tang solo albums.
Really not into this
Enjoyed about as much as the Wu Tang debut. Production is masterful, atmosphere is great. Loved Swordsman and I Gotcha Back, BIBLE wasn't much good though, felt tacked on the end and totally out of place.
This album is really good at creating a dark and dense atmosphere with its beats and production, but GZA himself sounds like he's reciting the fable of the three little piggies. Man has no energy in his delivery - it's like he's reading off a piece of paper while sitting on a lawn chair in the studio. It works occasionally, but he gets overshadowed by almost every feature, and the whole thing started getting a bit stale near the end. More variety wouldn't hurt. "4th Chamber" and "Shadowboxin'" go hard as hell though. Maybe this is a grower, I'll see.
Easily one of the best spin offs from the Wu-Tang legacy. The Rza being noted to push Gza to his wits end to get these verses on track when the Wu had become comfortable in their success and were all going their own way. When the Gza found that space where he could start spitting “Liquid Swords” it created one of the only times and solo albums where the entire clan jumped on like Voltron.
Banger
Amazing!!
cool old R&B album
3,5 weil besser als Queen
No muy memorable
Was good, not much my thing though
This was when Wu-Tang still had a 103 mph fastball. Classic album!
wu tang clan aint nuthin to fuck with
Meh.
I like it.
That was some seriously impressive flows on this one. Apparently I've been sleeping on Wu Tang, always hear about them, but never listened for some reason. GZA's flow sounds way ahead of the pack, I like this way better than the in-you-face gangster tough guy rap that I associate with 90s rap
J'aime le rap du passé ???
I miss this 90s flow
Totally zoned out. Forgot I was even listening to anything. Went back to the beginning and started again. After 3 tracks I was bored senseless. I find gangsta rap bad 98% of the time, good 2%, but this is the first time I've had no emotion to it. What a boring album. Boring beats, boring lyrics. 2* but I don't know why. Probably because I reserve 1* for albums I really dislike but I'm entirely indifferent to this.
The cover is terrible lol. So. Is it enjoyable? Yes. Does it sound a lot like MF Doom? Also yes. Which is fine, but at some point this specific type of rap sort of becomes a genre unto itself? Like with THAT type of beat and structure and whatnot. It’s not bad, it’s just not all that interesting anymore. Like it just didn’t age well.
It was cool, not really my cup of tea but I enjoyed it
cool
Liquid Swords - i really don't like long skit openings. this is very slow flow but it flows incredibly well. (4/5 the opening was forgiven) Duel of the Iron Mic - okay, this is incredible. the word choices are insane but it doesn't break. this is fucking skill. (5/5 this is how you incorporate skits into the music) Living in the World Today - i'm honestly kinda speechless every time he just goes. (5/5) Gold - on the slow side. still good flow (4/5 kinda lost me a little but i trust this album will pick up) Cold World - told you so. chill beat but good precise rhymes that strike. its just good. (5/5 the lyrics got interesting in the last half.) Label - very interesting. good beats every time (5/5) 4th Chamber - my boy Jesus? (5/5) Shadowboxin' - another slower one. a good break, the beats are too good. (5/5) H.W.S/K.H 10304 - a little long on the opening again. (3/5 i feel bad for not vibing with this one) Investigative Reports - 5/5 Swordsman - i just keep getting blown away 5/5 I Gotcha Back - man hard hitter. 5/5 B.I.B.L.E - good outro for this album so far. 5/5 i have to give this album a 5/5 for the average. it dropped a little near the end for me, but it always picked back up. so i actually enjoyed the whole album.
the best wu tang album.
Probably tied for my favourite solo wu-tang album with 'Only Built 4 Cuban Linx', though '36 Chambers' is obviously the king of all things wu. Production is ahead of it's time on this one, clearly influencing a lot of experimental hip-hop to come, and GZA matches these beats with gritty storytelling and intelligent rhymes. He might not flow as smoothly as Ghostface or be as eccentric as ODB, but he has a distinct voice and style to his lyrics that keeps the album engaging 100% of the runtime. Great features from other wu-tang members also. Highlights for me are '4th Chamber', 'Killah Hills', 'B.I.B.L.E', and of course 'Gold' which is a masterclass in hip-hop storytelling.
2ème album solo du boy du wu-tang clan GZA. Thug life. Dark atmosphere. Y'a des grosses lyrics (barsssss)! J'ai pas capoté autant je l'aurais voulu.
Smooth 90s vibe
Really see how the band influenced so much of the ‘80s and what followed
Excellent from front to back. Everything on this album just sounds right
Kinda like MF DOOM's sound but more gangsta and less trippy.
Hip hop has a serious problem with boring, same ol' same ol' lyrics and tone. I understand there's technical skill to phrasing, rhyming, sampling, etc., but the genre maintains such tight parameters you hardly get any variety across artists, let alone an album. I mean four decades after RUN DMC rappers are still saying the exact same things the same way. And there's almost nothing thought-provoking or emotionally engaging in it. There are exceptions of course and I like Tribe, the Beasties, Deltron, Public Enemy, and a few other unique-sounding artists. But GZA's Swords doesn't seem interesting to me just because he rhymes about chess and being wise like Abraham. And haven't kung fu movies been sampled plenty of times before Wu Tang?
10/10 - One of the best albums i've ever heard
good os hip hop. Reminds of chill WTC songs
Killer stuff!
didnt get through all yet but enjoyed it
Not groundbreaking like 36 Chambers, not a classic solo effort like Only Built 4 Cuban Linx, but still a strong addition to the overall Wu-Tang canon. Production is really strong, builds on the dark soundscapes of 36 Chambers. Some really clever and vivid lyricism. A few truly notable/memorable tracks.
Smooth. Interesting concept, good rhymes. This is a case of "if i liked this, this would be exactly the kind I'd like" but it's not for me.
Bueno pero muy largo
Interesting rap, not to bad, 3 stars
Was happy to see this album appear, as a casual fan of Wu Tang I’m not overly familiar with members solo albums beyond ODB and Method Man. GZA has an absolutely immaculate flow and the overall vibe and feeling of the album encapsulates early 90s rap in a timeless way
once again, really not my mood so i didn’t listen. when im feeling a bit better ill listen to all again
Apparently meant to be one of the best lyrical journeys? Beats are meant to be innovative and interesting but I found it quite repetitive.
Notable track: Shadowboxin’
this was crazy
Didn't know this album. Turns out it perfectly serviceable 90's wrap. No complaints.
As much as they are truly the finest rap group there probably ever will be, the number of members from the Wu-Tang Clan who didn’t really have much of a solo career is surprising. With GZA/Genius, that is not the case. He always represented a strong leader type for the group, and that independence comes through very clearly on this album. Both this and Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) are very clear and concise as to what they want to be. But the energy is totally different. You feel that rebelliousness on 36 Chambers. This is darker. It’s grittier. And honestly, it’s better. I love Wu-Tang’s debut, but this is RZA and GZA at their absolute peak. Every beat is masterfully crafted, with insanely cool sample usage. And the lyricism is equal parts sci-fi, gangster rap, and samurai dynasty. I genuinely can’t pick one particular song that does something worse than the others. Each one could stand on its own. Even B.I.B.L.E., which doesn’t contain GZA in any capacity, and feels more like a bonus track than anything, is amazing. I actually really like the beat on that song. This is basically 13 tracks of near flawless hip-hop music. All killer, no filler. Rating: 10/10
first listen to this in years and its so much more obtuse than I remember (compliment). wordplay is immense and the instrumentals are top notch. really the only thing that brings this down is minute long intros and outros. best tracks: investigative reports, gold, shadowboxin
A really great project. While I don't have a select few song on constant rotation, the highlights (and the majority of this album) really is *that* good, and absolutely earns it's heralded reputation
The Shogun!
Not sure I’m a fan
Dirty dungeon beats, great lyrics. Favorite songs being living in the world today, liquid swords, 4th chamber. One of my favorite hip hop albums, but can be a little too “dirty” sounding for me to listen to over and over.
The flow, rap and beats are all very 90's hip hop but very good 90's hip hop. One of the more iconic rappers from the Era, the east coast style is on display in this album. Some high highs and a few songs that are okay. An overall solid album.
Awesome opening, loved the 4th chamber, I gotcha back, and bible. Bible didn't feel like it fit with the narrative of the album and at time it was difficult to understand the lyrics. Love the gritty nyc vibe
Standouts: Liquid Swords, I Gotcha Back 3/5
Good hip hop
Classic
kivaa vaihteluu ja oli kyl ihan mukava kokemus! ujosti epäilin oisko mun juttu mut kyl tää huttas very nice
So fucking good. I listened to this first several months ago, and didn't write a review, but I still find myself coming back to this album. Of course the first two tracks with the audio from the kung-fu albums are stand out, but for me, the standouts are Shadowboxin' (killer sample), Gold (production gives a real authentic amateur feel), B.I.B.L.E (I love a self-aware closing track on an album). If there's any criticism, I'd say they rely a bit too much on overlaid voice tracks (from the news/movies/whatever), but that's a quibble.
3.8 - Pretty good, was pleasantly surprised
This is shockingly laid back for being the product of transmuting a sick anime sword fight sequence into a stellar hip hop album. Feeling silky smooth... might cut you across the neck later.
This album isn't something I'd necessarily seek out, but it's great. Seems like I'm gonna be a fan of 90s hip-hop.
IT'S ABOUT DAMN TIME I SEE A WU AFFILIATED ALBUM. And what better way to jump into the train than with arguably one the best solo Wu projects. This is the kind of pristine and an excellent aggressive atmosphere that I enjoy from them. It doesn't feel like GZA gets his full just due but this album is an example of the amount of consistency he has had to offer. RECOMMENDED WU LISTEN. NECESSARY LISTENING. ESSENTIAL HIP HOP. 5 OUT OF 5 NINJA STARS.
Probably pinnacle level for this genre of hip hop. I grew up on the same kind of badly dubbed kung fu films filling weekend hours on sleepy regional TV stations, wierd resonance for a former (very former) kid from the rural midwest - framing that hits better for me than the mafiosa thing.
Liquid Swords is a great album that I've always thought is more back-filled. The album is very well produced but with songs like 4th Chamber and Shadowboxin' towards the middle/end of the album it just kind of feels like the beginning is a lot of preamble.
What more can be said. One of the best rap albums of all time. Amazing.
Awful
Not really my kind of music.
Not something I put on but I see why its on this list. But the 90s flow isnt it for me. Its clear and concise but repetitive. But great beats and lyrics and overall cadence and flow is good
Wu-Tang! Wu-Tang! Wu-Tang! Wu-Tang!
Very solid album, I really liked the rap and the over all samurai theme was cool
Ég entist ekki í gegnum alla plötuna. Dreeeeepleiðinlegt drasl.
I "slept on this" as the kids say. However have no idea why; I knew a few of the tunes from Wu compilations, however this is up there as an amazing album. Not quite up with the best however solidly B album alongside WU Tang forever level, which easily makes it a 5.
Dry production. A bit dated.
I enjoyed this. Never really listened to Wu Tang or any of its members stuff before but this was an easy sounding old school rap track. Everything sounded effortless and I much prefer this style on average to some of the newer stuff I've heard, like Kendrick.
A plethora of samples and top beats but failed to pack a lyrical punch
HL: title track, “Gold”, “Cold World”, “4th Chamber”, “Investigative Reports”, “Swordsman” One of my earliest albums on this list, Wu-Tang’s debut, got a wan 3 stars from me. While I still feel a bit out of my element listening to them, I’ve come around to enjoying pretty much every track from that album, going so far as to see the Wu Tang live when they rolled into town. I remember thinking, man that GZA has a cool, calm presence (and also, maybe a bit tired), and also I’d like to hear more of his stuff. Enter Liquid Swords! Compared to the other spin-off I’ve heard, “…Cuban Linx”, it’s more serious & less braggadocious, and combined with RZA’s hypnotic soundscapes, it just works better for me. “Swordsman” isn’t my favourite song lyrically, but it might have my favourite sample on the whole album. November 16th, 2023
Really solid rap, and I really liked the framing with the samurai story.
Kinda torn. Some stuff I liked, some I didn't care for. Not a terrible album.
I am usually not big on Hip Hop albums, but I actually quite enjoyed this one.
Not really my vibe but it's alright, I liked the instrumentals
Repetitive
Opzich prima rap, niks op tegen denk ik
# 108 : it's listenable, but rap is not my thing. Interesting and annoying samples throughout. The beats are all out of time and tune. not much fun. Favourite Track : Shadow Boxing Listened : 13/11/2023
Haven't analyzed the lyrics but the beats are perfect for working on a rainy morning.
I've never listened to any Wu Tang or side album straight before. The flow is unreal. Anytime I'm focused on the lyrics they are tight but I find I just want to zone out with it and listen. Great to see they are big nerds sampling lone wolf and cub.
This is one of my favorite hip-hop albums, if not my favorite. Enter the Wu-tang is a great album and this, as one of the solo record follow ups felt to me like the most direct extension of Enter the Wu-tang. Cinematic. Some of the best lyricism and flow ever. Sword analogies get thrown around a lot but hard to avoid with how sharp the rhymes are. Beats you can just get lost in. The peak of RZAs production. Shadowboxin' is my favorite beat. 4th Chamber has some of my favorite lyrics. Too many examples to list. Ghostface is my favorite member of the Wu-tang Clan Ghostface - "Why is the sky blue? Why is water wet? Why did Judas rat to Romans while Jesus slept?" Killah Priest kills it on this track also. And RZA... Protons Electrons Always Cause Explosions
GZA isn't my go-to Wu-Tang member but a solo outing from any of them rarely disappoints
GZA’s lyrics are interesting and varied. The through-line of scenes from “Shogun Assassin” certainly tied the album together, through I don’t know if I understood the reasoning behind its inclusion. Perhaps an unpopular opinion, but I didn’t love most of the beats—or at least, I grew tired of them quickly as so many of them were so repetitive. I think that is what ultimately kept me from enjoying the album more. But I do feel like perhaps I need more time with this one than a single day. I could see this album growing on me.
Another really good 90s rap album. Good beats and lyrics so what else to ask for. Rating: 4.3
C'est évidemment pas nul, et tu peux laisser l'album tourner en boucle en fond sans passer.. mais ça manque de tranchant. Bizarrement tout ce qui gravite autour du wu tang dans le rap US old school c'est pas ce que je préfère. Il me faut un peu plus de punch ou un flow plus tranchant
2.5/5 - don't really get gza or wu-tang, overrated if you ask me. Fave tracks: Gold, B.I.B.L.E.
Zzz
Overall, not for me, but I did enjoy the tracks B.I.B.L.E. and I Gotcha Back. Had honestly never heard of GZA, but that's one me.
Wow ! Never heard that album before. Quickly became one of my favorite. RZA beats are out of this world. GZA is a master of flow as always ! 5 stars
I wish I listened to this album while reading the lyrics. Maybe I will next time.
um pouco datado
Genius
Philosophical and lyrical, with tongue-twisting rhymes and a heavy martial arts inspiration. A worthy addition to the Wu-Tang oeuvre.
nope
Solid 5 stars. A lyrical masterpiece, had heard one or two bits but never listened to the whole album. Absolutely class.
Really enjoyed this one!
Hell yeah, dude
decent
Great classic hip-hop beats
Im not into rap but I can appreciate lyrics that make you think about something you don’t know anything about. This isn’t really something I’ll ever listen to again but I can’t say it’s bad. I loved that it used shitty overdubbed martial arts movies as skits between tracks. I feel like this was the template for a lot of rap music to follow.
Ugh, I just really was not in the mood for this and could not concentrate on it but that doesn’t mean it’s bad so it’s getting a 3
This album got better and better as it went on. Initially I was only going to give it a 3 but on further listen I am giving it a 4. Solid raps.
A solid little brother to 36 Chambers, but that absolutely killer group dynamic really feels missing here for me. Given how legendary this album is, I can't help but be a smidge disappointed.
I think for me, GZA is what makes Wu-Tang special. That Wuxia-inspired aesthetic makes for a strong flavor that blends well with the New York Street, along with deeper references and interesting topics.
okay no idea who these people are… 1. Liquid Swords - okay child is giving a narration, is this the whole thing?, okay nvm, that was a long ass intro, so old school hip hop, it’s not bad ig but i’m not really a fan of this one, it’s a bit slow - not the kind of rap that i like, i liked the ending instruments 2. Duel Of The Iron Mic - stop that is such a sick name, i see a theme with the introduction thing, i think i like this instrumental more, idk i think i just find it a bit boring 3. Living In The World Today - not a big fan, don’t like it, again i think it’s boring, the ending bass is nice 4. Gold - i didn’t even realise a new song had started 😭😭 had to rewind it loool, once again old school hip hop, it’s too long to the point i wanna skip 😬 5. Cold World - so are they doing that on purpose? making the beginning of a song sound the same as the ending of the one before??? that’s pretty cool, this one has a bit more of like a tune ig, oh it’s got a singing chorus but i don’t like it 😪😫, i feel like there’s a lot of dissonance 6. Labels - okay wait i like the beat for this, eh it was okay 7. 4th Chamber - sounds a bit sci-fi, hm interesting, this album is too long 😭😭😭😭😭 i cba i don’t like it at all, do u kno how many times i’ve yawned listening to this album 8. Shadowboxin’ - there’s actually not much more i can talk about this album if all the songs are gna all sound the same, falling asleep, it’s really not my tastes 9. Hells Wind Staff/ Killah Hills 10304 - i actually love how they make the songs continuous, makes it seem like a story or something, what am i listening to, this is genuinely a story, HAHAHAHA, that was funny, Tony Stark 👀, my man Mohammad from afganistan????, yk i would probably enjoy this more if i was the type to listen to lyrics first rather than melody and instrumental 10. Investigative Reports - i actually don’t mind this one, it was alright 11. Swordsman - icl atp it’s just like background noise for me rn, not vibing, 12. I Gotcha Back - okay strong start with that instrumental, i think this one’s not that bad, i wouldn’t listen to it like in my own time but i think it’s better than the rest, i liked that little instrument thing, it’s so flipping long man, i might just skip, nvm airpods died, okay i’m back i’ll just listen to the rest of it, instrumental section and it isn’t even nice, what in the smegul, don’t breathe in my ear 13. B.I.B.L.E (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth) - LAST ONE FINALLY, again if i paid attention to lyrics id probably enjoy this more, but it’s not boring at least, what an interesting song, i actually read the lyrics while it was going, felt a lot shorter than the others but i think that’s cos i was actually interested
I can appreciate the talent and art, which is something I never would’ve thought myself capable saying about a rap album, but I just don’t care for rap. If I were a fan of the genre, I could see this being great; it’s just not great to me.
5/10. I think this was pretty good, and the movie sampling sounding stuff is always fun, but I didn't really feel like the music itself was much my style.
I like this album and I've listened to it a few times before, but it's never reached the highest echelon of this era of rap for me. I think maybe I'm just not listening to the lyrics enough. The beats are great but sometimes blend into each other, and it wouldn't be a 90s hip hop record without a bunch of non-music in between every song. Still very solid. 8/10
Def not my kind of music. Some of the songs are kinda creepy...
Yeah this was pretty nice. Obviously a very talented rapper and had some cool beats and production. I know this is a really highly regarded album, but something about it didn't quite click with me all the way. I would like to revisit it again sometime and maybe it will click for me a bit more next time.
One of the best Wu-Tang solo albums, ICONIC. The lyrical content, the storytelling by the GZA and the features from every member of the clan is top tier and should be used as a measuring stick for hip-hop lyricism. Pretty much everything about this album is iconic, the album artwork, the lyrical sword play and the gritty/grimy production from the RZA with the movie samples 🤌🏾. 👐🏾
Not bad but I don’t t like gangster rap. So I can only give two stars…
Helllllll yeah
Incredible lyricism, the whole album feels very real and from the heart. An all time classic.
Nr. 20/1001 Liquid Swords 3/5 Duel Of The Iron Mic 3/5 Living In The World Today 4/5 Gold 3/5 Cold War 2/5 Labels 3/5 4th Chambers 3/5 Shadowboxin' 4/5 Hell's Wind Staff 2/5 Investigative Reports 3/5 Swordsman 3/5 I Gotcha Back 2/5 B.I.B.L.E 5/5 Average: 3,08 The last song was awesome. For the others I felt like the music/beats didn't really compliment the rapping.
yoooo
Fantastic ninja story
Interesting. Different. Started to enjoy the later tracks.
I liked the rhythm and general vibe of the album which is very 1990s. On the other hand I admit it's difficult to carefully listen to the lyrics of a long hip-hop album like this, and understand what it's about for those who aren't native speakers. So I feel like I'm missing half the fun here. But one thing is sure: I didn't like all the profanities...
Boooooring.
Strong start. Tails off towards the end. Dungeon hip hop gets a bit depressing after a while?
Just literally no desire to listen to this album. It's so not my thing. I'm sure it's good and worthy of being on my list. Just not for me whatsoever.
Kinda cool - not really my thing but I can see why its in the collection.
Not at all familiar with this album. It's quintessential 90s hip hop, though. Full disclosure, my appreciation for hip hop only began in the naughts (00s). I'm still learning about this genre of music. I love the sampling throughout the album. Great wordsmithing too, albeit not safe for work in the slightest. "I leave 'em split like ass cheeks [...]"
Absolutely seminal hip hop. A stone classic.
Classic mid 90s hip hop. Still slaps
Typical of 90s hiphop, samples and scratchy vocals. Not my preferred genre but I benchmark everything against Ready to Die from this era and it holds it own despite not worrying the top spot
It is offensive that the YouTube link for this excludes the movie clip from the beginning, and blanks out cocaine on the first track.
Loved the intro to the album. My head is nodding
Awesome.
It wasn't bad or anything Rap is just not for me. However the older Rap and HipHop does have something cool about it and it sounds so much cleaner than the modern stuff. Interesting album, not my taste.
Not bad, but nothing to bring me back.
Liquid lyricism. Bold beats. Wonderful Wutang.
Good
Enjoyed the closing track but found a lot of the rest musically bland. Quite liked the novelty of the samurai story between tracks.
Quite the tale. Rapper appreciation of martial arts for sure. Love it!
Frickin sick
Interesting fantasy samurai album with some solid hip hop in it
Not my taste in music. I can appreciate the artistry, but not an album I would normally choose to listen to.
Started off strong then got kinda boring
The best spin off WuTang Album, the Samurai samples are sick and everyone's rapping on this Favorites: Liquid Swords 4th Chamber Duel of the Iron Mic
Hip hop. Coñazo.
not my style
Considered taking a point off just b/c of the singing in Cold World. This album goes hard af though.
If it was my sort of thing I’d probably love it, but it’s not so I don’t
Yay advanced human experience
beat un peu lassant comme tous vieux hip hop. still solid 7/10
Not liked, listened to the complete album
awesome album
GZA is "The genius" for a reason. His flow and lyrics were years ahead of their time. This is that old school in your face rap from an actual MC. Not just a producer making a beat with a featuring artist singing into some autotune. So put on your headphones. Close your eyes. And listen to the story that this album tells.
After having listened to it only once, no songs specifically stick out in my head as memorable. But I enjoyed it and it was s good listen.
Uno de los mejores álbumes del Hip-hop neoyorquino de los ‘90s. Sumamente innovador en tanto a propuestas narrativas y usos de skits, ademas de contar con flows y colaboraciones sorprendentes.
I didn't expect to like Liquid Swords as much as I did. GZA, being a member of the Wu-Tang Clan, really knows how to tell a story, and with a concept of Shogun Assassins, it was a match made in heaven. The way GZA was able to weave in and out of taking you all the way from the martial arts world and into the gritty, dark reality of the world in today's terms. Best: Liquid Swords Worst: I Gotcha Back
Yeah, this was pretty good. Although I thought it was going to be quite different based on the intro.
the epitome of 90s rap. very cool
Not a fan. All the rhythms and vocalizations are so similar throughout the album that it feels like only one song is on the album
great
B.I.B.L.E. CLEARS!!!! Wu-tang lore, Samurai x MF Doom type. No bad songs, but only one standout. Other songs I liked in the moment: Cold world, I gotcha back
Great album. Would recommend for a intro to Wu style
All time classic. Choose 5 stars, and you will join me. Choose any less, and you will join your father, in death. You do not understand, but you must choose.
Never been a big fan of the Doom like cartoon themed stuff, but the beats and the rapping is on point. Old school, samples, scratching, sick flow. Very pleased with this one. The songs 4th Chamber, Shadowboxin’, Investigative Reports and B.I.B.L.E. are dope as hell.
Decen
Nothing much that resonated with me on this album. 2.5 stars
Shadowboxing is a great song. Investigative Reports is another one. I'm not super into the first half of the album, but I'm vibing more with the end of it.
A masterpiece.
This was a great album. Never listened to it before.
Excellent 90's rap.
very different from what i usually listen to. i liked the vintage rap sound
Veel van hetZelfde
Het zal vast goed zijn maar niet voor de gevoelige oren van een blanke witte man van middelbare leeftijd. Fuck, dat doet zeer als je dat opschrijft.
Weer een hoop gescheld en ge-this en that.
Kan ik missen.
J'ai trouvé ça bien, mais ça ne m'a pas accrochée. La chose que je retiens le plus est le débit bien cadencé et l'utilisation des samples de film, qui rappelle Wu-Tang en général
Was expecting more.
I don't often listen to hip hop, and the brilliance of many of the genre's artists is often lost on me. But this album? I don't know if it's the way the songs are presented, if it's the samurai movie theme or what, but for some reason I actually really liked that one.
10/10 Cold World gratest song of all time
Sometimes I don't get all the hype around Wu-Tang Clan, and this exceptionally average hip-hop album from one of the founders is good proof of it.
Pretty average hip hop
I liked it. I have never listened to any Wu-Tang related material before, except just randomly, from streaming. I may have to address that.
Brani Preferiti: - Non apprezzato Note: Probabilmente al tempo era considerato un album "Innovativo", ma dopo più di 20 anni sono usciti molti album di questo genere a mio avviso migliore di questo. Un voto basato su gusti personali, di una persona che non apprezza l'Hip-Hop come farebbe qualcun'altro di questo pubblico.
Mid 90s hip hop. Not my forte. I was listening to a lot of hard rock and grunge and totally missed this album at the time, although I think this guy is part of the Wu Tang Clan?? Anyways not bad for hip hop. Booming bass and cool backgrounds and the rap is really solid and almost melodic.
"Liquid Swords" by GZA, a cornerstone of hip-hop, is an album that has left a mark on the genre since its release. With its release in 1995, GZA, a prominent member of the Wu-Tang Clan, delivered a masterpiece that remains relevant and influential to this day. The album's production, heavily influenced by RZA, is a perfect marriage of haunting and soulful beats that set a dark and atmospheric tone. This sonic landscape complements GZA's razor-sharp lyricism and intricate storytelling. Tracks like "Duel of the Iron Mic" and "Living in the World Today" showcase his lyrical prowess, blending street knowledge with vivid imagery. GZA's alias, the Genius, is fitting as he delves into a wide array of subjects, from street life to philosophy and chess. "Liquid Swords," the title track, encapsulates the album's essence with its vivid metaphors and sharp wordplay. GZA's lyrical dexterity is on full display, and his ability to craft intricate narratives is unparalleled. What truly distinguishes "Liquid Swords" is its ability to transport listeners to the gritty and unforgiving world GZA portrays. The album's cohesive storytelling makes it akin to a cinematic experience, where each track contributes to a larger narrative. This cohesiveness elevates it beyond a collection of songs; it's a lyrical journey. "Liquid Swords" stands as a timeless classic that continues to inspire generations of hip-hop artists. Its influence on the genre is immeasurable, and its place in hip-hop history is firmly cemented. GZA's "Liquid Swords" remains a masterpiece that transcends time and genre, earning its place among the greatest hip-hop albums ever created.
I appreciate music is personal taste, and this a genre i avoid lime the plague. But this is absolute drivel. Monotonous backround beat and spouting out offensive, non sensical lyrics. It really doesn't get much worse than this. By using some samples from a film apparently elevated this guy fo superztarxom. Blimey, theres hope for all of us.
Litt skuffende
I like it but there is a time and a place for hip hop
Decent.
Nice change to get 90s hip hop. Didn't care much for a lot of the story telling or spoken word at the beginning of a lot of the songs. Kinda threw off the vibe or momentum in between songs. I can tolerate that when its at the beginning of the album etc. Overall, it was okay.
I dunno...maybe I was expecting something a bit harder from an ex Wu-Tang member, but this didn't stand out to me at any level.
Consistent and there’s much to like.
I listened to this so long ago... I forget. But I did listen, and don't remember it impressing me much.
didn't listen fully, not as good as wu tang
Wu Tang for life
Pretty dope
Ok
this is a belter of an album. It's better than almost all of the other wu-tang stuff, collective or solo.
🥃
The album cover has a guy getting his head cut off by a flying guillotine; that's 5 stars by itself.
Not my kind of music (yet again). Next!
Hard to get into this... Not a good holiday soundtrack
Nah
Aight
This was really really good, probably one of the best rap albums I’ve had generated so far.
Front to back, great album. Keeps a solid energy throughout, doesn't overstay its welcome. Dark, sinister beats mixed with tight lyrical ability and flow. Favorite tracks: "Gold", "Shadowboxin'", "Investigative Reports"
pretty good not bad
Interesting, but generally I didn't enjoy it much.
V different but i enjoyed a lot of it
Amazing album. Personally my favorite, reminds me a lot of MF DOOM.
I just have no interest. I listened to the first track and I gave up. I’m sure it’s good if you like this sort of thing.
High quality, solid album as one would expect from GZA & RZA.
Peak Wu-Tang. Like visiting an old friend and when it's time to go you're like, "damn! we should hang out more often."
Hmm this may be the best of any Wu-Tang Clan members that I've heard so far. There's some nice lyrical flow and darkness that feels quite real and hypnotic here. Of course I don't like the random kung-fu movie samples but... maybe I even like this more than Wu-Tang Clan!?
Definitely an album I'd like to go through again once I'm more familiar with the genre. I liked the overall atmosphere of the album and how the clips from the other media helped build it. Still, it at times was too easy to 'check out' and have all of the songs blend together- again, probably mostly a result of not being super familiar with the genre. Would like to revisit after growing a little more familiar with rap overall.
Ha I just got the Wu-Tang album two days ago and now I get a solo work. I really enjoyed it. Good flow and good beats.
слишком вялая штука
Такая хуета, если честно... Я уже жду, как нас захуесосят в комментариях под роликом с этим альбомом, но. Тексты - это конечно великая работа со стилем и отсылками. Музыка и биты - ну вообще никуда не идёт. Мы слушали столько офигительных хип-хоп альбомов, и старше, и младше, где MC и битмарь заставляли тебя качаться и прыгать. А здесь... читает он прям тоже без отдачи практически. В общем, разочаровался я в хип-хопе опять...
Sounds like a good album, just not exactly my style
Possibly better than 36 Chambers definitely top tier 90s hip hop album and a classic for a reason.
I'm not into it. I like the kung-fu elements, but I'm not feeling the beats or rapping at all really. They don't feel particularly innovative or interesting.
I have never listened to a GZA solo album. This was pretty good and is very much the type of rap that I have always enjoyed listening to. I put a few of these songs in my collection I keep, but am not sure I would revisit the album too often.
After 30 years, this album is still in my rotation, top-10 hip hop album for me. While everyone from the Clan sounds great, the GZA really stands out for me. Repeated listens required.
This album was solid. I enjoyed almost every song.
Never heard this album before yesterday and not my usual genre of music. But I listened to it a couple times and found it to be quite enjoyable.
An all-around good Wu-Tang album. All members appear as far as I can tell. RZA and GZA doing the production on all. Opening dialogue clip can get lengthy, probably turns some people off. But Killah Hills, BIBLE, Labels, all good stuff.
I respect this album and its dark spooky atmosphere, but I don't actually enjoy listening to it much.
I actually liked this album even though Rap is not my favorite type of music.
Un rap muy crudo, seguro los yankees lo aman pero no es lo mío.
Rap isn't really my thing, so this didn't do much for me. It's fine, but boring. Some of the spoken parts were interesting. I guess my favourite song was Liquid Swords, but I don't remember what anything sounds like.
One of the greatest albums of the 90s
While Wu Tang Clan are one of my favourite hiphop “groups” and Liquid Swords is one of the best solo albums, this is on the fence between a 4 and a 5 for me. I guess I just can’t relate to all of this content anymore. Flows are good, production is nice… I’ll give it a 5 for old time’s sake.
What’s happening to me? I actually liked the sound of this hard hip hop. Maybe it’s the kung fu film clips or the fast rhythmic rapping, but this actually did not grate. I might even listen again!
Eassily the best solo album of wu tang
Liquid Swords- GZA and the Wu-Tang Clan are samurai fighting with their liquid swords(their bars). GZA talks about defeating and keeping down the weak MCs (4) Duel Of The Iron Mic- Continuing the metaphor about Samurai, they compare sword duels t Battle Rapping, where one's mic is the “iron sword” (4.5) Living In The World Today- In this track Genius encourages those who agree with the Wu-Tang’s view but heavily cautions that against empty support, as they will face oppression and need to be able to stand up (5) Gold- The drug/hustling life is explained to be a trap and encompasses those who partake in it but doesn’t allow a way out, making them struggle to meet the dangerous requirements every day (3.5) Cold World- A contrary perspective from the track Gold, GZA describes being an onlooker to this harsh community where they need to do shady business and risk their lives to progress in life (4.5) Labels- GZA gives his piece of mind about Labels, comparing them to spiders luring prey to their web. He disses multiple Labels n the process (5) 4th Chamber- The hit of the album, the different artists on the track explain how they all get about their way of life in different ways, but they all come together as Rap Samurai (5) Shadowboxin’- GZA along with Method Man continues the story of the 4th Chamber, and how they explain their frustrations through rap, plus showing off their skills (4) Hell’s Wind Staff/Killah Hills 10304- Same message as Shadownboxin’, except this time GZA boats about his mastery of his drug game. The second part of this double track, Killah Hills 10304, talks about how even if you are successful in the trap, you are ultimately locked in this chain of tragedy, no matter how successful you are in the drug game (5) Investigative Reports- Over the report of a case in Brooklyn, GZA, along with U-God and Ghostface rap about how the war in Brooklyn mirrors the Revolutionary War, a fight for freedom, only in this case its to escape a system of oppression (4) Swordsman- GZA talks about the 5% Theology, the belief that God is part of him, and warns about foolish people who face authority without a plan, but separates himself from them, stating his superiority and deep wisdom. (4.5) I Gotcha Back- GZA is trying to show those in the system that he is supporting and watching their back, but that doesn't mean they are completely safe, because danger can come from any side, and when being in the trap there is no guarantee of where an attack will come from (4) B.I.B.L.E- In the final track GZA raps about how from early in his life, he seemed wise but had a struggle getting it in a system where they rent supposed to grow up being philosophical. However, GZA encourages the listener that he has realized much about religions, and raps about his beliefs through the rest of the track (5) Summary: GZA speaks throughout the album about how the world is unfair for the black people in the projects, and how the circuits and circles there forced into never have an exit, However, 's encouraging listeners and victims to remain confident and hope for a better time; OVERALL: 5/5