Review: DOOM – Born Like This
DOOM – Born Like This (2009) [Lex] // Grade: A-
MF Doom returns as DOOM after a lengthy and quite noticeable absence with his most solid album of work since King Geedorah’s Take Me to Your Leader (yes I think it’s better than Madvilliany).
Doom forgoes the high brow attempts at the concept albums he’s spent the better part of this decade dabbling in and delivers on what he does best… Born Like This is a showcase of the clever lyrical ability that made people fall in love with him in the first place and the sort of stripped, eclectic and soulful production that is uniquely his and downright hypnotizing. J. Dilla and Jake One’s contributions are no slouches either, but in the end Doom sounds best over Doom. As for the guest spots, the two highest profile ones of Ghost & Rae only enhance their respective tracks. I was initially worried that both would be phoned in favors used as marketing ploys, but thankfully that is not the case.
Clocking in at a modest 40 minutes, Born Like This features 13 tracks that either don’t hit the 2 minute mark or just cross it. It’s that sort of skill and confidence in craft that makes MF Doom, MF Doom. While most MCs or producers would have lingered for another 2 minutes, Doom cuts the fat and delivers a memorable lyrical and musical punch before moving on at just the right moment. And even if you want more, you’re never left hungry as the the next track is just as satisfying as the last. The only time this ever poses a problem is when you hit the end and still want more… but that’s what the repeat button is for.
March 19th, 2009 at 12:06 pm
THE SONG THAT’S THAT IS SEX , I HONESTLY DONT THINK TAKE ME TO YOUR LEADER WAS BETTER THAN MADVILLAIN …ANYWAY. . I HAD HEARD AROUND HE WAS MAKING A RRETURN SOUNDED TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE THOUGH …..
March 19th, 2009 at 12:27 pm
i’ve been rocking born like this for about 2 weeks and i have to fully agree with your assessment except for the better then madvilliany part.
March 19th, 2009 at 12:32 pm
Like I said “Doom sounds best over Doom” which is my only problem with Madviliany. But that’s not to say I didn’t like that album.
March 19th, 2009 at 1:32 pm
well put… definitely sinking my ear into it and loving it.
March 19th, 2009 at 2:56 pm
After leaving my front row spot at Rock the Bells the other year to hear DOOM headline the second stage (i.e. giving up front row to see Wu-Tang later for a chance to see DOOM) only to have him NO SHOW I’d had a bit of a DOOM falling out, but I just can’t stay mad.
Great to finally see a new offering from one of the best
March 19th, 2009 at 3:16 pm
I’ll preempt nick here and say that this is something I would like. I agree with the review pretty much completely.
March 19th, 2009 at 4:32 pm
I’m going to say this was good for a few bangers but I’m not completely sold. Some reused Special Herbs jams and a generally uninteresting flow track to track. It feels like laundry folding music.
March 19th, 2009 at 6:15 pm
I learned along time ago to NEVER listen to Special Herbs discs if ever wanted to enjoy and be surprised by a Doom release.
I think the flow from track to track, the pacing and everything is what is so great about this album.
March 21st, 2009 at 6:17 pm
uhhh my pal the CROOK givin knowledge with that ” NEVER listen to Special Herbs discs if ever wanted to enjoy and be surprised by a Doom release ” preach on !!!!!!