28/07/2022
Album review by
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NRMLZ GRWTH 2 The Search For Zen - MRK SX (Prod. Clint Taylor) (2022)
I've been patiently waiting for this pair to follow up the incredible Project they dropped in 2020. I'm glad to report that it's possible to catch lightning in a bottle twice.
"Let's begin" opens with the calming sounds of birds chirping with a soft piano backdrop. This production paired with these inspirational bars is beautiful. Next Is "We Need". The repeating vocal sample blended with those drums are a recipe for an earworm. "Black Man Smile" is a nice retrospective track that brings MRK back to some of the frustrating, sometimes even ironic struggles that came with just growing up black. Simultaneously I think the track is telling us you'll get further if you smile through your struggles. "Superstar" is a track about perspectives, more specifically it's about staying young as you get older. I especially love the sharp, confident flow. One of my favorite beats lands on "Talkin Bout". I swear this sunny beat could turn a cold day warm. It's a nice transition into the track "Zen". Another warm beat, with an almost woodwind sounding whistle weaved in. This track contains some of the most acrobatic wordplay on an already very lyrical album. Next Is "Let It Go", Another incredibly smooth and clever be" with well placed samples. Clint really killed it. I personally relate to the track "Entitlement". MRK finds ways to creatively yet bluntly word things that come off slick and satisfying. "All Up To You" was on his last album. I loved it there and I love it just as much here. The album closes with "Someday". At first I didn't really appreciate MRK's singing, but it actually grew on me with several listens. It fittingly gives the the track a personal vibe. The track seems to communicate the frustrations of living in a covid world. The beat gives me a "things suck right now, but they'll get better eventually, right?" Vibe.
I'm once again blown away by these two. The album is incredibly easy on the ears, it has the power to instantly alter my mood for the better. There's a quotables within every track, and the production fits the pengame like a glove. Album of the year contender.
Best Tracks⬇
