Splendor & Misery
by clipping.
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
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  1. AllMusic
    Sep 7, 2016
    90
    Devastating yet optimistic, Splendor & Misery is a stunning leap forward for clipping., and one of the most impressive albums of the year.
  2. The Wire
    Oct 21, 2016
    80
    The raps are often unaccompanied by beats, and this decision, combined with Diggs's deliberately rigid flow, results in a poetry slam aesthetic with only the faintest of links to the generic conventions and pleasures of hiphop. [Sep 2016, p.47]
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  3. The Skinny
    Sep 23, 2016
    80
    Suffocating, stressful, and challenging, Splendor & Misery is uncompromising in its desolation, and it’s all the better for it.
  5. Clash Music
    Sep 7, 2016
    80
    Cinematic in its scope, the album runs like a screenplay with character developments, recurring themes, tragedy and, finally, resolve.
  6. Mojo
    Sep 6, 2016
    80
    It's a hugely inventive slab of sonic theatre plotted to the tiniest detail. [Oct 2016, p.99]
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  7. Under The Radar
    Sep 6, 2016
    80
    Utterly uncomfortable, but with such an imaginative foundation that you can't help but feel invited back to try to learn a little more about the strange and beautiful world of clipping.
  8. PopMatters
    Sep 21, 2016
    70
    Splendor & Misery paradoxically stands as Clipping.’s most and least accessible albums.
  9. Exclaim
    Sep 14, 2016
    70
    Oddly captivating in running just shy of 40 minutes, Splendor & Misery is hardly your overblown concept record that runs far too long. Indeed, it's worth multiple listens for both its out-of-this-world production and Diggs' one-two punch of lyricism and bafflingly effortless delivery.
  10. The Line of Best Fit
    Sep 6, 2016
    65
    Frankly, a rap space opera shouldn't work this well, and it's a testament to the trio's vision that it does, even if Splendor & Misery can be a pretty turbulent voyage.
  11. Pitchfork
    Sep 6, 2016
    53
    In its drive for conceptual rigor, the album neglects to engage the listener musically. That puts a lot of weight on the story, which tends toward the abstract.
  12. Drowned In Sound
    Sep 9, 2016
    40
    The problem with clipping. is that they sometimes seem to have an unusual idea of what makes good hip-hop. Sometimes it feels like the purely hip-hop side-project of a dodgy rap-metal group circa 2003.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 45 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 38 out of 45
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 45
  3. Negative: 2 out of 45
  1. Daniel_B
    Sep 16, 2016
    8
    I completely missed the storyline on first listen, but I love Deltron 3030, so I'm on board for a hip hop space opera. Clipping does theirI completely missed the storyline on first listen, but I love Deltron 3030, so I'm on board for a hip hop space opera. Clipping does their usual thing with noise and Diggs' crazy fast flow, but there is a lot more singing on this album. The vocals, which seem to be Diggs dubbed over himself in harmony, sound very reminiscent of slave gospel songs, which, given the plot, fits.
    I thought it was great, and if you don't digg Clipping, it's different enough to maybe hold your attention. High points are All Black, Long Way Away, and especially True Believer and A Better Place.    … Full Review »
  2. TomFisher
    Sep 15, 2016
    9
    So much to unpack in such a short album. The concept of this album is very extensive and detailed, both lyrically and sonically. This is aSo much to unpack in such a short album. The concept of this album is very extensive and detailed, both lyrically and sonically. This is a Brilliant album.… Full Review »
  3. jckgwrnsk
    Sep 10, 2016
    9
    such a haunting hip hop record. definitley my favorite from them sincesuch a haunting hip hop record. definitley my favorite from them since midcity...........................................................................… Full Review »
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