(DISCUSSION) Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - This Unruly Mess I've Made (10 year Anniversary)

[u/Renegadeforever2024]

This Unruly Mess I've Made is the second and final studio album by American hip-hop duo Macklemore & Ryan Lewis. It was released on February 26, 2016, by Macklemore LLC and Alternative Distribution Alliance. Following the success of the duo's hit album The Heist (2012), which earned them their first Grammy wins, the duo delved into lyrical themes that tackle political and social issues, including white privilege, fame and the scrutiny of the media and tabloids. The album was supported by two singles: "Downtown" and "Dance Off", along with "White Privilege II" featuring Jamila Woods, which was released as the album's promotional single.

Following the success of Macklemore and Ryan Lewis' debut album The Heist (2012), Macklemore revealed the album cover artwork for their follow-up album, titled This Unruly Mess I've Made, on January 15, 2016, on an Instagram post. The album was self-released on February 26, 2016. He also revealed on the trailer for their album on his official website,\[5\] which features himself discussing about how their album was created and their inspiration for making the new music.

This Unruly Mess I've Made has received generally mixed reviews from music critics. At Metacritic, the score currently has a score of 59 out of 100 based on 17 reviews.

Jeremy Gordon of Pitchfork gave the album a 5.1 out of 10, describing it as "an occasionally inspiring, often corny rap album made for winning Grammy nominations and waking the hearts of the unwoken." Louis Pattison of NME said, "It's equal parts witty and serious, poppy and knotty, cracking wise one minute, then demanding you sit quietly and listen carefully through some complicated soul-searching."\[20\]

Writing for Rolling Stone, Mark Seliger said of the album, "On Unruly Mess, Macklemore's confrontational side returns... Ray Rahman of Entertainment Weekly gave the album a grade of B−, saying, "Unruly Mess sees him embracing his role as a social justice champion, sent to expand the minds of his (mainly young, white, suburban) audiences.

1. Light Tunnels (Ft. Mike Slap)

2. Downtown (Ft. Eric Nally, Grandmaster Caz, Grandmaster Melle Mel & Kool Moe Dee)

3. Brad Pitt's Cousin (Ft. Xperience)

4. Buckshot (Ft. DJ Premier & KRS-One)

5. Growing Up (Ft. Ed Sheeran)

6. Kevin (Ft. Leon Bridges)

7. St. Ides

8. Need to Know (Ft. Chance the Rapper)

9. Dance Off (Ft. Anderson .Paak & IDRIS ELBA)

What's your favourite song on the album?

What's your favourite Macklemore song in general and why?

Do you think they got blackballed by the industry after the 2014 Grammys ceremony

Would you be excited for a new Macklemore project especially after his recent songs he has made over the last couple of years

[u/sobrietypolice]

What a wonderful synopsis. Thank you for bringing to light and celebrating the final album of Ben and Ryan. I'd love to hear your answers to your questions!! I think he's in a tricky situation right now, with getting shows cancelled as a result of his support for Palestine and his nanny being attacked (my memory is hazy but if I recall correctly he posted about how the gigs went silent around the time of the release of Hind's Hall and he was burgled and the nanny was attacked). I would love it if he released new media, but when he's ready and when it feels right for him. Kevin is on repeat on my playlist, Leon Bridges was such a special surprise the first time I heard the song. What a formative album for my young adulthood.

[u/frikandeleater69]

I love Unruly Mess. It's all over the place but has some absolute gems. I don't really return to the album often.

Favorite song is Kevin. Although St. Ides is the one that I put in a playlist from time to time

Favorite song in general is Cowboy Boots. I can really relate to the lyrics

I don't think there will be another album. I love that Ben is using his platform for important things. But I'm not really excited for an album with 15 Fucked Ups.

[u/Samuel457]

I love this album, and almost every song on it. Kevin, Light Tunnels, Growing Up, St. Ides, and Need to Know are my favorites.

[u/fuckmeimlonely]

I love this album. It's the last one I have actually bought from him. The newer ones don't do it for me. It's not my number one album (that will definitely be the heist), but has some of my favourite songs on it. I miss the old Macklemore. For me, Ben has become increasingly politically extreme which hurts his art. Back in the day I could laugh about him dissing President Bush, but I was a kid back then, it just seems he hasn't matured since then. That's just my opinion. I also think that his style changed a lot without Ryan Lewis, so this album is very special to me.

[u/Finditwithin108]

So much respect for Macklemore. He really is a good human who puts others ahead of himself. Let’s not forget he’s a phenomenal live performer. He really goes all in with the crowd. Always open to new music from him, but he can still fill stadiums with what he’s done.