A bittersweet ending
Brockhampton is a hip-hop group that was first formed in 2010 under the name AliveSinceForever. After widespread success with the Saturation series, Brockhampton released a couple more albums, one of the most recent being their seventh studio album, The Family, which was released on November 17, 2022.
The album starts off with the track “Take It Back.” It is a song about Kevin Abstract looking back on his life and reminiscing on the major events that led him to where he is today. He also reassures listeners by comforting them and telling them that even though the group may be breaking up, their bond will remain forever. The song then transitions into “RZA.” This track is mainly about Kevin reflecting on the band’s departure and about him losing his friends. He also talks about how everyone keeps asking him to keep the group together.
“Big Pussy” is the first single from this album. What makes this song stand out from other songs is that it only has Kevin Abstract’s vocals on it. On this track, he is talking about how untimely the group’s breakup was, considering they had to cancel an international tour, and also about how much pressure he faces from fans and record labels to keep the group together and carry on.
The track “Good Time” marks the halfway point in the album. This track mostly talks about how everything changed from the beginning when they would have fun, make music and relax to now when money has created problems within the group and formed a toxic relationship within it.
The title track of the album showcases Kevin at his rawest. He talks about the moments he feels the band clash and how he feels like the band doesn’t appreciate what he did for them. He also admits that he may have done some things wrong too. The album ends with Kevin saying his final goodbyes to the band and reminiscing on old times.
Overall, The Family is a solid album. Although it feels a bit bloated with 17 tracks that have the same general message, the production and vocals are excellent and it is a great listen. For fans of Brockhampton, it is a bittersweet ending, however, from a musical standpoint it is a great album.
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