Jay-Z never made another album this good. Matter of fact I think as far as Hip-Hop goes only one other album is as good or better and that's Illmatic. Remarkable album. Great word play on every track, (you have to really listen to what he's saying). "The percentage who don't understand is larger than the percentage who do. Ask yourself what percentage is you?" Really. Ask yourself. Don't just skim through the album or you'll miss a lot. Plus with Biggie on a track it has one of the best rap duos of all time. "Regrets" is one of the best songs on the album but you can't pick your favorite. It's nearly impossibe. One of the most important differences between Jay now and then is the fact that you could hear the conviction in his voice then. Every thing he said carried weight. He made you want to listen more. Now he whispers all the time and it makes his message sound weak even if it should mean something. No such problems in "Reasonable Doubt". If Nas didn't kill it in '94 Jay finished it off in '96.
This is the way Hip-Hop should be. Given a forum where you can speak more forcefully and say things that are more meaningful than just about any other genre most rappers squandor the opportunity. In Food and Liquor, Lupe Fiasco takes his listeners on a trip with well crafted tales, intricate word play, fun ride songs and skill rarely seen in the dying art of the lyrical musician. More of this is needed!
Who are Silver Sun Pickups? I hadn't heard of them and neither has most of America. But the band is amazing. Enthralling guitar, hypnotic rhythyms, and a lead singer with a strangely addictive sound. I liked every minute of this album and can listen to it on repeat for days.
Without a doubt this was the best album of 2004 and easily ranks as one of the best albums I've ever purchased. Their next album Black Holes and Revelations is extremely good but not quite up to this level. I recommend buying them both at the same time.