The 8 Diagrams : Wu-Tang Clan : Review : Rolling Stone

Getting the entire Wu-Tang Clan together seems as tough a challenge as acing the SATs or making Thom Yorke laugh. So it's remarkable enough that the new Wu-Tang album — the Staten Island crew's first in six years — actually exists. What's more, 8 Diagrams is better than most would have expected: a terrific mix of classic Clan grime and enough new tricks to justify Inspectah Deck's claim that "Wu-Tang keep it fresh like Tupperware."

Those tricks include more expansive production, most apparent on the great "The Heart Gently Weeps," a violence-laden narrative built around the Beatles' "While My Guitar Gently Weeps." Cuts like "Unpredictable" — where RZA's ominous, screeching attack evokes a Scorsese flick about crack dealers– also prove that the Wu can still dish pummeling grit-hop as well as anyone. There are a couple of snoozers, including "Weak Spot." And while ODB is missed, his taste for weird abides in "Sunlight," an atmospheric, bullshit-philosophical tone-poem starring RZA, and one of several reminders that the Clan still sound unique as hell.

In the six years the Clan were on hiatus, Ghostface Killah was busy becoming one of the greatest MCs ever. The Big Doe Rehab isn't as distinct as last year's Fishscale, but it's close. Ghost's bouncy, more direct approach on cuts like "Walk Around" shows off his ability to turn crack-slinging narratives into big, hooky pleasures. By the time he lays his inimitable, Ginsu-sharp whine into "White Linen Affair," a gloriously detailed rant that touches on baking soda, polar bears and Norah Jones, this much is clear: Right now is a good time to be a Wu-Tang fan.

CHRISTIAN HOARD

(Posted: Dec 13, 2007)

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Review 1 of 5

5of 5 Stars

I think these other reviewers are looking at this album wrong. Honestly compare 8 Diagrams to the garbage that has been coming out these past few years(not including Ghost's, and Kanye's records)and the album automatically becomes a classic. I haven't heard anything close to the lyrical style in The Heart Gently Weeps, and Campfire since......... the last Wu record. I am hoping this is more of a trial run for the Wu and maybe we will see a much more focused and polished record next time around. Regardless my expectation were met and surpassed. WU-TANG FOREVER!

Dec 21, 2007 15:33:42

Review 2 of 5

3of 5 Stars

its wu, so of course i am going to listen to it but it doesnt have that classic wu-tang sound... it doesnt have the "reunited, double lp world excited...struck a match to the underground industry ignited" flow to it. i am being generous with three stars, i dont know i might be being to harsh for an album i just started listening to but i am already wore out from listening to the album, too many cameos. GZA is the pretty badass!

Dec 15, 2007 19:45:42

Review 3 of 5

4of 5 Stars

The review of both Ghostface's album and Wu's new album are terribly wrong. Mixed up, and backwards. Yes Ghost is best, steadiest member of Wu, but his new album doesn't come close to Iron Man or Supreme Clientele.... This Wu album is better than The W but not as good as Iron Flag...and of course can't come close to the classics like Wutang forever...which is the best rap album ever..of all time....

Dec 15, 2007 16:56:29

Review 4 of 5

Not Rated

8 diagrams is an alright album but, nothin compares to 36 chambers. and for who ever thinks ghostface killah is the best mc ever, go pick up gza's liquid swords album. if that doesnt convince you that gza is the best lyricist, get legend of the liquid swords and listen to fame. as a group they good, on solo albums some have put out some iffy shit.

Dec 14, 2007 19:56:14

Review 5 of 5

Not Rated

tuck yo nek kid, WU is off the chain AGAIN!!!! WU TANG WORLD-WIDE MAFUCKA!!

Dec 7, 2007 13:25:15

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