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Rating: The only thing about past albums is that they must meet unusually high standards to be considered successful, and Jay-Z's The Kingdom Come is no exception. If the artist "hadn't publicly retired" (with a huge amount of fanfare). Supported by many fans and critics, this rather contradictory album does not fully satisfy.
There are certain wonderful moments, many provided by guests like Chrisette Michele, John Legend, Usher, Pharrell, Beyonce, Sterling Simms, Ne-Yo, and Chris Martin. The producer credits include Blaze, Kanye West, Dr. Dre, and the Neptunes.
More philosophical than previous albums, its statesmanlike perspective on songs like "30-Something" ("Young enough to know the right car to buy/yet grown enough not to put rims on it… I don't buy out the bar, I bought the nightspot/I got the right stock…"); its lyrics explore the repercussions of Hurricane Katrina while criticizing Bush's management; they also celebrate the joys of a hedonistic life full of parties and gatherings ("Gimmie some ass, gimmie some brain, gimme your number, gimme your name… I'll take the cork off, you can take sips/I'll take you there, take my time/take your clothes off, I'll take off mine" on "Show Me What You Got") and mourn the loss of a dear nephew on "Lost One."
Despite certain brilliant moments, the final result is too contradictory and even confusing to be hailed as a fabulous success like his other albums have been.
Jay-Z fans might want to listen and check out the music and lyrics of Kanye West and Pharrell.
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