Artist: Earl Sweatshirt Album: Doris

Year: 2013
Duration: 44:10

Diving Deep into Earl Sweatshirt's 'Doris': A Critical Review

Earl Sweatshirt is one of the most enigmatic and talented rappers of his generation. Born as Thebe Neruda Kgositsile, Earl Sweatshirt rose to fame as a member of Odd Future, a controversial hip-hop collective from Los Angeles. After gaining a cult following with his mixtapes, Earl dropped his debut album 'Doris' in 2013. The album has since become a classic and has been praised for its innovative beats and introspective lyrics. In this blog, we'll take a closer look at 'Doris' and analyze what makes it such a special release.

The Genre of the Album

'Doris' is widely considered a classic of alternative hip-hop. The album blends various sub-genres of rap, including boom-bap, jazz-rap, and horrorcore. Earl's delivery is often compared to that of MF DOOM, with his effortless flow and abstract rhyme schemes. But what sets 'Doris' apart is its haunting and introspective vibe. The album deals with Earl's struggles with depression, family issues, and fame. The production, handled by the likes of The Alchemist and Pharrell Williams, is minimalistic and atmospheric, creating an eerie soundscape that matches Earl's bleak worldview.

The Best Songs of the Album

Doris' has plenty of standout tracks, but some of the best include Chum, Hive, and Sunday. Chum is an introspective and confessional track where Earl reflects on his past mistakes and his relationship with his absent father. Hive features guest verses from Vince Staples and Casey Veggies and has a menacing beat that matches the aggressive lyrics. Sunday is a darker and more atmospheric cut that features a haunting sample of an old gospel record. These songs showcase Earl's versatility and lyrical prowess, as well as the unique production style that makes 'Doris' such a special release.

The Most Innovative Parts of the Album

One of the most innovative parts of 'Doris' is Earl's use of minimalistic beats. Unlike most hip-hop albums that rely on flashy and bombastic production, 'Doris' chooses to foreground Earl's introspective lyrics with sparse and haunting beats. Another innovative aspect of the album is the guest features. Earl has always been selective with his collaborations, and on 'Doris,' he recruited some of the best up-and-coming rappers of the time, such as Vince Staples, Casey Veggies, and Tyler, The Creator. Finally, what sets 'Doris' apart is the honesty and vulnerability that Earl displays on every track. This is not an album that glorifies violence or brags about material wealth, but rather a deep dive into the psyche of a young artist struggling with mental health and ambition.

Criticism of the Album

While 'Doris' is a critically acclaimed and beloved album, it's not without its flaws. Some listeners have criticized Earl's delivery as monotone and lacking in energy. Others have noted that the album is too short and feels rushed. Finally, some have pointed out that the guest features, while great, overshadow Earl's own verses at times. However, these criticisms are minor and do little to detract from the overall impact of 'Doris.'

While 'Doris' is a critically acclaimed and beloved album, it's not without its flaws. Some listeners have criticized Earl's delivery as monotone and lacking in energy. Others have noted that the album is too short and feels rushed. Finally, some have pointed out that the guest features, while great, overshadow Earl's own verses at times. However, these criticisms are minor and do little to detract from the overall impact of 'Doris.'

In conclusion, 'Doris' remains a classic of alternative hip-hop and a testament to Earl Sweatshirt's talent and vision. The album's introspective lyrics, haunting beats, and innovative guest features make it a must-listen for fans of the genre. While not perfect, 'Doris' is an excellent example of how hip-hop can be introspective and vulnerable while still maintaining its edge. If you haven't yet listened to this groundbreaking debut album, do yourself a favor and give it a spin. You won't be disappointed.