Defsounds

While going through the archives of Defsounds.com, I noticed there was no real outline for reviewing albums. So while most if not all of the album reviews are pretty accurate, certain scores may seem inflated. So in an effort to clear up the reasoning for some album grades, I have decided to break down my  reviewing scores and what is the highest possible score that someone can get.

First of all I personally feel it is virtually impossible for any artist to get anything lower than a 5 because the simple effort of compiling your work and putting together an album is a task in which not many people can do. Although many artists make it look easy, the development of an album can be a long arduous process which is both stressful and difficult. So for that every album that I review will automatically be given 5 points just for the purpose of respect. If there is ever an album that receives anything lower than a 5, I suggest that you destroy any copy of the album that you ever see, because it is worth nothing and will offer nothing to you or anyone in this lifetime.

So now that I have made that clear lets get into the breakdown. With every album already getting a 5 that means that the average album can receive anything from a 5 to a 10 or a 10.5 for that perfect album. So here is how it goes.

5- Plain and simple the album sucks, its pointless, boring repetitive, has no purpose, and I'm not sure why I was asked to review this. The lyrics are lower than subpar and upsetting. The production is horrible blotchy and at times makes absolutely no sense. This album is one that I would never listen to again and will strongly suggest you to do the same.

5.5- It also completely sucked but I didn't wanna be cruel.

6-This album also sucks, but is not completely garbage, it touches on some topics but is very vauge, the production is inconsistent but not a total plauge to my ears, and the lyrics are not completely wasteful but they're nothing at all to brag about.

6.5- See 6... but had a song or two that was very enjoyable.

7- This is a fairly decent album on a scale it would be seen as average. Offers a lot of good songs, but nothing that really stands out to blow you away. It has topics and the artist does a good job of sticking to them, but it is still missing the "it" factor that transform a good album to a great album. Lyrics are enjoyable and make sense. There are a couple of moments where you may wonder what the artist was thinking, but over all its an album that is enjoyable and may even make your MP3 playlist. Re-playabilty varies.

7.5- A little higher than decent but still not good enough to be called above average, mostly used to appease the stans who are enraged when their favorite artist isn't given an 8 or higher.

8- This album is not a decent album, it is a good album, the production is above average, the lyrics are not only good but have a little bite to them, offering quotables that many listeners will use. There is a clear point and purpose to the album, and it has no trouble staying on topic. This rating is for an album that is clearly better than an average album but just dosen't have all of the intangibles that make a great album.

8.5- A very good album, which has pretty much the same as an 8 but did something that gave it a little extra push that brushed up the score some.

9- This is a great album, which for most listeners will be one that you can listen to straight through without skipping. It is one of those albums that you can listen to ten years from now and still enjoy, but leaves you wanting a little bit more. It is an album that is talked about by everyone love it or hate it, but is still flawed in someways.

9.5 -Almost there but not quite a ten.

10- This album is exactly what it says it is, a perfect album. The production is amazing, the lyrics are outstanding, the subject matter is a step ahead of everything out and the album is for lack of better words timeless. Very few albums will ever get this rating if any at all.

10.5- This album is Perfect in every sense of the word, and is the album that every other rapper will look to when trying to put together an album. It is in every sense of the word a "Work Of Art", and not only inspires listeners but has the ability to change the climate in music as of that moment. This album is timeless and has the ability to break through any genre and still earn its respect. It receives a 10.5 because although it was flawless in every way shape and form, the artist still found a way to take it to a level beyond what even some of the greatest artist were ever able to achieve.  There are only a select few albums that have ever done this. Here is my list in no particular order.

Life After Death- 10.5

The Blueprint-10.5

Illmatic-10.5

Reasonable Doubt-10.5

Ready To Die-10.5