Stormzy’s long anticipated return to the game came with his second album, Heavy Is The Head, more than 2 years after the success of his debut album. Personally, I like it when artists take at least a 24 month break in between each album as it allows them to reflect on their work and see how they can advance, as well as giving the fans the opportunity to fully appreciate and digest the each body of work before gearing up their appetite for the next project.
The introduction to the album was a solid start. I found the fact that Stormzy used the famous voice memo that a fan sent him pretty amusing and a nice way to start off the album. The song, ‘Big Michael’ had a few nice bars but most of them were fairly sub-par: “I was on the field like Beding (Beding). Dead him, dead him, dead him, dead him“. The big instrumental salvaged the track and I was a big fan of the crescendo towards the end of the track.
The second song ‘Audacity’ was vintage Stormzy. There were some nice hard hitting bars and this track provided a nice collab between Stormzy and Headie One. The video provided nice visuals which added to the value of this song. Stormzy provided a solid hook which was nice to see him do without having to sing. The good start on the production continues here with a trappy beat but with a clear grime influence – this was interesting to hear.
Now onto the lead single, Crown. I am not usually a fan of ‘Singing Stormzy’ but it worked really well here. I thought the backing choir also really complemented him on this track. He really showed the progress he has made over these two years in terms of his singing ability and he was now able to fully demonstrate his versatility. Again, this song had another impressive instrumental which shows the rising talent in U.K producers. There were also some strong bars here as well as him addressing critics regarding issues such as his scheme to help young black students into the University of Cambridge.
The consistent theme follows throughout the middle section of the album. The beats remain of a high quality. I am not a fan of Rachel’s Little Brother nor the hook on Handsome.
It was interesting to hear Lessons as he addresses the Maya Jama break up, perhaps one for his younger fans.
The album wraps up with Vossi Bop. This was the song that announced the rappers return earlier this year. I am a fan of the song although I do believe it is overplayed now.
All in all, it is nice to see Stormzy active again. The album started off really well but sort of lost its way as it progressed. I don’t think it has that ‘re-listen’ element which all great albums must have, There are a few nice songs here and there but as of now I believe this is a step down from his debut album.
Overall, a 6.5/10.
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