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 9

5of 5 Stars

For all its pomp and lofty ambition, there’s a streak of almost punk-rock venom within, not to mention some of the super-group’s best humping, thumping beats and rhymes. No "ring-tone" rap or R&B (rappin Bullsh!t). Straight clan with layers of sound and meanings. Long Live The Wu and Long Live The RZA !

Jul 19, 2008 07:12:34

Review 2 of 9

1of 5 Stars

Why the HELL are these guys still around? I have never understood the whole kung fu rap thing, and it sounds just a crappy now, as it did when it first came out. These guys are the Ringo Starr of rap. Stop it, it embarrassing.

Feb 5, 2008 19:05:21

Review 3 of 9

Not Rated

This is not the same Wu Tang who pointed their 36 chambers at us in '94, in fact since ODB passed on they've been a few chambers short. The first coming had them poised, hungry and seething, each of them a lightening bolt that could strike at any time. The 2007 Wu are a far cry from the new-comers they once were, rhymes rather than being nearly screamed through clenched teeth now come off as laid back, with a comfort at times tainted as it seeps into jaded cockiness.

Though this isn't the greatest Wu accomplishment, it is still emblematic of a collective who are taking chances and pushing boundaries, rather than feeding on whatever scraps Tim Baland throws them; and how many artists can say that these days? RZA's intent here isn't merely to shake your ass, that's easy for him at this point, it's also to create distinct moods and set tones that don't just provide a bed for song, but also provide an additional dimension.

The opening cut "Camp" reveals that The RZA's influences are expanding, boasting a bass line sung a Capella, perhaps finding inspiration from fellow New Yorkers TV ON THE RADIO. "Take It Back" has a constantly sounding snowy cymbal that creates a gauzy hazy atmosphere, like a sonic fog. Surprisingly, the most disappointing is also the most conspicuous song on the album, "The Heart Gently Weeps". If you're going to recreate (not sample as previously thought) a Beatles song, you must equal or better the original, not sing about booties in a strained falsetto. The required respect for the source material lacks and can't help but be eclipsed by the achievement of the original. Poorly constructed verses strain to keep up with the subtle nuances of the music and the whole outing falls drastically short of what such a collaborative effort could easily have produced.

8 diagrams is an innovative and engaging return to form that will remind why the Wu Tang Clan are still relevant and important after more than a decade.

Jan 12, 2008 05:59:06

Review 4 of 9

5of 5 Stars

I have seen and heard many reviews change from it's an alright album to it's a masterpiece after a second listen to. RZA's unpredictable and complex production coexisting with the lyrical talents of the rest of the clan on this album make for the best Wu album scince Forever. Songs like Unpredictable, campfire, and Rushing Elephants are almost like a throw backs to the clans original sound and hype. Other songs like Wolves, The heart gently weeps and, Life changes show the progression and creativity RZA has acumulated over his 14 years of producing bad ass music. The only thing that made me not want to give the album 5 stars was the album filler song Weak spot, which is pretty weak, but set that aside this is mos def another wu banga, cop this album its gonna be buzzing for a long time.

Kircher

Dec 25, 2007 15:14:32

Review 5 of 9

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 6 of 9

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 7 of 9

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 8 of 9

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

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