Things Fall Apart
 

So (I seem to begin a lot of posts with "so") I was listening to the album Things Fall Apart by The Roots and, listening to the lyrics, I discovered that nearly all of the tracks are braggadocio-let-Black-Thought-tell-the-world-how-great-The-Roots-is type of songs with "You Got Me" (a bloody classic in my opinion) being the only exception. Now I was under the impression that Things Fall Apart was much deeper than this. Is there perhaps a deeper meaning behind Black Thought's rhymes that I am missing? Is this my punishment for downloading the album instead of buying the album? But honestly, many say Things Fall Apart is the Roots' best album but I say otherwise simply because the subject matter never gets very far past Black Thought's skills on the mic (not to hate on the guy, he's one of my favorite MC's). What thoughts do the rest of you MB folk have on this matter?

Now, because I'm shot on time, I'll just answer by saying I do not thinkg TFA is their best.

Its all about Illadelph Halflife

The roots have always had this veneer of being politically oriented and some of their songs are, but really TFA is just Black Thought being Black Thought. It's not a bad album. I agree with Kirby that Illadelph Halflife Is probably their best if not at least a better album. Do You Want More ?!!!??! is also good and I think slightly more political. You probably already know this, but try out Dead Prez - Lets Get Free for a great Afro-centric political hip hop album.

It seems like a few others here that when I originally discovered The Roots all I heard was people raving about TFA. After listening to this and the majority of their work pre and post TFA I think my favourite of their releases is Do You Want More?!!!??!

Got to love ?uestlove though, he's remained consistent throughout imo.

True - with that title and album cover you'd expect the music to be a lot more "conscious" or whatever. Not only do I find the album generally bland but why the political facade? I hate to accuse The Roots of pandering but...this album certainly got their name out there.

For some reason I find myself disagreeing with you a lot, but this is the correct answer for this thread.