The Long Goodbye is the second studio album by Riz Ahmed. It was released on his own record label Mongrel Records on 6 March 2020. It is a concept album and was produced by Redinho.
The Long Goodbye is the second studio album by Riz Ahmed. It was released on his own record label Mongrel Records on 6 March 2020. It is a concept album and was produced by Redinho.
7.1
Riz Ahmed:
The Long Goodbye
Artist Origin: 🇬🇧
Release Date: 6 March 2020
Label: Mongrel Records
Genres: Rap / Hip-Hop
Prosecutor: Adam
Alas and alack, Britain feels like it has broken up with all of us left leaning caring types. That Riz feels it all the more keenly is to be expected due to the actions both present and past of this country of ours. Onto songs: I found the monologue based raps interesting and engaging without being musically that strong. The tracks which actually had backing and a bit of a tune grabbed me. In summary, I liked. 8.0
Rich
Riz Ahmed's relationship with Britain has turned toxic; the petition's been filed and the particulars make for an extremely compelling case. It's a curious concept and it's interesting to hear a post-Brexit British-Asian perspective - even if the metaphor and increasingly tedious celebrity cameos become a little strained at points. Nevertheless, it's an engaging effort and the themes of anger and isolation are expressed with more than enough competance to sufficiently counter any claims of the record being some kinda actor-cum-musician vanity project.
That said, I feel it only right that we hear the other side of the story. Perhaps, given his status as the country's foremost entertainer, Laurence Fox could play the role of Britney? The album would be called 'Single and Ready to Mingle' and it would be really great. Think: Frankee's 'Fuck You Right Back' riposte to Eamon in the early 00's. 7.2
Mike
This Long Goodbye follows the standard tropes of a breakup album, voicemails from loved ones checking in, lyrics questioning what went wrong. It is evocative and pretty captivating. Being of British Pakistani background Ahmed has obviously experienced racism and set backs along his way to success, and it is laced throughout. Really enjoyed the mix of Bangra and hip hop. Some of the lyrics I enjoyed. Especially in the track Can I live 'Now we are 24/7 either ISIS or Emmy's. 7.4
Phil
With an eclectic mix of UK hip hop, Bangra beats and clever word play, this lad certainly doesn’t pull any punches in his scathing critique of a failed relationship with a lady named Brittany. It all comes together nicely late on by way of stand out tracks “Deal With It” and “Karma”. 6.5
Dan
Breaking up is hard to do. But perhaps when it’s with Blighty it is for the best. The old racist get. An entertaining and engaging listen, although at times it felt hard to separate the actor from occasional MC. At 27-minutes, it’s certainly ambitious as concept albums go, covering a fair bit of ground and packing in some heavy subject matter. Regardless of Riz’s present status as a successful actor, it does bring up some rather uncomfortable issues around race and racism to light.
Some of the monologues on The Long Goodbye including The Breakup are standout moments and feel impassioned and powerful. It’s an intriguing mix alongside clips from the likes of Chabuddy G, which although entertaining, in some ways undermine the message. Melodically, there’s lots of variation here. Any day is a certified banger. A really catchy slice of Indian hip hop that echoes Panjabi MC (remember him, boys?).
There’s a touch of Young Fathers manic pulsating hip hop grooves on Fast Lava and Mogambo, whereas the production on Deal with it, aims for Kanye, but lacks the potency to hit those heady heights. A really interesting addition to Criminal Records. 6.5
< Prev | Home | Next >
Alas and alack, Britain feels like it has broken up with all of us left leaning caring types. That Riz feels it all the more keenly is to be expected due to the actions both present and past of this country of ours. Onto songs: I found the monologue based raps interesting and engaging without being musically that strong. The tracks which actually had backing and a bit of a tune grabbed me. In summary, I liked. 8.0
Rich
Riz Ahmed's relationship with Britain has turned toxic; the petition's been filed and the particulars make for an extremely compelling case. It's a curious concept and it's interesting to hear a post-Brexit British-Asian perspective - even if the metaphor and increasingly tedious celebrity cameos become a little strained at points. Nevertheless, it's an engaging effort and the themes of anger and isolation are expressed with more than enough competance to sufficiently counter any claims of the record being some kinda actor-cum-musician vanity project.
That said, I feel it only right that we hear the other side of the story. Perhaps, given his status as the country's foremost entertainer, Laurence Fox could play the role of Britney? The album would be called 'Single and Ready to Mingle' and it would be really great. Think: Frankee's 'Fuck You Right Back' riposte to Eamon in the early 00's. 7.2
Mike
This Long Goodbye follows the standard tropes of a breakup album, voicemails from loved ones checking in, lyrics questioning what went wrong. It is evocative and pretty captivating. Being of British Pakistani background Ahmed has obviously experienced racism and set backs along his way to success, and it is laced throughout. Really enjoyed the mix of Bangra and hip hop. Some of the lyrics I enjoyed. Especially in the track Can I live 'Now we are 24/7 either ISIS or Emmy's. 7.4
Phil
With an eclectic mix of UK hip hop, Bangra beats and clever word play, this lad certainly doesn’t pull any punches in his scathing critique of a failed relationship with a lady named Brittany. It all comes together nicely late on by way of stand out tracks “Deal With It” and “Karma”. 6.5
Dan
Breaking up is hard to do. But perhaps when it’s with Blighty it is for the best. The old racist get. An entertaining and engaging listen, although at times it felt hard to separate the actor from occasional MC. At 27-minutes, it’s certainly ambitious as concept albums go, covering a fair bit of ground and packing in some heavy subject matter. Regardless of Riz’s present status as a successful actor, it does bring up some rather uncomfortable issues around race and racism to light.
Some of the monologues on The Long Goodbye including The Breakup are standout moments and feel impassioned and powerful. It’s an intriguing mix alongside clips from the likes of Chabuddy G, which although entertaining, in some ways undermine the message. Melodically, there’s lots of variation here. Any day is a certified banger. A really catchy slice of Indian hip hop that echoes Panjabi MC (remember him, boys?).
There’s a touch of Young Fathers manic pulsating hip hop grooves on Fast Lava and Mogambo, whereas the production on Deal with it, aims for Kanye, but lacks the potency to hit those heady heights. A really interesting addition to Criminal Records. 6.5
< Prev | Home | Next >