by Pusha T
Released April 22, 2022 via GOOD Music / Def Jam Recordings
Reviewed May 2, 2022
Top tracks (based on community voting)
Dreaming Of The Past (58%), Neck & Wrist (41%), Let the Smokers Shine the Coupes (33%)
We’ve come to expect similar things from every Pusha T release: Cocaine and luxury with a menacing delivery. This is not to discredit him, of course. It‘s worked swimmingly for the past 20 years, and might work for 20 more. Regardless, a change of sound wouldn’t have hurt him, and you can see it in It’s Almost Dry. In addition to his menacing delivery and gorgeous pen, the one thing that stands out is the inventive beats and a sonic change that’s mainly due to Pharrell’s involvement on the album. Regardless, certain things (features, hooks, beats) are out of place to the point they fit awkwardly on a Pusha T effort. Additionally, nearly doubling his tracklist from last time came at a price. More tracks means more opportunities to slip and include a song that didn’t match up to the rest of the album, unlike the 7-track DAYTONA. But as low as the lows were, the highs were much higher. Songs like “Just So You Remember” and “Call My Bluff” emphasize Push’s strengths, solidifying them as career highlights. Ultimately, It’s Almost Dry is a great album which serves as another brushstroke in Pusha T’s legendary discography; not every album has to be his greatest ever. – Alan (8.5/10)
For many of his contemporaries, this point in Pusha T’s career was unattainable. Seven records, three solo—each one about the same thing—yet we all still want to hear more. For many of Pusha T’s contemporaries, an album like It’s Almost Dry is equally as impossible. A fusion of his two most interesting musical collaborators, from two very distinct chapters of his career. Push’s work with Pharrell Williams was the Genesis; there wasn’t a moment wasted on those Clipse records. His work with Kanye West was the Renaissance. At that time, Pusha T was in musical solitude. Mr. West has been the erratic and spontaneous counterpart that balances out Push’s almost predictable precision. It’s Almost Dry feels like an homage and a victory lap. It’s boisterous, criminally genuine, and cathartic; coke rap is a lane still with potential to expand. This album is incredibly “What you see is what you get” in terms of subject matter, but there are still some musical risks that are taken. Some don’t necessarily pan out, but Pusha T’s voice has never been clearer. The result is another coke rap opus. – Ben (Synth) (8/10)
As sniffles worldwide find a new reason to exist, Pusha T—the Scorsese of coke rap—returns with another set of delectable pieces of uncut raw. His fourth studio album falls into a similar category as past efforts: Consistent, and definitely good, but shies away from a replay factor that a truly immersive piece would pack. The painting of a masterpiece requires a period of time before it’s in a state of being dry. The title being a reference to this process of standing by. However, we may have to wait another four years to receive the promised masterpiece. It's Almost Dry falls short on the 'wow' factor that DAYTONA managed to produce; it's almost dry, but not quite, for sure. Switching things up may be required sometime in the future. You can only kick an old dog so many times before it no longer listens. Another solid album from Pusha T nonetheless, but potential magic still rides on the horizon. – Peter (7/10)
Alan: 8.5/10 | Hadley: 8.5/10 | Jacques: 8.5/10 | Daniel: 8.4/10
Ben (Synth): 8/10 | DeVán: 8/10 | Cam: 7.5/10 | Dominick: 7.5/10
Pax: 7.3/10 | Peter: 7/10 | Jared: 5.5/10
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