Wu-Tang Clan reunites, underwhelms

By Emma Lautanen
Staff Writer

Wu-Tang Clan’s “A Better Tomorrow,” although a solid album by today’s standards, will make dedicated fans wish they were still in the past. A reunion is always exciting in the world of hip-hop, but the group’s new album fails to match its earlier work.

“A Better Tomorrow” showcases a few standout songs that reflect the group’s old school roots. However, as a whole, the album is a combination of producer/member RZA overpowering the group’s classic, beloved style with a new, overworked sound. Any loyal listener of Wu-Tang will still enjoy the traces of traditional, raw talent found in the album, but ultimately the aftertaste is disappointing.

The New-York-based crew first came together in 1993 as a collection of nine MCs. Their plan was to overtake the record industry by releasing a powerful debut album, followed by a myriad of solo side projects. This model helped the nine members became individual stars as well.

Wu-Tang’s first album, “Enter the Wu-Tang,” was produced in 1993 and includes one of the group’s most famous songs, “C.R.E.A.M.” Four more major albums followed over the course of 14 years. Now, the crew has released “A Better Tomorrow,” a 20-year anniversary album from when it first started, proving it has the capability to last through the decades.

One aspect of “A Better Tomorrow” that makes one miss the authentic style of the old Wu-Tang Clan is the overproduction of many tracks. The saving grace in songs such as “Miracle” and “Preacher’s Daughter” is the talent heard during the individual verses of the members. However, it is still unfortunately drowned out by beatless choruses and melodramatic endings. This is dismally contrasted with the gritty, basement-style recordings of the group’s initial releases.

Yet, one can still find remnants of Wu-Tang’s New-York underground roots. Standouts on the album include the tracks “Ruckus in B Minor” and “40th Street Black/We Will Fight,” songs that capture the group’s old renegade spirit. The lyrics on the album, such as those in “Necklace,” also show signs of hope that Wu-Tang has not completely lost its versatility in constructing heavy and humorous tracks.

Overall, “A Better Tomorrow” remains a quality hip-hop album, despite its adverse differences from how Wu-Tang sounded 20 years ago. Compared to a majority of other rap releases today, “A Better Tomorrow” actually contains meaning. However, it’s only the Wu-Tang loyalists that will find disappointment when listening to the album.

“A Better Tomorrow” can be purchased digitally and in retail for $11.99.