And I don't say that lightly.

The social/geo-political commentary is broad-sweeping and full of insight, whether from the first person or third person perspectives employed by the mc's on the record. Issues of race, ethnicity, class, age, and national identity are all addressed head on through-out the record.

The sonic impression is the most complex and creative The Roots have ever fashioned.

The keyboard work is light-years beyond previous Roots albums.

Thought's delivery in "75 Bars" is straight classic material.

Peedi's verse on "Get Busy" is probably my favorite verse on the record (aside from 75 Bars); his charisma, energy, and flow are all on point. He's an excellent contrast to Black Thought, and he would make a great permanent member of the group.

The only guest appearance that disappoints me is Common's; he sounds mad tired and the lyrics sound like an amalgam of recycled bits and pieces of Common's work from the past 4 years.

If you took out "The Show," I think this is a 5 mic album.