Album review: Jay Z, Magna Carta Holy Grail (Virgin EMI)

Saturday 06 July 2013 21:10 BST

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

“Welcome to the magnum opus,” he insists and his 12th album is certainly magnum: 59 often leaden, mostly hubristic minutes to make that 1215 Grand Charter seem like light relief.

Lowlights include an opener cutting “Smells Like Teen Spirit” into a solipsistic symposium on celebrity. Better moments include the sinuous, horn-inflected “Oceans”, with Frank Ocean, a provocative tale of luxury and slavery that shows up the complacency elsewhere.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Thank you for registering

Album review: Jay Z, Magna Carta Holy Grail (Virgin EMI)

Join our commenting forum

Thank you for registering