8 Diagrams

Six years after their last album, much has changed for the Clan. Sure, ODB died, but that ain’t the half of it. Producer RZA — geeked off his recent soundtrack work (Ghost Dog, Kill Bill) — is mucking about with live instruments and limp beats. The result is a drab dilution of the Wu’s signature sample-heavy, raucous sound on 8 Diagrams. Meanwhile, Raekwon, Meth & Co. have lost their lyrical ferocity. Judging by this disappointing return, Wu-Tang may not be forever after all.
DOWNLOAD THIS: ”Windmill”