The Roots - Game Theory

Despite their signing to Def Jam, on Game Theory the Roots head in a direction opposite from all the trendy, commercial formulas that the label has pioneered. This is as intensely a "Roots album" as anything they've put out, the rightful sequel to their brilliant, creative Phrenology (unlike their last album, the off-balance Tipping Point. Game Theory is a dark and brooding affair, not just in Black Thought's foreboding lyricism but also in its musical textures. There's a layer of melancholia running beneath nearly every song, whether in the heavy thump of "In the Music" or the frenetic verve of "Here I Come." Track-for-track, this isn't The Roots' most scintillating collection of songs, but listened to from end-to-end, it's actually a remarkable achievement in album-making. Every song builds into the next one, and those willing to experience Game Theory as a 47-minute suite of 13 songs will be richly rewarded by how precisely the whole puzzle fits together. --Oliver Wang Amazon.com

Great Album - good variety and some classic songs.

Really enjoy listening to this album. Listening to it from start to finish, it really comes together. Good recording quality for your hi-fi. There's a few really cool classic songs. Overall not perfect but very good and worth the purchase. June 4, 2008

Black thought's of game theory

Game Theory presents even yet a darker view into the intellect of musical and lyrical virtuosos together known as the roots. Game Theory is very introspective, evidenced by such reflective rap of Black Thought. Though the album is not quite as experimental, musically, Tipping Point it is of high quality. The production is sound, and the flow delivery is on point.
Definitely an essential in the hip hop collection. March 9, 2008

Fed up

Game Theory finds The Roots fed up with the rising body count in Philadelphia and around the world. It's an album lacking in the playfullness that was interspersed througout the group's previous efforts, which makes it a little heavy but worth the weight. The prominent use of old-school R&B samples serves as a nostalgic counter to lyrics dripping with anger and resignation. It's a littlepolemical, but overall this is an important album that needs to be heard. January 24, 2008

The most Authentic Roots album to date!!

The Roots continue to be the most consistent rap group of all time and continue there slur of good music by providing us with a concert like effort on "Game Theory". Following the disappointment of their last album (which if you want to choose, "Tipping Point" was probably their weakest album to date) they hit us with a barrage of fast pace, dark, and energetic music never heard from The Roots. People have grown a custom to their laid back vibe of music in the past. However, this album blends in all the components of a true concert feel that no other rap group can provide. Black Thought (who is never mentioned amoung the top MCs in the game) delivers us with a strong onslaught of lyrisism with "False Media", and "Game Theory", with Quest and the gang hittin you with intense instrumentals captivating your attention right from the start.

Lead single "Don't Feel Right" takes you back to the old Tribe Called Quest "Senario Rmx" that keeps your blood pumpin. The biggest highlights of this album are "In The Music", "Long Time", and "Can't Stop This" which pay tributes to the late great J-Dilla extending the beat to his classic instrumental off "Dilla Donuts" "Time: The Donut of the Heart" this album is pure Roots at its best. "Atonement", however, should not have been on the album which messed up the vibe a tad. But all in all, best Roots album I've heard in a while!! Black Thought and Quest keep it going!!

4 1/2 stars. Best album since "Things Fall Apart"
December 27, 2007

Very dark, but brilliant album...

This is the darkest Roots album yet. As always, Black Thought's lyrical genius and rhythmic prowess shines through to a new level. The whole album reflects the sad reality of the street life in inner-city Philadelphia, but it is energizing at the same time, especially with intense tracks like "Here I Come" or the more laid-back and flowing "Clock with No Hands". I also think "Take it There" is a brilliant song; it grips you from the minute Black Thought starts his verse, before the beat comes in.

Other reviewers have basically said it all already, and I agree with their analysis that this is another great album to come out of one of the best hip-hop groups ever. December 25, 2007

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