Lil Durk has been facing personal struggles for almost a decade, dealing with grief and feuds that have taken a toll on him. His new album, “Almost Healed,” opens with a therapy session where Alicia Keys plays his therapist, recalling the moments when things started to fall apart for him. The loss of King Von in 2020 and his brother the following year to violence has left lasting scars, and Durk hasn’t fully come to terms with his trauma even after all these years.
The album begins with intense and introspective tracks that take us back to Durk’s past, reflecting on his early struggles and the violence he witnessed, shaping the person he is today. However, as the album progresses, it becomes a mixed bag of solid and underwhelming songs, resembling some of his previous works.
One collaboration that misses the mark is with J. Cole on “All My Life.” Despite a commendable message and an emotive child’s choir, neither Durk nor Cole manage to deliver compelling thoughts. Durk’s attempt at creating radio-friendly tracks, including a pop crossover with Morgan Wallen on “Stand By Me,” feels forced and desperate for acceptance from a different audience.
Although the album initially sets itself up as an exploration of healing and vulnerability, those themes are not thoroughly explored throughout the record. Instead, Durk falls back on familiar territory, navigating through toxic relationships and justifying his reluctance to trust others.
Amidst the introspective moments, there are tracks that provide a break with their mindless energy. However, they do little to add coherence to the overall album or deepen the understanding of Lil Durk as an artist. The lack of a clear direction leaves “Almost Healed” feeling like a project aimed at pleasing everyone but lacking a strong identity.
Ultimately, the album offers glimpses into Durk’s psyche and healing process, but it lacks the depth and consistency needed to make it a truly cathartic experience. Lil Durk seems to struggle with defining the album’s true identity, resulting in a collection that falls short of being a fully immersive therapy session.
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