Macklemore broke onto the music scene in 2012 with “Thrift Shop” and won four Grammys in 2014. Macklemore and Ryan Lewis’s sophomore album had a lot to live up to, but This Unruly Mess I’ve Made leaves much to be desired.

The album’s lead single “Downtown” is an attempt to recreate the hype “Thrift Shop” generated. Cheesy references to being a hipster and buying a moped leave the listener a bit confused to say the least. The track also seems to have an identity crisis midway through. It abruptly morphs from a lively rap track to a soulful ballad.

Another track that is extremely lacking is “Brad Pitt’s Cousin.” Ryan Lewis did an incredible job on sound and production; however, this is undermined by the ridiculous lyrics. The references to celebrities and long-expired memes become dry and repetitive.

On the other hand, “Buckshot” is one song that is able to maintain a stable theme throughout. Lewis’s production is superb and the catchy sounds keep the listener interested throughout the whole track. The song is also a nod to traditional hip-hop culture and style. Similarly, “Dance Off” references old school hip-hop styles and focuses on the culture of dance-offs and freestyle rapping.

One song that stands out on the album is “Light Tunnels.” This song chronicles Macklemore’s experience at the Grammys and reflects on the pressures of fame and the media. Social issues are a common thread throughout the album. “Let’s Eat” focuses on body image and the obsession with food in today’s society. The social justice message is most apparent in “White Privilege II.” This song is an entrancing monologue expertly woven into instrumentation and sound effects. It gets a bit drawn out with interview clips but overall the song does its job — it makes the listener think while enjoying the music. One thing that makes Macklemore stand out in the hip-hop industry is his point of view on social issues. He truly sends positive messages opposed to most other rappers who promote drug use and violence.

Macklemore tackles gender stereotypes and his fear of fatherhood in “Growing Up,” a touching song for his daughter. Between the sweet lyrics and Ed Sheeran’s feature, this song is sure to warm the hearts of many. The simple production and instrumentation allows Macklemore’s excellent lyrics to shine through. While Macklemore & Ryan Lewis’s intentions in bringing light to social issues are commendable, it starts to sound a bit like a lecture. The ideas, when not expanded upon, begin to resemble Twitter social justice: a small look at complex issues.

Overall, there are a few extremely well done songs on This Unruly Mess I’ve Made and a lot of potential. On many occasions, silly lyrics that seem to be striving for “Thrift Shop” overpower Lewis’s skillful producing. The lack of organization on the album hinders the listener’s appreciation of the song. I would not be surprised to find This Unruly Mess I’ve Made in a thrift shop soon.

Favorite track: “Light Tunnels”

Least favorite track: “Brad Pitt’s Ugly Cousin”

Rating: 4/10