Gemini (Macklemore album)

Gemini marks Macklemore's second solo studio album. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Macklemore said of the album: "It's not extremely politically motivated or heavily subject- or concept-oriented. I think it's mostly the music that I wanted to hear. It's the music that I wanted to go get into my car and listen to. I wanted it to be fun."[2] He told Beats 1 radio host Zane Lowe about his new approach for this album: "I always try to get a different palette of sounds and textures and vibes. This album, I was in a good place man. There's some darker songs, for sure, but for the most part, if I'm in a happy place and life is good, that's going to be reflected in the music."

On August 22, 2017, Macklemore unveiled the album's track list and cover art.[3][4][5] He released a video teaser of the song "Willy Wonka", a collaboration with Offset, on September 8, 2017.[6] It features behind-the-scenes footage of the recording process.[7][8]

"Glorious" was released as the lead single from the album on June 15, 2017. It features a guest appearance from American singer Skylar Grey.[9] Its music video was released on July 6, 2017, in which Macklemore was seen traveling around Modesto, California with his grandmother.[10]

The second single from the album, "Marmalade", was released on July 26, 2017. It features a guest appearance from American rapper Lil Yachty.[11]

The collaboration with American singer-songwriter Kesha, "Good Old Days" was released as a promotional single from the album on September 19, 2017.[12] It was sent to adult contemporary radio October 9, 2017, as the album's third single.[13]

Professional ratings

Aggregate scores
Source	Rating
Metacritic	63/100[14]
Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic	[15]
The A.V. Club	C[16]
Entertainment Weekly	B−[17]
Pitchfork	5.4/10[18]
Rolling Stone	[19]

Gemini received positive reviews from music critics. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream publications, the album received an average score of 63, based on 8 reviews.[14] Neil Yeung of AllMusic said, "While some fans might prefer Macklemore with Lewis, Gemini is a reminder that before the multi-platinum singles, hit albums, and thrift shop threads, he could handle himself just fine."[15] Jon Dolan of Rolling Stone said, "Macklemore's first post-fame LP minus longtime partner Ryan Lewis finds the Seattle MC unburdened by stardom or the social concern that turns his woke anthems into online firestorms."[19]

Chuck Arnold of Entertainment Weekly gave note of the unevenness and length through the track listing but commended Macklemore for keeping it together with his personality and giving the project a "loose mixtape quality."[17] Clayton Purdom of The A.V. Club criticized the use of "drop-out catchphrases [and] horn solos and minutes-long American Idol-style belting," along with Macklemore's "earnest neediness" in his delivery, concluding that "the rapper's sentimentality and kitchen-sink production ethos land the record alongside Katy Perry's Witness in the post-Hamilton bargain bin."[16]

Notes

• "Glorious" features background vocals from Adam Aejaye Jackson, Will Wheaton, Oren Waters, Valerie Pinkston, Bridgett Bryant, Niomisha Renee Wilson, Harrison White, and Brenda McClure; and additional vocals from Donna Missal.
• "Firebreather" features background vocals from Grace Love and Tyler Andrews.
• "How to Play the Flute", "Corner Store", and "Excavate" feature background vocals from Tyler Andrews.
• "Church" features additional vocals from Jerome Welch.

• List of number-one albums of 2017 (Canada)