Nothing Great About Britain
slowthai
2019
On his debut album, Nothing Great About Britain, slowthai tackles the UK’s pressing crises—a looming Brexit, class hostility, widening poverty—systematically dismantling the stereotypes of British culture, bating the Royals, and lampooning the jingoistic bluster that has ultimately led to Brexit and a surge in nationalism.
“I wanted to share my experiences growing up here, and like bringing it back to the point of no matter what troubles I’ve gone through, the people always remain with me and stay by me and make my life easier and happier is my family and friends.” – slowthai
Nothing Great About Britain serves up a succession of candid snapshots of modern-day British life; drugs, disaffection, depression, and the threat of violence all loom in slowthai’s visceral verses, but so too does hope, love, and defiance.
Standing alongside righteous anger and hard truths, it’s this willingness to appear vulnerable that makes slowthai such a compelling storyteller, and this debut a vital cultural document is a testament to the healing power of music.
As slowthai himself explains, “Music to me is the biggest connector of people. It don’t matter what social circle you’re from, it bonds people across divides. And that’s why I do music: to bridge the gap and bring people together.”
Stand-Out Tracks
Doorman
Inglorious
Ladies
Peace of Mind
