Ironman

Rolling Stone (12/12/96, p.82) - 3.5 Stars (out of 5) - "...After defining the music's rhythm in his dusted, offbeat, signature style, RZA emphasizes simple, precise percussion and bass thuds that are augmented by moody traces of lush strings, baroque riffs and samples from '60s soul records..." Spin (2/97, p.90) - 7 (out of 10) - "...Ghostface raps a more explosive variant of the chippy, Wu-Tang rhyme combinations....This guy just sounds mean--brutal, skilled, and unpredictable....As usual, [RZA] provides awesomely dark and eccentric backdrops for the MCs' dark maneuvers..." Entertainment Weekly (11/08/96, p.69) - "The latest from the Wu Tang Clan member finds Ghostface talking vehemently about sex, politics, and sexual politics..." - Rating: B+ Q (6/00, p.123) - 3 stars out of 5 - "...More about lyrical finesse than anything else. 'Daytona 500' is a maginifcent, fast-paced testing of skills with Raekwon and Cappadonna....everything is delivered with tongue-twisting Wu-Tang virtuosity that untangles with every listen..." The Wire (10/01, p.46) - "...A masterpiece....Raekwon and Ghost raise the slang bar quickly, analogizing various mysterious practices to various foods..." Vibe (12/96, p.186) - "...Ghostface bangs out sarcastic, street-camouflaged wildness....If ONLY BUILT 4 CUBAN LINX...had you open, prepare for another gaping wound." The Source (12/96, p.124) - 4 Mics (out of 5) - "...introspective lyrics, haunting melodies and intense emotional moments....[T]he RZA does another masterful job, topping himself in terms of sonic diversity..." Rap Pages (1/97, p.25) - "...yet another tangled web of expectations-bashing yarns; an exhilarating listen...with moments to inspire both cardiopulmonary palpitations and contemplative nods....IRONMAN is the Wu-banger to challenge your demands and ultimately win you over..." NME (Magazine) (12/21-28/96, pp.66-67) - Ranked #29 in NME's 1996 critic's poll.