About this album
Where they were
By the time 'The Less You Know, the Better' was released in 2011, DJ Shadow had already established himself as a pioneering figure in instrumental hip-hop since his debut album 'Endtroducing.....' in 1996. This album marked his return after a five-year hiatus following 'The Outsider' (2006), showcasing a more introspective and experimental approach.
Why it matters
The album received critical acclaim, with its innovative sampling techniques and eclectic sound earning praise from outlets like Pitchfork and The Guardian. It reached No. 7 on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart, reinforcing DJ Shadow's influence within the hip-hop community and beyond.
Essential tracks
- "I Gotta Rokk" — This track features an infectious energy and showcases Shadow's ability to fuse rock elements with hip-hop, making it a standout anthem of the album.
- "Scale It Back" — Featuring the vocals of Little Dragon, this track exemplifies the seamless integration of electronic music with hip-hop sensibilities, highlighting Shadow's versatility.
- "Enemy Lines" — 'Enemy Lines' combines haunting melodies with poignant lyrics, representing the introspective side of the album while displaying Shadow's rich production skills.
Release Date
September 30, 2011
Artist Origin
United States
Tracklist
- 1 Back to Front (Circular Logic) 2:04
- 2 Border Crossing 3:36
- 3 Stay the Course 3:37
- 4 I’ve Been Trying 3:12
- 5 Sad and Lonely 3:11
- 6 Warning Call 3:31
- 7 Tedium 2:27
- 8 Enemy Lines 5:23
- 9 Going Nowhere 0:28
- 10 Redeemed 4:26
- 11 Run for Your Life 3:25
- 12 Give Me Back the Nights 3:55
- 13 I Gotta Rokk 6:30
- 14 Scale It Back 4:17
- 15 Circular Logic (Front to Back) 4:55
- 16 (Not So) Sad and Lonely 4:29
