The Fifth

If *Boy in da Corner* showed grime could be a cohesive, critically acclaimed proposition and *Tongue N’ Cheek* proved it could conquer the charts, *The Fifth* forms a bridge between these worlds. Yes, there are plenty of glistening dance-floor killers (the Jessie J-backed “We Don’t Play Around”). But Dizzee still finds room for block-rattling street jams (“H-Town”) and proves that, 10 years in, he’s still an innovator at heart.

This month's album releases reviewed by the Evening Standard's music critics

While the press declared The Fifth the album where Dizzee Rascal played for America, the kinetic U.K. rapper told a different story, focusing on the production and how much he enjoyed rapping over these vibrant beats.

Album review: Dizzee Rascal's fifth album, titled simply 'The Fifth', fails to impress, cementing its maker's position as the soundtrack to Club 18-30 holidays.

It's hard not to picture that big, grinning face delivering these ridiculous but catchy songs and still dislike them, writes <strong>Dave Simpson</strong>

Album Reviews: Dizzee Rascal - The Fifth

Dizzee Rascal's The Fifth has fast-moving lyrics and catchy choruses, but his raps are about nothing much at all, says Neil McCormick.