Stardust marks a bold evolution for Danny Brown—an album where hyper-rap, glitch-drenched production, and ‘90s electronic nostalgia collide into one of his most experimental projects yet. The opener, “Book of Daniel,” acts as a gentle emotional prologue, easing the listener in with soft guitar lines and a slow-building swell. Danny’s introspective lyrics create a contemplative tone that threads through much of the record, even if the overall payoff doesn’t always feel as powerful as its setup. It’s the calm before the chaos, because the moment “Starburst” hits, the album veers into something far more erratic. The squeaky synths, jittery rhythms, and Danny’s high-pitched delivery make for a jarring listen, and when the track suddenly spirals into a techno-influenced frenzy, it never quite lands the way it aims to.

Things start to click with “Copycats,” where Danny finds a comfortable balance between his unhinged energy and the album’s glitchy aesthetic. underscores’ feature adds a textured contrast that makes the track feel fully realized, transforming the experimental chaos into something catchy, vibrant, and genuinely exciting. “1999” continues this momentum, embracing the bass-heavy, distorted palette of the album but in a way that feels more refined and inviting. The muffled production softens the edges while Danny’s tight flow and subtle vocal layering elevate it into one of the more compelling and cohesive moments on Stardust.

Where the album shines brightest is in its embrace of ‘90s dance, trance, and house influences. “Flowers”—a euphoric collaboration with 8485—blends bright synths, deep bass, and dreamy female vocals into a blissed-out atmosphere that feels hypnotic from start to finish. Danny rides the beat with ease, letting the production breathe and bloom. “Lift You Up” channels classic house music with a rich, full-bodied sound. The female vocals are captivating, and the buildup feels perfectly paced, creating a warm, energizing sense of lift without ever feeling derivative or stuck in the past.

Not every experiment hits the mark. “Green Light,” despite a solid feature from Frost Children, feels too reserved compared to the album’s more daring ideas. “What You See” leans into washed-out dreaminess, which is pleasant, but it lacks the intrigue or emotional weight that makes the stronger tracks pop. Meanwhile, “Baby” finds its footing in catchy glitch-rap production and another strong underscores appearance, while “Whatever the Case” swings toward the chaotic side of Danny’s experimentation. Its janky beat and scattered flow will appeal to fans of his messier, more unrestrained work, but it struggles to maintain cohesion after the album’s more polished centerpieces.

The project’s introspective moments offer some of its most surprising depth. “1L0v3myL1f3!” plays like a frenetic fever dream, bouncing between emotional vulnerability and sonic overload. “RIGHT FROM WRONG” goes in the opposite direction—dark, atmospheric, and inward-looking, with deep bass, spacey textures, and distorted vocals that swell into a haunting, immersive soundscape. Then there’s “The End,” one of the album’s high points, blending nostalgic PS2-era synth pads with rapid percussion and some of Danny’s most emotionally charged delivery. Ta Ukrainka’s vocals add a poignant layer that lifts the track even higher before it explodes into a glitchy, aggressive finale that feels like a statement piece.

Stardust closes on “All4U,” a minimalist reflection where Danny strips everything down to voice, emotion, and an almost-empty beat. After an album filled with sharp turns, dense production, and wild stylistic shifts, this quiet moment feels like a personal sigh—grounded, sincere, and thematically fitting.

In the end, Stardust is an album defined by risk. It’s chaotic, adventurous, uneven, and at times perplexing—but it’s also captivating, forward-thinking, and filled with moments of real brilliance. Danny Brown pushes himself into new territory, embracing experimentation with a fearlessness that makes the project compelling even when it stumbles. It’s a record that rewards repeat listens, always revealing new textures and quirks, and it stands as one of the most daring entries in his catalog—flawed, fascinating, and undeniably Danny.