Wu-Tang Clan’s “A Better Tomorrow,” although a solid albumin today’s standards, will make any dedicated fan wish they were still in the past. A reunion is always exciting in the world of hip-hop, but the group’s new album isn’t as impressive as earlier work.

“A Better Tomorrow” does have standout songs that reflect the group’s old school roots. However, as a whole, the album is a combination of producer/member RZA overpowering the group’s classic, beloved style with a new, overworked sound. Any loyal listener of Wu Tang will still enjoy the traces of traditional, raw talent found in the album, but ultimately be left with an aftertaste of disappointment.

The New-York-based crew first got together in 1993 as a collection of nine MCs. Their plan was to overtake the record industry by releasing a powerful debut album, followed by a myriad of solo side projects. Through this fashion, the nine members became individual stars as well. Wu Tang’s first album, “Enter the Wu Tang,” was produced in 1993, including one of the group’s most famous songs, “C.R.E.A.M.” Four more major albums followed over the course of fourteen years. Now, the crew has released “A Better Tomorrow,” a 20 year anniversary album from when they first started, proving they have the capability to last through the decades.

Wu Tang Clan is composed of East Coast rappers RZA, GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killa, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, Cappadonna, and Ol’ Dirty Bastard. The group is best known for their hardcore beats, martial arts imagery, and warped humor.

One aspect of “A Better Tomorrow” that makes one miss the authentic style of the old Wu Tang Clan is the overproduction of many tracks. The saving grace in songs, such as “Miracle” and “Preacher’s Daughter,” is the talent heard during the individual verses of the members. However, it is still unfortunately drowned out by beatless choruses and melodramatic coda. This overproduced sound is dismally contrasting with the gritty, basement-style recordings of the group’s first releases.

Yet, one can still find redeeming remnants of Wu Tang’s New-York underground roots that remind them of the beloved old-school sounds from the group’s early years. Standouts on the album include the track, “Ruckus in B Minor” and “40th Street Black/We Will Fight,” which are songs that capture the group’s old rabid, renegade spirit. The lyrics found in many verses on the album, such as those in “Necklace,” also show signs of hope that Wu Tang has not completely lost its versatility in constructing heavy versus humorous tracks.

Overall, “A Better Tomorrow” remains a quality hip-hop album, despite its adverse differences from how Wu Tang sounded 20 years ago. However, this is only in terms of music today. When compared to the old Wu Tang from the early 90s, loyalists will find disappointment when listening to the album.  It’s hard for any group to replicate how they sounded at their peak, and sadly Wu Tang Clan is just another example.

“A Better Tomorrow” can be purchased on iTunes for $11.99 and at stores for $13.99.