Following up the acclaimed “Born Sinner,” J Cole’s “2014 Forest Hills Drive” doesn’t have the same slow and powerful punch as the rapper’s sophomore album, yet has performed better sales-wise.

Titled after the address of his boyhood home, Cole reminds us of his ability to be an artistic and melodic storyteller while offering insight on growing up, and ends with a thoughtful thank you (“Note to Self”) for those who made his current figure possible.

Cole’s third album lacks a clear cut radio hit, especially compared to his debut album “Cole World: The Sideline Story,” which featured “Work Out,” or “Power Trip,” which is off “Born Sinner,” but replaces it with tracks like  “Apparently” and “Fire Squad,” which are examples of Cole’s unique technical ability, combining heavy lyrics with backup choirs and elaborate bridges. “A Tale of Two Citiez” echoes Kendrick Lamar’s “m.A.A.d City” with a tale of the artist’s life growing up while also reminding us of many recent sociopolitical events with lines like “Hands in the air now, hands in the air.”

We won’t see “2014 Forest Hills Drive” in the Grammy Awards this year for Best Rap Album. This year’s records by Wiz Khalifa, Schoolboy Q, Iggy Azalea, Childish Gambino, and Eminem are all good and tremendously varied–but they’re different than Cole’s new album. Perhaps we’re too emotionally drained from the autobiographical intensity of Kendrick’s “Good Kid, m.A.A.d City” to fully appreciate “2014 Forest Hills Drive” for what it’s worth. And what a shame that is.

Available for $9.99 on iTunes.