• Record Label: RCA
  • Release Date: Sep 27, 2011
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 219 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 20 out of 219
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  1. Oct 27, 2011
    6
    This is a desent album, it's not the best. I'm glad that it reach number 1 on the US Billboard 200. Nice collaboration with Missy Elliott, Drake, Jay-Z, and Trey Songz. He needs to take his time on his next album.
  2. Sep 27, 2011
    6
    Not a bad effort for a debut album considering he himself produced most of the tracks. Unfortunately he doesn't bring anything new to the table. Besides the average sounding voice of his, he doesn't quite have that fast but smooth feel like flow that a top tier mc like nas possesses.

    Where would it stand along the other great debut albums such as Reasonable Doubt, Illmatic, Ready to Die,
    Not a bad effort for a debut album considering he himself produced most of the tracks. Unfortunately he doesn't bring anything new to the table. Besides the average sounding voice of his, he doesn't quite have that fast but smooth feel like flow that a top tier mc like nas possesses.

    Where would it stand along the other great debut albums such as Reasonable Doubt, Illmatic, Ready to Die, Only Built for Cuban Linx, even College Dropout ? (and more of course ...)


    Cole World: A Sideline Story falls short, I expected SO much more.

    6/10
    Expand
  3. Dec 3, 2018
    6
    Very average album. Has a few bangers to make up for the lack of lyrics and production elsewhere.
  4. Apr 6, 2021
    6
    this album is a 6 this album is a 6 this album is a 6 this album is a 6 this album is a 6
  5. Jun 24, 2013
    5
    Boring. It`s just boring. Nothing about this album engages be or hooks me in any sort of meaningful way. The songs aren't bad, but they're just not that interesting either
  6. Apr 24, 2018
    5
    man after Friday night lights I was hoping this would be just as good but its sooooo disappointing. maybe 1-2 good songs on this thing. I can't believe jay z let him put this out. he let nas down with this ****
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 20
  2. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. He's worth the shot Jay couldn't resist giving him. But he's still not comfortable enough or clever enough.
  2. Nov 4, 2011
    70
    Cole World reveals its maker to be a technically superb rapper with great production skills, albeit currently exploring rags-to-riches tales lacking in consistent vigour.
  3. Oct 19, 2011
    70
    Despite the flaws, Cole shapes up his debut to be a well-rounded effort.