Coloring Book [Mixtape]
by Chance the Rapper
  • Record Label: N/A
  • Release Date: May 13, 2016
User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 609 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 533 out of 609
  2. Mixed: 36 out of 609
  3. Negative: 40 out of 609

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  1. AV-
    Apr 28, 2022
    4
    i review albums like so: i count the songs i like and divide them by the total songs on the album.

    there are some songs in coloring book that i really love. smoke break is a song i listened to throughout high school. however, i didnt like most of the album. 5/14 = 36%
  2. Hendo250
    Apr 6, 2021
    7
    this album is a 7 this album is a 7 this album is a 7 this album is a 7 this album is a 7
  3. Kloot1rr
    Jul 2, 2020
    0
    Chance the Rapper takes a major step in maturity. Coming off of a brilliant mixtape "Acid Rap", Chance drops the hallucinogens and takes a more faithful trip. With beautiful harmonies, sharp lyricism & a myriad of great features, Chance firmly puts this mixtape in the Album of the Year conversation. Christianity is the topic of conversation...Chance makes even non-believers enjoy theChance the Rapper takes a major step in maturity. Coming off of a brilliant mixtape "Acid Rap", Chance drops the hallucinogens and takes a more faithful trip. With beautiful harmonies, sharp lyricism & a myriad of great features, Chance firmly puts this mixtape in the Album of the Year conversation. Christianity is the topic of conversation...Chance makes even non-believers enjoy the hell out of this one.
    Best Tracks: SAME DRUGS, No Problem, Summer Friends    … Expand
  4. fifi3
    Jul 28, 2019
    8
    Coloring Book is a really good project. It is sonically eclectic, thoughtful, and is a pretty airtight tracklist. It does a great job establishing mood, makes you feel happy, but is also very poignant at times as well.
  5. C_dot
    Dec 6, 2018
    9
    Chance The Rapper is nothing but authentic on this awesome blend of gospel and hip hop. Chance comes at us with amazing energy that he keeps throughout, and when he slows down, you can feel his heart being poured into his words. He takes advantage of his extremely unique voice to keep you captivated throughout.
  6. Recon97
    Sep 29, 2017
    9
    Chance once again shows he has lyrical ability, great production, and meaningful messages throughout this fantastic mixtape. Only complaint is that Kanye sucks. 9/10
  7. FruitJuice
    Jul 18, 2017
    8
    great album............................................................................................................................................................
  8. joenorth
    Jun 24, 2017
    9
    An incredible album with very catchy and memorable pieces. There are incredible collaborations with the likes of Kanye West, Lil Yachty and surprisingly Justin Bieber. All We Got is an incredible opener with No Problem following it. The mixing is incredible with background vocals mixed in very well. Songs like Same Drugs show that Chance can also sing. The album is a joy to listen to andAn incredible album with very catchy and memorable pieces. There are incredible collaborations with the likes of Kanye West, Lil Yachty and surprisingly Justin Bieber. All We Got is an incredible opener with No Problem following it. The mixing is incredible with background vocals mixed in very well. Songs like Same Drugs show that Chance can also sing. The album is a joy to listen to and has been repeating in my headphones for the past week.… Expand
  9. LinttaFlamingo
    Jun 19, 2017
    9
    Acid Rap is a bit more welcoming, but Coloring Book is mostly just as energetic and positive as its predecessor and is definitely worth it to listen to.
  10. Jensen67
    May 23, 2017
    6
    I listened through this multiple times trying to like it but I just couldn't. It's just too gospel-ly and some of the features on here are questionable to say the least such as Lil Yachty, Young Thug, and Justin Bieber.

    Best songs: Angels / No Problem
  11. tommy1607
    Apr 16, 2017
    6
    This album is Chance's first album to really break through into the mainstream, which is unsurprising as it is his most accessible project as of yet. There are certainly some good tracks on this album, Lil Yachty delivers a great verse on 'Mixtape' and Future is a surprisingly good accomplice for Chance on 'Smoke Break'. The highlight of the album is the sunny, jovial 'Angels'. PromisingThis album is Chance's first album to really break through into the mainstream, which is unsurprising as it is his most accessible project as of yet. There are certainly some good tracks on this album, Lil Yachty delivers a great verse on 'Mixtape' and Future is a surprisingly good accomplice for Chance on 'Smoke Break'. The highlight of the album is the sunny, jovial 'Angels'. Promising Chicago rapper Saba gives a great hook and Chance has great chemistry with him on the verses. However, this album has its drawbacks. To be blunt Chance's delivery is often annoying and his lyrics are rarely particularly thought provoking. There is also a significant lack of solo tracks on this project, and the features don't always deliver well enough to hold up the tracks. The opening track is one of many that is poorly mixed which really harms the experience of listening to this album. I also feel that Chance tries way to hard to cram gospel influence into this project to the point where the religious theme seems forced and unnecessary. Overall, this project is terribly mixed and too feature heavy, but there are some good tracks and a lot of mainstream crossover appeal.… Expand
  12. djdenzel777
    Mar 24, 2017
    8
    Very interesting project to listen to. It is quite cohesive, and refreshing. Chance has definitely improved as a lyricist and artist as a whole. That being said, the project does feel a bit over-rated.
  13. JanekAdam
    Mar 6, 2017
    10
    If this album doesn't give you faith I don't know what will. Impossible to be unhappy after listening. He may not have the lyricism of Kendrick but he damn well makes you happy and brightens your mood!
  14. brockcheese
    Feb 24, 2017
    9
    This is some amazing gospel rap following in the same vein as Kanye and constructs one of the most unique rap albums mostly due to its incredible flow and production.
  15. thedaywalker
    Dec 31, 2016
    9
    Without a doubt the best rap album/mixtape of the year, joyful to listen to, great beats and Angels just does for me, best rap song of the year, there are songs that don't appeal to me, but they don't make me enjoy the mixtape any less
  16. royalsfan2k15
    Oct 18, 2016
    10
    Coloring Book Review
    Chance the Rapper is one of the most talented singers and performers of 2016. His new album, Coloring Book, shows exactly why. The poetic beauty he brings to the album, and the sweet sounding Gospel he throws in there makes this album very enjoyable to listen to, because you can really get into the music and feel the powerful impact of his voice.
    In the album, we see    Coloring Book Review
    Chance the Rapper is one of the most talented singers and performers of 2016. His new album, Coloring Book, shows exactly why. The poetic beauty he brings to the album, and the sweet sounding Gospel he throws in there makes this album very enjoyable to listen to, because you can really get into the music and feel the powerful impact of his voice.
    In the album, we see a lot of big name stars, such as, Ty Dolla $ign, Lil Wayne, and 2 Chainz. The most impactful in the album is the Chicago Gospel Choir. They are choir from the biggest church in Chicago, and let me tell you, they are nothing short of fantastic. In the song, “Blessings,” you can hear them in the background as the instrumental part as it is an acapella song. It is probably the most well written songs I have ever heard. The way Chance poetically uses his life experiences with his mother and write them done, and to have the Choir sing in the background like angels. It makes up for a classic song that will make you want to sing along.
    I would compare Chance’s voice to Kanye West (not trying to be insulting). It sounds a little raspy, but it sounds more smooth than Kanyes and he can hit the more higher notes than Kanye. In fact, Kanye was in such awe of Chance, he let him open in his new album, The Life of Pablo (TLOP), giving Chance the Rapper instant fame. A couple weeks after TLOP, Chance released the instant classic, “No Problem ft. 2 Chainz & Lil Wayne,” The song was such a hit it started skyrocketing forward on the Top 100 List on every major magazine and newspaper.
    Yet, the only thing anyone could think of as an issue people could find is that it is not a party album. That it is not a typical Hip-Hop album, but I believe it was meant to be different. In my opinion, Chance saw that the Hip-Hop world was falling with all the allegations and just simply not good writing. So, he tried to switch it up and make something no one has ever heard before, and to say he nailed it is an understatement. He brings poetic beauty while writing, such as, “I speak wondrous, unfamiliar lessons from childhood. Make you remember how to smile good.” and, “The people’s champ must be everything the people can’t be. I’m getting artsy fartsy, house full of some Hebru Brantley’s.” Lyrics like that just bring joy to anyone who actually listens to lyrics.
    In conclusion, if you’re wanting to listen to an album that just brings you happiness, then I highly suggest listening to Coloring Book by Chance the Rapper. The poetic beauty and powerful impact that he brings in his voice will really change your perspective how the Hip-Hop culture is changing with Chance the Rapper now at the helm.    … Expand
  17. magikarpow
    Jul 17, 2016
    10
    Incredible Gospel Rap mix. Chance delivers some incredible feel good vibes with a Gospel vibe and positive messages. Every song on here is full of energy, and it's personally my favorite album of the year.
  18. RadioheadLuv17
    Jul 13, 2016
    9
    This is his all star neon f**k-with-pop opus, that makes lil wayne seem ok, religion seem like the only answer and fart on the seat seem like a decent line. Its an example of how happiness can be contagious without being cheesy, and how rap can exist without ego, and instead with self-respect and love of the world around you.
  19. frienderman
    Jul 3, 2016
    9
    An immediate classic of groundbreaking influences of soul, gospel, and classic rap stemming from one of the greatest standing rappers of the 21st century.
  20. tyaussi
    Jun 23, 2016
    9
    In a world full of debauchery and self indulgence in the rap industry, Coloring Book is a breath of fresh air. Chance the Rapper paves his own path and the results are beautiful. Don't let the moniker "Mixtape" fool you, this is a full drawn out album that should be listened to from start to finish. Currently the best Hip Hop album of 2016.
  21. giair
    Jun 8, 2016
    8
    Amazing Album.
    Few tracks might be poorly produced, but overall does the work.
    Solid lyrics, good choice of instruments.

    Highlight: All we Got, Blessings and Same Drugs.
  22. nickday17
    Jun 2, 2016
    7
    Chance does not meet up to the hype here although their are some good tracks on here (Very Soulful to say the least). Fav tracks : Same Drugs, All We Got, No Problem, Mixtape
  23. Chucky666
    Jun 2, 2016
    10
    This is going to be my summer album. I could tell from the first listen at the beach. It's so uplifting and fun, but at the same time Chance is more mature.
  24. WillSumner
    Jun 2, 2016
    9
    Great old style jazz and gospel sound throughout, a sound heard sporadically throughout The Life of Pablo; to an extent due to Chance's influence on the album no doubt. He's developed his own, very different sound unlike other artists within Hip-Hop and rap right now, making him both more excited and talented than many of his peers.
  25. WANGWEST
    May 30, 2016
    7
    The album is good but the sounds kind of weird and distracts me from the lyrics. Also I kind of don't like his voice sometimes when he talks , it's kind of annoying but overall I like the album.
  26. Cypher_ATL
    May 28, 2016
    9
    I had high hopes coming into this album, and it definitely plays out for me. How Chance was able to construct such a glorious masterpiece full of different themes, production and vocals is beyond my standards, and I am so proud of how he’s shaped into not just a great rapper, but a great artist. I feel like he could be the second-coming of Kanye on the artistic and creative side, and II had high hopes coming into this album, and it definitely plays out for me. How Chance was able to construct such a glorious masterpiece full of different themes, production and vocals is beyond my standards, and I am so proud of how he’s shaped into not just a great rapper, but a great artist. I feel like he could be the second-coming of Kanye on the artistic and creative side, and I wouldn’t doubt if this young man becomes something huge in the music scene. The mixing on a few parts of the project could be touched up on, and I think Chance needs to realize that, but I digress. I couldn’t approve of this album enough, and I look forward to what Chancelor Bennett will be giving us in the future.… Expand
  27. Coal
    May 28, 2016
    8
    Perhaps the happiest rap album ever made. Gracefully incorporating traditional gospel music, this mixtape is likely to be a definitive work in the young rapper's career.
  28. fastrunnerny
    May 28, 2016
    9
    Such a happy sounding album. Guaranteed to make your day brighter. I'd give it a 10 out of 10 if it was better mixed. The Kanye song was the worst offender in mixing. He needs Dr. Dre to produce his albums.
  29. klone76
    May 27, 2016
    10
    A kaleidoscope rush of audio beauty. Too much expectation was put on this album/mixtape to be as good as or better than Acid Rap and I say it is. This project picks up just where Acid Rap left off and just as cohesive. Production is and fuller and more lush although the vocal and horn mixing on some of the songs was a little off (Kanye's vocals on "All We Got" scared the sh!t outta me whenA kaleidoscope rush of audio beauty. Too much expectation was put on this album/mixtape to be as good as or better than Acid Rap and I say it is. This project picks up just where Acid Rap left off and just as cohesive. Production is and fuller and more lush although the vocal and horn mixing on some of the songs was a little off (Kanye's vocals on "All We Got" scared the sh!t outta me when they came in louder than the rest of the mix.) A nice balance lyrically between mature, grown man bars and goofy, fun lyrics. AND WHO KNEW CHOIRS IN HIP-HOP COULD WORK!!!! Chance is just having fun with now. Overall, there's a lot of satisfaction on this project for it to be just a mixtape. Can't wait to see crowds lose it when "No Problems" is performed live!… Expand
  30. NountheNoun
    May 26, 2016
    10
    The perfect end to the Chance trilogy of mixtapes. He steps it up from Acid Rap and is in full control of his craft here. Easily one of the best pieces of music to come out in 2016.
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Awards & Rankings

5
#5 Best Album of 2016
24
#24 Most Discussed Album of 2016
23
#23 Most Shared Album of 2016

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
89

Universal acclaim - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. RapReviews.com
    Apr 24, 2017
    65
    Several aspects of the sonic structure on otherwise well-made beats and well-laid vocals sound blurred and mashed together. It is not a pretty listen by any means unless the listener is willing to bear the pain of a weak recording process.
    Read full review
  2. NOW Magazine
    May 25, 2016
    80
    It has the bigness and accessibility of a major hip-hop album thanks in part to zeitgeisty guests like Justin Bieber, Future and Young Thug.
    Read full review
  3. PopMatters
    May 25, 2016
    80
    Coloring Book is another exceptional release from a vital artist only now coming into his own.
    Read full review
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