Donda
by Kanye West
User Score
6.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 3155 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2,070 out of 3155
  2. Mixed: 161 out of 3155
  3. Negative: 924 out of 3155
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  1. Rauljiemenz
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This the best album This the best album
    This the best album This the best album This the best album This the best album This the best album This the best album
    This the best album This the best album This the best album This the best album This the best album This the best album
    This the best album This the best album This the best album This the best album    … Expand
  2. cunha04
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    good album kanye, sounds like a well done mix of the life of pabll and jesus is king
  3. rmataylor31
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    Great album, well done Mr. West. I really liked Donda and hate the independent for rating it 0 :(
  4. KaijuuU
    Aug 30, 2021
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Creo que es Justo un refrescante regreso para Kanye, no es un trabajo anticuado y en ciertos aspectos se siente innovador… Expand
  5. WaterCave
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    Donda, West's 10th studio LP, is a listen that stretches far beyond its predecessor "Jesus is King" - in terms of its colorful sonic landscape and its complimentary collaborations with both A- and B-list artists. In addition, Kanye keeps doing what he did on his magnum opus "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy" - bringing the absolute best out of each and every feature - musicians andDonda, West's 10th studio LP, is a listen that stretches far beyond its predecessor "Jesus is King" - in terms of its colorful sonic landscape and its complimentary collaborations with both A- and B-list artists. In addition, Kanye keeps doing what he did on his magnum opus "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy" - bringing the absolute best out of each and every feature - musicians and music-producers alike. This results in songs like "Off The Grid", "Jesus Lord", "Jail", "Praise God" and "Jonah". Kanye does more than this, he brings out his most vulnerable side in tracks like the breathtaking "Come to Life", a track that instantly replaced "Runaway" as my favorite West track off all time. Donda is a statement that this is indeed "a mission, not a show". 10/10.… Expand
  6. Sebas22
    Aug 30, 2021
    8
    maybe not kanye's best album but not bad taking into account that you have to evolve together with the industry if you will not be forgotten
  7. Eduardoox_x
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    Me da risa que la mayoría de comentarios negativos son los asquerosos fans de Quasimodo, dan pena que sea vean tan patéticos colapsando contra el álbum de Kanye. Me hacen reír un buen, son tan ridículos que causan alegrías.
  8. Jamghi8
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    Very impressed with this album. Only one or two songs I don’t care for, which is very hard to say for all other artists out there. Favorite song is “Hurricane” with The Weeknd and Lil Baby features. Well done Kanye. Donda would be proud.
  9. Brunxnn
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    Um dos melhores álbuns do Kanye West e um dos melhores desse ano. Louvem a Jesus Cristo.
  10. Masoncoates
    Aug 30, 2021
    8
    DONDA, Kanye Wests 10th solo album brings together modern music production choices and styles to meet gritty and distorted samples. It’s scattered and abrasive track-list is reminiscent of wests earlier project TLOP. West shows once again his talent as a curator to bring many different producers and artists together for a spectacular musical piece. DONDA is a great show of what experienceDONDA, Kanye Wests 10th solo album brings together modern music production choices and styles to meet gritty and distorted samples. It’s scattered and abrasive track-list is reminiscent of wests earlier project TLOP. West shows once again his talent as a curator to bring many different producers and artists together for a spectacular musical piece. DONDA is a great show of what experience and talent can create. Creativity can sometimes fall short however, where this album shines in its rawness, it seems to have many unexplored ideas that don’t quite connect and sound fulfilled. Overall I highly recommend DONDA.… Expand
  11. Oneshoot
    Aug 30, 2021
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A renovação de um artista que nunca cai no ostracismo e mesmo depois de 20 anos na indústria,ainda tem o que mostrar… Expand
  12. PraiseGod
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    Best album ww

    Shdhudhdhshshhsjsjsjsjaiiaiqjwvevdnaiqiejbrjeususjrhejsjsjdjrbwjs
  13. Jredeker
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    His best since 2016, it won’t get nearly the love it deserves because of the polarizing figure Kanye has become
  14. Chris0hhh
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    So many trolls giving this album bad reviews. It’s a great all around album with great production.
  15. Jajahaha
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    Amazing, highly recommend this album if you have the time…Kanye’s performance on this was absolutely magical.
  16. Slowter
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    Donda donda donda donda donda donda donda donda donda donda donda donda donda donda
  17. Davidtilin
    Aug 31, 2021
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Buen álbum a pesar de ser cristiano, espero sea calificado como tiene que ser… Expand
  18. Medoka
    Aug 31, 2021
    10
    increíble cómo mariconean por lo de taylor lol álbum del año. te pasaste kanye
  19. Griddd
    Sep 4, 2021
    9
    Really great album from top to bottom ,before going into this album i expected a lot of filler tracks because of how long it is but ye manages to keep a high level of quality and creativity on almost all the the tracks and even tracks I didn't initially like have grown on me
  20. Albumreviewer7
    Sep 3, 2021
    9
    Anyone giving this a negative score due to his questionable collabs is a hater - rate the music, not the people. This album perfectly reflects the narrative that was strewn together from the 3 public listening parties that were held prior to its release. Kanye was able to visually display the entire story for us in those events, and people are somehow still not understanding this album. ItAnyone giving this a negative score due to his questionable collabs is a hater - rate the music, not the people. This album perfectly reflects the narrative that was strewn together from the 3 public listening parties that were held prior to its release. Kanye was able to visually display the entire story for us in those events, and people are somehow still not understanding this album. It baffles me that people are only able to critique superficially (both users and critics) and are missing the entire concept. It is not a 10 because of the very random Tell The Vision interlude.… Expand
  21. bdrxsc
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    Album of the life. Kanye is the greatest musician of all time. Mozart could only hope to be as good as him in another life time.
  22. adamk95
    Sep 3, 2021
    10
    I cant say more than this is a life changer.
    Come to Life is Song of The Decade.
  23. Merciless7231
    Aug 30, 2021
    8
    Instrumentally the album is a 9 - lots of organs and well placed drum beats. Very minimalist approach to lyrics. Truthfully we could have used a few more verses from Ye on a few tracks, less repetition and a reduced album in track length. So lyrically I give it a 7.

    Best tracks: Off the Grid, Hurricane, Jail, Moon, Believe What I Say

    Overall still a fantastic experience.
  24. britishvango
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    I seriously do not understand the low rating of this album because there’s something on it for everyone. Undeniable hype tracks like Off the Grid and Praise God. The most dance-worthy beat on Believe What I Say. And emotional, vulnerable and moving tracks like Come to Life, Moon, Hurricane, Lord I Need You and 24. Jesus Lord is a poignant social commentary on the prison industrial complexI seriously do not understand the low rating of this album because there’s something on it for everyone. Undeniable hype tracks like Off the Grid and Praise God. The most dance-worthy beat on Believe What I Say. And emotional, vulnerable and moving tracks like Come to Life, Moon, Hurricane, Lord I Need You and 24. Jesus Lord is a poignant social commentary on the prison industrial complex and the systemic plights against poor block communities. The production is way ahead of its time and more creative than 99% of hip hop being released nowadays. Not to mention the features go INSANE. The album incorporates Jesus is a way that isn’t off-putting or incongruent but rather relatable and sentimental unlike his previous releases attempt Jesus is King.… Expand
  25. patrick_2001
    Aug 30, 2021
    8
    Over long but revolutionary, that’s the best way to describe this entire album. Even though some of the songs do drag out in the level of production might not be as high as some of these other albums, this album is so radically different from anything anybody’s heard it’s no wonder why some news outlets are giving this album a negative review. Even though the album might not be asOver long but revolutionary, that’s the best way to describe this entire album. Even though some of the songs do drag out in the level of production might not be as high as some of these other albums, this album is so radically different from anything anybody’s heard it’s no wonder why some news outlets are giving this album a negative review. Even though the album might not be as replaceable as something like graduation or my beautiful dark twisted fantasy, I would argue that this album provides the greatest experience cover to cover it has the greatest level of immersion of any Kanye album that has ever released. The only reason why this album is an eight in my eyes is because it’s unfinished and some of the songs are completely unnecessary or could’ve been condensed into one. ( For example jail part one in jail part two could’ve been squeezed into one song.) I created my Metacritic account specifically for this review because I think most users are not fully comprehending what this album goals are even if it’s a positive review. To summit up short, this is Kanye’s musical. And while every song might not be perfect I might have a couple problems, I do believe Kanye (similar to life of Pablo) is going to make some changes to the mixing and some of the beats. Therefore, I bet by November this album is going to be a nine out of 10. All I’ll say is, don’t go into this album thinking it’s late registration part two are my beautiful dark twisted fantasy part two. It is something you’ve never heard of and I think it deserves mad props for that.… Expand
  26. itsdominictoo
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    Donda is Kanye West’s 10th studio album and it’s a culmination of his 9 previous works and his collaborative works. The production shows throughout the tracks, somehow blending beautiful organ chords in with harsh distorted 808s and noises. Tracks deviate from one genre and dabble in a little bit of everything, from drill to gospel to lyrical to hip-hop. The feature list is nothing toDonda is Kanye West’s 10th studio album and it’s a culmination of his 9 previous works and his collaborative works. The production shows throughout the tracks, somehow blending beautiful organ chords in with harsh distorted 808s and noises. Tracks deviate from one genre and dabble in a little bit of everything, from drill to gospel to lyrical to hip-hop. The feature list is nothing to scoff at and every single feature performed astoundingly to the point where the features are to Donda as the features are to MBDTF. The three listening parties and weeks of anticipation with only a handful of posts my Mr. West is something few others can do. This album has broken records in the couple days it’s been out and will continue to this entire week. This album is Kanye West’s story of music told through the medium of honoring his late mother, Dr. Donda West. Those who say the music is bad know nothing of how many people have worked on this work with Kanye. At the very least a sensible music critic should give it a 6/10, while sn average listener, such as myself, has a duty to give it more than an 8/10 for its sheer beauty of the sound it creates playing through headphones and sound systems.… Expand
  27. AcrylicPudding
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    I believe that this album Donda, Kanye’s or now knows as Ye’s 10th LP is a work of art with many features that really do their part in their songs. Kanye doesn't shy away either he has some really strong verses on Donda. I believe this album has so much going on with it that anyone can and will find a song they love. R.I.P Donda West.
  28. MatthewThom
    Aug 30, 2021
    9
    Donda is an album that takes all the good gospel aspects from Jesus Is King, puts them on crack and combines it with hard trap beats and crazy good features. Too bad the pop smoke song brings it down to a 9.
  29. Evanocity
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Mr West’s 10th solo LP “Donda” is a beautiful combination of different styles of sound form his previous records, most prominently; “Yeezus”, “The Life of Pablo”, & “Jesus Is King”. It serves as a creative homage to his late mother Donda West. The matriarch’s vocals are present on multiple tracks, & she is referenced throughout the album. West incorporates great features & top tier production, as well as some of the singing & rapping we’ve heard from the artist to create what may go down as one of his greatest albums.… Expand
  30. JakeWaugh
    Aug 30, 2021
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Donda is Ye’s best album since 2013’s ‘Yeezus’. With an incredible feature list (ranging from A-List stars like Jay Z, The Weekend and Travis Scott, to new upcoming stars such as Vory, Fivio Foreign and Lil Baby) Kanye is given free reign to give an amazingly produced album that expertly bridges the gap between secular and gospel themes, without over indulging in either. Kanye shows that he still has real rap abilities on songs like Off the Grid, and Jesus Lord. Songs such as Moon, Lord I Need You and 24 all being such emotion that carry the pacing on the album through those middle sections. Donda also has real replay value and, I imagine, will stay in people’s circulation for months upon months with songs like ‘Hurricane’, ‘Off The Grid’, and ‘Jonah’ giving real mainstream appeal. Despite these highs, Donda does have its lows. At 27 songs long (1hour 48minutes) It is a little bloated, certain songs could be removed and others shorted to give a more coherent message and direct sound. Also on certain songs, Kanye could appear more significantly and dominantly, rather than allows features to carry certain songs. Clarity could also be given to the albums messages. Overall, this is a return to form for Kanye, giving us his best work since 2013. While Donda, by its brazen production and gospel messages, will divide both critics and fan base, it does not deserve negative reviews. While the rollout (the biggest of 2021) has been a whirlwind of hype and excitement, some of which may not have been lived up to. It is still an excellent piece of music that will hold up as a turning point in Kanye West’s life.… Expand
  31. michaelabeard11
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    Although the rollout was messy. The music speaks for itself. Kanye is back.
  32. clwooten1996
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    Cultural reset, the best 27 song hip hop album of all time. Highs are very high and the lows are almost non existent. The reuniting of Kanye and Jay-z and Kanye and Kid Cudi makes for a nostalgic masterpiece. Kanye’s beat solo album since life of Pablo.
  33. chrisraamirez
    Aug 31, 2021
    10
    The discography of Kanye is can be summed up as an amazing collection of sounds with personal themes shaping the music. Donda is no different. This album contains one of Kanyes best work with songs such as Off the Grid, Come to life, and Hurricane among others. The mix overall sounds good though not great in some areas. This being my first following of Kanye's fascinating roll outs, I wasThe discography of Kanye is can be summed up as an amazing collection of sounds with personal themes shaping the music. Donda is no different. This album contains one of Kanyes best work with songs such as Off the Grid, Come to life, and Hurricane among others. The mix overall sounds good though not great in some areas. This being my first following of Kanye's fascinating roll outs, I was drawn in by how he went about generating interest in the album. I enjoyed following the progression from listening party after listening party which also made it more special when receiving the final work. Overall, the album is truly special and will rank very well among Kanye's other work.… Expand
  34. yeezusnation
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    Donda is Kanye's realization of the sound experiment he first started with Yandhi, before eventually releasing Jesus is King. It worked
  35. Hilu
    Aug 30, 2021
    9
    Donda is a masterpiece equivalent to "The Life Of Pablo", it is a great masterpiece among Kanye's numerous albums. Every time I hear it, I feel new.
  36. M33ZUS
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    THE GREATEST ARTIST OF ALL TIME. Kanye Wests highly anticipated 10th studio LP, Donda, after 3 listening parties and a long wait. Kanye does not disappoint, Kanye delivers a beautiful piece of art dedicated to the late great Dr. Donda West (His Mother) utilizing his god level production with wonderful samples most notably the great Ms. Lauryn Hill on Believe What I say, as well as an arrayTHE GREATEST ARTIST OF ALL TIME. Kanye Wests highly anticipated 10th studio LP, Donda, after 3 listening parties and a long wait. Kanye does not disappoint, Kanye delivers a beautiful piece of art dedicated to the late great Dr. Donda West (His Mother) utilizing his god level production with wonderful samples most notably the great Ms. Lauryn Hill on Believe What I say, as well as an array of big name features who he brings the best out of for this beautiful piece of art that would have made his mother proud.… Expand
  37. philippo619
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    Album is great 9/10 for me but giving it at 10 to restore balance for all the haters that haven’t even heard it but rate a 0 just to hate on the man!
  38. LazyView
    Aug 30, 2021
    8
    Donda, Donda, Donda

    Ye’s newest album is finally here after much anticipation and hype! We’ve had quite a few release dates, 3 listening parties, and plenty of controversy leading up to this point. In fact it didn’t even end with the release, even today Kanye accused the label of releasing the album without his permission. Has all of this led to a giant flop? Not in my eyes. *Controversy    Donda, Donda, Donda

    Ye’s newest album is finally here after much anticipation and hype! We’ve had quite a few release dates, 3 listening parties, and plenty of controversy leading up to this point. In fact it didn’t even end with the release, even today Kanye accused the label of releasing the album without his permission. Has all of this led to a giant flop? Not in my eyes.

    *Controversy & A Quick Note

    It’s easy to look at some of the features on this album, or recent listening parties, and get too hung up on the controversy surrounding them. Not to mention the fact that once again Ye has added a Christian vibe with plenty of references to God, Jesus, and of course a gospel choir. Mixing both of these together has clearly rubbed some people and media the wrong way. I’m not saying that those people are wrong or right but that shouldn’t affect the reviews of Ye’s music. After all reviewers are suppose to stay as non biased as possible, but I think we are quickly loosing that aspect of review culture. Most reviews you find are going to list every negative or issue they found with what I just discussed and you can bet it affects the final score…. Well you find that in this review.

    *The Review & Thoughts

    This album starts with a track your probably not going to listen to more than once but is clearly a dedication to Ye’s mother, who the whole album is named and dedicated to. It’s an interesting and different way to start the album to say the least but besides the sentimental meaning of the intro….there really isn’t much to see here. There are quite a few tracks on this huge, almost 2 hour long, album that are there for little more than sentimental reasons or trying to develop story narrative that doesn’t always present itself well. These tracks are few and far between for the most part however, so this isn’t a huge negative in my eyes.

    Most of the actual songs are catchy, easy to sing along with, and relatable. This album tells the story of a man who has fallen to extreme lows, but also a man who knows the heavens and mountain tops are still within reach. Songs like Hurricane, Moon, Remote Control, Jesus Lord, and Off the Grid really shine through with good beats and catchy flows. Currently, I say currently because one song was added to the album after release, the album has 27 tracks and about 20 of those I can handle listening to on a somewhat regular basis. Ultimately I think the album is one of his best since Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, not to discount some of the amazing tracks on The Life of Pablo. I’ve always enjoyed Ye’s music but have never been much of a regular listener, at least until now. I will definitely keep this album in rotation for the foreseeable future and find it to be one of the top releases for the year if you can get past the controversy surrounding some of the features. *Overall

    I give this album a solid 8 after a few full play throughs and spending most of the last 2 days with it on repeat. Some people may say Ye hasn’t progressed or made significant development with his sound and style…. I say, why is that necessarily a bad thing? If you like Ye’s Life of Pablo and older albums then you can’t go wrong with Donda. Look past the bad press and listen to this album, it will pay off. Overall I give the album an 8.0/10.0, if it weren’t for some fo the filler I could see it being a 8.5-9 any day.    … Expand
  39. zachw300
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    One of the best albums of all time. Definetely better then anything Taylor Swift has ever wrote.
  40. jmreed00
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    This is Kanye’s best work since TLOP. The feature list, production, and raw emotion are perfect.
  41. denversoup
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    This is Ye’s magnum opus. If you fully partook in witnessing the rollout of this album, it was by all means a roller coaster, but one that I would ride over and over again for such a thrill. This album has such a wonderful mixture of emotions, and serves as a fantastic summation of West’s catalogue.
  42. Bobbybrownjaw
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    Who else could produce an album that from start to finish holds his mother spirit at heart.
  43. DondaAoty
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    Greatest album of all time.The greatest to ever do it.
    Kanye did it again,GOAT
  44. SuperBadTheRapr
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    11/10 Album of the Year. Cured racism. Ended world hunger. I nutted in my shorts during the intro
  45. nickc311
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    This is a culmination of kanyes latest works and and is a beautiful messy dark and light masterpiece.
  46. BuloDeMouquim
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    Masterpiece, despite being a bit more minimalist like 808s and Heartbrakes, the album still delivers with his intense production to make it feel like more like a holy and divine experience! A bit Gospel like, with references to College Dropout and Graduation, intercalated with Yeezus and the premium rap from WTT and MBDTF, with the JIK choirs
    Overall, an amazing experience ! The man can’t miss
  47. KanyeGOD19
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    This is For Donda West This is For Donda West This is For Donda West This is For Donda West This is For Donda West This is For Donda West
  48. Stewy214
    Aug 31, 2021
    10
    The most beautiful album I’ve ever heard . A long album but the music and lyrically just incredible . Suggest listening through the whole LP
  49. Butt69
    Aug 31, 2021
    10
    I love it. The only thing I didn't like is jail pt.2 and Jesus is lord pt.2 I think the album should have ended after no child left behind. But still love it.
  50. yuzername
    Sep 1, 2021
    9
    Like all kanye albums. It needs a few listens before you can fully appreciate the depth. Good album.
  51. ddddd55555
    Sep 1, 2021
    10
    Kanye's best album since Yeezus offers something for every Kanye fan, regardless of your favorite "era." There are clear hit songs like Jail, Hurricane, Off the Grid, and Remote Control, but less stream-friendly songs like Come to Life and Lord I Need You bring the album and theme together. Despite not saying a word about the album's release on social media or to the tens of thousands ofKanye's best album since Yeezus offers something for every Kanye fan, regardless of your favorite "era." There are clear hit songs like Jail, Hurricane, Off the Grid, and Remote Control, but less stream-friendly songs like Come to Life and Lord I Need You bring the album and theme together. Despite not saying a word about the album's release on social media or to the tens of thousands of fans who showed up for his 3 listening parties, the Donda rollout was one of the best and most memorable of his career. Kanye never left his throne, but it certainly feels like he's sitting back on it more confidently than he has in years.… Expand
  52. leonardofrazzon
    Sep 1, 2021
    10
    An amazing album, made for the fans. Kanye is not trying to please critics here, and i like that. For me is the best album released this year, there are not many low points (what is impressive in a 27 song LP) and the high points are truly memorable and beautiful.
  53. Booljamin
    Sep 1, 2021
    9
    Not perfect but damn near close. Very few skips on the album. Personally a bigger fan of the more emotional/slower back half to the album but can easily listen all the way through.
  54. Mattboehm
    Sep 1, 2021
    10
    Album is perfect. People voting against are swifties and/or drake stans. Actually listen and appreciate the record — don’t just rely on the interviews of others.
  55. CameronEarls
    Sep 1, 2021
    8
    The fact that people are giving this album low reviews just because Kanye chose to work with Marilyn Manson, DaBaby, etc or supports Trump or whatever the hell it happens to be just shows how short-sighted people are (The independent gave it a "0" like how the hell do you give an album a 0 when nobody else has given it below a 50? that shouldn't even be an option tbh. I'm sorry, I thoughtThe fact that people are giving this album low reviews just because Kanye chose to work with Marilyn Manson, DaBaby, etc or supports Trump or whatever the hell it happens to be just shows how short-sighted people are (The independent gave it a "0" like how the hell do you give an album a 0 when nobody else has given it below a 50? that shouldn't even be an option tbh. I'm sorry, I thought this was an album review page, not a popularity contest. Having said that, This album has some absolute bangers, but too much filler. Could have been a classic 16-18 track album but it's still a step up from Jesus Is King and Ye so I'll give it a 7.5/10… Expand
  56. CedricTomlinson
    Sep 1, 2021
    10
    Beautiful album, really shows you most critics don't know what theyre talking about.
  57. ragersolodolo
    Sep 1, 2021
    10
    Some of Kanyes best work in a while. A combination of JESUS IS KING and The Life of Pablo. It is an ever changing experience. Jail is easily one of Kanyes greatest intros, a rock anthem accompanied by smooth vocals from Jay Z. Off The Grid offers an evil and British Drill Rap beat switch that sees Fivio Foreign and Kanye West go head to head. While the albums singing can get repetitive bySome of Kanyes best work in a while. A combination of JESUS IS KING and The Life of Pablo. It is an ever changing experience. Jail is easily one of Kanyes greatest intros, a rock anthem accompanied by smooth vocals from Jay Z. Off The Grid offers an evil and British Drill Rap beat switch that sees Fivio Foreign and Kanye West go head to head. While the albums singing can get repetitive by the back end of the album, it sees some of Kanyes best singing to date.… Expand
  58. 777diablo
    Sep 2, 2021
    7
    Packed full of impressive features, this feels like a grandiose return to form for Kanye. The only downsides to this album in my opinion is that it's a little bit bloated at 27 tracks and nearly 2 hours long. That being said, it feels cohesive. It lends from current trends in hip-hop as Kanye often does which keeps the whole thing feeling fresh and new despite having all the trademarks ofPacked full of impressive features, this feels like a grandiose return to form for Kanye. The only downsides to this album in my opinion is that it's a little bit bloated at 27 tracks and nearly 2 hours long. That being said, it feels cohesive. It lends from current trends in hip-hop as Kanye often does which keeps the whole thing feeling fresh and new despite having all the trademarks of a large-scale Kanye West project. Some personal highlights for me were Hurriance, Junya and Jail.… Expand
  59. spatule_exe
    Sep 2, 2021
    9
    The album feels like it’s a version of The Life Of Pablo with a touch of gospel, the album is really great and well produced, what people are pointing out as an issue is the messy feeling of the album, but that’s the whole charm of it, this album will grow on people like other Kanye west projects did in the past, it is to me a future Classic
  60. Scoutajayjay
    Sep 2, 2021
    8
    Donda is a great album that memorize Kanye's mother while showing that Kanye can still put great works out. The instruments are fresh, the back vocals provided by the sunday services are some of the finest pieces of religious music. An agnostic, I am still moved by the religious lyrics in songs such as 'Come to Life', 'Jesus Lord', and 'Lord I need you'.
    'Jail', 'Off the Grid', and 'New    Donda is a great album that memorize Kanye's mother while showing that Kanye can still put great works out. The instruments are fresh, the back vocals provided by the sunday services are some of the finest pieces of religious music. An agnostic, I am still moved by the religious lyrics in songs such as 'Come to Life', 'Jesus Lord', and 'Lord I need you'.
    'Jail', 'Off the Grid', and 'New Again' are my top 3 songs, but man it is hard to pick.

    Some of the instruments at the end of songs such as 'Jail', 'Come to Life' 'No child left behind' are too long. Sure, having these long instruments in a listening event is an attempt to captivates the audience. It just doesn't work when i'm at home or driving.

    There are two that DO NOT FIT in this album. 'junya', 'Tell the vision'
    Junya is worse version of off the grid with playboy carti while Tell the Vision is a poor attempt to put Pop Smoke into the album.    … Expand
  61. GoBlinn
    Sep 2, 2021
    9
    one of the best kanye's album. sounds really good and it has multiple different styles that be changing through the listening with your feelings, also has some really great features.
  62. stvn5190
    Sep 2, 2021
    8
    As naturally happens with a new Kanye l album, I didn’t like this album on my first 2 listens. By my 3rd listen I fell in love with it. Critics are hating on it which means in about 4-7 years we’ll probably all be looking back on it noting how it pushed rap forward.
  63. Canchogo
    Sep 2, 2021
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Donda is in my opinion a great album it’s messy but that’s what I like about it. Donda isn’t for everyone though the features shine bright but Kanye is more like filler and he should have taken a back seat for some of these songs.… Expand
  64. xfatalismx
    Sep 3, 2021
    9
    Such an incredible album that made me appreciate the life of my loved ones. Singing has got better, and the song choice is a love letter to Kanye through the ages. IKGBOT - Yeezus, Believe What I Say - Graduation. Only thing that takes away from this work of art is his choice of inclusion of Marilyn Manson - an absolute blunder of a stunt that should be condemned. But reviewing the albumSuch an incredible album that made me appreciate the life of my loved ones. Singing has got better, and the song choice is a love letter to Kanye through the ages. IKGBOT - Yeezus, Believe What I Say - Graduation. Only thing that takes away from this work of art is his choice of inclusion of Marilyn Manson - an absolute blunder of a stunt that should be condemned. But reviewing the album apart from this? An instant classic. Drake said this 44 year old man was washed up? Judging from my listens of CLB, it seems he got mixed up with himself.… Expand
  65. gruffjewel
    Sep 3, 2021
    10
    Bloated has a couple songs that could be axed and it would make the album more cohesive and better. Luckily the good outweighs the bad, but its far from kanye's best
  66. FlowCZ
    Sep 3, 2021
    7
    Maybe to much church vibes sometimes but there are some bangers.
    Features are great and Ye really did good job with his pen.
  67. Jwh2333
    Sep 3, 2021
    9
    Not just music it is an experience. It's what Jesus is King should have been.
  68. Jayz23
    Sep 3, 2021
    9
    West continues to innovate music.
    The ablums and absolute roller coaster and i still dont get how he managed to input the religious perspective of it.
  69. Wanesta
    Dec 28, 2021
    10
    There are multiple reasons why Donda should be considered a modern masterpiece. First off, Kanye bears his soul completely and shares his most vulnerable side yet to the harsh public. Following My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy's footsteps, it seems that every time Kanye West faces an extremely difficult time in his life (his highly-publicized divorce after 6 years with Kim Kardashian,There are multiple reasons why Donda should be considered a modern masterpiece. First off, Kanye bears his soul completely and shares his most vulnerable side yet to the harsh public. Following My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy's footsteps, it seems that every time Kanye West faces an extremely difficult time in his life (his highly-publicized divorce after 6 years with Kim Kardashian, recent political disturbing revelations, an everlasting feud with Drake, etc.), he hides for a few months under a rock and comes out with a record to not only change the shift of rap but the music industry as a whole. This time, he's grieving the devastating death of his mother that still stings to this day after nearly a decade. Secondly, in true Kanye fashion, the rapper brings a near-perfect list of collaborators from the hypnotic Abel Tesfaye to the controversial Marilyn Manson, also with a surreal cameo of Kanye longtime friend and best man, Jay-Z. From the very first calling of Ye's mother to the last seconds of "No Child Left Behind", we can hear an astonishing variety of sounds and verses brought by many different stars. Finally, Kanye's creative mind and undeniable faith build a breathtaking world for us to explore every listen. It's therapeutic, metaphoric, and reflective. An important slept-on classic that will receive recognition years later.… Expand
  70. MojixKnowsMusic
    Sep 3, 2021
    9
    High quality is the first thing that comes to mind after listening to this album. It may seem lengthy on paper but the production and deep verses keeps the duration out of mind. Even as a non religious person this album still touched me. 9/10
  71. jhosias_2601
    Sep 3, 2021
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I like it. What you want me to tell you. Also I tough this would never come out… Expand
  72. kikeblingbling
    Sep 3, 2021
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Loved it.. i just think it some songs were too long, other than that production was awesome.. features awesome. Better than Jesus is King… Expand
  73. AK1980
    Sep 3, 2021
    8
    I enjoyed this album. I like Kanye west. I enjoy most of his music. I still think the college dropout is his best album. I like that he takes a lot of chances on Donda and he doesn’t care if the audience gets it or not. I truly believe he wants the audience to understand him and get something out of his art but if they don’t he’s not losing sleep over it. He’s an artist, usuallyI enjoyed this album. I like Kanye west. I enjoy most of his music. I still think the college dropout is his best album. I like that he takes a lot of chances on Donda and he doesn’t care if the audience gets it or not. I truly believe he wants the audience to understand him and get something out of his art but if they don’t he’s not losing sleep over it. He’s an artist, usually misunderstood, but never shies away from chances to express his vision. The sound is all over the place in a good way. Each track is it’s own journey but somehow they all flow together in some wandering traveler eclectic way. It’s a little long but mostly worth it. 8/10… Expand
  74. carlosmantana
    Sep 3, 2021
    8
    Chaotic, haphazard, strange, dedicated, off putting, hair-raising, freeform. Nearly impossible to rate. The highs on this album are SKY high, stellar. The lows are… just wild head-scratchers, strange, sometimes awesome, most often obnoxious, fascinating, entertaining. What a mess of an album - but such a creative one. The weird, the downright stupid, the overcooked, the undercooked - itChaotic, haphazard, strange, dedicated, off putting, hair-raising, freeform. Nearly impossible to rate. The highs on this album are SKY high, stellar. The lows are… just wild head-scratchers, strange, sometimes awesome, most often obnoxious, fascinating, entertaining. What a mess of an album - but such a creative one. The weird, the downright stupid, the overcooked, the undercooked - it all still feels like a ride, though. Some might say mid-40s Kanye should wrap it up, but I’m not so sure. While he’s certainly well past his prime, it sure seems like he has a lot left to offer - as long as you skip the theatrics, and let go of any expectations or safe notions of his legacy. Kanye acts out when you stare at him for too long - but what he’s capable of in the studio is set in stone. Sonically entrancing, extraordinarily immature, chaotic, unstructured - not an ideal Kanye album, but a glorious Kanye compilation. 7/10… Expand
  75. Zane996
    Sep 3, 2021
    8
    I genuinely enjoy most of the album. There some songs that rub me wrong e.g. 24 but it's also long and I appreciate from Mr West.
  76. MuddyTuba
    Sep 3, 2021
    7
    If Donda Chant, Tell the Vision, Jail Pt.2, Junya Pt.2, OK OK Pt.2 weren't on the album and Jesus Lord was replaced with Pt.2, I would be fine with the leftover length. Sonically a fun listen. I thought most of the features were decent despite not usually being a fan of most of them. I do believe Kanye needs to explain why it was necessary to use DaBaby, Marilyn Manson, and Chris Brown onIf Donda Chant, Tell the Vision, Jail Pt.2, Junya Pt.2, OK OK Pt.2 weren't on the album and Jesus Lord was replaced with Pt.2, I would be fine with the leftover length. Sonically a fun listen. I thought most of the features were decent despite not usually being a fan of most of them. I do believe Kanye needs to explain why it was necessary to use DaBaby, Marilyn Manson, and Chris Brown on the album. There is better ways to get attention.… Expand
  77. ontheinternets
    Sep 4, 2021
    9
    This is my album of the year. I’ve been playing this nonstop since the drop. To me it’s one of his best albums in years. It’s clear he put his soul in this album for his mother. I despise Kanye’s red hat run and hate seeing him off his meds. But he clearly a genius who finds his most creative art while in a manic state. I’m pretty sure the past couple years craziness is because heThis is my album of the year. I’ve been playing this nonstop since the drop. To me it’s one of his best albums in years. It’s clear he put his soul in this album for his mother. I despise Kanye’s red hat run and hate seeing him off his meds. But he clearly a genius who finds his most creative art while in a manic state. I’m pretty sure the past couple years craziness is because he was off meds to have creative energy flowing for this album. And if that’s the case, I can let him have a pass. Listen to what the man says.… Expand
  78. Chaseme6331
    Sep 3, 2021
    9
    Fantastic! Each song is unique and good! No skips besides intro. Album of the year?
  79. Gnarlyjarlie
    Sep 3, 2021
    8
    A rock solid release from Kanye in 2021 feels like winning the musical lottery. A consistently enjoyable listen all the way through with some massive highlights in tracks like 'Jail', 'Off The Grid', 'Moon', and 'Jesus Lord', the last of which is a serious contender for one of Kanye's best tracks of all time. The features on this album are nearly flawless as well, with beautifulA rock solid release from Kanye in 2021 feels like winning the musical lottery. A consistently enjoyable listen all the way through with some massive highlights in tracks like 'Jail', 'Off The Grid', 'Moon', and 'Jesus Lord', the last of which is a serious contender for one of Kanye's best tracks of all time. The features on this album are nearly flawless as well, with beautiful performances by the likes of Kid Cudi, Fivio Foreign, Jay-Z, Jay Electronica and more. Additionally, Kanye has obviously been practicing his singing in particular as what he displays on this thing is nothing less than the best vocal delivery he's ever had.… Expand
  80. jaxonhinds
    Sep 4, 2021
    8
    Kanye’s best album since TLOP, Kanye takes unexpected risks and deals with new subject matter making this album a definite top tier kanye LP. The features are for the most part great, and the album showcases Kanye’s talent as not only a performer, but a producer.
  81. Reatile
    Sep 3, 2021
    9
    Incredible feature list , most of the songs are sonically pleasing overall good album , AOTY imo
  82. robertpattinson
    Sep 3, 2021
    9
    not that much of fan, but i liked the album allot actually, i think its spectacular & something that you can jam to.
  83. BernardJ
    Sep 4, 2021
    8
    Album for me is very various personal, every track’s got his own style and feeling behind. As alvays Ye hits in my very own music style. However fiew of them are not as good as they were when licks went off.
  84. GoldSkies
    Sep 4, 2021
    8
    There are some good tracks like "24", "Lord I Need You" or "Off The Grid" but it isn't everything that Kanye can do. I'll back to this album in the future because some tracks are highly emotional.
  85. thanosmilk
    Sep 4, 2021
    8
    While not as good as some of his best, it still has several great songs on it, and only a few skips despite it’s incredibly long run time.
  86. ZKT1
    Sep 4, 2021
    7
    Needs to be finished soon as possible album is not done.Final version might be 9
  87. Wania33
    Sep 4, 2021
    9
    it is great example of a album who gets better every listen, after hype a lot of people didn't liked this album but every next listen, its getting better you can even see after user score getting progressively better. It have hell beautiful songs (almost cried to Come to Life) which is very good because a lot of people don't understand this album despite the name that already tells this isit is great example of a album who gets better every listen, after hype a lot of people didn't liked this album but every next listen, its getting better you can even see after user score getting progressively better. It have hell beautiful songs (almost cried to Come to Life) which is very good because a lot of people don't understand this album despite the name that already tells this is dedicated to his dead mother Donda West and not another album about his life who have couple of bangers and that's it, people stopped thinking that hip hop or rap album can have deep and sad meaning, that's why I like the whole idea of this record, I know that there's bad mixing but I believe there is gonna be the same redux version of this album like with tlop and I don't think I will need to change my review here… Expand
  88. Stroh96
    Sep 4, 2021
    9
    Fantastic and beautiful album. Best Kanye has made in years. Only Kanye can make a clean, gospel album and it be such a success
  89. Chicagosfinest
    Sep 4, 2021
    9
    I thought this album was great and showed the growth and maturity of a multi-generational artist. I thought the marketing was excellent and the music production was amazing. The album maybe a little too long for my taste but I enjoyed every minute of it. I appreciate that Kanye took a risk in changing his sound that is worthy for album of the year.
  90. mrdarkness666
    Sep 4, 2021
    9
    A lot of beautiful moments on this project. Some songs could be trimmed down or cut, but overall a great Kanye album.
  91. Derekw97
    Sep 5, 2021
    8
    Kanye continues to push out refreshing and new sounds. This LP sounds a little messy at times, but the quality of the production and subject matter trumps it. Definitely worth a listen
  92. YeezusLalo
    Sep 5, 2021
    10
    Una joya por parte de kanye, innovando su estilo y haciendo lo que mejor sabe hacer, no encuentro malas canciones para este disco
  93. Altitude23
    Sep 5, 2021
    9
    DONDA is a therapeutic album that offers something for everyone. The closure and understanding for Kanye's religious journey makes the project worth several listens. The sequencing felt off in some places, similar to TLOP but thats what makes it most impressive: you still understand the direction even with the countless potential updates. Kanye still delivers with top of the world sonicDONDA is a therapeutic album that offers something for everyone. The closure and understanding for Kanye's religious journey makes the project worth several listens. The sequencing felt off in some places, similar to TLOP but thats what makes it most impressive: you still understand the direction even with the countless potential updates. Kanye still delivers with top of the world sonic production (Come to Life and No Child Left Behind), feel good music (Jonah, Pure Souls) and lyricism (Jesus Lord, Lord I Need You). Kanye serves up club bangers in Jesus mode (Hurricane, Off the Grid, Praise God) , while still giving a sermon every now and again (24). This album is a cinematic experience and a guilty pleasure all while Jesus is watching. A very ambitious project that delivers.… Expand
  94. Dress
    Nov 14, 2021
    10
    Obra maestra incomprendida y solo le tiran porque salió dababy y Marilyn manson en el álbum.
  95. cgroleau29
    Sep 5, 2021
    9
    Such a great mixed bag that I have come to love more and more with each day passing by, waiting a whole week to put my thoughts on paper
  96. oarthurribeiro
    Sep 5, 2021
    10
    The album is good. I know the album won't please everyone but on it I can see and feel everything Kanye tried to go through.
  97. TheStanlyMan
    Sep 5, 2021
    8
    Donda is a great album. It has very very high highs and some forgettable lows. Songs like Off the Grid, Heaven and Hell, Jesus Lord, Jail, Hurricane, Believe What I Say, Junya, and Moon are some very strong Kanye tracks and live up to his legacy. But on the downside the album is pretty bloated. 27 tracks (23 if you don't count the Pt.2s) is way too much. Another downside to the album isDonda is a great album. It has very very high highs and some forgettable lows. Songs like Off the Grid, Heaven and Hell, Jesus Lord, Jail, Hurricane, Believe What I Say, Junya, and Moon are some very strong Kanye tracks and live up to his legacy. But on the downside the album is pretty bloated. 27 tracks (23 if you don't count the Pt.2s) is way too much. Another downside to the album is the lack of Kanye. It is a very feature heavy album where only 3-4 songs are Kanye only. I wish he was just more present. The features themselves were good though. Jay-Z, Lil Baby, Kid Cudi, Don Toliver, Weeknd, and Playboi Carty are some of the best that come to mind. If the tracklist was slimmed down and Kanye had more of a presence (and if "Life of The Party" was kept in) this album would be up their with Kanye's best.… Expand
  98. gianmel
    Sep 7, 2021
    9
    There some really good bangers and it mantains a concept in the album although at times feels like a mixtape, the more you hear it the more I like it. The feats are just great (Throne is back) and it has one of Kanyes best raps in off the grid, overall I like it. I understand some people dont like Kanye but 0? come on thats the exact message... the cancel culture just will not like or evenThere some really good bangers and it mantains a concept in the album although at times feels like a mixtape, the more you hear it the more I like it. The feats are just great (Throne is back) and it has one of Kanyes best raps in off the grid, overall I like it. I understand some people dont like Kanye but 0? come on thats the exact message... the cancel culture just will not like or even take the time to listen to you. Really a 0 its hearing white noise.… Expand
  99. BilkaDimma
    Sep 7, 2021
    8
    Thank you Mr. Kanye for what you blessed us with. Donda is a very and i mean very good album if you remove the hype that came with it.

    Favourites :

    Hurricane
    Jail
    Moon
    No Child Left Behind
    Heaven and Hell
  100. jacksfrozen
    Sep 8, 2021
    8
    There are a lot of amazing tracks on this album but it is obviously too long. It needs to lose about as much weight as I do. Other than that, there are some (dare I say) classic Kanye earworms here.
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Awards & Rankings

5
#5 Most Discussed Album of 2021

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
53

Mixed or average reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 19
  3. Negative: 1 out of 19
  1. musicOMH.com
    Sep 3, 2021
    60
    Though this isn’t a complete comeback, frustrated Kanye fans certainly have more grounds for optimism after this record than they did before it.
    Read full review
  2. AllMusic
    Sep 2, 2021
    60
    Donda isn't without its highlights, but taken as a whole, it's both confused and confusing.
    Read full review
  3. HipHopDX
    Sep 2, 2021
    62
    There are times where Kanye recaptures the magic of his golden years. ... But there just isn’t enough good here to look past the flaws. The final result is a collection of songs with little binding energy other than a vague Gospel through line, which runs across the tracklist — chaotic like The Life Of Pablo but devoid of the magic.
    Read full review
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