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. BRssmateus
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    Although the disclosure process is complicated kanye west style I see excellent stuff in DONDA.
    you can make multiors to give zero at will.
  2. thaleskun
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    simply kanye west bro. this is the best kanye west album in years. 10/10 easily
  3. anselmojunior
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    Álbum incrível. Possuindo feats com grandes nomes do rap/hip-hop o álbum se mostra bem diverso e com mixagens singulares, saindo da mesmice da cena atual.
  4. aure123
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    The album is great. It's so funny to see reviews. it proves Kanye's point. Cancel culture is childish. They loved the album during listening sessions when it wasn't even finished. but the moment everybody saw "cancelled" artists with him - low scores for the album. A lot of people refuse to even listen - yet reviewing it. The album proves the point how so clearly. Media is a joke.
  5. Glennyso68
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    Great album. Great rollout………………………………………………,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,$$$$$$$$$$$
  6. kayzzemusic
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Album of the year. Kanye West once again surprises everyone with an album in honor of his mother Donda West. Although everyone thought it would be another gospel album like JIK, he brought a little of everything he's done in his entire career, with songs without much standard metric that everyone is used to hearing in clothing stores, makes the listener be intrigued and want to hear again and again, an album with many collaborations and not much name exposure making listeners want to know who's who in each song, big names and the return of collaboration with Jay-Z filled the fans of hope that one day Watch the Throne 2… Expand
  7. 21martinsane
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    I Love Kanye, I love his songs and how he gives himself to every lyric, it's amazing because he literally reaches for heaven with his simple, sincere heart. Donda is perfect and I hope that many people will be touched and reached by the glory of God through Kanye's life.
  8. Dronz
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    Very melodic album kinda spiritual there are some songs over there that I consider them to be the best songs I have ever heard
  9. Hoblim
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    Very good album, honest lyrics, Kanye brings the best of the features. Off The Grid one the best "drill" songs of the year. I love how in "24" Kanye and the Sunday Service complete each other. Moon is a melody classic. Jesus Lord a lott nice verses. Donda is already the best project in the year
  10. thiagohvs
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    couldn’t be better for his 10th album, a combination of all of his mastery production
  11. paulogaliza
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    Um disco sensacional que fez valer a pena a espera. a produção do disco está impecável, sonoridade diversa com o que se tem de melhor no momento, feats que agregaram muito e a genialidade do kanye no conceito é surreal.
  12. Imnotgunna
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    Amazing album the mixing could definitely be better tho __________________________
  13. Fabinzz
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    Really great work, with strong songs though the album and remarkable feat`s, a project that only stays behind his amazing work on MBDTF, a beautiful tribute to Donda.
  14. Dragoshenko
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    Executed perfectly. Production is almost flawless. No misses. Features are placed very well throughout the album.
  15. wavyboy1
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    One of the most beautiful things I have ever heard. Kanye really tried a wide variety of flows, subject matters and sonic landscapes. The whole album sounds massive.
  16. admnwt
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    Beautiful mixtape style album, not necessarily a specific sequence but Kanye doesn't fail to deliver pure quality and creativity on this project
  17. Anthonyshamoon
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. One of my favourite Kanye west projects and would even give it a 10 it’s definitely in my top 5.… Expand
  18. cg11t
    Aug 30, 2021
    9
    Kanye experiments with the sound of ambient music, which is new to his repertoire. He brings his usual knack for full album storytelling to the death, mourning, and acceptance of his mother's death. It is without a doubt that this album will grow and the meanings behind some of the decisions will become more evident over time. Some of Kanye's best qualities are on full display. Some ofKanye experiments with the sound of ambient music, which is new to his repertoire. He brings his usual knack for full album storytelling to the death, mourning, and acceptance of his mother's death. It is without a doubt that this album will grow and the meanings behind some of the decisions will become more evident over time. Some of Kanye's best qualities are on full display. Some of these being great production, clever and sometimes funny wordplay, and getting the absolute best out of his feature artists. Kanye gets very personal, emotional, and vulnerable. He also gets many of his features to do the same. He finally delivers some songs that fans have known about and anticipated for a year and sometimes more.

    Like many of the more recent Kanye albums, he can be often sporadic and all over the place. But that is who he is. That is the Kanye West of today and it is authentic. Some of the production, while sounding good, can be a bit rough around the edges. This has been a staple of Kanye's more recent work as well. I feel in a way, this album is the culmination of the Yeezy era we have been seeing starting with The Life of Pablo. It is a very long album, clocking in at an hour and 48 minutes if you include the four alternate versions of songs on the album. While it is very long, I wouldn't say there are really any songs worth skipping apart from Tell the Vision which is essentially an interlude. The choice to make the whole album censored is something that may change in the future but isn't surprising from Mr. West. It is a bit strange that he wouldn't have his features and himself rerecord new lines so the censorship isn't as noticeable. It doesn't ruin any of the songs, except Tell the Vision which was already a skippable track. I would prefer an uncensored version in the future.

    My personal favorite quality of the album is the soundscape and setting of the album. This is reflected in the listening parties with different scopes. Much of this album is undertoned by the sound of organs in the background. This gives the feeling of being in a void or desolate place. In the first listening party, Kanye walked around a desolate stage with nothing in "his world" so to speak. In the second listening party, he is enclosed in a single room surrounded by blackness and sometimes faceless people. In the third, he is back at his childhood home, but it is taken from its original spot and once again placed in the middle of a barren wasteland. he is now surrounded by people from his past life. Sinners, covered in black as well as Kanye.

    My only complaints are that, while no individual song is skip-worthy, it can be daunting to listen to the whole thing in one listen. Because of its length, this will be an album that people will either love or hate. Overall, there are also songs for people looking for different things. For people looking for upbeat bangers, there is Praise God, Junya, Heaven and Hell, Pure Souls, Jail, and the incredible Off the Grid. For people looking for more somber or chill songs, there is Hurricane, Jonah, Believe What I Say, 24, and No Child Left Behind. If you just want to cry, then there is Moon, Jesus Lord, Lord I Need You, and Come to Life. In a few years, this album will be remembered as a classic in true Kanye West fashion.    … Expand
  19. joyrd23
    Aug 30, 2021
    7
    This album is what would happen if Yeezus had a baby with Jesus is King...Yeezus is King

    Even if the album feels oversaturated at times with it's bonus tracks and songs which haven't reached their full potential, the musical "genius" is ​undeniably present and this album has many tracks which are objectively top 5 tier kanye. However, there's one thing that is not oversaturated on this    This album is what would happen if Yeezus had a baby with Jesus is King...Yeezus is King

    Even if the album feels oversaturated at times with it's bonus tracks and songs which haven't reached their full potential, the musical "genius" is ​undeniably present and this album has many tracks which are objectively top 5 tier kanye.

    However, there's one thing that is not oversaturated on this album, and those are the features. Fivio Foreign might have given the best verse of his career on "Off the Grid", and even kanye stepped up too, delivering his best verses in years.

    Coming back to it's musical aspect, the album's mixing doesn't seem to be that great, showing the illusion of a rushed album, which this album is certainly not in terms of its sound, even if the album doesn't have a realized theme of what it wants to be in terms of track listing and (in)consistent musical themes

    While it may not be MBDTF or College trilogy levels of greatness, DONDA proves Kanye is here to stay however controversial he may be in the public eye.    … Expand
  20. rocketbih88
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    I think people are too quick to judge this album. The more you listen to it, the better it gets. There really isn’t a single song I would skip, I liked the production on this piece.

    This album was what Jesus is King was supposed to be. This is Kanye outlining his thoughts about this stage of his life and how he returned to religion to get closer to his Mom again. Jesus Lord is a great    I think people are too quick to judge this album. The more you listen to it, the better it gets. There really isn’t a single song I would skip, I liked the production on this piece.

    This album was what Jesus is King was supposed to be. This is Kanye outlining his thoughts about this stage of his life and how he returned to religion to get closer to his Mom again. Jesus Lord is a great storytelling piece. I think the reception will be similar to Yeezus in the way that it was polarizing, but is a soon-to-be cult classic. There are a lot of tracks on this album but each one has a unique flair to it. Kanye himself is very polarizing, but you can separate the art from the artist himself. If that’s what you need to do to enjoy this album, do so.    … Expand
  21. Alexis310
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Listening to "Donda" is a cultural reset, its the oxygen u breathe, a lifestyle, an escape from this cruel world filled with thieves, its an art, the first gift you open on christmas, hug from a loved one, everything u ever wanted in life.… Expand
  22. joshualagunasss
    Aug 30, 2021
    9
    Ye realmente ha viajado al año 3021 para producir este álbum y regresó al presente para lanzarlo. Una obra de arte de inicio a fin. Considero que, a pesar de lo largo del álbum, West nos dio realmente todo lo que buscaba expresar. Definitivamente van con MBDTF y TLOP como mi sagrada trinidad kanyista.
  23. Raju_innocentxv
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I am a biggest fan of ye and after multiple listenings i have realised this is my fav ye album ! Every song has a purpose, new sound , oustanding musacility! BIASED CRITICS CANT SPOIL A MASTERPIECE !… Expand
  24. arturfrankocean
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    kanye mais uma vez acertou. esse álbum é incrível!!!
    >jail
    >pure souls
    >come to life
    >moon
  25. DjRober55
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    Kanye reinventándose, sabe hacer una armonía de sonidos entre el estilo urbano moderno y góspel.
  26. PV3103
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    His best work in years, incorporating elements not only from his past works but also those of current music trends, to create an incredible and highly memorable project
  27. Alejo3
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Álbum de la década, uno de los mejores discos del año con sonidos bastante bien mejorados después de Jesus is king… Expand
  28. 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
  29. cunha04
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    good album kanye, sounds like a well done mix of the life of pabll and jesus is king
  30. rmataylor31
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    Great album, well done Mr. West. I really liked Donda and hate the independent for rating it 0 :(
  31. 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
  32. 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
  33. 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
  34. 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.
  35. 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.
  36. Brunxnn
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    Um dos melhores álbuns do Kanye West e um dos melhores desse ano. Louvem a Jesus Cristo.
  37. 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
  38. 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
  39. PraiseGod
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    Best album ww

    Shdhudhdhshshhsjsjsjsjaiiaiqjwvevdnaiqiejbrjeususjrhejsjsjdjrbwjs
  40. 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
  41. Chris0hhh
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    So many trolls giving this album bad reviews. It’s a great all around album with great production.
  42. Jajahaha
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    Amazing, highly recommend this album if you have the time…Kanye’s performance on this was absolutely magical.
  43. Slowter
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    Donda donda donda donda donda donda donda donda donda donda donda donda donda donda
  44. 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
  45. Vformusika
    Sep 4, 2021
    1
    I respect him as an artist but he's kind of overrated, literally NOBODY outside the RAP community thinks he's that good ! This album is terrible.
  46. Medoka
    Aug 31, 2021
    10
    increíble cómo mariconean por lo de taylor lol álbum del año. te pasaste kanye
  47. 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
  48. 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
  49. 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.
  50. adamk95
    Sep 3, 2021
    10
    I cant say more than this is a life changer.
    Come to Life is Song of The Decade.
  51. 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.
  52. 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
  53. 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
  54. 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
  55. 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.
  56. 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.
  57. 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
  58. 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
  59. michaelabeard11
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    Although the rollout was messy. The music speaks for itself. Kanye is back.
  60. 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.
  61. 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
  62. 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
  63. 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.
  64. 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
  65. 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!
  66. 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
  67. zachw300
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    One of the best albums of all time. Definetely better then anything Taylor Swift has ever wrote.
  68. jmreed00
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    This is Kanye’s best work since TLOP. The feature list, production, and raw emotion are perfect.
  69. 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.
  70. Bobbybrownjaw
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    Who else could produce an album that from start to finish holds his mother spirit at heart.
  71. DondaAoty
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    Greatest album of all time.The greatest to ever do it.
    Kanye did it again,GOAT
  72. SuperBadTheRapr
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    11/10 Album of the Year. Cured racism. Ended world hunger. I nutted in my shorts during the intro
  73. nickc311
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    This is a culmination of kanyes latest works and and is a beautiful messy dark and light masterpiece.
  74. 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
  75. 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
  76. Felice123
    Aug 31, 2021
    5
    All the hype and buildup - for this?
    The album is one of the weaker Kanye Projects. It lacks cohesiveness and feels bloated. There is no need for 27 tracks on there, let alone the 3 remixes / oG versions of the songs which should’ve stayed on the B-Side / Deluxe. Some songs are so terrible that i don’t even comprehend how somebody listened to this and said - alright this sounds fire -    All the hype and buildup - for this?
    The album is one of the weaker Kanye Projects. It lacks cohesiveness and feels bloated. There is no need for 27 tracks on there, let alone the 3 remixes / oG versions of the songs which should’ve stayed on the B-Side / Deluxe. Some songs are so terrible that i don’t even comprehend how somebody listened to this and said - alright this sounds fire - let’s put it on the album. Junya for example, is, in my humble opinion, a strong candidate for the worst song of the year. I also don’t really think Kanye put any thought into when to place which song on the album. The production is wel behind Kanye’s potential, the grim 808s are abused so much that you get tired of them once you’re halfway through the album.
    Comically, half the rap-industry is featured on the album - which sometimes do deliver and sometimes not so much. Some features even feel abused for clout (like there was any reason for Pop smoke to be on this album…)
    Also I didn’t really get the message of the album other than Kanye really loved his mother.
    Overall you can really find some rare gems on the album, but to find them you will have to dig through a whole lot of mid songs.    … Expand
  77. 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
  78. 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.
  79. SantiB
    Sep 4, 2021
    0
    Kanye this is what happens when you work with abusers, homophobes and rapists. Karma exists!!!
  80. imgabrielamorim
    Sep 1, 2021
    0
    This album is terrible. A bunch of boring tracks with boring beats. A 16 year old teenager could have written something more cleaver. And what a contradition itself talking about God and Jesus when you are featuring a rapist an a homophobic. Easily a 0/10. Kanye is just overated guys. He aint ****
  81. yuzername
    Sep 1, 2021
    9
    Like all kanye albums. It needs a few listens before you can fully appreciate the depth. Good album.
  82. 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
  83. MarkW
    Sep 1, 2021
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Donda:
    West has a collection of lyrically strong bars, impressive features, some solid melodies, and a couple of great songs. (Moon, Believe What I Say, Hurricane, and Hurricane being the best) but those elements don’t comprise all 108 minutes of Donda. Instead, much of the run time is consumed by tracks that were left far too barren. Songs like “No Child Left Behind” and “God Breathed” drag on with no meaningful musical progression for what feels like an eternity. Even stronger tracks like “Jail” suffer from these shortcomings. Additionally, many of West’s pieces feel incomplete as the instrumental elements frequently leave a sense that there simply isn’t enough here to be listening to.
    Often one gets the sense that there’s a strong start to a song that refuses to develop and go anywhere. The painfully static quality of most of the songs on the album only emphasizes how bloated this album really is. The few moments where Kanye fills the listeners ear with a true volume of sound mark the incredible highs of this album. But they are few and far between.
    Kanye’s greatest hits are defined by their dynamic sound that layers on itself as the song goes on to fill the ear with a tidal wave of music. (Black Skinhead, Gold Digger, Heartless, Homecoming, POWER, Heard em Say, etc.) But unfortunately most of Donda feels like we are stuck at low tide for five minutes straight. The ones that show some musical movement clearly separate themselves from the the rest of the pack. But there’s simply not enough to go around.
    The new Kanye wants to focus on a more reflective message rather than filling up a club playlist with bangers, and that’s alright. But the message doesn’t have to come at the cost of making the tracks exciting and engaging. And while most of the songs have some redeeming quality to them, they still mainly feel incomplete and unpolished. West’s latest work loses points for its excessive run time, lack of polish, and a small knock for the lack of his own presence on the album (less than half of the lyrics are his own), but most unforgivably, the unyielding empty sound nearly each song holds. Donda quite literally sounds like a shell of his former self. 6/10.    … Expand
  84. 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.
  85. 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.
  86. samohtxotom
    Sep 1, 2021
    1
    This album is the musical version of Kanye's political rants, incoherent and without order.
  87. 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.
  88. 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
  89. CedricTomlinson
    Sep 1, 2021
    10
    Beautiful album, really shows you most critics don't know what theyre talking about.
  90. 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
  91. 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
  92. 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
  93. Eweweeewew
    Sep 2, 2021
    1
    Not that good Not that good Not that good Not that good Not that good Not that good Not that good Not that good Not that good Not that good Not that good Not that good Not that good Not that good Not that good Not that good Not that good Not that good Not that good Not that good Not that good Not that good Not that good Not that good Not that good Not that good Not that good Not that goodNot that good Not that good Not that good Not that good Not that good Not that good Not that good Not that good Not that good Not that good Not that good Not that good Not that good Not that good Not that good Not that good Not that good Not that good Not that good Not that good Not that good Not that good Not that good Not that good Not that good Not that good Not that good Not that good Not that good Not that good Not that good Not that good Not that good Not that good Not that good Not that good Not that good Not that good Not that good Not that good Not that good Not that good Not that good Not that good Not that good Not that good Not that good Not that good Not that good… Expand
  94. 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
  95. 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.
  96. 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.
  97. 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
  98. Hawg
    Sep 4, 2021
    3
    I was really looking forward to this album, Kanye needs to come back to reality. I’m guessing he didn’t have a lot of faith in it also hence the push backs.
  99. 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
  100. 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
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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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