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. themusicreview
    Apr 6, 2022
    6
    Donda is an insanely good output of consistent and awe inspiring music created from a man who has had some missteps in his recent production. The 27 tracks and more have proven to be an unrelenting force of gospel, psychedlic, trap and drill music bound in a historically long and marathon like slog which actually feels shorter than it really is.

    Donda is poetic and it feels like the    Donda is an insanely good output of consistent and awe inspiring music created from a man who has had some missteps in his recent production. The 27 tracks and more have proven to be an unrelenting force of gospel, psychedlic, trap and drill music bound in a historically long and marathon like slog which actually feels shorter than it really is.

    Donda is poetic and it feels like the magnum opus of a man who's had an up and down career path. There's flight and trajectory in songs like Moon, Off The Grid, Praise God, Jail, Come To Life, Junya, God Breathed and 24 where levitation and gravitation toward the Higher Self and Higher God comes to full fruition. It is a spiritual discovery and the climax of a man who is still searching for Jesus or God or anything that he comes close to.

    I believe Donda is an album that will age like fine wine, its sounds being so futuristic and minimal, the hollow sounds and landscape of solar like territory does well in a radio scene of repetitive hype rap or dull hooks. This is more than refreshing, it's an album of power and a stance against devilish material and also a moralistic choice to create art which stands in faith and strength despite public judgment. I come to full admiration for an artist who is able to create songs which compel light in times of personal struggle and his divorce comes to full investigation here as songs also reflect his recovering mental health.

    I hope Kanye improves on his editing and makes his album more tight to create a personal experience. It is outlandish and sometimes does feel too long with the part 2's. However this still earns a 10/10 because the highs do hit high. Moon is his best record in 5 years and Off The Grid is his entry into drill which Kanye has him rapping for his life like he's off his laziness. It is his best record since My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy and critics have failed to realise the depth and spiritual recovery uncovered in this jewel. It is healthy Kanye, a sane Kanye and a Kanye seeking repentance and change, if they can't accept that then it means they're just bitter against an antagonistic image of Kanye portrayed by media.

    You must be able to separate art from the artist and Donda has sounds which will prove in five years to be like the Christian Yeezus, wait and see. Incredible stuff, solid sounds and a incredible list of young features hungry, energizing a focused Kanye to become the soldier he once was. Prayers up for sure, Donda is a gem.    … Expand
  2. MonkeMan
    Apr 6, 2022
    7
    Rollout was cool albums fine but to many songs. Some good songs like hurricane, come to life, moon. Others are kinda forgettable and boring. But at least it’s not Jesus is king
  3. Joffnatic
    Jun 28, 2022
    8
    This is some of the most interesting music I've listened to in years. Kanye pulls off some of his most intriguing work yet on this LP. Despite some filler tracks here and there, this is a great album, and I truly think this could have been a 10 out of 10 if he removed 4-6 songs on this album. Some of the songs on here almost made me a christian, and I'm pretty sure I had a conversationThis is some of the most interesting music I've listened to in years. Kanye pulls off some of his most intriguing work yet on this LP. Despite some filler tracks here and there, this is a great album, and I truly think this could have been a 10 out of 10 if he removed 4-6 songs on this album. Some of the songs on here almost made me a christian, and I'm pretty sure I had a conversation with God while listening to No Child Left Behind. Come To Life pretty much CHANGED my life, and Jesus Lord made me cry. Amazing album.
    My favorite songs are Jail, Off The Grid, Hurricane, Praise God, Jonah, Ok Ok, 24, Moon, Heaven and Hell, Keep My Spirit Alive, Jesus Lord, New Again, Lord I Need You, Pure Souls, Come to Life and No Child Left Behind.    … Expand
  4. jake47jake
    May 17, 2022
    6
    i got very excited for this one. this disappointed me greatly. i still think it is good but heavily flawed. only a few songs are memorable in this 27 track project. that is a problem. despite that the production is top tier.

    Favourite songs- jail, off the grid, hurricane, moon
  5. javierp
    Sep 5, 2022
    9
    In my opinion, Donda is one of Ye's best projects. Maybe the album is a little bit long and he could have put the names of the artists featured in the songs, but the energy poured in it is outstanding. The production and samples are impeccable, something very caracteristic of Kanye, as well as the deep and meaningful lyrics. I also love how honest he is when creating whole concepts for hisIn my opinion, Donda is one of Ye's best projects. Maybe the album is a little bit long and he could have put the names of the artists featured in the songs, but the energy poured in it is outstanding. The production and samples are impeccable, something very caracteristic of Kanye, as well as the deep and meaningful lyrics. I also love how honest he is when creating whole concepts for his artworks. This is how you make an album.… Expand
  6. Zackd641
    May 29, 2022
    9
    Good album. Similar to TLOP in the mixture of Kanye’s spiritual religious message and certified bangers. I would recommend listening without the “part 2” songs though just to cut down the 2 hour listening time to a more reasonable 1:20. My pick for 2021 Album of the Year. Lots of casual fans and drake fans are gonna say this album is bad but any real Kanye fan tells you it’s right up thereGood album. Similar to TLOP in the mixture of Kanye’s spiritual religious message and certified bangers. I would recommend listening without the “part 2” songs though just to cut down the 2 hour listening time to a more reasonable 1:20. My pick for 2021 Album of the Year. Lots of casual fans and drake fans are gonna say this album is bad but any real Kanye fan tells you it’s right up there with the rest of his music.… Expand
  7. SourGapes
    Jun 19, 2022
    10
    The album is a mess, but the creative highs he reaches on Donda is the best I've seen from him since MBDTF. Hurricane, Off the Grid, Come to Life, easily are some of the best tracks Kanye has ever contributed to.
  8. AShinyG1ratina
    Jun 21, 2022
    5
    :trollface:
    In all honesty this album’s pretty good for what it is, albeit like 50 minutes too long.
  9. MavisBeacon23
    Jun 28, 2022
    10
    This is a great album. Been listening consistently for almost a year now. Still sounds fresh. Don’t get the hate
  10. ThomasZa
    Sep 11, 2023
    1
    his worst work, extremely mid the king of hiphop has fallen i guess. I'm sorry but it doesn't deserve anything
  11. AlejandroCalero
    Sep 6, 2022
    0
    Chica aprende a cantar y deja de dar pena con la Kim Kardashian que ya cansas, mejora tus letras de paso que me dan cringe. Nadie sabe como te han nominado a un grammy de album of the year por esta bazofia. Que pereza me das
  12. CARIKI
    Sep 24, 2022
    8
    it is good and aged really well...................................................................................................................................
  13. TiagoCamellini
    Nov 4, 2022
    10
    Kanye west made the best album of 2021, with the aesthetic referring to divine comedy, portraying hell, purgatory, and paradise, it is an album with very good, and exciting songs.
  14. SideOrderoLemon
    Dec 5, 2022
    5
    Despite the hype leading up to the release of Kanye West's new album, Donda fails to deliver fully, but may surprise with decent beats. The emotional detail falls flat however when compared to Kanye's other albums and leads to a lack luster performance. Off The Grid may be the only song that is consistent throughout the album, but even so just highlights his fall from grace. From the veryDespite the hype leading up to the release of Kanye West's new album, Donda fails to deliver fully, but may surprise with decent beats. The emotional detail falls flat however when compared to Kanye's other albums and leads to a lack luster performance. Off The Grid may be the only song that is consistent throughout the album, but even so just highlights his fall from grace. From the very start, the irritating and repetitive "Donda Donda Donda" may leave a sour taste in your mouth. Though somewhat listenable, Donda does not do justice to Kanye's slowly fading vision.… Expand
  15. Clutch22
    May 20, 2023
    8
    Pretty ok album. Definitely not his best album, but it still is underrated. Most songs have great production and the feature selections are great. Overall it's a ok album for mr. West, but we got to respect Ye 's effort to make something new and controversial.
  16. Blonisco
    Jan 26, 2023
    6
    这专是相当遗憾的一专，从豪华版换曲目来说就看的出Kanye制作时的混乱，很多donda2020时期的弃曲觉得比现版好听的多，当然现版也有很多优秀的曲子如24，BWIS，但是突出的缺点掩盖了优点，就像Yes的地形海。
  17. Kxxmek
    Jan 29, 2023
    8
    This album is good example of Kanye artistic vision, "On God" is one of greatest things ever made by him, you either love or hate this album. I personally love it.
  18. carti999
    Mar 2, 2023
    10
    First album in a long time that actually made me cry during my first listen. Kanye really knows how to make beautiful music.
  19. zl0dei
    Mar 3, 2023
    7
    me gustó, más por lo que representa, cuando entiendes lo que quiere expresar en este álbum se hace god.
  20. captainfall
    Mar 5, 2023
    7
    this album is definitely not one of Ye's best albums its still a fairly decent album with a some good songs on it
    best tracks on it being
    -remote control
    -moon
    -off the grid
    and hurricane
  21. VanZizek
    Mar 6, 2023
    6
    I love Kanye and giving him a 6 is painful, very empty in its content, he is no longer the same guy I knew, nor has his evolution made any sense musically speaking. I know you have to separate the art from the artist but with Kanye it's impossible, the parts about his mother are brutal, his Christina part seems lost and I'm sorry but there are 10 unnecessary songs. Overrated album.
  22. swagmaster6969
    Apr 13, 2023
    10
    Kanye West's album Donda is an exceptional piece of artistry that stands out from the rest of his modern music. Themes of his personal life, political views, and new musical influences are all present throughout the album, making it an important and essential addition to modern hip-hop. Kanye West’s album Donda is an impressive display of his creative genius, and it is arguably the bestKanye West's album Donda is an exceptional piece of artistry that stands out from the rest of his modern music. Themes of his personal life, political views, and new musical influences are all present throughout the album, making it an important and essential addition to modern hip-hop. Kanye West’s album Donda is an impressive display of his creative genius, and it is arguably the best album of modern Kanye’s career.

    First, the music on Donda is a diverse blend of genres, featuring elements of hip-hop, soul, and R&B. Kanye’s production is top-notch, and he experiments with different sounds and textures throughout the album. He is able to create a unique soundscape that is both modern and timeless, and the production is one of the album’s standout elements. Additionally, the lyrics on the album are thoughtful and poignant, and Kanye speaks openly about his personal life and his political views. He is able to express his thoughts and feelings in an honest and direct way, and the lyrics provide an insight into Kanye’s life and his beliefs.

    Furthermore, the features on Donda are also impressive. Kanye brings in a variety of talented artists to add to the album, including Travis Scott, Nicki Minaj, Jay-Z, and more. Each guest adds their own unique style to the album, resulting in a dynamic and diverse sound. The features also help to expand the sonic palette of the album, and they provide an interesting contrast to Kanye’s own style.

    Finally, Donda is an important album in Kanye West’s career. It is a reflection of his growth as an artist and a person, and it serves as a testament to his creative genius. The music on the album is powerful and thought-provoking, and it is an essential addition to modern hip-hop. Kanye West’s album Donda is an impressive display of his creative genius, and it is arguably the best album of modern Kanye’s career. It is a powerful and important album that stands out from the rest of his music, and it is a testament to his growth as an artist.    … Expand
  23. Jhagman
    Aug 3, 2023
    10
    Honestly, I thought it was a great project for Kanye West. The album has a ton of volume, but the many songs on this album don't make it feel like it is too much. There are tons of really good features on this album as well. Kanye put out a solid project here and I am looking forward to Donda 2. Favorite song was "Off The Grid".
  24. AlejoMadridista
    Aug 12, 2023
    10
    Excelente álbum, lo disfrute de principio a fin, no me aburrió ni la duración, ni los 27 tracks que lo componen, no entiendo las críticas negativas, diría que es un álbum más para los fans de Kanye, que para un oyente ocasional. 10/10
  25. 4rr4nW3th3rh111
    Aug 19, 2023
    8
    Modern Ye at his peak. After a handful of pretty mid releases after The life of Pablo, this album is an overlooked gem in Ye's discography. Production on this album is incredible. Best song on the album is "Junya".
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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.
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  2. AllMusic
    Sep 2, 2021
    60
    Donda isn't without its highlights, but taken as a whole, it's both confused and confusing.
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  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.
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