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Empire: Original Soundtrack from Season 1
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Empire: Original Soundtrack from Season 1 Image
Metascore
61

Generally favorable reviews - based on 6 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
6.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 16 Ratings

  • Summary: The songs from the Fox musical drama features production from Timbaland as well as guest appearances from Mary J. Blige, Estelle, Jennifer Hudson, and Courtney Love.
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  • Record Label: Columbia
  • Genre(s): Rap, R&B, Contemporary R&B, Soundtracks, Stage & Screen, Pop-Rap, TV Soundtracks
  • More Details and Credits »

Top Track

What Is Love
I would tell you that I love you tonight But I know that I got time on my side Where you goin'? Why you leavin' so soon? Is there somewhere else... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    Mar 12, 2015
    83
    The Fox hit’s first outing is at its best when it eschews goofy gangsta-isms like “Drip Drop” in favor of chest-thumping ballads (“Conqueror”) or stirring hip-hop soul revivals (“What Is Love”).
  2. Pitchfork
    Mar 12, 2015
    65
    Empire is a wonder of absurd tricks and unforeseen turns, but the ultimate goal--rendering its music as something more than just a side platter to gripping TV--proves elusive.
  3. AllMusic
    Mar 12, 2015
    60
    Few of the songs are worthy of life outside the context of Empire, yet it's impossible to imagine the program, an unequivocal hit, being half as appealing without them.
  4. The Guardian
    May 21, 2015
    60
    An album that’s not as great as the show’s success suggests.
  5. Complex
    Mar 12, 2015
    50
    The rap songs are dated and goofy as hell, but occasionally they're catchy enough. Luckily, Empire keeps a few true R&B greats on call for the love of musicality.
  6. Rolling Stone
    Mar 12, 2015
    40
    This soundtrack for the hottest show on TV could use more of the beat-you-with-a-broomstick fire of Taraji P. Henson's character.

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. NickolasM
    Mar 21, 2015
    8
    The production is basic Timbaland stuff and piano ballads. But the thing is that if you have watched the show, it is simply IMPOSSIBLE not toThe production is basic Timbaland stuff and piano ballads. But the thing is that if you have watched the show, it is simply IMPOSSIBLE not to get addicted to the soundtrack. The sound takes you back in the 90's, where r'n'b and hip-hop were dominating the charts around the world with artists like Whitney, Missy, Janet, Boyz II Men, En Vogue, Brandy, Dre and Lauryn. And if you have ever loved those people, it's inevitable you will love these tracks, too.
    Read the whole review here: http://www.anartcalled.blogspot.gr/2015/03/empire-cast-empire-original-soundtrack.html    … Expand
  2. l_mendes99
    Apr 18, 2015
    7
    Boas músicas para uma série excelente. Todo mundo deveria assistir essa série, que é mais que um drama familiar mas sim uma história que tocaBoas músicas para uma série excelente. Todo mundo deveria assistir essa série, que é mais que um drama familiar mas sim uma história que toca você. E ainda tem música.
    Faixas como "Conqueror" e "You're So Beautiful" deveriam ser ouvidas por todos e apreciadas.    … Expand

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