Goblin
by Tyler, The Creator
  • Record Label: XL
  • Release Date: May 10, 2011
User Score
7.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 258 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 170 out of 258
  2. Mixed: 63 out of 258
  3. Negative: 25 out of 258
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  1. RonaldOVOXO
    Feb 4, 2012
    8
    I respect Tyler alot for his hard work and the movement behind odd future & the alternative hip-hop genre. He took the genre where no one took it before. And thats why i respect him alot. Keep it up
  2. hydrawithears
    Jan 8, 2012
    8
    You do not expect a polite language from a rapper but Rape a pregnant **** and tell my friends I had a threesome line is pretty hardcore. Goblin, the second LP by Tyler, The Creator (the leader of OFWGKTA, the alternative hip hop collective), is full of venom, (self-)hatred and frustration. Lyrics of ****es giving blow jobs and killing various individuals like stabbing Bruno Mars in hisYou do not expect a polite language from a rapper but Rape a pregnant **** and tell my friends I had a threesome line is pretty hardcore. Goblin, the second LP by Tyler, The Creator (the leader of OFWGKTA, the alternative hip hop collective), is full of venom, (self-)hatred and frustration. Lyrics of ****es giving blow jobs and killing various individuals like stabbing Bruno Mars in his esophagus are as common as hunger in North Korea. Tyler raps over some spendid beats and drumming and does not spare anyone. The opening Goblin is pitiless but demands another listen. Transylvania sounds as if it had been produced by Count Dracula himself. Meanwhile, AU79 is a great instrumental interlude. And I do not have to introduce Yonkers, one of the key black music songs of the last 12 months. This album is dark and depressive but also weirdly enjoyable. Homophobic? Yes. Misogynic? Yes, sir. Very good? You should check for yourself.… Expand
  3. C_dot
    May 22, 2019
    9
    An album that can be tough to digest at first, due to its dark beats and at times twisted lyrics. Once passed that, the greatness of the album can be seen. Tyler can be very aggressive and dark at times in the lyrics, but the album is masterfully written once one looks past the attention grabbing, horrror core lines. He weaves a fantastic story between this album, Wolf, and Bastard. TheAn album that can be tough to digest at first, due to its dark beats and at times twisted lyrics. Once passed that, the greatness of the album can be seen. Tyler can be very aggressive and dark at times in the lyrics, but the album is masterfully written once one looks past the attention grabbing, horrror core lines. He weaves a fantastic story between this album, Wolf, and Bastard. The story being told along with the excellent and unique production, and not to mention Tyler's born-to-be-a-rapper voice, and you get one of the best debut rap albums out there.… Expand
  4. iamtrent424
    Jul 22, 2011
    9
    One of the best album of the year. Underground hip hop music is always the best hip hop and Tyler proves that. This album is on of the best hip hop album in a while and one of the best abums of the year. EVery track on the album is something special. Other people may argue that there is too much profanity in this album and other may get offending by this album . This album isn't for peopleOne of the best album of the year. Underground hip hop music is always the best hip hop and Tyler proves that. This album is on of the best hip hop album in a while and one of the best abums of the year. EVery track on the album is something special. Other people may argue that there is too much profanity in this album and other may get offending by this album . This album isn't for people that is uptight if you not up tight then you could give this album a shot . If you are very religion pleas don't listen to this album because he take a lot of shot at god. Tyler the creator is a very good producer one of the best producer and director. The song Yonker is a very brilliant song and video. Most of the songs on the album is Hardcore Rap and Alternative Hip Hop. If you love hip hop music then i don't see o you cant love this album. I love the style of this album. Some of the songs seem like a movie. The songs tell stories. This is a album to get. I think hip hop fans and also fans of good music should give this artist a chance , maybe you will love it. I heard one song and i started to love this artist. OFWGKTA has a bright future ahead of them.… Expand
  5. TTW107
    Feb 8, 2012
    7
    No where near as good as Bastard, Tyler's first mixtape which you could basically say was an album also. There is nothing better than the introspective nature of tyler, the creator's music, you absolutely feel the emotion he is putting through in songs like the opener goblin and she. The genius in tyler is shown in songs like yonkers, tron cat, and nightmare. And the odd future anthem isNo where near as good as Bastard, Tyler's first mixtape which you could basically say was an album also. There is nothing better than the introspective nature of tyler, the creator's music, you absolutely feel the emotion he is putting through in songs like the opener goblin and she. The genius in tyler is shown in songs like yonkers, tron cat, and nightmare. And the odd future anthem is nothing other than Radicals! One of the more interesting albums of 2011.… Expand
  6. NJR
    May 11, 2011
    8
    Let me put it straight at you, if you don't like edgy themes, violence and general explicitness then don't even bother. Musically this album is very good, not amazing like a lot of Odd Future d*ck riders will tell you but good. A lot of reviewers are giving the album a poor score purely because of the subject matter and content which in my opinion is un-proffesional. Please tell me whenLet me put it straight at you, if you don't like edgy themes, violence and general explicitness then don't even bother. Musically this album is very good, not amazing like a lot of Odd Future d*ck riders will tell you but good. A lot of reviewers are giving the album a poor score purely because of the subject matter and content which in my opinion is un-proffesional. Please tell me when the hell good music or good anything for that matter had to have good taste. I mean you wouldn't look at a Picasso painting and say "It's a bit controversial so therefore it's not any good", It has been proven time and time again that good taste is the enemy of quality, maybe he should name his next album bubblegum yeah? And get some Katy Perry and Flo Rida features yeah? Wouldn't that just be brilliant?! Seriously people need to grow up.… Expand
  7. Mcritic19
    Sep 2, 2011
    9
    I really did not wanna listen to this album, I was convinced this is a rapper who feels himself way too much, uses beef to get known and would be trash. But after listening to his album he is just mis understood. He hates the dumb downed music which is now selling and he's trying to change that. "Goblin" is a great album, unlike many artist who get noticed Tyler did not go commercial atI really did not wanna listen to this album, I was convinced this is a rapper who feels himself way too much, uses beef to get known and would be trash. But after listening to his album he is just mis understood. He hates the dumb downed music which is now selling and he's trying to change that. "Goblin" is a great album, unlike many artist who get noticed Tyler did not go commercial at all on this album. His lyrics were phenomenal, he never tried to be someone that he is not. To me he is a little like Eminem when he first started. This is by far one of the best rap albums of they year. If it was a little less **** the world" then I would give the album a perfect 10 but its still a great album.… Expand
  8. thugnificent2
    Mar 30, 2013
    7
    this album is mostly just ok songs that try to be funny, but there are a few songs that Tyler actually tried on. and they're really good. she is practically perfect
  9. Nardeen
    Mar 11, 2017
    8
    Both Goblin and WOLF are fantastic albums. However, I enjoyed WOLF a bit more, it had more OFWGKTA tracks and fewer themes of rape and killing. I think the reason for all the low rating on this album are because people hold Tyler's albums too high of a standard mainly because they assume that because Tyler's seen as the leader of OFWGKTA he should have better music than Frank Ocean andBoth Goblin and WOLF are fantastic albums. However, I enjoyed WOLF a bit more, it had more OFWGKTA tracks and fewer themes of rape and killing. I think the reason for all the low rating on this album are because people hold Tyler's albums too high of a standard mainly because they assume that because Tyler's seen as the leader of OFWGKTA he should have better music than Frank Ocean and Earl Sweatshirt. He is much different musically.… Expand
  10. Yeezyducky
    May 18, 2019
    10
    My personal favourite tyler's album, i loved wolf a lot but this one is just amazing, that's why i was really dissapointed with flower boy, i hated the wholesome vibe, and wanted more edgy and dark tyler
  11. Comrade_Critic
    May 11, 2011
    7
    If Prince Paul's Psychoanalysis: What Is It had a love child with the Gravediggaz 6 Feet Deep album, you'd have Tyler the Creator. The go to track is "Yonkers" which is tight. People are either way too on Tyler and Odd Future or too shocked by the lyrics and obligated to hate on it. Consequently you're going to see a lot of extreme reactions to this album. In truth, this is a creativeIf Prince Paul's Psychoanalysis: What Is It had a love child with the Gravediggaz 6 Feet Deep album, you'd have Tyler the Creator. The go to track is "Yonkers" which is tight. People are either way too on Tyler and Odd Future or too shocked by the lyrics and obligated to hate on it. Consequently you're going to see a lot of extreme reactions to this album. In truth, this is a creative first effort that feels like a first effort. The album is a little on the long side so if you're not a hardcore fan, download the 5 most listened to tracks on iTunes and you'll probably be more than satisfied. A great first effort, and the heads should definitely pick it up. Just don't buy into the extreme reviews, on either the 10 or the 0 side. Tyler has a bright future and I can't wait to see what he does next.… Expand
  12. alexandergreen
    Sep 4, 2011
    9
    Fresh, original and vicious. Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All have burst into our consciousness, and their fanbase is growing and growing by the day. Tyler's second album is just as brilliant as ever, despite being peppered with complaints about the fame thats been thrust upon him. Not for the easily offended, and probably not for Bruno Mars fans either.
  13. Newstead544
    Sep 9, 2023
    10
    Easily one of the greatest albums ever made. Its genre-defying, dark and very intriguing to this day.
  14. NKOAS
    Nov 17, 2012
    9
    The year
  15. PenellParis
    Sep 28, 2011
    10
    This guy is one of the most lyricall guys out in the game rite now and has a odd twist and rare flavor to his music but, he has a sound that now a days people search for in the hiphop world and just say wow!, thats different but its good. Dispite his lazy effort and **** atitude this guy lives his life how ever he feels at the time in and out the studio.
  16. glasses1
    Nov 1, 2013
    8
    This a very inventive rap album from the underground. A very unique follow up to the great "Bastard", with it's cool flow and the genuine humor showed in the lyrics. My favorites off of this great album are "Yonkers" and "Sandwiches". The beats are better from the ones in "Bastard". This isn't an album for the easily offended, as it is quite dark. But, this album is strangely compellingThis a very inventive rap album from the underground. A very unique follow up to the great "Bastard", with it's cool flow and the genuine humor showed in the lyrics. My favorites off of this great album are "Yonkers" and "Sandwiches". The beats are better from the ones in "Bastard". This isn't an album for the easily offended, as it is quite dark. But, this album is strangely compelling for the listener and does have a message. Definitely worth a listen. Odd future is the … Expand
  17. foucauldian
    Aug 22, 2014
    10
    Must be understood in the context of Tyler's musical inspiration, such as surrealist rapper MF DOOM, who puts himself into absurd situations - only Tyler does the same with intentional meaning. Look beyond whatever potential so-called "shock value" there is.
  18. QuintonKnight
    Jul 23, 2020
    7
    Tyler acts full on demon and I love it. Definitely some fluff in there, but its not too much of a problem. Very uncomfortable, but it's supposed to be.
  19. JayTwisted
    Oct 28, 2011
    8
    You have to listen to this a few times to figure out the true genius in the album. It plays out like an amazing horror movie, with amazing lyricism, but some sketchy spots keeps it slightly down.
  20. Ravmon64
    May 12, 2011
    10
    The people giving this bad reviews don't know rap, alternative hip hop, and the direction behind the art. "It's not **** horrorcore faggots" as Tyler would put it, but it's more then that. If you have been a GOLF WANG fan since the days of the original OF tape YOU WILL LOVE THIS. If you jumped on the yonkers bandwagon, but are starting to see more to the group, YOU WILL LOVE THIS. If youThe people giving this bad reviews don't know rap, alternative hip hop, and the direction behind the art. "It's not **** horrorcore faggots" as Tyler would put it, but it's more then that. If you have been a GOLF WANG fan since the days of the original OF tape YOU WILL LOVE THIS. If you jumped on the yonkers bandwagon, but are starting to see more to the group, YOU WILL LOVE THIS. If you know the difference between a simile and a metaphor, and how a real rapper tells a story (fictional or not) YOU WILL LOVE THIS. Tyler has swagged all over this album, and it shows with his deep hypnotic graveyard beats, his witty f*ck everybody" lyricism that goes over the heads of 90% of the critics. I think the way Tyler views this album is summed up in the first track alone when he says "They don't get it, cuz it's not made for them/ the n!gg@ that's in the mirror rapping this is made for him". Standout tracks (aside from yonkers and sandwitches which have been out for a while) would be Tron Cat, Fish, Radicals, and Transylvania, however the whole album is worth countless playthroughs. The message he presents is do yourself and **** anybody who says otherwise, which is the truest message anybody can tell, and Tyler tells it viciously deliciously. GOLF WANG or lick a pimple covered d*ck faggots. P.S. n*ggas who wanna call d*ck riding, eat a d*ck yourself, its swa6 music for people who like getting swa666ed out, killpeopleburnsh*tf*ckschool… Expand
  21. LagPlay
    Jun 6, 2011
    9
    Easily the best rap album of the year and completely blows bastard out of the water, the only song I can't stand on the album is BDS, that's the only compaint I have about it, amazing album.
  22. cztassie
    Oct 29, 2011
    10
    This album is a masterpiece. As another kid from LA that grew up poor i can relate to OFWGKTA. If you are some rich ass republican from Connecticut then you will obviously not understand this music because most of the topics are discussed at your dispense. Their music is stellar and many ignorant listeners will probably not pick up on all of the subtle messages. If you like hip hop thenThis album is a masterpiece. As another kid from LA that grew up poor i can relate to OFWGKTA. If you are some rich ass republican from Connecticut then you will obviously not understand this music because most of the topics are discussed at your dispense. Their music is stellar and many ignorant listeners will probably not pick up on all of the subtle messages. If you like hip hop then you should like this album because it really could not have been more perfect.… Expand
  23. carlito000
    May 29, 2011
    7
    Solid effort from an someone who I imagine was under considerable pressure to deliver, one that grows on you after a few plays. You certainly get the feeling that with a few tweaks he is capable of a stone cold classic. The number of people who comment online to state that this artist/group purely exists for shock value is incredible. Imagine some kind of crazy collaboration album withSolid effort from an someone who I imagine was under considerable pressure to deliver, one that grows on you after a few plays. You certainly get the feeling that with a few tweaks he is capable of a stone cold classic. The number of people who comment online to state that this artist/group purely exists for shock value is incredible. Imagine some kind of crazy collaboration album with all the members of OF (including he that has gone missing) performing at their peak, it could potentially rip a hole in the space/time continuum.… Expand
  24. DeadSeagull
    Sep 4, 2011
    7
    This album is creative and original, but not better than his first album, Bastard. Bastard wasn't as personal, it was more of fantasies and storytelling. Goblin was more personal, but it was still a good album. Au79 shows how Tyler is talented at producing. Yonkers is a gem along with She where Frank Ocean raps and sings, the man is awesome. Nightmare started off good but ended with theThis album is creative and original, but not better than his first album, Bastard. Bastard wasn't as personal, it was more of fantasies and storytelling. Goblin was more personal, but it was still a good album. Au79 shows how Tyler is talented at producing. Yonkers is a gem along with She where Frank Ocean raps and sings, the man is awesome. Nightmare started off good but ended with the typical **** you" statements. Radials though was very different and awesome. Transylvania was creative with Dracula's sexual point-of-view. Sandwitches was a great "don't give a **** track and the rest were descent.… Expand
  25. AlvaradoKTA
    Feb 5, 2012
    8
    If you liked Bastard , you'll like Goblin.This is just like anything else you expect from Tyler.The instrumentals on this album are mostly all better than the ones on Bastard, Which is saying a lot.
  26. litvinich
    Apr 8, 2022
    7
    This album is a logical continuation of Bastard album with better instrumentals and bits. You can listen that in 2022 and think it was made several years ago
  27. MrReconEG
    Jan 12, 2012
    8
    This is a good album. Why? It is one of my most original rap albums I've heard in years. Tyler is a different artist. Rap is infested now with stoner rap and Tyler doesn't do that(most of the time) This is the album that made him big and with Wolf, bigger.
  28. Chaz779
    Oct 6, 2013
    10
    The way he tells this story of himself (Tyler) and his split personality (Wolf Haley) is pure genius and should go down in history of story telling in rap. Also a rap album without purely songs about weed and is always nice.
  29. Steeler0630
    May 11, 2011
    10
    Best OF release to date. Some of the tracks just seem like filler, and I was disappointed to see that one of the 3 bonus tracks was some minute long instrumental. Other than that though, this is a very solid album for someone who produced the previous one on his own. Golden is by far the best and hardest hitting song on the album, i wish there was another like it.
  30. plombardo421
    May 31, 2011
    8
    One of the most confessional albums in a while, "Goblin" could make a serial killer cringe. While some tracks are trying to be dark to often and other tracks appear to be filler, tracks such as "Radicals," "Sandwitches," "Golden," and "Goblins" make this album worth it.
  31. joshwitter
    Oct 29, 2011
    10
    A creation of pure genius. If you listen to the lyrics and the message Tyler sends, it is not for the weak, but it is a strong message opposing government, injustice, and the common word.
  32. duuuuuuuuuuke
    Dec 9, 2012
    7
    The sequel to the excellent album Bastard has very similar production and rapping like on Bastard. Tyler is still talking to his therapist Dr. TC and stills talks about rape just like on his first album. However, Goblin is to me is seen as the not as good version. The production on some songs is crappy and in some songs it sounds like Tyler is just talking about random things, but on theThe sequel to the excellent album Bastard has very similar production and rapping like on Bastard. Tyler is still talking to his therapist Dr. TC and stills talks about rape just like on his first album. However, Goblin is to me is seen as the not as good version. The production on some songs is crappy and in some songs it sounds like Tyler is just talking about random things, but on the other hand Tyler has shown his skills as a producer and a rapper. Songs like Yonkers showed good production and insane rapping. For the most part, Goblin was a pretty good sequel to Bastard.… Expand
  33. beatledjb1
    Aug 9, 2016
    10
    This is a great album for a party containing both emo white kids and gang member black kids, so whenever i was in the hood and got funny looks, I would play this album and they'd ignore me, and when I'm surrounded by weird emo kids with weird hair I would play this album and they too would ignore me. A truly gifting album.
  34. fabiovicencio
    Sep 26, 2020
    10
    He tell a history
    I even use this album to sleep and and i think this album revealed my homosexuality and i really can't explain why i love this album, cool album.
  35. acethecreator
    Jun 18, 2021
    9
    A dark, captivating album that really shocks you - Tyler perfectly creates this atmosphere that reels you in, each song more shocking than the next. Solid album.
  36. maaahreeee
    Aug 26, 2021
    7
    great story and amazing album though not many standout songs, and feels week in comparison to bastard

Awards & Rankings

26
#26 Most Discussed Album of 2011
11
#11 Most Shared Album of 2011

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 37 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 37
  3. Negative: 1 out of 37
  1. Mojo
    Dec 12, 2011
    60
    Irksome and intriguing, compelling and calculated, Goblin confounds at every turn. [Aug. 2011, p. 104]
  2. No Ripcord
    Sep 20, 2011
    80
    This album then delivers anger, honesty and arrogance, all in sporadic scatter-gun fashion: the overriding feeling is confused, uncertain, often unreasonable, but ultimately well intentioned.
    Read full review
  3. The Wire
    Aug 17, 2011
    60
    It's a shame that the the young skate rat seems to be so caught up in his own hype, as beneath the bluster and amped-up angst, there is something interesting going on. [Jul 2011, p.54]
See all critic reviews »