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Graffiti
by
  • Record Label:
  • Release Date:
Graffiti Image
Metascore
39

Generally unfavorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
5.0

Mixed or average reviews- based on 166 Ratings

  • Summary: The third album for the R&B singer features Game, Lil Wayne, Lupe Fiasco, Plies, Swizz Beatz, Trey Songz, Eva Simons, and Tank as his guest singers.

Top Track

I Can Transform Ya
Go hey Lil' Mama, I can transform ya No, I can't dance but I can dance on ya Swizz on the beat, Chris move ya feet And baby, I can transform your him... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 12
  3. Negative: 6 out of 12
  1. Billboard.com
    80
    While listeners can't help but be reminded of his fall from grace, Brown also shows us on Graffiti that he's still a formidable talent.-
  2. Dot Music
    70
    Despite being five tracks too long--specifically the five tracks which have him falling back to his syrupy ways of old Graffiti is hands down the highest point of Chris Brown's career.
  3. Spin
    70
    The album's most striking moment is "Fallin' Down." Over a ominous guitar riff, the 20-year-old sings, "It's getting heavy / I think I'm getting ready to break down." It's the most honest moment of his short career. The kid sure needs a vacation.
  4. Los Angeles Times
    37
    A handful of lovingly arranged power ballads were evidently designed to illuminate the singer's remorse over the Rihanna incident. Yet Brown doesn't seem up to the task of contrition.
  5. Slant Magazine
    30
    Sadly, the only compelling thing about the incoherent Graffiti is the material (both external and internal) that makes it even less palatable than a simply below-average collection of paint-by-numbers R&B beats.
  6. Chicago Tribune
    25
    'Famous Girl' throws the album off balance, and makes every note feel exploitive and self-serving. In trying to restore his reputation, Brown ends up damaging it even more.
  7. The A.V. Club
    0
    Musically, Graffiti is a fairly ingratiating affair: The production is clean and often lively, and Brown sings well enough. The problem is what he’s singing.

See all 12 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 49
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 49
  3. Negative: 23 out of 49
  1. DaveA
    Dec 10, 2009
    10
    These so called, "professionals" say that Brown's album is lackluster and not a good follow up. Have they listened to this album at all? These so called, "professionals" say that Brown's album is lackluster and not a good follow up. Have they listened to this album at all? Chris utilizes the auto tune in an amazing way, while using his own voice too it's full potential. I don't know, these critics on this site are amazing to me. Some of my favorite albums are on the worst reviewed list. Seether is one of my favorite bands, but apparently there is a standard that they didn't fulfill, but I don't care. I'm going to continue to listen to my music, and not give a damn.… Expand
  2. epiphany
    Dec 20, 2009
    10
    This is an awesome CD with a variety of jams from slow& moving to dance music that makes you wanna get up & move!
  4. TheMovieFreak
    Nov 18, 2011
    10
    Graffiti is worth the buy. The album expresses the way Chris Brown is changing as a man. Turning to a different genre in music, makingGraffiti is worth the buy. The album expresses the way Chris Brown is changing as a man. Turning to a different genre in music, making something we've never heard before. I love this CD! I think its worth the money and time.

    Individual Ratings:
    1. I Can Transform Ya. (10/10)
    2. Sing Like Me. (10/10)
    3. Crawl. (10/10)
    4. So Cold. (9.5/10)
    5. What I Do. (10/10)
    6. Famous Girl. (9.5/10)
    7. Take My Time. (9/10)
    8. I.Y.A. (10/10)
    9. Pass Out. (10/10)
    10. Wait. (10/10)
    11. Lucky Me. (8.5/10)
    12. Fallin Down. (10/10)
    13. I'll Go. (10/10)
    CD 2:
    1. Gotta Be Ur Man. (9.5/10)
    2. Movie. (8/10)
    3. For Ur Love. (9.5/10)
    4. I Need This. (10/10)
    5. I Love U. (9/10)
    6. Brown Skin Girl. (8.9/10)    … Expand
  5. KentL
    Dec 8, 2009
    7
    Decent effort with a few missteps. Makes me wonder if the critics would have been as hard on him if he was not a woman beater. Although I do Decent effort with a few missteps. Makes me wonder if the critics would have been as hard on him if he was not a woman beater. Although I do not agree with his personal life, the music is still good.… Expand
  6. NightTyme999
    Feb 16, 2023
    3
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. As someone who has Chris Brown as their 2nd favorite artist, all bias aside, this album is not good. This album is a mess of genres and styles mashed together with no sense of cohesiveness. Songs like I Can Transform Ya and So Cold, and even sleeper hits like Lucky Me and Gotta Be Ur Man, are excellent tracks. Unfortunately, the rest of the album is rough, ranging between below Breezy's standards to just downright forgettable and different for the sake of being different instead of being interesting. It's clear that this album is from a period when Chris Brown is trying to establish a clear sound and unfortunately, a lot of misses were the result this time around. This is, by my estimation, the worst or the second-worst album from him.… Expand
  7. JohnE
    Jan 17, 2010
    1
    Horrible, horrible album! I used to be a fan, but this nonsense won't do. What happened to the old Chris Brown?
  8. SamD.
    Dec 9, 2009
    0
    Egotistical, bombastic, and full of lyrics that paint Brown as the victim in light of the past years headlines.

See all 49 User Reviews

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Awards & Rankings

22
#22 Most Discussed Album of 2009
48
#48 Most Shared Album of 2009

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