Graffiti
by Chris Brown
  • Record Label: Jive
  • Release Date: Dec 8, 2009
User Score
5.0

Mixed or average reviews- based on 166 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 78 out of 166
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 166
  3. Negative: 82 out of 166

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  1. Mcritic19
    Sep 2, 2011
    8
    This album was not his best nor was it his worst. This album was overlooked by his RIhanna incident and people reviewed the album based on it. It was not a good comeback album but he was not making a comeback he was just trying to restore his career. I like the album, it was mature and he expressed his feelings. I would have given it a 7 but I need to help the score so I'll give it an 8
  2. KennethP.
    Jan 31, 2010
    3
    It's not that strong... He's comeback is kinda boring... The beat makes us scream... STOP IT!
  3. BobbyA.
    Jan 3, 2010
    3
    I was all for giving Chris Brown a second chance after the incident, but this album was just terrible.
  4. ChrisB.
    Feb 1, 2010
    0
    OK guys. I admit my album is pretty bad but since I was mean to Rihanna and I was in legal troubles I didn't have time to make much music. Sorry.
  5. 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?
  6. ShaneW.
    Jan 25, 2010
    0
    A totally stupid cd - your IQ may be at risk if you listen to this more than once.
  7. JosephH
    Dec 20, 2009
    0
    In response to everyone saying that we should turn a deaf ear to the lyrics and context of this album is an idiot. What good is production or melody if the singer comes across as a complete a**hole?
  8. JonathanG
    Dec 15, 2009
    1
    I knew this album was gonna be disappointing. But I had no idea that this is how was gonna turn out. I don't mind comebacks. But he tries to say he's sorry, it got corny. I could have just soap operas instead. It's a 1 album, that descends into a 0 rating, but jumps bad into a 1 because it's so disappointing.
  9. JustMe
    Dec 19, 2009
    0
    I give this album a 0 rating because it's probably one of the worst albums of the decade! + Brown is and will continue to be a LOSER!!! & woman beater!
  10. HarryR.
    Dec 31, 2009
    0
    Only hardcore fans will fall for this fake, generic "whirlwind of emotion". All you'll see are poorly produced, poorly written, and highly repetitive songs. The whole album is a pathetic excuse of music. Seriously, only diehard fans can dilude themselves into appreciating this "album" for more than what it is.
  11. SamD.
    Dec 9, 2009
    0
    Egotistical, bombastic, and full of lyrics that paint Brown as the victim in light of the past years headlines.
  12. MaballesA.
    Dec 16, 2009
    1
    What garbage ! Should people even consider buying music from this angry woman hater, I'm sticking with Adam Lambert !
  13. BennyL.
    Dec 17, 2009
    3
    Besides the two singles out now, I cannot remember any other songs on this album. Exclusive was excellent, this was a huge disappointment to a former big fan.
  14. PrebenO
    Dec 9, 2009
    1
    He tries to restore his reputation with his lyrics, but just makes it all worse, and the songs are generic.
  15. RickyP.
    Dec 29, 2009
    1
    A totally dull and boring experience - fair enough, its not aimed at a crowd outside of the genre that he's aiming at (R&B, soul, etc), but one gets the feeling the songs are recycled from various influences.
  16. 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, 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.    Graffiti 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
  17. kash
    Jan 26, 2011
    10
    I'm only giving this album a 10 to balance out some of the flack he got for the Rihanna incident. Btw, he was genuine about his feelings when he did "man in the mirror" on BET. I know this because I saw the movie "Takers" and Chris Brown has no acting ability. That said, this was a mediocre album. Certainly not a "0" album ( like Lil' Wayne's 'Rebirth') but no more than a 7 (and that'sI'm only giving this album a 10 to balance out some of the flack he got for the Rihanna incident. Btw, he was genuine about his feelings when he did "man in the mirror" on BET. I know this because I saw the movie "Takers" and Chris Brown has no acting ability. That said, this was a mediocre album. Certainly not a "0" album ( like Lil' Wayne's 'Rebirth') but no more than a 7 (and that's being generous). Hopefully, when he puts out FAME, it will be a real comeback from the analytical beating he took (and it was only fitting that he took one; anyone who denies that doesn't know how America works). That's my 2 cents and hopefully this review will find an agreeable reader. Thanks.… Expand
  18. Monsholepala
    Jun 6, 2016
    10
    if it wasn't for that Rihanna fact, everybody will call this album one of the biggest masterpieces of todays music.... and they would be right........
  19. jmagicvamp
    Nov 19, 2010
    2
    The album just isn't strong. Aside from a few notable tracks such as I Can Transform Ya and Pass Out, much of the album is just dance heavy or electronic ballad driven filler. My how the mighty have fallen.
  20. MichaelD
    Dec 29, 2010
    5
    I'm sorry but this album isn't great. It's ok though. But compared to his last album, this isn't his greatest.
  21. TheateraNerd
    Jul 15, 2012
    0
    Another atempt to be ''cool'' and ''hip'' and ''popular'' and thats all this album gets him. It says nothing about his maturity as a man or an artist, the videos are like-wise very bland and the same ol same ol we've seen over and over and over and over. Take a guess about what his lyrics are about......................SEX SEX SEX SEX SEX SEX SEX!! If you havent bought this album then GodAnother atempt to be ''cool'' and ''hip'' and ''popular'' and thats all this album gets him. It says nothing about his maturity as a man or an artist, the videos are like-wise very bland and the same ol same ol we've seen over and over and over and over. Take a guess about what his lyrics are about......................SEX SEX SEX SEX SEX SEX SEX!! If you havent bought this album then God bless your ears!… Expand
  22. Humboldt1337
    Oct 13, 2011
    0
    Woman beater. This man should be spending time in a federal prison right now - instead he is still be idolized by legions of people with absolutely no brain. If you like this man, just imagine how you would feel if he had savagely beaten the face in of your own sister, of your own mother.
    He is a reprehensible human being, and surely deserves none of what life has given him.
    Rot in hell    Woman beater. This man should be spending time in a federal prison right now - instead he is still be idolized by legions of people with absolutely no brain. If you like this man, just imagine how you would feel if he had savagely beaten the face in of your own sister, of your own mother.
    He is a reprehensible human being, and surely deserves none of what life has given him.
    Rot in hell Chris Brown.
    Oh yea, and his music is terrible.
    Black America, get a job. Please.    … Expand
  23. RonaldOVOXO
    Mar 9, 2012
    1
    an attempt to make a comeback chris couldnt do it. Graffiti had its moments but the whole album was terrible. Chris did better With Fan of A FAn, In My Zone, Boy In Detention & F.A.M.E.
  24. le_one
    Jun 8, 2013
    2
    Bad, annoying, generic and forgettable. "Crawl" and "I.Y.A." are the only good songs here. The rest is mostly garbage. Some other songs (like "So Cold") are still a bit enjoyable. But overall this so so bad.
  25. cameronmorewood
    Nov 12, 2012
    3
    Obnoxious, ear splitting swill.
  26. AnnonO.
    Jan 10, 2010
    10
    I don't think the critics in this case were as unbiased and forthright in reviewing the music rather than the incidents surrounding this artist. Shameful and disappointing lack of professionalism on their part. They should redo this one and base it on the music this time.
  27. AminullahN.
    Jan 7, 2010
    8
    We should remember that this is a kid who has been in the spot light since the age of 15. Have we learned anything from the mistakes of Micheal Jackson? How soon we forget how easy it was to mess up when we were young. I love the album. He deserves some credit for not crawling under a rock. Did you have guts like that when you were 20 years old? Think about it.
  28. 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? 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 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
  29. SebD
    Jan 13, 2010
    7
    I don't know why a lot of people hate this album! The songs are catchy and likable and there are a lot of different styles in the cd. He has moved away from his style in exclusive altogether. The only negatives are that it seems to be influenced by love and loss too much and the lyrics can be lacking in some areas.
  30. RobW.
    Jan 21, 2010
    9
    It's a variety of genres and its pretty amazing. I am here to comment on the music only, not stupid incidents. Plus it's a new year!
  31. JjKk
    Jan 27, 2010
    10
    Extremely underrated. If this album were the only one released in the course of the upcoming decade, you'd be looking at album of the decade. My only dissapointment is that he didn't use any interesting, cogent, intelligent, listenable,.....or remotely defensible elements in producing this magnum opus. Album of the century!
  32. MarcosArcher
    Sep 21, 2015
    2
    This is one of Chris Brown album that I will never understand, I think it should have been only released as an EP with the best from this album, and still I don't how much solid this could end up.
  33. ReneeL.
    Feb 3, 2010
    8
    All the music mags ought to be ashamed of themselves by trying to collectively destroy this young man's life. YES!!, he made a bad choice, he has repented, so LET HIM MOVE ON, GIVE CREDIT WHERE IT'S DUE!!! The songs are creative, and some full of energy, which is signature for his dance(feel good) tracks, and the "I Can Transform Ya" video is sick!!!! I am a woman, so I will All the music mags ought to be ashamed of themselves by trying to collectively destroy this young man's life. YES!!, he made a bad choice, he has repented, so LET HIM MOVE ON, GIVE CREDIT WHERE IT'S DUE!!! The songs are creative, and some full of energy, which is signature for his dance(feel good) tracks, and the "I Can Transform Ya" video is sick!!!! I am a woman, so I will NEVER condone his actions, but to deny his talent it an outright LIE!!!!!… Expand
  34. SleepyInsomniac
    Dec 17, 2009
    10
    I think if this same album came out under a different artist or at a different time (say before feb), critics wouldn't be so cruel. It seems that something other than music is being judged here, and while I don't like Chris Brown's character, I enjoyed listening to the MUSIC, and that's what these critics should be basing their reviews on...this album does not deserve I think if this same album came out under a different artist or at a different time (say before feb), critics wouldn't be so cruel. It seems that something other than music is being judged here, and while I don't like Chris Brown's character, I enjoyed listening to the MUSIC, and that's what these critics should be basing their reviews on...this album does not deserve to be among the worst reviewed, listen to it yourself, don't believe this BS! PS: So Cold & Pass Out are my favourites.… Expand
  35. MariaB
    Dec 20, 2009
    9
    Loved this CD, so happy I didn't listen to the critics! Had a suspicion they were biased, most of the reviews began by mentioning "the incident" so I took a little chance with my $ and got a gem! Which was a little hard to find on the shelves, what's up with that?
  36. 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!
  37. 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 not agree with his personal life, the music is still good.
  38. MabB
    Dec 9, 2009
    9
    You really can't critic a album if you're not listening to the music, judging the art and not the personal life of the artist. That was the format used to rate this art piece. Maybe Metacritic should consider using unbiased critics, people who are capable of separating their personal feelings from their work.
  39. larissar
    Dec 12, 2009
    10
    I have been a Chris Brown fan for many years and who cares of what he had done. So stop criticizing about him and his new album because it is the greatest i ever heard of.
  40. RickS
    Dec 17, 2009
    10
    It's disappointing that critics are smearing this album...their "assessments" if you will, are based on everything but the music...credibility isn't gained by reassuring public perception.
  41. FatimaO.
    Dec 24, 2009
    10
    I think people are being biased about what happened between his ex. i believe he deserved a better mark because his album kicks a**! Especially falling down and crawl and i personally like gotta be your girl and pass out If this outbreak did not happen he would have achieved the same mark as his last album exclusive ps PLEASE BUY IT ROCKS.
  42. CristeleD
    Dec 12, 2009
    10
    Chris Brown's third album attempt was well thought out and explosive. He broadens his spectrum musically and lets is fans in on his sorrow within this passed year. Though Critics have rated his album with low marks I feel that other artists would be unable to replicate the undeniable spark of this album.
  43. AkayB
    Dec 12, 2009
    9
    This is Chris best work yet, he comes through all the drama and struggle he faced earlier this year to bring a simply put electrifying album. All the songs are simply divine and he expresses his remorse and apology in some like "Fallin Down" and "So Cold". Graffiti will definitely be on the top of the list in 2010, and its a MUST-HAVE. Simply judge the MUSIC not the artist actions.
  44. TracyL
    Dec 12, 2009
    8
    Please don't listen to these reviews, they are ridiculously biased due to the "incident". This is the best CD of his career and definitely one of the best CD's I have listened to from this year.
  45. EdwinG
    Dec 16, 2009
    10
    Graffiti is Browns best album Yet, but people are giving it bad reviews because of what he did and thats unfair people should judge him on his music not on what he did, every single one of the albums songs are good with the best ones bieng crawl, Wait, I can transform ya and pass out.
  46. AlphonzoB.
    Dec 22, 2009
    9
    Very Solid CD. A lot of singles on the album. A pure shame he has to continue apologize and make songs about being sorry when we all know we all fall short. I cant think of a R&B Singer that can do what he does sing as well as dance and do both well. "Crawl, "I'll Go", "Falling Down" and "Famous Girl" stand out.
  47. JamesG.
    Dec 27, 2009
    7
    A decent album displaying Brown's talents, I don't know why the critics are using his personal life as a stick to beat his music with, he probably also didn't write most of the lyrics yet they use this as a way to attack him personally as if he tried writing and producing it himself. So much for unbiased reviewing. My favourite track is So Cold, not because Brown is A decent album displaying Brown's talents, I don't know why the critics are using his personal life as a stick to beat his music with, he probably also didn't write most of the lyrics yet they use this as a way to attack him personally as if he tried writing and producing it himself. So much for unbiased reviewing. My favourite track is So Cold, not because Brown is supposedely being remorseful, but because it has good vocals and a good tune while the lyrics speak to me about something I can relate to, nothing to do with the artist. Music should be for listening and enjoyment. The only thing I can put down as a negative for this album is that it is about 5-6 tracks too long, trying to do too much at once and it meant some songs were average, but that doesn't take away from the other songs or Brown's talents.… Expand
  48. hornysoul
    Oct 13, 2018
    3
    Isto não é R&B, com certeza. Eu entendo que Chris Brown passou por uma fase muito complicada e polémica na sua vida pessoal, mas este fracasso de álbum nada tem a ver com o que se passou com ele. O seu "comeback" foi simplesmente aborrecido e as batidas deste álbum fazem-nos gritar de dor e de sofrimento.
  49. 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

Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
39

Generally unfavorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 12
  3. Negative: 6 out of 12
  1. AllMusic
    20
    Brown clumsily emphasizes womanizing and hedonism and balances it out with a couple clean and empty ballads. Out of this portion of the album, only a couple songs leave a lasting impression, and when they do, the silly things that come out of Brown’s mouth tend to be the reason.
    Read full review
  2. 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.
    Read full review
  3. Entertainment Weekly
    67
    With his actions this year, Chris Brown strapped cement boots on the zero-gravity pleasures pop music is meant to provide. Graffiti won't magically fix that, but at its best moments, it still floats.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »