K.T.S.E.

While the romantic lyrics can seem emptily sentimental, they are infinitely preferable to the misjudged sauciness of Hurry and 3Way. ... Generally, these missteps seem a relatively small price to pay for a record that melds new and old R&B with such flair.

The album remains too small a platform for her tremendous vocal talent.

K.T.S.E. should’ve been a breakout moment for her, but it was rushed to release to hit West’s schedule, and as such feels undercooked and unfocused. Make no mistake: There’s great “polo Kanye” stuff here, from the make-up-and-make-out ride of “Gonna Love Me” to the fierce autobiography of “Rose In Harlem.” The atomic ballroom “WTP” feels beamed in from another dimension.

Thanks to Taylor's new direction, K.T.S.E. ends up being the most fun of any of G.O.O.D. Music's recent releases, existing without the self-seriousness that weighed down the albums from Pusha T, Kid Cudi, Nas and West himself.

Taylor creates an unapologetic record of late-night slow jams that stem from a more mature, experienced perspective. ... The forwardness [in “3way”] is welcome, but the angle Taylor takes is questionable.

It is absolutely true that the musical and vocal performances here are Taylor's strongest. But in terms of messaging, she still needs to get in formation.