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K.T.S.E.
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  • Record Label:
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K.T.S.E. Image
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 146 Ratings

  • Summary: The acronym for the eight-track second studio release for the R&B singer stands for Keep That Same Energy and was produced by Kanye West.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. The Independent (UK)
    Jun 27, 2018
    80
    Kardashian West was right: the record is “soooo good.” ... K.T.S.E. (Keep That Same Energy) is a pleasant surprise. Embellished with West’s keen ear for samples, it blends ‘80s nostalgia with fresh rap and R&B.
  2. The Guardian
    Jun 25, 2018
    80
    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.
  3. Pitchfork
    Jun 27, 2018
    78
    The album remains too small a platform for her tremendous vocal talent.
  4. Rolling Stone
    Jun 25, 2018
    70
    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.
  5. Consequence
    Jun 28, 2018
    67
    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.
  6. Exclaim
    Jun 27, 2018
    60
    K.T.S.E. is a strong start with an anticlimactic finish. With a bit of additional time and effort, it could have been so much more.
  7. PopMatters
    Aug 1, 2018
    60
    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.

See all 8 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 16
  3. Negative: 1 out of 16
  1. sisoman
    Jun 25, 2018
    10
    This album is pretty great, what a R/B album shoul be and sound, on repeat!
  2. ChrisMiller35
    Jun 28, 2018
    9
    No Manners has one of the greatest soul chopped samples i've heard. Also the new album with updated samples is being released this weekend!
  4. Alessio99
    Jun 27, 2018
    9
    Teyana Is so powerful on this project and I feel that her RNB flair is pushing through in the wider music world for the first time past herTeyana Is so powerful on this project and I feel that her RNB flair is pushing through in the wider music world for the first time past her first project 7. She has to be up there in this new generation with SZA and Rihanna, yet can match Cardi B for attitude which surely makes her one of the most unique acts out in the RNB world right now. Can't wait for the master edition of the album soon as mentioned on her BigBoy interview. For me "Gonna love me", "Rose in Harlem" and "Never would have made it" are the best three tracks on the record.… Expand
  5. MrMemeister
    Jun 25, 2018
    8
    Capping off an enjoyable summer album streak from GOOD Music, Teyana Taylor's sophomore effort "K.T.S.E." shows us her true potential andCapping off an enjoyable summer album streak from GOOD Music, Teyana Taylor's sophomore effort "K.T.S.E." shows us her true potential and features some of Kanye's best production of the year. Where her last album "VII" was mostly safe, sanitized R&B with little ambition, "K.T.S.E." has Teyana and 'Ye going for a more romantic, early 2000's-esque atmosphere. Teyana's voice, while being very pleasant, has a slight rasp to it that adds a bit more color to her performances, which are consistently entertaining. 'Ye's beats (thankfully) compliment her very well, featuring smoothly chopped-up soul ("Gonna Love Me") and vibrant piano keys and synths ("Never Would Have Made It") across most of the album. While I do have some minor gripes with it, "K.T.S.E." delivers a varied set of tuneful cuts in a satisfying 22 minutes.
    Favorites: "Gonna Love Me", "Issues / Hold On", "Rose In Harlem", "Never Would Have Made It", "WTP"
    Least Favorites: "3Way"    … Expand
  6. Andremax
    Aug 26, 2018
    8
    2018's top 5 Why don't? Until Now: Isolation, Dirty Computer, Care for me, DAYTONA & K.T.S.E.. Kayne West is definitively a great producer and2018's top 5 Why don't? Until Now: Isolation, Dirty Computer, Care for me, DAYTONA & K.T.S.E.. Kayne West is definitively a great producer and chooses the bests textures.… Expand
  7. lordvalvo
    Jul 1, 2018
    8
    My first time listening to Teyana Taylor album. Absolutely loved it. Kanye killed it with College Dropout type samples when it came to everyMy first time listening to Teyana Taylor album. Absolutely loved it. Kanye killed it with College Dropout type samples when it came to every song but stood out on ones like Rose In Harlem and Gonna Love Me. She is a great singer and shows it clearly on this album. The only song I didn't like was WTP. It was catchy but felt like a bonus track.… Expand
  8. Alex_Nevermind
    Jun 28, 2018
    0
    IT SUCKS! Stupid "lyrics", tired, boring use of Kanye West samples. Easily disposable and forgettable... as I would like to. Definitely willIT SUCKS! Stupid "lyrics", tired, boring use of Kanye West samples. Easily disposable and forgettable... as I would like to. Definitely will NOT be revisiting this GARBAGE,-20 out of 10 stars. :-(… Expand

See all 16 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

78
#78 Most Discussed Album of 2018
97
#97 Most Shared Album of 2018

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