The Cool
by Lupe Fiasco
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 30
  3. Negative: 0 out of 30
  1. AllMusic
    60
    Even considering the over-abundance of elaboration on all fronts, it's a credit to Lupe that he has made an album that cannot be processed after one or two listens, and if you have the time, its inscrutability turns into mere complexity.
  2. Blender
    60
    The CD is loosely tied together by a browbeating concept that condemns the glorification of Scarface-style violence and disposable pop-rap, but the moralism is as trite as a Tony Montana reference.
  3. Sputnikmusic
    60
    Surprisingly, The Cool works as an album despite its many obvious flaws: the pop tracks are as good as anything from his debut, and his attempts to branch out are at least hit and miss, with exciting tracks like ‘Little Weapon’ and ‘Dumb It Down’ breaking the monotony of his soapbox moments.
  5. Urb
    60
    There's a psyche-rock track with UNKLE on here, for chrissakes. But yeah, dude has skills.
  6. NOW Magazine
    40
    The problem is that he hasn’t yet developed a signature sound that immediately identifies a track as his own, nor is he capable of writing the sort of provocative rhymes that stand out.
  7. Drowned In Sound
    60
    A comparatively sterile shadow of its predecessor.
  8. The Guardian
    60
    You're left with an album that succeeds despite itself, but succeeds nonetheless.
  9. Uncut
    40
    This simply sounds like junior Jay-Z. [Mar 2008, p.96]
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Awards & Rankings

26
#26 Most Discussed Album of 2007

User Reviews

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User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 270 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 247 out of 270
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 270
  3. Negative: 20 out of 270
  1. dijavantewow
    Oct 17, 2010
    10
    Love Lupe. Gotta start with that it's a shame that Lasers is still not out, and it won't be out for like 5 more months. This album has greatLove Lupe. Gotta start with that it's a shame that Lasers is still not out, and it won't be out for like 5 more months. This album has great hip hop and rap on it. Lupe is a great lyricist, and hopefully he doesn't leave that mentality.… Full Review »
  2. Codeling
    Sep 8, 2021
    9
    It's a fantastic album. So many cool tracks like Hip-Hop Saved My Life, Put You on Game, Hi-Definition and others.
  3. FruitJuice
    Jul 18, 2017
    7
    goodgood album................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................… Full Review »
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