The Life Of Pablo
by Kanye West
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 2238 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,797 out of 2238
  2. Mixed: 179 out of 2238
  3. Negative: 262 out of 2238
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. mrchrister2
    Feb 16, 2016
    5
    About half of the songs on the album are amazing. The other half of the songs are complete trash. This album is all over the place and the quality is not consistent in the slightest. The lyrics can be funny and clever but then Kanye goes overboard on the corny lines sometimes which makes me cringe.
  2. BShaps
    Feb 18, 2016
    4
    I'm absolutely perplexed how people can be giving this album good reviews. There are a couple of really good songs, the rest is some of the worst stuff I've ever heard. For example if you can't freestyle, don't put it on your album. It is probably the worst freestyle I've ever heard, here's an excerpt, and the rest of it is like this:

    What the f*** right now? What the f*** right    I'm absolutely perplexed how people can be giving this album good reviews. There are a couple of really good songs, the rest is some of the worst stuff I've ever heard. For example if you can't freestyle, don't put it on your album. It is probably the worst freestyle I've ever heard, here's an excerpt, and the rest of it is like this:

    What the f*** right now?
    What the f*** right now?
    What the, What the f*** right now?
    What if we f*** right now?
    What if we f***ed right in the middle
    Of this motherf***in' dinner table?
    What if we f***ed at the Vogue party?
    Would we be the life of the whole party?
    Shut down the whole party
    Would everybody start f***in'?
    Would everybody start f***in'?
    Would everybody start f***in'?

    If rhyming a line with the exact same line is talent then I'm a rap god.    … Expand
  3. Swishalicious29
    Apr 1, 2016
    6
    I was incredibly skeptical heading into this album. Kanye was constantly changing the track-list, the cover art, and lyrics so much that it sounded like he was unsure of the product he was putting out. It's a better album than Yeezus, but still doesn't reach the heights that an album like The College Dropout does.

    Productionwise this album is all over the place. There are bangers like    I was incredibly skeptical heading into this album. Kanye was constantly changing the track-list, the cover art, and lyrics so much that it sounded like he was unsure of the product he was putting out. It's a better album than Yeezus, but still doesn't reach the heights that an album like The College Dropout does.

    Productionwise this album is all over the place. There are bangers like "Famous" and "Facts" and there is classy production with "Real Friends" and "No More Parties in L.A.". Then there is the completely bizarre and insane "Fresstyle 4" which is a true highlight on this album. "FML" with the Weeknd is also a standout with great progression and an incredible ending.

    The quality is all over the place as well. Being one of the most infamous and celebrated hip-hop artists, the fact that Chris Brown gets a full chorus while Andre 3000 just hums on his song is totally egregious. "Low Lights" could be removed and no difference would be made. "Father Stretch My Hands" has some pretty terrible lyrics and aside from the great start to the beat, it becomes annoying after a while.

    The Life of Pablo sounds like a compilation more than a coherent piece of work. It works at times, but at some points its just an experiment that didn't go over all that well. It's definitely a fun listen, but doesn't reach the same heights that his first three LP's did.    … Expand
  4. BrushedRed
    Apr 5, 2016
    6
    Not bad, but not that great either. There are some good songs like "Feedback" and "Father Stretch My Hands," but a lot of this album is just a mess. It's kind of all over the place and rough around the edges. I understand that that's kind of the vibe he was going for, but it just didn't suit my taste. Some of the moments of this album are cringeworthy too ("Low Lights" for example). Not toNot bad, but not that great either. There are some good songs like "Feedback" and "Father Stretch My Hands," but a lot of this album is just a mess. It's kind of all over the place and rough around the edges. I understand that that's kind of the vibe he was going for, but it just didn't suit my taste. Some of the moments of this album are cringeworthy too ("Low Lights" for example). Not to mention the lyrics are awful at parts too. I'll admit I liked some of Kanye's work in the past, but this one didn't thrill me.… Expand
  5. thedaywalker
    Jan 5, 2017
    6
    I really did not hear the appeal, pretty sure people just praising it because its Kanye West, another rapper less popular and this would have been thrown in the been
  6. chidime
    Feb 14, 2016
    6
    I love Kanye. Hands down my favorite rapper. This record, on the other hand, I do not like. It sounds confused and on some songs, Kanye's rapping seems uncomposed. Like a draft/practice rap made it to the final cut. The lyrics also are just not on the level I have come to expect from Kanye. All-in-all, it sounds like the album never went past the idea phase and never got edited. I willI love Kanye. Hands down my favorite rapper. This record, on the other hand, I do not like. It sounds confused and on some songs, Kanye's rapping seems uncomposed. Like a draft/practice rap made it to the final cut. The lyrics also are just not on the level I have come to expect from Kanye. All-in-all, it sounds like the album never went past the idea phase and never got edited. I will listen to the album again and see if my mind changes but for now, it's a 6 for me.… Expand
  7. Marcbackman
    Feb 15, 2016
    4
    I've tried to ignore Kanye's ever growing ego and enjoy the music removed from his life outside of it, but it's become increasingly hard to separate Kanye the designer and narcissist to Kanye the musician.

    The album generally isn't that good. Kanye doesn't really have anything new to say, and everything he is saying we've heard 10 times already. Ok, we get it Kanye: you hate Nike.    I've tried to ignore Kanye's ever growing ego and enjoy the music removed from his life outside of it, but it's become increasingly hard to separate Kanye the designer and narcissist to Kanye the musician.

    The album generally isn't that good. Kanye doesn't really have anything new to say, and everything he is saying we've heard 10 times already. Ok, we get it Kanye: you hate Nike. Ok, we also get that you are the re-incarnation of God and everyone wants to be you or know you. We get that you have a lot of fame and money. The difference this time around, in contrast to Yeezus, is that musically this album is not very good. The two times it is good ('Ultralight Beam' and 'No More Parties in LA') it is when the song is carried by a guest singer/rapper, and when the music (sonically) actualy has some substance to it - whether it is a great sampled beat in Parties, or the gospel tinged 'Ultralight'.

    I think when Kanye doesn't sound like he is complaining or sulking about something, he bares much better musically. If his narcissism keeps expanding at the rate it's going he no doubt will release a true stinker for his next album. And don't make the mistake of thinking this album is good or at the level we expect of Kanye. It's very average. I recommend Kanye either focus on his fashion brand or his music, because I believe his heart is no longer in the latter - and this album is proof of that fact.    … Expand
  8. Schmosh
    Feb 16, 2016
    6
    The creativity of To Pimp a Butterfly combined with the brains and voice of Donald Trump.

    Kanye West is really good at producing music and that continues with this album. Just don't listen to it expecting to be challenged or inspired.
  9. TimW001
    Feb 14, 2016
    6
    This album is more hype than quality. While I agree that Kanye is the most influential rapper of the 2000's, this album is pretty average. It sounds a lot like he's failed to keep it real. It sounds just like if you give a talented rapper a lot of money and fame so he has nothing to talk about anymore. Kanye has never been known for lyrics, this continue as the lyrics on this TLOP are veryThis album is more hype than quality. While I agree that Kanye is the most influential rapper of the 2000's, this album is pretty average. It sounds a lot like he's failed to keep it real. It sounds just like if you give a talented rapper a lot of money and fame so he has nothing to talk about anymore. Kanye has never been known for lyrics, this continue as the lyrics on this TLOP are very average. The second half of this album is where the best is. From Waves to Fade is where the hits are. This album has several average songs, some good songs, and some hits, but no classics.… Expand
  10. Shrewman
    Feb 12, 2016
    5
    Overall an unexciting and mediocre album packed full of borrowed ideas and pop culture references that were cool and relevant a few years ago. As time goes on it becomes more apparent how out of touch Kanye really is with pop culture. Although the album sounds less inspired by things and more so emulative. There are short moments throughout the album when Kanye is able to escape his facadeOverall an unexciting and mediocre album packed full of borrowed ideas and pop culture references that were cool and relevant a few years ago. As time goes on it becomes more apparent how out of touch Kanye really is with pop culture. Although the album sounds less inspired by things and more so emulative. There are short moments throughout the album when Kanye is able to escape his facade for long enough to produce quality content. This however, is overshadowed by a number of times when the songs are cringey, in poor taste and literally unlistenable. After the addition of the new tracks the album seems to flow very poorly and loses momentum very quickly only to fall into a state of bland repetition that leaves you thinking "another one?".… Expand
  11. bhooks
    Feb 12, 2016
    5
    Just a mediocre album. It lacks on quality because the lyrics are a flagrant self-depreciative and simplistic that should not be called "rhythm and poetry" but a try-harder hip hop record. The whole album is carried by the features, but fails on the execution and final product. Its means a fall on the Kanye West career.

    5/10
  12. hpola
    Feb 15, 2016
    5
    A scattered album. There are parts that are very interesting but are quickly overshadowed by his instability. On a few tracks you can almost groove, but then all of a sudden the happiness cuts out.

    Life of Pablo comes off like an uncomfortable couch. Readjustment is futile. With every ye release, it seems we are looking further into his unhinging. Good thing he's such a**hole, no one    A scattered album. There are parts that are very interesting but are quickly overshadowed by his instability. On a few tracks you can almost groove, but then all of a sudden the happiness cuts out.

    Life of Pablo comes off like an uncomfortable couch. Readjustment is futile.

    With every ye release, it seems we are looking further into his unhinging. Good thing he's such a**hole, no one seems to care to stop it.    … Expand
  13. thrills
    Feb 16, 2016
    4
    Despite a few excellent songs on here like Ultra Light Beam, FML, Real Friends, Waves and No More Parties in LA, it feels far too lazy and rushed. One of, if not the worst album in his solo discography so far.
  14. SeaVee
    Feb 15, 2016
    4
    This album really disappointed me, I only like 5 songs on it. The production is amazing as always but the pacing in most songs on it makes the whole album feel flat. If you want to listen to a better but similar music than this, you should check out Angel Haze's project "Back to the woods"
  15. Renaldo_Berkley
    Feb 14, 2016
    6
    I really wanted to like this album. I've been looking forward to it since it was called "So Help Me God" and Paul McCartney was an executive producer. After many months of delays, Kanye finally landed on February 11th. Then it was delayed again for two days. Finally, we have our hands (ears?) on it. The Life of Pablo is one of the most beautiful and striking albums I've listened to in aI really wanted to like this album. I've been looking forward to it since it was called "So Help Me God" and Paul McCartney was an executive producer. After many months of delays, Kanye finally landed on February 11th. Then it was delayed again for two days. Finally, we have our hands (ears?) on it. The Life of Pablo is one of the most beautiful and striking albums I've listened to in a long time. Ultralight Beam, Famous, Waves, No More Parties In L.A.. and 30 Hours are all wonderful tracks. Their production is gorgeous (and sorta messy) and the lyrics are the best on the album. Chance The Rapper spits one of his more aggressive verses on Ultralight Beam, vowing to defend God and field any questions that are asked of him. 30 Hours has Kanye reflects on his long distance relationship and it's affect on him. However great these tracks are, the album still has massive flaws.The album as a whole feels very unorganized and messy. Kanye is constantly bringing up his sex life, but in a way that feels extremely cold and gross. On the song Feedback Kanye yells about how great he is for two minutes over a boring, short looping instrumental. On the Silver Surfer Intermission is a phone call between Kayne and Max B the feels like it serves no purpose other than to fill up time. As a whole this album is very polarizing. Kanye goes back to his roots, with soul sampling, but lyrical he has only progressed farther into his lane of self-aggrandizing and egomania. It is by far his darkest album. But in the end the beauty and majesty of the best tracks are able to outshine the messiness and narcissism of the lesser tracks, if only barely.… Expand
  16. geedup
    Feb 17, 2016
    5
    Good: changing the music...new sounds...reinvention....Kayne can still snap on a track
    Bad: the changed music too far from an entirely good album.....new sounds are not all good, particularly if you are in hip hop....reinvention leads to overall subpar sh*t on more of these tracks....Kanye's rap is lost in the production, rarely putting together something to nod your head to while    Good: changing the music...new sounds...reinvention....Kayne can still snap on a track
    Bad: the changed music too far from an entirely good album.....new sounds are not all good, particularly if you are in hip hop....reinvention leads to overall subpar sh*t on more of these tracks....Kanye's rap is lost in the production, rarely putting together something to nod your head to while spittin' some raw.
    Overall a disappointment for true hip hop heads. Kanye's best efforts are behind him.    … Expand
  17. mrtnchmnx
    Feb 15, 2016
    6
    Decent album, but by no means the best from Kanye. While there are a handful of strong tracks, Ultra Light Beam and No More Parties in LA are among some of the best stuff Kanye has put out. However, these tracks are mostly marred by the inconsistency of this album as a whole.
  18. matttyc123
    Mar 28, 2016
    5
    After getting crazy excited after hearing Real Friends and No More Parties, I was expecting a return to form for Kanye after being underwhelmed by Yeezus. But I left feeling left down, feeling like I needed something more. I wanted to like this album, I really did. Besides a few standout tracks here and there, this album is bogged down in average production, little to no lyricalAfter getting crazy excited after hearing Real Friends and No More Parties, I was expecting a return to form for Kanye after being underwhelmed by Yeezus. But I left feeling left down, feeling like I needed something more. I wanted to like this album, I really did. Besides a few standout tracks here and there, this album is bogged down in average production, little to no lyrical highlights, and Kanye's standard zest for himself. Strong features throughout the album though, as there always seems to be on a Kanye record. And seriously, how do you get one of the best lyricists of all time in 3 stacks to just say 'thirty hours' for a few minutes? Give the man the verse he deserves!!!

    Fave Tracks: Ultralight Beam, Real Friends, No More Parties in LA    … Expand
  19. BasedFrieza
    Apr 11, 2016
    4
    "If I **** this model
    She just bleached her ****
    If I get bleach on my tshirt Im going to feel like an ****" These 4 lines pretty much sum up how lyrically bland and corny this entire album is. The production on many of these tracks sounds like something that anyone on pro tools could make within 2 hours. Kanye is out of his moment, thus why he has to feature so many artists on this    "If I **** this model
    She just bleached her ****
    If I get bleach on my tshirt
    Im going to feel like an ****"

    These 4 lines pretty much sum up how lyrically bland and corny this entire album is. The production on many of these tracks sounds like something that anyone on pro tools could make within 2 hours. Kanye is out of his moment, thus why he has to feature so many artists on this album. This album is just plain bad.    … Expand
  20. dopelean
    Apr 26, 2016
    5
    The worst Kanye project I've listened to, everyone featured on this album did a better job than him. Ye's lyrics can be described in one word - BASIC.
  21. Teoneyra
    May 8, 2016
    5
    Kanye is on my top ten MC's and when the life of Pablo came out i was excited like this is going to be fire but it was good.. u know, i think we did to much hype and then when it came out it was not what we expected but still we already knew that Ye its never afraid to be different but this didn't work for me personally.. still the album has some good songs, ain't going lie.
    Famous, No    Kanye is on my top ten MC's and when the life of Pablo came out i was excited like this is going to be fire but it was good.. u know, i think we did to much hype and then when it came out it was not what we expected but still we already knew that Ye its never afraid to be different but this didn't work for me personally.. still the album has some good songs, ain't going lie.
    Famous, No more parties in LA, 30 hours, Ultralight Beam and pt1 & pt2 (trap songs) were actually pretty good, so i give the album 5 because even tho it is he weakest album still the production and some of the lyrics and features help with my decision.    … Expand
  22. djdenzel777
    Mar 24, 2017
    5
    This project was one of the most hyped up projects of 2016 and surely didn't deliver. While it can be appreciated that Kanye tries to be "interesting" too often is this used as an excuse for poorly executed songs, which this album has plenty of. That being said, there are some highlights on the project such as "Wolves" where Kanye sings over a haunting beat that makes you feel as if youThis project was one of the most hyped up projects of 2016 and surely didn't deliver. While it can be appreciated that Kanye tries to be "interesting" too often is this used as an excuse for poorly executed songs, which this album has plenty of. That being said, there are some highlights on the project such as "Wolves" where Kanye sings over a haunting beat that makes you feel as if you are in the Hunger Games. Another standout being "Real Friends" where Kanye raps over a beautiful beat, and actually sounds like the "old Kanye." Overall, this project felt rushed and very poorly put together.… Expand
  23. SchroederRock
    Apr 11, 2016
    5
    I'll be happier the day someone willingly slays Kanye West and uses his skin to line a limited edition douche canoe. That being said, he always manages a few good tracks per album. On the whole? Kanye is not a consistent artist and constantly tries to step out what really works for him and offers crappy alternative rap tracks. I hate that I enjoy any of his music at all - as a personI'll be happier the day someone willingly slays Kanye West and uses his skin to line a limited edition douche canoe. That being said, he always manages a few good tracks per album. On the whole? Kanye is not a consistent artist and constantly tries to step out what really works for him and offers crappy alternative rap tracks. I hate that I enjoy any of his music at all - as a person Kanye is pretty low on the human race totem pole. If he was still killing it like he was back on Graduation... I'd still hate him as a person but wouldn't feel so ashamed for liking a track or two per album.… Expand
  24. Ricko
    Nov 11, 2020
    6
    There were some great tracks here, up with Kanye's very best tracks. Equally, there is plenty that I just skipped over the first time round and these days when I revisit I just hit the songs I like. The hour or so length of the album is just too patchy especially in a genre that I can take or leave. Ultimately a disappointing follow up to the focused and mercurial "Yeezus".
  25. T-rodney
    Feb 21, 2016
    6
    The LIfe of Pablo is produced like My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy,feels like My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy but sadly is not as great as My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.Kanye West makes The Life of Pablo strange(as usual) with weird lyrics,the production and the feel.

    The album starts off well with the decent Track Ultralight Beam(Ft. Chance the rapper & Kirk Franklin) which is    The LIfe of Pablo is produced like My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy,feels like My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy but sadly is not as great as My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.Kanye West makes The Life of Pablo strange(as usual) with weird lyrics,the production and the feel.

    The album starts off well with the decent Track Ultralight Beam(Ft. Chance the rapper & Kirk Franklin) which is religious and done well although Kanye is hardly there in his own song with weak lyrics.The album moves on to Father Strecth My Hands Part 1 & 2 which are again decent tracks but not spectacular as Kanye does'nt deliver any powerful lyrics we have come to know him for.Kanye steps up a bit with Famous(FT. Rihanna) which is a good song and the album remains consistent then came the bad song Freestyle 4(FT. Desiigner) which is horribly produced and lazily sung.

    I feel LIfe of Pablo really began in the second half of this album because from the song Waves(FT. Chris Brown) which is one of the best songs in the album starts a good tempo for the rest of the album and Kanye really steps up with great songs like Real Friends(FT. Ty Dolla Sign),Wolves and one of the best song from Kanye West in a while No More Parties in LA(FT. Kendrick Lamar), this song was perfect as Kendrick and Kanye go hand in hand to deliver a great 6 minute song. The album finishes off with the song Fade which was kinda boring.

    One thing i have to talk about is the lyrics to this album.We all know Kanye is a strange human being and some of his lyrics work in this album like in the song Highlights(FT Young Thug) he says [I bet me and Ray J would be friends/If we ain't love the same b*tch/Yeah, he might have hit it first/Only problem is I'm rich] which is gold and then some weird lyrics like in the song Father Stretch My hands Part 1 he says [Now if I f*ck this model/And she just bleached her a**hole/And I get bleach on my T-shirt/I'mma feel like an a**hole]-WEIRD

    Now Life of Pablo is not a bad album,not at all but i think it's not that great compared to his past album as some songs bring this album down this weak Kanye lyrics, some filler and annoying production sounds just when the song is ending like Wolves and FML. In the first half of the album Kanye doesn't really fully commit to this album his lyrics feel weak and lazy and is hardly present as the features do most of the work and the songs he doesn't make the songs go full way as you find that a 3 minute song is sung like in a minute and thirty seconds and the rest of the song is just some weird,annoying sounds. However Kanye
    manages to save this album in the second half with amazing song that should have been like the whole album.

    The best tracks are No more parties in LA(best song), Waves, Ultralight Beam and Real Friends. The worst songs are Fade,Freestyle 4 and 30 Hours. The beast Features are Chance the rapper, Kirk Franklin, Chris Brown and Kendrick Lamar.Worst Features are Desiigner,Young Thug and Post Malone.

    So is The Life of Pablo a good album,YES but not as good as MBDTF or Yeezus but this ablum is a personal journey for Kanye as he talks about his family, friends,religion and of-course his favorite subject-HIMSELF.The first half of this album may not be great but an enjoyable album at the least.    … Expand
  26. MetricStation3
    Apr 4, 2016
    4
    This album reminded me that I'd rather be listening to Chance the Rapper, Frank Ocean, or Kendrick Lamar. The featured artists are the real highlight here, where the rest of the album falls flat. 2/5
  27. Wael
    Aug 27, 2016
    5
    Except for a couple of songs like "Real Friends", "Ultralight Beam", and "Facts", The Life of Pablo is extremely forgettable, and makes for an unejoyable, even annoying listen.
    Very overrated and totally not worth the hype it got. This album was rushed, and it feels like Kanye released it without really finalizing it (title changes and tracklist editing in the last minute as we saw).    Except for a couple of songs like "Real Friends", "Ultralight Beam", and "Facts", The Life of Pablo is extremely forgettable, and makes for an unejoyable, even annoying listen.
    Very overrated and totally not worth the hype it got. This album was rushed, and it feels like Kanye released it without really finalizing it (title changes and tracklist editing in the last minute as we saw).
    Let's hope 'Ye steps his game back up to its greatness with the next one.    … Expand
  28. RadioheadLuv17
    Jul 11, 2016
    5
    As high as its highs are (FML, Real Friends, ultralight beam, no more parties in LA, etc...) a lot of the Life Of Pablo is plagued by terrible rapping, half baked song ideas, and a lack of originality. For one of the busiest perfectionists in popular music, this album (3 years in the making) seems strangely last-minute.
  29. swagkonyjohnson
    Mar 2, 2016
    6
    While The Life of Pablo ultimately is an overall decent project when compared to many other modern hip hop albums, it lacks the certain it-factors that made Kanye’s past albums so great, and while there are great moments on this record, there were also just as many cringe-worthy moments uncharacteristic of Kanye West’s music that weighed this album down.
  30. Allion
    Feb 23, 2016
    6
    am going to break down each track on this album and give an overall “review”/final impression of it. I got a lot to say, so here it goes:

    L: Liked D: Disliked I: Indifferent 1. Ultra Light Beams: Fantastic song, and a great way to start the album. I guess this is where Kanye’s “gospel album” idea stems from. I think The Dream and Kelly Price’s vocals perfectly complement this song,    am going to break down each track on this album and give an overall “review”/final impression of it. I got a lot to say, so here it goes:

    L: Liked D: Disliked I: Indifferent

    1. Ultra Light Beams: Fantastic song, and a great way to start the album. I guess this is where Kanye’s “gospel album” idea stems from. I think The Dream and Kelly Price’s vocals perfectly complement this song, and Chance The Rapper’s verse was great. I actually didn’t like Acid Rap or Chance for that matter, but this verse made me a fan. This song was great, but it felt like a Chance feat. Kanye song, not the other way around. L

    2. Father Stretch My Hands Pt. 1: This song starts off nicely, and it feels like something off of MBDTF. Sadly, it takes a deep nose dive when Kanye starts talking about bleached **** SMH. D

    3. Father Stretch My Hands Pt. 2: I really like the hook on this song, and to my surprise, it wasn’t Future who was on it, it was some random guy named Desiigner. I decided to look him up, and played the first track I found, “Panda”. I was confused, because it was the SAME as Pt. 2. I think this song should be renamed to “Panda Remix”, because that’s all it is, a remix. I

    4. Famous: I like the samples on this song, and the instrumentation was nice. That’s about it. I didn’t like the lyrics one bit, and I think Kanye should grow up. He is still talking about an incident that happened years ago, and he basically went back on his apology. Once again, SMH. I

    5. Feedback: This song sounds exactly like something off of Yeezus. It’s ok. D

    6. Low Lights: This was kind of like an interlude to the next song, Highlights. It had an interesting sample. Not a song though. It reminds me of MBDTF. I

    7. Highlights: This song carried on the feel from the previous interlude, and I thought it was a decent track. Those lines about the go-pro **** were horrible. L

    8. Freestyle 4: I really liked the beat on this song, it feels like something Denzel Curry would go in on. Once again, fake Future makes an appearance, although his 4 bars were cool. L

    **9. I Love Kanye: **Not a song, more of a freestyle kind of thing. It was hilarious though, and shows that Kanye is self aware of the memes made about him, lol. L

    10: Waves: I liked this song, but I feel like this was more of Chris Brown’s song than it was Kanye’s. The hook is nice, but I think the song would’ve benefited from a second verse from Kanye at the end. L

    11. FML: The Weeknd killed it, but the song felt a little bare bones to me. I was hoping that The Weeknd would have a bigger part, like his own verse and not just the hook. The sample towards the end was great, it fit the song. L

    12. Real Friends: Everything about this song is great. Kanye sounds more introspective than he has on the rest of the album, and the Ty Dolla $ign was cool too. I gotta look up the sample on here, but I like it too. When this song came out last month, I was hoping that the rest of the album would sound like this. Sadly it doesn’t, but that doesn’t take anything away from this song. L

    13. Wolves: I hate this song. I don’t know why, I just hate it. Actually wait, I know why. “You left your fridge open, and someone took a sandwich”. BARS. D

    14. Silver Surfer Intermission: I don’t see the point of this, there was no need for it. Kanye didn’t even name the album “Waves”, so why did he get Max B’s “blessing”? D

    15. 30 Hours: I liked the first half of this song, but I feel like the second half should’ve been replaced with a feature or just removed. It actually sounded like Late Registration Kanye to me. I

    16. No More Parties In LA: This is getting heavy play on my phone. Kendrick Lamar was amazing as usual, and Kanye was equally amazing on here. This has to be my favourite song on here. L

    17. Facts: I didn’t like the previous version of this song as it sounded too much like “Jumpman”. This new version is OK though. I

    18. Fade: I didn’t like this song at all. This beat sounded too much like pop for my taste. D

    Of the 18 tracks, I would only deem 15 of them as actual songs, and from those 15 songs, I only liked 7 of them. For that reason, I will say that this album is a decent album, and definitely an improvement over Yeezus, but TLOP will not be getting any regular plays from me. I feel almost disappointed, but I feel like Kanye is beginning a descend just like Kid Cudi experienced. I think I’ll stick to his pre-2012 projects. I think this album is a 6-6.5/10.    … Expand
  31. agibbons_96
    Mar 8, 2016
    5
    Up until now, it's been possible to separate Kanye's music from the egotistical personality that created it, but this is the first album of his that you can't really tell the artist from the art. An experimental album in every sense of the word, West's seventh album (eighth if you include “Watch the Throne” with Jay-Z) is his most wide ranging to date with its origins dating back as far asUp until now, it's been possible to separate Kanye's music from the egotistical personality that created it, but this is the first album of his that you can't really tell the artist from the art. An experimental album in every sense of the word, West's seventh album (eighth if you include “Watch the Throne” with Jay-Z) is his most wide ranging to date with its origins dating back as far as the “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” sessions in 2009. For anyone reading this who hasn't heard this record yet, note that “The Life of Pablo”
    (previously “So Help Me God”, “SWISH” and “Waves”) is NOTHING like the impressively cohesive work of any of West's previous albums, and is in fact, very messy. However, it appears that West wanted to do something
    that was not typically him, and wished to create a chaotic record, which to his credit, he has achieved. There are some amazing moments here without question, such as the gospel-inspired opener "Ultralight Beam", the more traditional “Real Friends” and the G-Funk laced “No
    More Parties in L.A.”, but for every great song here, there is almost always two bad tracks (or failed experiments, to be impartial about it) to go with the good ones. "Siiiiiiiiilver Surffffeeeeer Intermission" is the most pointless track on the album, and though only a minute long, it feels like an f*cking eternity. “Facts” and “Fade” are God awful, with only the production being the saving grace on both tracks. When Kanye isn't being brilliant or awful, he's being either completely mad in his decisions or hilarious (and not in a good way). It almost impossible not to laugh hysterically at the “bleached a**hole” verse on “Father Stretch My Hands, Pt. 1” or West's reference to Taylor Swift on “Famous”. However, the “I Love Kanye” skit is actually a moment of genuine laughter which plays on the joke on Kanye
    loving himself, but does so from the third person angle very cleverly. Guest vocalists dominate the album, which include Rihanna, The Weeknd. Chance the Rapper, Kendrick Lamar and Kid Cudi (to be honest, after “Speedin' Bullet 2 Heaven”, a brave call). In fairness, most of the guest vocalists (including Cudi) do a great job during their brief
    cameos on the album, with Rihanna's contribution to “Famous”, The Weeknd on “FML” and Lamar on “No More Parties in L.A.” being highlights. The album's second half is rather consistent in quality, with “30 Hours” being a pure chill-out tune, though the phone call at the end of the song could have been cut. “Wolves” is another good
    track, with Frank Ocean's vocals being among the best on the entire album, but “No More Parties in L.A.” is a gem! West and Lamar brings the G-Funk styled hip hop of the 90's back in style. Lamar's verse is the best moment on an extremely inconsistent album. There are so many
    points, both good AND bad about this album that it could be the musical epitome of Marmite – some will love it, others will never want to hear it again, and there are those (like myself) who'll love what's good about “The Life of Pablo”, but will despise its flaws. It would also be the first record from West that you would wonder whether his ego has finally influenced his work in a negative way. Overall, one of the weakest albums West has released to date, but it does, and will lead you to wonder “Where on Earth will he go from here?”.

    Album Highlights - "Ultralight Beam", “Real Friends”, “Wolves”, “30 Hours” and “No More Parties in L.A.”.    … Expand
  32. RobotoMr
    Jun 18, 2019
    6
    People might think this rating is harsh but trust me I'm not just 'hater'. I've loved every album up to this one.
    Like a few other people have said, it sounds like he doesn't have much to say at all. I think I remember 1 good line out of 18 songs, that's not a good sign.
    I like about 2-3 songs out of the whole album, the rest sound either unfinished or filler. Lyrically when Kanye DOES    People might think this rating is harsh but trust me I'm not just 'hater'. I've loved every album up to this one.
    Like a few other people have said, it sounds like he doesn't have much to say at all. I think I remember 1 good line out of 18 songs, that's not a good sign.
    I like about 2-3 songs out of the whole album, the rest sound either unfinished or filler.
    Lyrically when Kanye DOES say anything all it sounds like is tiny jabs at others, not that calling others out is bad or new to this genre of music but at least try when you do so. The rest of the lyrics are just about either his shoes or how kim is a saint.
    Overall It's a bit disappointing but at least Ultralight Beam, Father Stretch My Hands Pt. 1, Famous came out of this. The beats on a few of the other songs e.g. Waves, Wolves, 30 Hours sounded quite new and catchy but unfortunately ruined by cringey lyrics.    … Expand
  33. zb1928
    Feb 23, 2016
    4
    A few songs on this album were ok. Besides those few albums it was all over the place and not in a good way. production was also just ok. The lyrics Kanye randomly throws into some of the songs make them unlistenable to me.
  34. Srmlt1014
    Feb 23, 2016
    4
    Production wise this album is nothing short of the flawlessness you'd expect from a Ye album . Lyrically it is not awe insiring but blunt and in your face. While its up to the indivigual to decide whether or not they appreciate it or not. It seems to be disconnected from the average listener on the surface with songs like the controversial Famous. Underneath is a masterfully designed asProduction wise this album is nothing short of the flawlessness you'd expect from a Ye album . Lyrically it is not awe insiring but blunt and in your face. While its up to the indivigual to decide whether or not they appreciate it or not. It seems to be disconnected from the average listener on the surface with songs like the controversial Famous. Underneath is a masterfully designed as a perfectly scripted fight of the ego and conscious. This being said while these elements are melded beautifully at the close of each song and even the album as a whole I'm left wanting more. Its hard to know if this album is representing the ever conflicting parts of Kanye or if its supposed to leave that lingering feeling of emptiness. If thats the intent then I congratulate Mr. West on a job well done . But as most people have enough on their plates its hard to swallow the very public 58 million dollars worth of angst and molly popping piled into this album.… Expand
  35. AlexHeyns
    Mar 8, 2016
    6
    One can definitely admire West's marketing skills, but did the album ultimately live up to the hype?

    Stylistically and emotionally this album is all over the place, but I think that was the intention - to give each listener an opportunity to interpret the album differently. Even though most of the tracks stand well on their own, I feel as if this album was meant to be listened from    One can definitely admire West's marketing skills, but did the album ultimately live up to the hype?

    Stylistically and emotionally this album is all over the place, but I think that was the intention - to give each listener an opportunity to interpret the album differently. Even though most of the tracks stand well on their own, I feel as if this album was meant to be listened from start to finish in one sitting.

    Production-wise the album is varied. There's lots of experimentation going on here, but unfortunately some of the tracks feel very incomplete. That doesn't stop the album from shining at certain points though. It makes up for it with good vocal work from featured guest artists and a few standout tracks, but tracks that feel like pointless filler still plague the entire LP.

    Even though the tracks are all over the show in terms of style and rhythm, I feel as if the album manages to achieve a solid flow throughout, keeping the listener gripped from start to finish. Tracks like 'Real Friends' and 'No More Parties in LA' (featuring some great bars by Kendrick Lamar, a real highlight) are some great standouts.

    'The Life of Pablo' was meant to confuse and challenge the listener, but some of the attempts to try and make this album sound more (for lack of a better word) deep or innovative, just end up feeling tacked on and cheap. In terms of lyrical content some of Kanye's bars are downright cringe-worthy and just sound awful.

    Overall, the good outshines the bad, but only by a slight margin. Poor production and lyrics on some of the tracks prevent the album from being truly great. Not a bad LP at all, but nothing truly spectacular either.

    Personal favourites from the LP: 'Famous', 'Real Friends' and 'No More Parties in LA'.

    - Alex Heyns. Cape Town, South Africa    … Expand
  36. TheBison24
    Apr 6, 2016
    6
    This album showcases the fact that Kanye is one of the best producers in the business because almost all the songs in this album have great beats. Unfortunately Kanye hasn't produced good enough rapping to match the beats: many of the songs are just speaking not rapping. And of course then there's always loads of autotune when you're talking about Kanye and it's no difference in thisThis album showcases the fact that Kanye is one of the best producers in the business because almost all the songs in this album have great beats. Unfortunately Kanye hasn't produced good enough rapping to match the beats: many of the songs are just speaking not rapping. And of course then there's always loads of autotune when you're talking about Kanye and it's no difference in this album. Overall the album is a bit of a disapointment for me at least but few of the songs are really good, for example FML which is for me the highlight of the album.… Expand
  37. DadEsquire
    Mar 18, 2016
    6
    I’d like to get one thing out of the way; everything about this album is a train wreck. I mean that in the best possible way

    The Life of Pablo is Kanye West’s seventh studio album, and the hotly anticipated follow-up to his mercurial 2013 release Yeezus. The amount of build-up and hype leading up to the release of this album is unlike any other album I’ve seen, and it’s apparently gone    I’d like to get one thing out of the way; everything about this album is a train wreck. I mean that in the best possible way

    The Life of Pablo is Kanye West’s seventh studio album, and the hotly anticipated follow-up to his mercurial 2013 release Yeezus. The amount of build-up and hype leading up to the release of this album is unlike any other album I’ve seen, and it’s apparently gone through several different variations (in 2014, actor Seth Rogen claimed Kanye rapped the entire album to him in the back of a limo). Ultimately, what we got was a collection of 18 messy, eclectic tracks.

    There is little to no coherence in the flow of the album, save for the two-part tracks like “Father Stretch My Hands Pt. 1/Pt. 2,” “Low Lights/Highlights,” and “Real Friends” and “Wolves.” This disorganization plays a huge role in making this album look and feel like a train wreck. As with most train wrecks, you know it’s terrible, but there’s something about it that captures your attention. For me, it’s that this album sounds like a man that is losing his mind. Kanye’s played the part of the paranoid before (much of My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy was this version of Kanye), but on TLOP, he actually sounds like he’s going insane.

    Consider the track “Freestyle 4;” it opens with sample of the incredibly eerie strings in Goldfrapp’s “Human,” and Kanye rapping in short, choppy sentences. The drums and record scratch give off the feeling of unintentional nervous twitches and ticks. As the track goes on, Kanye descends deeper and deeper into madness.

    There’s a huge disparity in the quality of the tracks, too. Around half of the tracks feel half-baked, and with only a few feeling like a finished product. “Real Friends” and “No More Parties in LA” both shine brighter on the album than they did as singles simply because the quality of most tracks pale in comparison. Opener “Ultra Light Beam” sets the bar in terms of polish very high for the rest of the tracks, and the album suffers because of it. Many of the unfinished feeling tracks have good ideas in the beats and production, but don’t seem fully realized or suffer from very poor lyrics from Kanye.

    Lyrically and thematically, TLOP mostly addresses relationships and family. On “Real Friends,” Kanye talks about how a cousin of his stole his laptop and held it for a bribe. We hear Kanye get choked up as he’s rapping about this betrayal, showing emotion that we haven’t seen much of since 808’s & Heartbreak. However, the one-liners are among his worst, with just about every track having something to groan about. On Yeezus, most of these lewd quips were amusing and even laughable, but here they feel gross, crass, and unnecessary.

    The Life of Pablo is an unbelievably frustrating album for me to listen to. When it’s good, it’s really good; when it’s bad, it’s bad (but it’s a Kanye West album, so even the bad is still engaging). The beats and production on a lot of the tracks is very enjoyable, but the album is derailed by a half-finished feel, unfunny and unnecessary one-liners, and general malaise. It’s erratic and scatterbrained, a perfect portrait of Kanye as an artist. It’s just unfortunate that it’s not a better portrait.    … Expand
  38. raywithajay
    Jun 3, 2016
    5
    While this record does have a few bright moments, it is overall rough and incoherent. The production is mostly mediocre, although some songs such as Ultra Light Beam and No More Parties in LA (produced by Madlib) are produced masterfully. Kanye doesn't really have anything interesting to say anymore. This is his worst lyrical work as he resorts to rapping about getting skin bleach on hisWhile this record does have a few bright moments, it is overall rough and incoherent. The production is mostly mediocre, although some songs such as Ultra Light Beam and No More Parties in LA (produced by Madlib) are produced masterfully. Kanye doesn't really have anything interesting to say anymore. This is his worst lyrical work as he resorts to rapping about getting skin bleach on his t-shirt from having sex with a model, putting a GoPro on his penis, and several other strange sexual topics. TLOP is not nearly as cohesive as any of his other projects; it sounds like a random assortment of songs thrown together. The production style varies greatly from song to song and there is no common theme found in the subpar lyrics. In my opinion, the most enjoyable aspect of this album is the production, which isn't totally consistent. However, I did think that Real Friends, No More Parties in LA, and Ultra Light Beam were all stellar tracks. I enjoyed TLOP more than Yeezus, but maybe I hard a hard time enjoying TLOP because Kanye's earlier works set a high standard for me… Expand
  39. dlmmusic
    Jul 25, 2016
    5
    Majority of the songs on this album consist of other artists work/ songs and add on's, with Kanye West commentating with his verses. Now, some of the songs sounds pretty good ( for example Famous, Pt 2) and obviously there are strong connotations and underlining meanings within the songs that are incredibly powerful. Overall my thoughts are that this album is one of his worst.
  40. EdenIsNotHere
    Feb 4, 2018
    5
    Upon its initial release and even with all the tweaks, changes and features in the album, still feels disjointed, with many songs that are incredible and very personal, warming, charming, relatable, with incredible production and awesome features, like Ultralight Beam or No More Parties in L.A., then we have filler, unnecesary songs that don't add anything to the album more than justUpon its initial release and even with all the tweaks, changes and features in the album, still feels disjointed, with many songs that are incredible and very personal, warming, charming, relatable, with incredible production and awesome features, like Ultralight Beam or No More Parties in L.A., then we have filler, unnecesary songs that don't add anything to the album more than just making it worse or feeling very fragmented and erratic. The mixing has made better with the last update but it is the album from Kanye with the worst mixing and sometimes with very lazy sampling and production like Feedback or Wolves. Some song on here are just instantaneously skippable because, I reiterate, they add little or nothing to album experience. As an statment of art, this is beautiful and Kanye will never left him, however I prefer a more cohesive, more praising, more enjoyable record instead a poorly intent for being artsy and off-the-wall (and yes, I don't want a Desiigner's Panda remix with Kanye's autotuned vocal riff and gospel samples). This album goes everywhere and it is more a hit-or-miss record. Delete or tweaks a few songs here and there and you'll have a fantastic record.

    FAV TRACKS: Ultralight Beam, Father Stretch my Hands (except for the bleached **** line), Famous, Freestyle 4, Waves?, FML, Real Friends, No More Parties in L.A., Saint Pablo.

    FILLER/UNNECESARY TRACKS: Pt. 2, Feedback, Low Lights, I Love Kanye (funny at first listen, but c'mon), Highlights, Wolves, Frank's Track (it feels like a weird detour or interlude), Silver Surfer Transmission, Facts (Charlie Heat Version), Fade (probably the worst song on the record).    … Expand
  41. TheReviewr
    Aug 13, 2018
    6
    The Life of Pablo used to be one of my favorite projects from Kanye (ignoring like 10 songs) but it was way to long for its own good. If he were to cut the song's 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 14, 15, 16 and 19, this may as well have been his best project to date.

    1. Ultralight Beam, Kanye really brought us to church with this one 8/10 2. Father Stretch My Hands Pt. 1, the better of the 2 parts, and    The Life of Pablo used to be one of my favorite projects from Kanye (ignoring like 10 songs) but it was way to long for its own good. If he were to cut the song's 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 14, 15, 16 and 19, this may as well have been his best project to date.

    1. Ultralight Beam, Kanye really brought us to church with this one 8/10
    2. Father Stretch My Hands Pt. 1, the better of the 2 parts, and the best song of the album 10/10
    3. Pt. 2, Desiigner really hurt this song quality-wise... either a whole verse or nothing 7/10
    4. Famous, Rihanna can never do wrong... but Kanye made it a little awkward to listen to 9/10
    5. Feedback, skip this.. the beat is wayyy to annoying to ever listen to 3/10
    6. Low Lights, its bad and we don't even get a Kanye verse on this good beat 3/10
    7. Highlights, not at all a highlight of his album but its bearable 5/10
    8. Freestyle 4, another song ruined by Desiigner thank god he isn't popular anymore 0/10
    9. I Love Kanye, now this is a good Interlude i like this a lot 8/10
    10. Waves, Chris Brown did good on this and the intro is sooo funny its great 9/10
    11. FML, its just a filler but with The Weeknd, it should have been cut honestly 6/10
    12. Real Friends, strait fire and Ty Dolla $ign kills this song, it was fun to listen to on soundcloud 10/10
    13. Wolves, this song is amazing and deserves many more views than it has on youtube 10/10
    14. Frank's Track, its not even in the official song 3/10
    15. Siiiiiiiiilver Surffffeeeeer Intermission, its pointless why is this on the album 0/10
    16. 30 Hours, the last soundcloud banger from the boy Kanye 7/10
    17. No More Parties In LA, the 2nd soundcloud banger with one of Kendricks best verse ever 10/10
    18. Facts (Charlie Heat Version), the worse version of Facts that somehow made it to the album 6/10
    19. Fade, Posty and Ty Dolla $ign disappoint.... its the most overrated of the album 2/10
    20. Saint Pablo, a great addition to a overcrowded album, but a good one nonetheless 10/10

    Standouts are Father Stretch My Hands Pt. 1, No More Parties In LA & Saint Pablo

    Overall: 6.3 (rounded down to 6) as this album may be amazing, it has a lot of songs that would have been better off if they were left off the album. Maybe he could have released a mixtape with the deleted songs (that mixtape would be bad but the fans would have it).    … Expand
  42. QuintonKnight
    Jul 23, 2020
    6
    A lot of fluff and filler. A lot is a waste of time while there are genuine bops and nice sounding mixes also. Im torn, so I'll go with a 6.
  43. markosaric
    Nov 2, 2019
    6
    Even though The Life Of Pablo has some intense and godly bangers, Kanye seems distracted half the time with the short snippets throughout the album.
  44. ChunkDump
    Dec 22, 2020
    4
    a 4 at best when the "new Kanye" was coming in full effect. it needed something that was missing. only liked a few songs (Waves and real friends) and by the way that song waves should of been chance the rappers version but Ye was being Ye and said nay.
  45. todaywasagooday
    Dec 1, 2022
    5
    Appreciate the effort, but this is a 5/10 for me. Believe me, I tried to listen to this album more than once and I tried to force myself to like the songs but I can't. Some of the tracks are good, other tracks are just unlistenable. Overall, it's a 5 for me.

Awards & Rankings

6
#6 Most Discussed Album of 2016
4
#4 Most Shared Album of 2016

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 35 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 35
  3. Negative: 0 out of 35
  1. Under The Radar
    Apr 6, 2016
    55
    There is plenty here to suggest that West's magic has not entirely left him, but as a statement of art or true intent, this is a significant misstep from an artist with so much to praise.
    Read full review
  2. The Telegraph (UK)
    Apr 1, 2016
    60
    There is much to be admired here, rather less to be enjoyed.
    Read full review
  3. Uncut
    Mar 22, 2016
    70
    For better or worse, no-one else is making records quite like this. [May 2016, p.82]
See all critic reviews »