Yeezus
by Kanye West
  • Record Label: Def Jam
  • Release Date: Jun 18, 2013
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 2196 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,717 out of 2196
  2. Mixed: 196 out of 2196
  3. Negative: 283 out of 2196
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  1. beam123
    Feb 19, 2017
    10
    It's amazing. ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍It's amazing. ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍
  2. Nardeen
    Mar 11, 2017
    7
    This is the first Kanye album I consider the new Kanye it's a good album however not his best. There is not much variation in this album with most the songs being songs I can jam to in the car. This is also by far his most egocentric project with the songs like I Am A God.
  3. greekmatthew
    May 16, 2017
    9
    Loud, brash, abrasive, and in-your-face, Yeezus does not hesitate to make its presence known. This could be highly regarded as Kanye's best work, West uses techniques and sounds that he had not previously done in his other works, but he implements it with such eloquence, ingeniousness, and confidence that it is difficult to not be a complete fan of.
  4. djdenzel777
    Mar 24, 2017
    2
    This project is very weird and un-settling. It offers poor lyricism and can only be described as what sounds like Kanye rapping and yelling over sounds that many producers would instantly skip if they were to come across them. The only thing saving this project are songs such as "Bound 2" and "Blood On the Leaves".
  5. aharrywilson
    Apr 17, 2017
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. On Yeezus, Kanye takes his experimental side to a whole new level with this sonically intense, multi genred album. For many listeners, this album can be quite a hard pill to swallow due to in audacious and aggressive sound present on all ten tracks; however for me Yeezus is Kanye's most exciting and boundary pushing project in his entire discography.

    Right off the bat your hit with a very hard hitting track titled 'On sight', a song that musically sets the tone for the rest of the project what with its loud, sonic, in your face instrumental. This is then followed up by the stellar single 'Black Skinhead' where Kanye faces down on stereotypes towards black people and himself. The album keeps up its high quality production for the next four tracks: 'I am a god', 'New slaves', 'Hold my liquor', and 'Im in it'. Although these tracks have similar themes of egotism present in them, the instrumentals and the way Kanye delivers his lyrics helps to display a strong sense of passion. The seventh track on the album 'Blood on the leaves' has trap styled beat along with a Nina Simone sample which is then followed up by the track 'Guilt trip', a song that samples a vocal snippet from a lead single from the compilation album 'Cruel Summer'. The penultimate track 'Send it up' uses very loud horns in its instrumental including a dreary feature from Chicago rapper King Louie and a Beenie Man sample in the songs intro and outro. Single 'Bound 2' acts as a closer for the album, a track that stylistically is more reminiscent to Kanyes earlier work.

    From front to back Yeezus has amazing production with Kanye delivering witty, braggadocio lyrics over electronic, loud, heavy hitting beats. Most definitely Yeezus is the most difficult album to enjoy, especially at first listen, compared to Kanyes earlier work; however the decision make an album like this shows that Mr West is still a creative artist who wants to try out different sounds. This album isn't going to have some sort of influence on your outlook on life or leave you with a deep message, however it is clear that Kanye isn't attempting to do this anyway. Those who are into alternative hip-hop and Kanye spitting witty, braggadocio lyrics are going to love this album just as much as I do!

    Singles: black skinhead, bound 2
    Favourite track: on sight
    Release date: 18 June 2013
    Length: 40:01 ( 10 tracks )
    Genres: hip hop, experimental, alternative hip hop    … Expand
  6. csj
    Apr 16, 2017
    10
    Lean, mean, and brash, Kanye's stripped minimalism and shockingly crass lyricism makes for a brilliant album that explores the fractured psyche of a genius.
  7. fifi3
    Jul 28, 2019
    7
    A mixed bag with a lot of forgettable tracks but also a few incredible moments. It's abrasive, odd and rough around the edges. It is also the first time in Kanye's career where he was notably not ahead of the pack artistically, drawing major influence from groups like Death Grips, but it was still an interesting and necessary piece to his legendary discography.
  8. Yeezyducky
    Oct 26, 2019
    10
    It's no question my favourite album of all time, the production is just insane, after listening to it, i started being to trying out new genres, and im glad i did that. All tracks are 10/10 for me, and On Sight is my favourite track on the album, and my favourite song overall.
  9. Fib3r
    Jul 7, 2017
    10
    This album really grew on me, at first i only liked the popular songs like black skinhead and bound 2 but after listening to it a few more times i started loving the whole album. I did not get the hype about it at all in the beginning but im glad i gave it a proper chance
  10. HiMyNamesEthan
    Jan 31, 2018
    10
    10/10 The sound of Kanye West's 6th album is a 180 degree turn from the music he has gotten a reputation of making, but it is a breathtaking piece filled with otherworldly production, cryptic lyricism, and some of Kanye West's most passionate verses to date.

    Kanye West has always been a relatable figure in hip-hop since his debut album the College Dropout, and since then he has    10/10 The sound of Kanye West's 6th album is a 180 degree turn from the music he has gotten a reputation of making, but it is a breathtaking piece filled with otherworldly production, cryptic lyricism, and some of Kanye West's most passionate verses to date.

    Kanye West has always been a relatable figure in hip-hop since his debut album the College Dropout, and since then he has continued to make groundbreaking music, some of the best production ever made in the history of the genre, and provided very clever and in-depth lyrics in his projects, and with the release of the breathtaking My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, Kanye has set an incredibly high expectation for himself. Instead of trying to push the sound of My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy into his next project, he decided to flip a switch that reveals a much darker side of him - His demons, past relationships, racial discrimination, and more heartbreaking topics that he delivers in his most aggressive tone to date - screaming at the top of his lungs as he releases the deepest part of his complex mind. The instrumental melodies attached to these insanely powerful vocals are a mix bag of electronic, rock, and trap sounds into this very acidic mixture, providing different samples of both gospel and jazz pieces that continues to pile on this layered and rugged album that still manages to flow smoothly. Though this album may turn many heads for casual listeners for its very experimental and very risky album, but dedicated listeners will feel very rewarded by the end of the album. Its the innovation and risk-taking put into this album that makes it so great, as Kanye continues to stand out from a crowed that has grown so large as the genre continues to enlarge year after year. This emotional release from the bowels of Kanye's mind is unique and dignified album that shall remain as one of the most innovative projects to have ever been released in hip-hop history.

    Favorite Tracks: Everything except Send it Up, which I would say is average.    … Expand
  11. FruitJuice
    Jul 18, 2017
    7
    good album............................................................................................................................................................
  12. Tuneison
    May 26, 2018
    4
    Kanye proves that he can put out anything and, people will still eat it up. This album is the equivalent of Kanye West just saying "man mah life sucks" for 45 minutes and then expecting you to care. I honestly don't understand the appeal. The music just sounds like everything else released in the 2010s.
  13. MalcolmE
    Nov 14, 2018
    7
    The lyrics are often quotable but generally quite tiresome and bad. The production also get tiresome at times. But some parts of this album is on a whole other dimension of music

    Favorite Tracks: Blood On the Leaves, New Slaves, Hold My Liquor, Bound 2

    Least Fav Tracks: On Sight, Send It Up

    My Rating: Strong 7/10
  14. Recon97
    Oct 16, 2017
    2
    UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGH Kanye what the **** You've failed in almost every aspect! Your wordplay is trash, your lyrics are trash, and your beats are especially garbage!! The only reason I don't completely hate this album is because Blood on the Leaves is a good song. 2/10
  15. pugowner
    Apr 24, 2018
    10
    I'm tired of hearing about whether or not you "get it" or not. Ultimately music opinion just boils down to what sounds good or not. And this sounds fantastic.
  16. Clint_Eastwood1
    Nov 9, 2017
    10
    Лучший альбом Канье, даже лучше My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, здесь Канье предстаёт во всех красе.Этот альбом-квинтэссенция всего его творчества.
  17. pinkzeppelin4
    Nov 27, 2017
    10
    Kanye's most boundary breaking project. Yeezus is a force to be reckoned with, an album that will influence many more to come over the next couple decades. A modern masterpiece, even beyond hip hop's standards. There is nothing quite like it.
  18. ChrisSoTru
    Feb 26, 2018
    6
    What frustrates me about the album the most is the minimalist attitude and the string of liability tracks in this album. Ye's ambition to experiment his music is very skeptical in this project. This is the album that showed us Kanye West has set a new bar for his ego in tracks produced by "God" himself. The industrial beats however, make the most out of it and gives the music world gemsWhat frustrates me about the album the most is the minimalist attitude and the string of liability tracks in this album. Ye's ambition to experiment his music is very skeptical in this project. This is the album that showed us Kanye West has set a new bar for his ego in tracks produced by "God" himself. The industrial beats however, make the most out of it and gives the music world gems such as "Blood on the Leaves" and "New Slaves". This album probably has the weakest intro and outro I have seen in a Kanye West album, and while it is refreshing to see Ye shed light on a potential genre, there is too much ambition towards trying to be innovative.

    There is no innovation in not putting a cover art in, or wrapping the album with gold wrappers. Kanye needed to fill up some big shoes after what may have been one of the best rap albums of all time, and sadly, he produced what is commonly argued as his weakest album.

    Good thing he didn't charge $300 for this one.    … Expand
  19. AKthaBeast
    Mar 25, 2018
    8
    A very ambitious album and ahead of it's time with unorthodox song arrangements.

    1. On Sight - B+
    2. Black Skinhead - A
    3. I Am A God - A+
    4. New Slaves - A+
    5. Hold My Liquor - B
    6. I'm In It - B-
    7. Blood On The Leaves - A
    8. Guilt Trip - B-
    9. Send It Up - B-
    10. Bound 2 - B+
  20. euanfraser
    Nov 13, 2019
    9
    'Yeezus' was and will be the peak of 'Kanye's' discography. The projects soundscape is both minimalist and compelling and by far the highlight of this record. 'Kanye' is known for production, and this album proves it. The bangers are plentiful on 'Yeezus'. Introducing the industrial lifestyle the album puts forward; 'On Sight' blares the faint-hearted away and prepares those ready to hear'Yeezus' was and will be the peak of 'Kanye's' discography. The projects soundscape is both minimalist and compelling and by far the highlight of this record. 'Kanye' is known for production, and this album proves it. The bangers are plentiful on 'Yeezus'. Introducing the industrial lifestyle the album puts forward; 'On Sight' blares the faint-hearted away and prepares those ready to hear one of the greatest listening experiences of your life. It is not until the outro of the fourth track; 'New Slaves', where the instrumentals give the listeners a break from the lineup of bangers. However, this downtime does not last long and the next track; 'Hold My Liquor' builds the high back up again. Surprisingly, the most impressive track is the calmest; 'Guilt Trip'. The electronic orchestra and Kanye's excellent flow provide a beautiful listening experience. My least favourite track would have to be 'Send It Up' as its high-pitched horn gets a little annoying. Besides the horn, the track is great. My favourite track would have to be the highly underrated; 'On Sight'. I cannot think of a better way to introduce a listener into this type of album. 'Yeezus' is a gem and a highly underrated one.… Expand
  21. Malikoolio
    Jun 13, 2018
    10
    The narrative and thematics of this album is what makes it so exceptional and out of this world. Narrative hip hop albums are a rarity now-a-days but thanks to artists like Kanye and Kendrick they are still coming. Going through the story of a near insane man who is being consumed by celebrity and trying to use his status, money, ego, and women to hide his insecurities is very fascinating.The narrative and thematics of this album is what makes it so exceptional and out of this world. Narrative hip hop albums are a rarity now-a-days but thanks to artists like Kanye and Kendrick they are still coming. Going through the story of a near insane man who is being consumed by celebrity and trying to use his status, money, ego, and women to hide his insecurities is very fascinating. The fall back into a past relationship after the failed revolution on New Slaves is my personal favorite arc in the album. It ends on a somewhat happy note with "Bound 2", being the most joyful and sample-heavy song on Yeezus. Showing some happiness and the fact that you're actually trying, mixed with the outer ego shell designed to keep people out and not let them in . The album ends hopeful but still preparing for the worst.… Expand
  22. AndreaGamerYT
    Jan 25, 2021
    9
    Actually I don't know why people do hate this album. This album has just 1 skip (Guilt Trip), and it isn't that bad. It was too far ahead for being an album released in 2013. It aged well.
    The best tracks are:
    On Sight,
    Black Skinhead,
    Bound 2
    I give a 9 because some parts of the album are annoying, without sense and to skip.
  23. C_dot
    May 22, 2019
    9
    For starters, this album is definitely Kanye's most abrasive and experimental album. He wanted to do something completely from everything he was done, and he succeeded. The album is very minimalist and stripped down, something that screams anti-Kanye. However, this album is the essence of Mr. West: changing the landscape of mainstream by shifting the genre entirely. The first listen, I wasFor starters, this album is definitely Kanye's most abrasive and experimental album. He wanted to do something completely from everything he was done, and he succeeded. The album is very minimalist and stripped down, something that screams anti-Kanye. However, this album is the essence of Mr. West: changing the landscape of mainstream by shifting the genre entirely. The first listen, I was not a fan. However, every time I listen to the album, it just becomes more and more beautiful.… Expand
  24. BladeLover2049
    Oct 22, 2022
    10
    Get into artistic and chaotic mind of any artist can be dificult in the first time, but as sson as you hear many more times you understand the ideas that builds the album. A great album with lyrics and sounds that inovates to take music in another direction. A Masterpiece.
  25. SKSK
    Jul 21, 2018
    9
    Some will not be able to see beyond the god complex. Yeezus is unique and marks a new stage in modern music.
  26. Atum_
    Jun 8, 2020
    5
    I don't like this album, I don't get the appeal of this album, and I don't get the people saying this is the best Kanye West album. It's not, it's one of his worst. Yes, it is experimental and industrial, which typically are things I like about an album, however, this is the first time Kanye wasn't innovative or coming up with anything new, this industrial, experimental hip hop movementI don't like this album, I don't get the appeal of this album, and I don't get the people saying this is the best Kanye West album. It's not, it's one of his worst. Yes, it is experimental and industrial, which typically are things I like about an album, however, this is the first time Kanye wasn't innovative or coming up with anything new, this industrial, experimental hip hop movement started a couple of years earlier by people like Death Grips. A lot of songs on this albums seem filler and not too well put together. If the beat is good, the lyrics aren't. Bound 2 for instance, amazing beat, loved what he was going for with the love song for Kim, however the lyrics aren't romantic at all, it's just kinda embarassing. His flow is also pretty bad. My favorite track on Yeezus is Black Skinhead, but even that has its flaws, I'm sure everyone who has heard it knows what I'm talking about: "Keep it 300, like the romans. 300 **** where the trojans?" 300 was a movie about Greece. Troy is in Greece which is correct I guess, but by mentioning Rome he ruined the wordplay. All in all a pretty dissapointing album not worthy of its praise.… Expand
  27. RespectedPerson
    Oct 23, 2018
    10
    Imagine a world where kanye decided im going to become an epic memer. This is this album. im in It is the best song but yet i did not see kanye once in the movie "It" i was quite confused in where he was in the movie but he clearly wasnt in it. This album is great though
  28. All_ButTrU4
    Mar 16, 2021
    10
    You'd have better luck predicting the end of the world than kanye west's nexf move. This has been a characteristic if his from each classic but one predictable quality he has ironically is his unpredictability. His vulnerability to controversy is a large part of his reputation and art. This legend of ego, sex and extravagance reaches it's darkest peak. The soul of his past record's isYou'd have better luck predicting the end of the world than kanye west's nexf move. This has been a characteristic if his from each classic but one predictable quality he has ironically is his unpredictability. His vulnerability to controversy is a large part of his reputation and art. This legend of ego, sex and extravagance reaches it's darkest peak. The soul of his past record's is absent here replaced by rough industrial production and the best example of experimental rap in history. Yeezus seems like the best exploration of the splintered genius of the self proclaimed "best rapper alive". It takes shot at everything he could lay his eyes on both hating it but needing it. The maximalism of the coverart alone is high concept and self centered:they don't need to have a artsy attractive display to grip you,it being a kanye release is enough. The art is enough. Hypocrisy is made a privilege here and analyzed such as in the brilliant white capitalist take down,"new slaves " where discrimination is expressed through exclusion and stereotype ("don't touch nothing in the store" vs. "Come buy sum more")
    Provoking was definitely in mind in the conception of this album. The opener "on sight " assaults you with an abrasive instrumental that seems to sound like the creation of a weapon in some god of wars forge. Daft Punk acts as both hephaestus and Ares as they create and destroy, never recklessly though. He begins through announcing his impending success and power just before he brags about how many **** he gives(spoiler:none)
    Black Skinhead marches on fortified with industrial drum beats and aggressive breathless bars from Yeezy as a legendary Roman*(actually spartan but even that inaccuracy is necessary because how could he be wrong? It's just us hearing incorrectly XD)battle is placed alongside a greek tactic marvel . Metaphors and comparisons come out as quotes as he uses king kong to conceptualize the reception of interracial dating. After a song that dynamic the only thing that could follow it is perceived blasphemy as Ye takes his place in Olympus. Kanye's muse,Justin Vernon, makes his first of many appearances. His presence is as integral and constant as Ye Himself as he adds a sinister darkness and melancholy to either top off or accentuate whatever is spat out. The outro of pained erratic scream make being a God seem more of a burden than a privilege . Is this the price of being born hip hops innovator? The first of many highlights arrives as the fourth song:"new slaves "
    He attaches onto being black in a white capitalist society with the depth of Martin Luther king jr. As he acknowledges that racism has no tax bracket - that it only evolves. The visceral and soulful frank ocean outro just demonstrate his capabilities as a producer. The SOPHIE-esq transition a brilliant flourish that feels immediately essential. The dejected arca assisted "hold my liquor"&dancehall masterpiece "im in it" continue the streak he maintains throughout the 10tracks. "Blood on the leaves " enters softly with a pitched up Nina Simone sample and goes through two more changes at blink and you'll miss it pace as he name drops Jay-z infidelities,narrates a bitter divorce and bankruptcy. Rather than opt for commercial features he utilizes undergound Chi town drill rappers and up'n'comers. This further perpetuates his ego because he doesn't need help to sell record's . The closest to soulful West is in the martial thesis:BOUND 2. Sample heavy and humorous track accompanied by Charlie Wilson takes a nilist approach to marriage parodied by the soft core porn music video. By the end of Yeezus we reach the conclusion Kanye had been screaming at us:he is a God. And us mortals can only watch as he moulds culture in his hands. Favourites:blood on the leaves,new slave,im in it,bound 2,blkkk skkknhead    … Expand
  29. Aaronn
    Dec 6, 2018
    10
    Such a "grower" of an album, after years of listening to it and is now my most listened to Kanye project. Amazing.
  30. Sermanson2002
    Jan 23, 2020
    0
    Parece ser que ahora se vota con poca puntuacion los albumes que creemos que nos lo merercen.
    Gracias fans de Kanye
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Awards & Rankings

42
#42 Best Album of 2013
3
#3 Most Discussed Album of 2013
3
#3 Most Shared Album of 2013

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
84

Universal acclaim - based on 46 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 43 out of 46
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 46
  3. Negative: 1 out of 46
  1. The Wire
    Dec 10, 2013
    50
    His concerns are serious--consumerism, race, fame, relationships--but he rarely addresses them with the craft or focus they deserve. [Sep 2013, p.66]
  2. Q Magazine
    Aug 20, 2013
    80
    Contradiction incarnate, Yeezus is Kanye's most Kanyeish LP yet. [Sep 2013, p.103]
  3. Mojo
    Aug 13, 2013
    80
    Nasty, brutish, short, and wholly compelling, Yeezus begs only one question: where next? [Sep 2013, p.89]
See all critic reviews »