4 Your Eyez Only
by J. Cole
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 323 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 255 out of 323
  2. Mixed: 43 out of 323
  3. Negative: 25 out of 323
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. HouseOfThrones
    Dec 14, 2016
    9
    This is Cole's most focused and meaningful album yet. He displays a strong narrative, under which he is able to provide a variety of good production and messages. Unlike his previous albums, he does not hop around different topics, which demands further attention from the listener. Having only ten tracks allowed him to minimize filler tracks like in his previous albums. However, he stillThis is Cole's most focused and meaningful album yet. He displays a strong narrative, under which he is able to provide a variety of good production and messages. Unlike his previous albums, he does not hop around different topics, which demands further attention from the listener. Having only ten tracks allowed him to minimize filler tracks like in his previous albums. However, he still has one or two questionable tracks that are not consistent with his narrative or quality of music. In addition, the lack of features again is a short-coming. Cole would have benefited from a singer to amplify the emotion, or a rapper to reaffirm his message. These would be the main reasons to why this album is great, but probably not an instant classic. Hopefully Cole get's that classic in his next attempt.… Expand
  2. ice-cold
    Dec 21, 2016
    8
    Although not perfect, this album has proven to be Cole's most insightful, focused, and groundbreaking album yet. Through the album cover, he already sets a mood for the listener, indicating that the album aims to be more down to earth and personal, rather than hard hitting and bass-filled. His verses, such as in the intro and she's mine pt. 1 & 2, are more personal than those in the past,Although not perfect, this album has proven to be Cole's most insightful, focused, and groundbreaking album yet. Through the album cover, he already sets a mood for the listener, indicating that the album aims to be more down to earth and personal, rather than hard hitting and bass-filled. His verses, such as in the intro and she's mine pt. 1 & 2, are more personal than those in the past, and have the somewhat jazzy yet intimate instrumentals to back it up. This may not be his magnum opus, but for now it is definitely his best project.… Expand
  3. ZJD4
    Dec 17, 2016
    10
    Music at its core is a form of expression and communication, and in this album Cole does a great job of expressing his emotions and getting across a very important message, while still sounding great.
  4. thedaywalker
    Dec 31, 2016
    7
    clearly not his best album, but this is still one of the dopest albums this year, with amazing story telling and some great beats and J.Cole different style of lyrics
  5. djdenzel777
    Mar 24, 2017
    9
    This is a very cohesive project that truly takes the listener on a journey. This is some of Cole's most meaningful work. The whole project is centered around one idea and Cole rarely divulges from the topic at hand. Fantastic album, that is definitely worth listening to all the way through.
  6. Hell_Mell12
    Jan 19, 2020
    8
    Flawless project without reasonable doubt. This is Cole's deepest project, where he dives into the culture and covers highly critical & significant topics from a diverse perspective. This album covers mass incarceration, racism, crime, love, death and the psychology of the average African American male all through the art of storytelling. The album is his most cohesive today, structuredFlawless project without reasonable doubt. This is Cole's deepest project, where he dives into the culture and covers highly critical & significant topics from a diverse perspective. This album covers mass incarceration, racism, crime, love, death and the psychology of the average African American male all through the art of storytelling. The album is his most cohesive today, structured perfectly as it follows the timely life of one of his friends mixed with his own life experiences as well. The production choice is really interesting, Cole uses minimal instrument/sample diversity...which makes the album easier & preferably consumable as a collective. The finale makes the album that much better & puts the remainder of the album in perspective, easily a top ten outro of all-time. As far as lyrics & flow, no complaints in that department as Cole proves he's sharper than ever with tracks like 'Immortal' and '4 Your Eyez Only'.

    NOTE: I can understand not liking the album for a feasible reason, but disliking it because it doesn't sound similar to another project is simply foolish. For proper review of a project you should begin with a clear mind to prevent fogging or default judgement. I also don't get how this isn't as praised as a TPAB when both are full of powerful messages and imagery,    … Expand
  7. MoBamba123
    Nov 24, 2018
    10
    Ahead of his time.
    Better than Kanye's legacy.
    4 Your eyez only is the best R and B album ive listened to in recent years.
  8. derrik1197
    Apr 2, 2021
    10
    Truly an amazing album for whom the bell tolls sets a great scene for the story we're diving into. than to immortal which dives into policy brutality, violence in ones own community, and his friends. The depth of storytelling and emotion or lack there of in some cases is amazing change and 4 your eyez only are top tier cole songs thank you for this amazing piece of work
  9. BeenThinking
    Apr 27, 2021
    10
    Definitely J Cole's best album, truly touching story adn the last track is one of his best songs to me.
  10. daytonatabooywr
    Dec 20, 2022
    10
    better than FM! by vince staples which is an album that was released as well
  11. RegenT_A_1300
    Dec 20, 2022
    10
    literally near perfect **** pitchfork, I would pitchfork them if I could xoxoxoxoxoxo
  12. Higashi
    Dec 14, 2016
    10
    In my opinion this is Cole's most cohesive album. Had a consistent sound and a consistent story, and that bore some but I think it works really well here. 4 Your Eyez Only the song might be Cole's best song yet, what a journey that song is.
  13. ILoveRap
    Dec 15, 2016
    10
    This has to be J.Cole's most critically acclaimed album yet. If you give this a good listen, you will actually realize that this has the potential to being a modern day classic. I'm not saying it is already, but time will tell. It is clear that 2Pac influenced the spelling, to which he has been throughout J. Cole's projects. With is
    Handwritten Font which tracks back to his mix tapes days    This has to be J.Cole's most critically acclaimed album yet. If you give this a good listen, you will actually realize that this has the potential to being a modern day classic. I'm not saying it is already, but time will tell. It is clear that 2Pac influenced the spelling, to which he has been throughout J. Cole's projects. With is
    Handwritten Font which tracks back to his mix tapes days of Truly yours. Contrast black and white photo, young black boys as a focal point in the artwork... Could be a coincidence—but the art already shares a lot of themes and vibes with To Pimp A Butterfly. I’m not saying it’s a DIRECT connection but what if this is a SPIRITUAL twin project, so to speak? We never got that joint album but I wonder if what came out of that creative energy now lives on this project.    … Expand
  14. bilbo95
    Dec 15, 2016
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. That being said, the album is not intended to be heard by a large audience. It is intimate and raw. Following this idea of “eyez,” there is a common theme of perception and perspective on the album (maybe it is even the central theme). The album is nothing short of a message to his daughter in case of his death (the album begins with cassette tape starting and ends with it). The idea is that Cole wants his daughter to know the REAL him in case he dies. I hear it as an audio letter to her.

    So, Cole lays out two personas—the real him and then a fictional friend (I assume fictional). This perception relies heavily on how society views black man-- one perspective is the drug-dealing criminal and the other is himself. Ultimately, he’s telling two interwoven stories—his friend and his own story. They both parallel each other and Cole intends the listener to learn some truth from each story. Cole falls in love, gets married, appreciates the small things in their relationship, deals with racism, and then has a daughter that gives him reason to live. On the other hand, while Cole tells his own story, songs like “Immortal”, “Ville Mentality”, and “Change” simultaneously are from this fictional man’s perspective (I believe Cole names him James). Maybe the man is even the teen from “Adolescence ’03.” These songs refer to the type of man that Cole never became, but witnessed his whole life. He never criticizes the man, but acknowledges the damage caused to him from a flawed system. The man dies at the end of “Change” and leaves his daughter alone. The title song at the end features this man speaking to his daughter as he anticipates his forthcoming death. He provides words of wisdom since he cannot be there to say it as a father.

    In the final verse, Cole reveals that “this perspective is a real one, another lost ‘Ville son.” This implies that the man, James, is fictional and used to contrast his own story. Cole then states his principal purpose saying, “Girl, your daddy was a real **** not cause he was cold, not because he was the first to get some **** twelve years old, not because he used to come through in the Caddy on some vogues, not because he went from bagging up them grams to serving O's. Nah, your daddy was a real **** not 'cause he was hard, not because he lived a life of crime and sat behind some bars, not because he screamed, **** the law" although that was true. Your daddy was a real **** cause he loved you—for your eyes only.”

    I think he recognizes that the number one problem facing the black community, and I believe all communities, is apathy on parents raising their kids. In this case, it is fathers not sticking around to raise their children (most likely flowing from Cole not having a father present in his life). So I think the album, along with a strong discussion of race in America, is basically an effort to reach through and impact parenting.

    I understand why people are disappointed, the album makes zero efforts toward mainstream commercial success, even less than To Pimp a Butterfly. There are no intense beats or disses, instead, it sounds like an audio letter to his daughter. Which is exactly what he intended. Give it some time and I hope you will feel the pure emotion and intensity of this album I do.    … Expand
  15. TheFreeman148
    Dec 16, 2016
    8
    I often regard J. Cole as the best lyrical rapper in the business right now and this album further confirms that. Neighbors, Change, Immortal, and 4 Your Eyez Only are the standouts for me but the rest of the songs are worth a couple listens. The rest is about Love which can kind of get tiring but this album is well worth the listen.
  16. Reagan0
    Dec 16, 2016
    7
    LOL DOUBLE PLATINUM NO FEATURDIFMDSIAODFMSAD

    Where the album really shines is his ambitions. There are incredible twists and turns in it. The things he raps about make me glad for the game, that there's still someone representing a higher cause. Unfortunately, he's never reached their hype with anything significant. His rhyming, flow (with some exception), and concept of storytelling is    LOL DOUBLE PLATINUM NO FEATURDIFMDSIAODFMSAD

    Where the album really shines is his ambitions. There are incredible twists and turns in it. The things he raps about make me glad for the game, that there's still someone representing a higher cause. Unfortunately, he's never reached their hype with anything significant. His rhyming, flow (with some exception), and concept of storytelling is weak by comparison. If he truly lived up to his own homegrown hype he would have skill to match it. No such thing here.    … Expand
  17. jtdamon
    Dec 15, 2016
    7
    '4 Your Eyes Only' Is one of the best rap albums of 2016, both lyrically and production-wise. The story that Cole tells during this project is one we can all appreciate, and keeps you listening throughout. Outside of the few cuts that have nothing to do with his story, some corny and questionable bars, and the fact his perspective jumps around quite a bit, (albeit on purpose) this is'4 Your Eyes Only' Is one of the best rap albums of 2016, both lyrically and production-wise. The story that Cole tells during this project is one we can all appreciate, and keeps you listening throughout. Outside of the few cuts that have nothing to do with his story, some corny and questionable bars, and the fact his perspective jumps around quite a bit, (albeit on purpose) this is definitely his most inspiring effort as an artist. Although it falls short of classic status, it will be noted as one of the more complete works of the year.… Expand
  18. Connorcox1997
    Feb 20, 2019
    10
    OH MY GOD, what an fantastic album, I loved 4 Your Eyez Only. It is a masterpiece from J Cole. I loved the sad theme Production in the album, I even loved all the songs on the album. What a way to close out 2016. I highly recommended it.
  19. supsbro
    Sep 22, 2020
    10
    yes.yes.
    ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................    … Expand
  20. Hendo250
    Apr 6, 2021
    8
    this album is a 8 this album is a 8 this album is a 8 this album is a 8 this album is a 8
  21. DavidV293
    Dec 22, 2016
    8
    It's different but yet somehow enjoyable and artistic in some ways. He talks about a personal life while you jump from song to song you'll hear a connection between all of them. It's not J. Coles best but it surely has the lyrics you expect from this certain rapper.
  22. homer4president
    Jan 12, 2017
    7
    Lyrically wise, it was AMAZING. It was very deep and touched on many subjects that rappers nowadays dont talk about. However, I couldn't really vibe with any of the songs. Deja Vu was probably my favorite song out of the album. Disappointed with the production but pleased with the lyrics.
  23. Epik_Ninnja
    Aug 13, 2017
    7
    This album carries a story from song to song like few albums do, offering something that's definitely worth a listen. However, I only genuinely like about half the songs on the album. Given that, my score might seem too high but I suppose J. Cole deserves some extra credit for being different than the horde of rappers who put out the same old shallow songs. It's not my favorite album byThis album carries a story from song to song like few albums do, offering something that's definitely worth a listen. However, I only genuinely like about half the songs on the album. Given that, my score might seem too high but I suppose J. Cole deserves some extra credit for being different than the horde of rappers who put out the same old shallow songs. It's not my favorite album by him but it's still pretty good and even though I didn't care for a number of the songs on it, I'd give it a 6.5/10.… Expand
  24. NikkiLee1999
    Mar 15, 2017
    10
    J. Cole's best work. He's shown an incredible amount of growth since his last project. Finally a well rounded Cole project with some real cohesion throughout the album.
  25. triple_co
    Mar 30, 2017
    8
    I was never able to get into J. Cole before '4 Your Eyez Only', not really understanding the vibe that everyone was enjoying with '2014 Forest Hills Drive', bar the exception of a few songs. After giving this a listen at its initial release I was immediately impressed with the enjoyable production and understated sound, as well as the main concept behind the work.

    While it's easy to    I was never able to get into J. Cole before '4 Your Eyez Only', not really understanding the vibe that everyone was enjoying with '2014 Forest Hills Drive', bar the exception of a few songs. After giving this a listen at its initial release I was immediately impressed with the enjoyable production and understated sound, as well as the main concept behind the work.

    While it's easy to criticise Cole for a muddled narrative and filler lines, there's too much to get soaked up in here to garner these points with too much weight. Tracks such as 'For Whom The Bell Tolls' , 'Immortal', 'Deja Vu' and 'Neighbours' are some of Cole's best, most accessible tracks, and are always a great listen during long, dark night-time journeys. It's easy to wrap your imagination into the story that Cole lays out here, albeit slightly scattered.

    There are some moments on the record that seem a little off or out of touch with the rest of the track-list, 'Foldin Clothes' being an obvious example. But for me these moments are too far and between to damage the overall experience massively, and don't subtract from the frequent highs. Definitely worth getting familiar with and a great end to 2016's musical releases.    … Expand
  26. fifi3
    Jul 28, 2019
    7
    The album is very meaningful with terrific lyrics. What holds it back is the lack of polish around the concept. It was very daring and difficult, so I give him props for attempting it. Still, the majority of the album kind of left you out to dry until the closer came in as almost a epilogue to describe what this whole album was. Unlike a meticulous conceptual artist like Kendrick, ColeThe album is very meaningful with terrific lyrics. What holds it back is the lack of polish around the concept. It was very daring and difficult, so I give him props for attempting it. Still, the majority of the album kind of left you out to dry until the closer came in as almost a epilogue to describe what this whole album was. Unlike a meticulous conceptual artist like Kendrick, Cole can't stick the landing on something this ambitious, and is better off tackling a looser concept where his soulful and meaningful messages can be more of a driving point. I also think it does drag a bit because of Cole's stubborn-ness to have no features. It was cool on 2014 FHD, but at this point he is just underestimating how much a different voice can captivate a listener.

    This was a very flawed project, but I still welcome it as a piece of his discography with it's ambitious concept, jazzy production and as always thoughtful lyrics. Strong 6 to Light 7.    … Expand
  27. Jensen67
    May 23, 2017
    7
    This album is a mixed bag for me. There are some really good songs on here. You also have the snooze fest "She's Mine Pt. 1" and probably the corniest J. Cole song ever "Foldin Clothes." The songs do tell a nice story and piece together rather well though.

    Best Songs: Immortal / Change / 4 Your Eyez Only
  28. timikhail
    May 23, 2017
    8
    after long anticipation for a new cole album this finally dropped, it may be arguable that this was not as expected, however, this is a great album. Jcole is found on this album conflicted with many ideas and is experiencing true struggles, he uses jazz, atmospheric and emotional music to tell his story, even songs which are said to be bad such as 'foldin clothes' and 'ville mentality' doafter long anticipation for a new cole album this finally dropped, it may be arguable that this was not as expected, however, this is a great album. Jcole is found on this album conflicted with many ideas and is experiencing true struggles, he uses jazz, atmospheric and emotional music to tell his story, even songs which are said to be bad such as 'foldin clothes' and 'ville mentality' do have a point to them, as Cole is a new person on this album and near perfect songs like 'shes mine pt. 2' brings the listener almost to tears. i personally did love this album and felt impacted by it… Expand
  29. FruitJuice
    Jul 17, 2017
    7
    Good album.............................................................................................................................................................
  30. Fonke
    Dec 30, 2017
    9
    This is, by far, my most favourite album from J.Cole. I love his lyrics, and it has many great songs that I listen to regurlarly.
  31. jarome
    Sep 4, 2017
    10
    This album is a masterful symphony of the tribulations Cole's endured in the face of love. This album is very harmonious and in my opinion, has united Cole's true non-bandwagon jumping fan base. It definitely has taken people time to fully grasp the meaning, thus it's ratings are not as high as 2014 FHD.
  32. Wbrogers5
    May 14, 2020
    10
    One of the best, most cohesive albums I’ve ever heard, the perspective changes between Cole and his friend are flawless, and adds a great contrast throughout the album
  33. nickslicktrick
    Oct 29, 2020
    7
    Maybe i didn't listen enough but aside from some seriously popular track such as the track "Neighbors." I felt that this album is one that you really have to listen too to get the message, nothing wrong with that i'm aware of the conscious rapper reputation that follows J. Coles music. However, in this instance I felt that the album was very unwhelming compared to his follow up albumMaybe i didn't listen enough but aside from some seriously popular track such as the track "Neighbors." I felt that this album is one that you really have to listen too to get the message, nothing wrong with that i'm aware of the conscious rapper reputation that follows J. Coles music. However, in this instance I felt that the album was very unwhelming compared to his follow up album titled KOD instrumentally. i would trade the interesting bass patterns, and bouncy drums for the slow symphonic vibe that this album uses. the perspective is fairly deep, and the wordplay is golden as always with J. Coles music however i just feel like the introspection there comes changes of mood, and sounds to keep the listener intact. maybe i didn't listen hard enough but most of the time every song sounded fairly similar in tone, and instrumentation for the most part.… Expand
  34. Fosko
    Dec 12, 2020
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is my personal favorite J. Cole album to date.
    4 Your Eyez Only (4YEO) is commonly not discussed however the pure intimacy of the album along with the subtle soul influence from Cole makes this a near perfect album in my opinion. 4YEO picks off where Cole’s pervious album 2014 Forrest Hills Drive left by picking pieces of Cole’s personal life and what has been burdening him, as well as what has brought him joy. The album starts off with track ‘For Whom The Bell Tolls’ a piece where Cole informs us that all of his bridges have been burnt. The second track titled ‘Immortal’ dives into a perspective of the life of a young Cole. He reflects on previous encounters he’s had and thought provoking lines such as “Have you ever seen a fiend cook crack on a spoon? Have you ever seen a **** that was black on the moon? Have you ever seen a **** ribbon in the sky?” and Cole continues the track by “Saying If they want a **** they gonna have to send a S.W.A.T” hinting at the fact that his has was raided by a S.W.A.T during the making of this album which he later dives into depth in during the track Neighbors. Cole ends the track ‘Immortal’ by sharing premonitions Cole has had about death asking the Lord to make it quick when he passes and says “You want to change the world but while alive you never will” Cole also mentions the struggle black young men have where they have very limited choices in life by saying “They tell a **** sell dope, rap or go to NBA in that order, it’s that sort of thinking that been keeping ****s chained and hanged at the bottom and hanged the strangest fruit that you ever seen, ripe with pain.”

    The third track on 4YEO is titled Deja Vu where Cole tells a tale of seeing a beautiful women in a club and believes that he’s to much for her to handle by saying “she **** with small town ****s Igot bigger dreams” Cole continues the song by implying to shoot your shot by saying “Every saint got a past, Every dinner got a future, Every loser gotta win, and every winner gotta lose some day.”    … Expand
  35. HawaiianBlur
    Jan 19, 2021
    10
    This album is a masterful work of art, the jazz undertones perfectly suit the atmosphere and tone of the album and lyrics. This is a concept album meaning each song tells a part of the story but each song is phenomenal individually as well. This album is extremely underrated and I would recommend listening to it in order and all in one sitting for the first listen.
  36. MatisseThybulle
    Oct 5, 2021
    9
    Likely my favorite Cole album, the production is amazing, the rapping is as on point as you can expect. Highlights include Immortal, Deja Vu, Change, and the title track "4 your eyez only" is quite possibly Cole's greatest song of all time. While you probably can't bump this on your aux, like RDCWorld1 said, "it's a personal album". And what a great personal album it is.
  37. hdcooper
    Apr 11, 2021
    8
    Cole's most cohesive, insightful, focused, and overall best record to date.

    8.5/10
  38. Johnsmtih
    Dec 3, 2021
    10
    Timeless project one of coles many albums that show he is one of this generations best
  39. siggi104
    Jul 8, 2022
    10
    I might be the only person saying this but in my humble opinion this is a perfect album.
  40. ETF
    Sep 10, 2022
    10
    absolutley incredible. definitely coles best album. from the intro to outro, the entire album screams masterpiece.

Awards & Rankings

29
#29 Most Discussed Album of 2016
40
#40 Most Shared Album of 2016

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. The Wire
    Jan 27, 2017
    60
    Cutting through the tedium reveals a moderately engaging narrative of low level criminality with solid insights ranging from the cloying to mildly provocative. [Feb 2017, p.59]
  2. PopMatters
    Jan 17, 2017
    80
    He has matured into a one of the most important figures in modern hip hop and 4 Your Eyez Only is the evidence of this.
    Read full review
  3. Slant Magazine
    Jan 10, 2017
    60
    4 Your Eyez Only‘s low-key production, favoring muted live-band grooves, occasionally reaches a boil, but mostly it provides scaffolding for Cole to rap. He does the heavy lifting without ever doing anything flashy--or, some might say, anything especially interesting.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »