Dark Sky Paradise
by Big Sean
  • Record Label: Def Jam
  • Release Date: Feb 24, 2015
User Score
7.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 176 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 127 out of 176
  2. Mixed: 32 out of 176
  3. Negative: 17 out of 176
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  1. LukeVMG
    Feb 24, 2015
    9
    This album was a HUGE improvement from his sophomore slump, Hall of Fame. His lyrics, flow, subject matter and production have all taken a huge step up which makes Dark Sky Paradise one of Sean's best projects to date. Highlights on this album for me were All Your Fault, Paradise [Extended], Win Some, Lose Some, One Man Can Change The World & Deserve It. Strong 9/10 from me, and if SeanThis album was a HUGE improvement from his sophomore slump, Hall of Fame. His lyrics, flow, subject matter and production have all taken a huge step up which makes Dark Sky Paradise one of Sean's best projects to date. Highlights on this album for me were All Your Fault, Paradise [Extended], Win Some, Lose Some, One Man Can Change The World & Deserve It. Strong 9/10 from me, and if Sean keeps on doing what he's doing here, he could definitely enter some people's top 5 new school lists!… Expand
  2. razoredwardo
    Feb 24, 2015
    7
    Great album! But clearly they were standards for Sean to meet which I'm not quite sure he has! But I will like to say the production choices for this work was just great.
  3. LETSPARTY
    May 8, 2015
    10
    I love this album. I feel slow because I was just put up on it last month, but better late than never.

    Thanks for doing it for Detroit again Big Sean....REPRESENT!!
  4. ben_zo77
    Sep 23, 2015
    8
    Dark Sky Paradise is the most complex, adult album of Big Sean's relatively short career. Technically, he's gotten noticeably better at rapping. At the same time, however, I'm a little less interested in what Sean has to say. One of the biggest reasons I, and I think many other people, like Big Sean so much is because of his honest rapping that we can relate to. He has always had a uniqueDark Sky Paradise is the most complex, adult album of Big Sean's relatively short career. Technically, he's gotten noticeably better at rapping. At the same time, however, I'm a little less interested in what Sean has to say. One of the biggest reasons I, and I think many other people, like Big Sean so much is because of his honest rapping that we can relate to. He has always had a unique sound. He abandons his signature honesty at many points during this album, deferring to a bit more mainstream of a sound. Dark Sky Paradise was an ambitious attempt to secure Big Sean's place as one of the best rappers of his generation. I'm conflicted between the realization that he might have just about secured it and the thought that we might never again hear the old Big Sean. Conclusion: Hall of Fame > Dark Sky Paradise by a little, but Sean's taken a big step. His next album could be something really special. ~ 7.7/10
    ~ w/ deluxe edition tracks: 7.1/10
    Best track: "Blessings": I love the outro, but Blessings is at a whole other level.
    Other notable tracks: "All Your Fault" & "Outro"    … Expand
  5. ogfrombirth
    Feb 25, 2015
    9
    I gave this album a score of 9, I am a BIG Sean fan even before he was signed to G O O D Music. I found his "streets on lock" freestyles and have been a supporter ever since !

    This album is awesome and better than I originally expected, as much as I want to give it a perfect 10, nothing is perfect.. unless youre a allstar dunk competitor, so instead, I truthfully should say the work on    I gave this album a score of 9, I am a BIG Sean fan even before he was signed to G O O D Music. I found his "streets on lock" freestyles and have been a supporter ever since !

    This album is awesome and better than I originally expected, as much as I want to give it a perfect 10, nothing is perfect.. unless youre a allstar dunk competitor, so instead, I truthfully should say the work on this album, if I wasnt a fan, I would still have to give a score in the high 7's or a 8.

    thank you for reading !    … Expand
  6. ulgang12
    Feb 26, 2015
    10
    Big Sean improved quite a bit from his last LP with this album, the beat selection and the vibe of the whole album seems more cohesive than his other projects. Lyrically there isn't anything groundbreaking in this album but there are some witty and clever punchlines, kind of reminiscent of Fabolous in my opinion. I've found this album to be really enjoyable.
  7. michaeljrmj
    Mar 24, 2015
    8
    I feel like this album is better than "Hall Of Fame" by a long shot and makes some adjustable changes. I mean it sounds good production based and keeps you interested as Sean speaks on his life from time to time. Songs like "Win Some, Lose Some" and "One Man Can Change the World", show Sean being a learner to the ways of the world. He falls on death ears though with songs like "Play NoI feel like this album is better than "Hall Of Fame" by a long shot and makes some adjustable changes. I mean it sounds good production based and keeps you interested as Sean speaks on his life from time to time. Songs like "Win Some, Lose Some" and "One Man Can Change the World", show Sean being a learner to the ways of the world. He falls on death ears though with songs like "Play No Games" where it sounds like someone else should have made the song with Chris and Ty. He shows lyricism all the way through but only beefs it up on "Paradise (extended)". This album is better than his last two but not a solid piece of work, maybe Sean will get the formula working right on his next project.… Expand
  8. thaleslucas
    Feb 25, 2015
    8
    Big Sean has improved significantly since his last album. "Dark Sky Paradise" shows a more adult and mature mind by Sean.

    The album has great tracks like "Blessing", "One Man Can Change the World" and "Other" that present forms of protest, thanks and even enhancement of Sean for himself. These tracks bring great verses that can lead the listener to become addicted and even reflect on    Big Sean has improved significantly since his last album. "Dark Sky Paradise" shows a more adult and mature mind by Sean.

    The album has great tracks like "Blessing", "One Man Can Change the World" and "Other" that present forms of protest, thanks and even enhancement of Sean for himself. These tracks bring great verses that can lead the listener to become addicted and even reflect on something.

    But there's always a failure and in this album are the songs "Play No Games", "I Know," "Win Some, Lose Some" and "Research", all make this a very tedious and not interesting album. As much as bring great vocals of Jhene Aiko, Chris Brown and Ariana Grande, is blatant that were only put on the album to make it more successful, in short, the commercialism.

    "Dark Sky Paradise" is an album to listen to at a certain time, it's a scary and heavy album in some ways, but it's still nice and pleasant too. Of course, I cannot forget the growth of Big Sean side of a good mentor to, better known as Kanye West.    … Expand
  9. xDiamondxx
    Feb 24, 2015
    10
    Arrasou viado, o álbum tá destruidor principalmente Research (feat com a Ariana Grande), Rihanna e Drake teen estão cada vez mais poderosos, eles são poderosíssimos.
  10. Extra_Official
    Feb 25, 2015
    10
    Dark Sky Paradise is Seans best album yet, hands down. Hes taken a change to make music with darker peoduction, and deeper lyrics. Youll find clever wordplay throughout the album, where lyrics top both Hall Of Fame and Finally Famous. This album is proof Sean is in the conversation with Drake, J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar

    If you even slightly likes Seans previous projects, or found his    Dark Sky Paradise is Seans best album yet, hands down. Hes taken a change to make music with darker peoduction, and deeper lyrics. Youll find clever wordplay throughout the album, where lyrics top both Hall Of Fame and Finally Famous. This album is proof Sean is in the conversation with Drake, J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar

    If you even slightly likes Seans previous projects, or found his previous songs/projects lacked that clever hot hip hop feel, you should definitely give Dark Sky Paradise a try    … Expand
  11. IDFWU
    Feb 24, 2015
    10
    GUAUU !!! Me quedé asombrado por este álbum. Fantástico en todos los aspectos de la IMO SEAN SIGUIENTE ARRIBA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  12. dj_wet_dreamz
    Aug 11, 2015
    10
    Man it's some really good songs on this album. He has 5 to 7 singles on this album alone. To be honest I haven't listened to it straight through because I keep playing my favorites. I'm giving it a 10 because the songz I play (Research, I know, Play no games, Paradise, and All your Fault) are BANGERS to say the least. I know I supposed to be judging the album but I can't passed theseMan it's some really good songs on this album. He has 5 to 7 singles on this album alone. To be honest I haven't listened to it straight through because I keep playing my favorites. I'm giving it a 10 because the songz I play (Research, I know, Play no games, Paradise, and All your Fault) are BANGERS to say the least. I know I supposed to be judging the album but I can't passed these songz. Oh I forget IDFWU on the album too.… Expand
  13. KTT_FC
    Feb 24, 2015
    9
    NasIsTheGOAT has no idea what he is talking about. This album was a great improvement over hall of fame (even though i still liked it). Sean came through with an album that was consistent with great content throughout. There is not one song that sounds the same and the production is on point. Sean goin for that top spot with AotY so far. Oh and **** FANTANO
  14. KTT_FC_is_a_hoe
    Feb 24, 2015
    0
    listen right here....I got 30 emails bruh. 30. three. zero. I don't who you are, but I could bury this album with fake reviews and you wouldn't even know it. you cared about it enough to say my name...so I'm a give ya one chance...then it's done. bruh. make a new account, and apologize to me right here on review page.

    this album sucks hard by the way. medium sean fails again.
  15. LuizFelipe
    Feb 28, 2015
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. i love her voice, and this work is amazing... the song with ariana grande is my favorite, i looove too much haha!! and congratulations big sean :) ....… Expand
  16. Baryne
    Feb 25, 2015
    0
    To many feats on this album and too many forgettable songs. This is an LP disguised as an major album. .
  17. bungdoodserfurr
    Feb 24, 2015
    5
    @KTT_FC how can you even say that he will be nominated for album of the year when it's February? This album is an improvement over his last two (which isn't saying much at all), but it's still not that great, absolutely not album of the year material by any means. Big Sean just isn't interesting to listen to for long periods of time. I hate IDFWY, I don't understand how anyone ****@KTT_FC how can you even say that he will be nominated for album of the year when it's February? This album is an improvement over his last two (which isn't saying much at all), but it's still not that great, absolutely not album of the year material by any means. Big Sean just isn't interesting to listen to for long periods of time. I hate IDFWY, I don't understand how anyone **** with that song. He's just too generic. If anyone is looking like they are going to be in contention for AotY right now, it's Kanye. Dude is doing work so far this year. #YeezySeason… Expand
  18. Tribulations
    Jul 8, 2015
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. To poppy for me in some ways and the rap lyrics delve harsh on Big Sean's own lifestyle a little to much but it is listenable and relatable. 7/10 for me.… Expand
  19. Connorcox1997
    Mar 21, 2019
    9
    Big Sean's Dark Sky Paradise is a big Improvement to his two previous albums. Those previous albums where good but they weren't as memorable to go back and listen to these albums over again, But this album he totally step his A game up. He improved his lyrics, bars, flows, and his storytelling ability. The production on the album is on fire. If you weren't impressed with Big Sean'sBig Sean's Dark Sky Paradise is a big Improvement to his two previous albums. Those previous albums where good but they weren't as memorable to go back and listen to these albums over again, But this album he totally step his A game up. He improved his lyrics, bars, flows, and his storytelling ability. The production on the album is on fire. If you weren't impressed with Big Sean's previous work, then this album will change your mind. 9/10… Expand
  20. Spangle
    Mar 17, 2015
    7
    Overall, this is another step in the right direction for Big Sean. His debut album, Finally Famous, only offered a couple of good tracks, while his sophomore effort Hall of Fame was also mixed bag, it did have a few songs that really worked well. Here, while still not a really good album, Sean keeps showing improvement and continues to show major flashes of talent. On tracks such as “OneOverall, this is another step in the right direction for Big Sean. His debut album, Finally Famous, only offered a couple of good tracks, while his sophomore effort Hall of Fame was also mixed bag, it did have a few songs that really worked well. Here, while still not a really good album, Sean keeps showing improvement and continues to show major flashes of talent. On tracks such as “One Man Can Change the World”, “Dark Sky (Skyscrapers)”, and “Outro”, he shows his ability on more rap-oriented tracks, while on tracks such as “All Your Fault”, “Blessings”, and “Paradise”, he shows his ability to rap over beats that are entirely meant to make you hyped. The production here is very good, as are the features namely the ones from Kanye West, Jhene Aiko, and Lil Wayne. Big Sean’s third full-length effort is nowhere near a classic, nor will it be one of the best albums of 2015, but it is a good album that shows his constant progression.… Expand
  21. TounVic
    Mar 29, 2015
    5
    I've never been a big fan of Big Sean, his stupid monotonous voice and his lack of any kind of interesting subject matter just kills it for me. I do like the mixtapes, but from the first album to this one it went downhill. However, I am happy to announce that this is the best Big Sean album to date, although I have few nice things to say about it, "Paradise" and the Kanye part on IDFWUI've never been a big fan of Big Sean, his stupid monotonous voice and his lack of any kind of interesting subject matter just kills it for me. I do like the mixtapes, but from the first album to this one it went downhill. However, I am happy to announce that this is the best Big Sean album to date, although I have few nice things to say about it, "Paradise" and the Kanye part on IDFWU were the only thing enjoyable honestly.… Expand
  22. Arteezy
    Jul 11, 2015
    9
    This "One Man Can Change The World" with his best studio release to date...
    Dark production, amazing guest appearances (by Lil Wayne, Kanye West, Jhené Aiko, Drake and others) and major improvements in his lyricism (better punchlines and continuous philosophy) makes this album more consistent and better than his last album...
    Best tracks: Blessings, All Your Fault, I Don't **** With You,    This "One Man Can Change The World" with his best studio release to date...
    Dark production, amazing guest appearances (by Lil Wayne, Kanye West, Jhené Aiko, Drake and others) and major improvements in his lyricism (better punchlines and continuous philosophy) makes this album more consistent and better than his last album...
    Best tracks: Blessings, All Your Fault, I Don't **** With You, I Know & Deep...    … Expand
  23. keve16
    Mar 26, 2015
    7
    6.9/10................................................................................................................................................
  24. nirvanafreak
    Apr 4, 2015
    4
    Although it has it's down moments Dark Sky Paradise is step in the right direction from Big Sean and a significantly better listen than his previous albums and mix tapes.
  25. swagkonyjohnson
    Apr 6, 2015
    5
    Pretty much the same Big Sean, just slightly better and with more singing. I still don't really like his voice and his flow. I actually wasn't as annoyed as i thought i would be with his singing, but singing is definitely not his forte. I still don't like IDFWU and think the album would be better without it. Production on this album is actually quite amazing, probably the highlight of thePretty much the same Big Sean, just slightly better and with more singing. I still don't really like his voice and his flow. I actually wasn't as annoyed as i thought i would be with his singing, but singing is definitely not his forte. I still don't like IDFWU and think the album would be better without it. Production on this album is actually quite amazing, probably the highlight of the album for me. Other than that, this album was ok… Expand
  26. Holocene
    Feb 26, 2015
    10
    Big Sean would be HOT this year. His best yet.

    I found his rap and lyrics more mature, and emotional.

    Big Sean is dope now, but he is still growing up. amazing
  27. CristianBernal
    Mar 23, 2015
    8
    Big Sean has outdone himself, considering his previous release in Hall of Fame. Lyrics and delivery were some of the best I've heard from recent rap, especially from his previous work. Replayability is high and you could envision most of these songs being radio singles.
    The theme is definitely a bit dark but occasionally the theme was abandoned with singled like I Don't **** With You and    Big Sean has outdone himself, considering his previous release in Hall of Fame. Lyrics and delivery were some of the best I've heard from recent rap, especially from his previous work. Replayability is high and you could envision most of these songs being radio singles.
    The theme is definitely a bit dark but occasionally the theme was abandoned with singled like I Don't **** With You and Research. In some of the tracks Big Sean seemed to be completely overshadowed by the multitude of features on the album. If I were to point out the biggest flaw in Dark Sky Paradise it would be just that, too many artists, not enough Big Sean.
    Since release Dark Sky Paradise has been played in my personal collection over a dozen times. Rap album of the year so far for me.
    8/10    … Expand
  28. ihavevocaloid
    Apr 3, 2015
    7
    Big Sean's best studio effort to date. Based on the single Paradise I expected this to be a classic album, but considering he's Big Sean I think it would have been crazy to make such a huge change. But this album still ends up being a listenable hip hop album, with improved lyrics and flow as well as better production. These add up to a B for me. Highlights: "Paradise", "Blessings", "IBig Sean's best studio effort to date. Based on the single Paradise I expected this to be a classic album, but considering he's Big Sean I think it would have been crazy to make such a huge change. But this album still ends up being a listenable hip hop album, with improved lyrics and flow as well as better production. These add up to a B for me. Highlights: "Paradise", "Blessings", "I Know". Worst song: "Research"… Expand
  29. bossmanrwat11
    Apr 15, 2015
    8
    Big Sean's best album to date. Very good production overall, has a song that fits pretty much every mood. Great lyrics as well, talks on a variety of different subjects. No significant weaknesses on this album, very good project all around
  30. Urbanlistener
    Feb 11, 2016
    8
    A fairly well crafted, paced and produced album, with an honest and an agreably surprising performance by Kanye's protégé: Big Sean. Not a masterpiece, but still a very enjoyable hip hop album full of bangers.
  31. mc_ryn
    Sep 17, 2015
    6
    Ahhh, Big Sean. Its better than Finally famous and Hall of Fame. Bangers of songs here but very minimal lyricism. He needs to improve the smoothness of his flow and switch up his wordplay to suit. Songs such as Win Some Lose Some and Stay Down, had a great back story but was unBEARABLE to listen to because of his really monotone flow. I believe in him, keep going and improving.
  32. adamm
    Aug 29, 2015
    3
    no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no
  33. lisiak
    Dec 20, 2015
    4
    Dark Sky Paradise is nothing special to me. Possitive part of this album is certainly 'Blessed' with Drake and Kanye West. 'I don't fu*k with you' is also good track, but it's all.
  34. Goldx39
    May 28, 2016
    10
    Great album. I can tell 100% tha he put his soul on his album. The storyline of women, success money; May seem to be a bad concept, but he changes it around to make it to his strong and willing perspective. It's beautiful.
  35. Nardeen
    Mar 11, 2017
    6
    This is album has one song that I've enjoyed, and everything else is very okay. There is also no structure what so ever, it's all over the place. Is it about success? or is it about Girls? you really can't tell. but at least it has Blessings and I Don't **** With You
  36. All_ButTrU4
    Aug 25, 2022
    4
    Big seans best album which honestly given his discography extremely poor quality doesn't mean much. Due to a couple of unforgettable hits dark sky paradise reaches a height he only postured about on previous releases.

Awards & Rankings

37
#37 Most Discussed Album of 2015

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. The Wire
    May 15, 2015
    50
    On tracks with genuine maverick talents like E-40, his fundamental lack of character appears (or disappears) in sharp relief. [Apr 2015, p.65]
  2. Pretty Much Amazing
    Mar 23, 2015
    75
    Dark Sky Paradise lacks cohesion as an album, but on a track-by-track basis, it positions Big Sean as a wonderfully versatile rapper whose personality and style hold together even as he adapts to a range of contexts.
    Read full review
  3. AllMusic
    Mar 18, 2015
    80
    Artistically, three is the charm for Big Sean as Dark Sky Paradise is much more expansive than previous efforts, sometimes grinding with executive producer Kanye West's love of the dark, and other times bouncing with the snark, swagger, and style that propelled this Detroit rapper to the top.
    Read full review
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