Jesus Is King
by Kanye West
User Score
5.2

Mixed or average reviews- based on 1454 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 657 out of 1454
  2. Mixed: 241 out of 1454
  3. Negative: 556 out of 1454

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  1. matthewmirliani
    Oct 26, 2019
    6
    You can’t deny it’s a fascinating listen - and that it contains some lovely moments (the smooth “Water”) - but overall the album feels unfinished, rushed, and contains West’s weakest lyrics to date. West is still the genius he’s always been, but despite his convictions and passion, this album doesn’t seem to accomplish anything substantial.
  2. kelseyhp9015
    Oct 27, 2019
    6
    It seems that Kanye has fallen further away from what used to make him great. I used to listen to every song on every record and they were all great. Granted this album may grow on me more overtime, but after one and a half listen I think its probably the worst album of his career. Now that is a high bar in my opinion, but i'm not to sure i'm able to listen to most of the songs on theIt seems that Kanye has fallen further away from what used to make him great. I used to listen to every song on every record and they were all great. Granted this album may grow on me more overtime, but after one and a half listen I think its probably the worst album of his career. Now that is a high bar in my opinion, but i'm not to sure i'm able to listen to most of the songs on the album more than once. So to me that makes it just okay.… Expand
  3. Atum_
    Jun 8, 2020
    6
    I get what Kanye was trying to do with this record, and as a christian, I loved it a lot, getting to listen to hip hop in church, however as a hip hop fan, I'm disapointed. The lyrics on this album are pretty bad. It's nothing groundbreaking, or even interesting. A lot of tracks on this thing are just straight up boring. Both production and lyrics. There are some exceptions however, likeI get what Kanye was trying to do with this record, and as a christian, I loved it a lot, getting to listen to hip hop in church, however as a hip hop fan, I'm disapointed. The lyrics on this album are pretty bad. It's nothing groundbreaking, or even interesting. A lot of tracks on this thing are just straight up boring. Both production and lyrics. There are some exceptions however, like Selah or Use This Gospel. If Jesus is King II sounds anything like those tracks rather than the other ones, we might have ourselves a great christian rap music. Personally, I would love that.… Expand
  4. Barbosz
    Oct 29, 2019
    6
    Sort of like it. Mix got better after one day so it's kind of cheating. Selah and Use Gospel are the best, Water is bad.
  5. Lleay
    Oct 25, 2019
    6
    Jesus Is King is definitely an album that you have to get used to and listen to with an open mind. This is not your normal Ye album and was worth the wait. He isn't talking about bad booty **** and stuff like that, he's talking about our lord and savior Jesus. I hope Jesus Is Born will be even grander.
  6. Peebers
    Oct 25, 2019
    6
    Album is very cool stylistically and is something that I guess was better than nothing. If you’re not Christian, this album is a bit of a groan. Don’t get me wrong, there are def some highlights, but if you don’t indulge in religion, it kinda comes off as a little preachy. Though, hey, it’s new Kanye, so I mean I’ll take that over inconsistent release dates any day.
  7. Dantedon
    Oct 26, 2019
    6
    A letdown by Kanye. Awesome production and some great melodies ruined by bad mixing and shallow lyrics. Non of the songs really stand out mainly because most of them feel unfinished and cut short. A huge potential wasted on this one.
  8. ngsena
    Oct 26, 2019
    6
    I’m disappointed, I expected more, album has its good points, but I expected more, because it’s Kanye
  9. Zakkariah
    Oct 26, 2019
    6
    After numerous delays, built up hype and the mystery of Yeezus religious path, JESUS IS KING has risen! However, falls short from the lengthy previous productions of his last project such as MBDTF and Life of Pablo. The album carries a time of 27 minutes total. The production and instrumentals slaps in this song, to really experience the full power of the instrumentals and in-depth, IAfter numerous delays, built up hype and the mystery of Yeezus religious path, JESUS IS KING has risen! However, falls short from the lengthy previous productions of his last project such as MBDTF and Life of Pablo. The album carries a time of 27 minutes total. The production and instrumentals slaps in this song, to really experience the full power of the instrumentals and in-depth, I recommend full, surround sound speakers of the best noise cancelling headphones you can buy. Also, note that Kenny G saxophone solo is so so sweet to the soul. When it comes to Ye and his lyrical flow that we've seen for nine albums straight, it falls short and it's nothing but a disappointment.… Expand
  10. Borysst
    Oct 26, 2019
    6
    Kanye with the brilliant production as usual, as well as some unusual and inventive flows by his standards - however, the album is held back in my opinion, due to the sheer amount of ham-fisted attempts to push the religious message of the album.
  11. Beowulf197
    Oct 26, 2019
    6
    Kanye's latest album is certainly something new for him. While I can certainly see why it could be given some amount of scrutiny for its shaky production, I believe that it can be something good. Track-wise, I quite like the first half of the album, while the second half could use some work, but other than that, I do like the new direction Kanye's going, though based off this album, IKanye's latest album is certainly something new for him. While I can certainly see why it could be given some amount of scrutiny for its shaky production, I believe that it can be something good. Track-wise, I quite like the first half of the album, while the second half could use some work, but other than that, I do like the new direction Kanye's going, though based off this album, I think he needs some time to perfect his craft in gospel-rap.… Expand
  12. zacariahcoleman
    Oct 26, 2019
    6
    Jesus is King, the title and the message of the album are one and the same. However, the musicality lacks memorability compared to the rest of West's catalogue. Particularly, the cringe worthy moments where West got lazy with the effects on his vocals on tracks like "God Is" are painfully disappointing. The highlight of the entire record is Kenny G's sultry solo on "Use The Gospel" ..theJesus is King, the title and the message of the album are one and the same. However, the musicality lacks memorability compared to the rest of West's catalogue. Particularly, the cringe worthy moments where West got lazy with the effects on his vocals on tracks like "God Is" are painfully disappointing. The highlight of the entire record is Kenny G's sultry solo on "Use The Gospel" ..the best track on the record by far.… Expand
  13. okbuddyjosh
    Jan 22, 2020
    6
    This album is certainly not Kanye at his best. First of all, the album is too short. For some artists, such as Earl Sweatshirt, a shorter run-time works well, but it doesn't really work for Kanye. Fans are used to 45 minutes to an hour long albums as his songs tend to be long and contain many features. Here, however, there are minimal features and the album is barely a half an hour long.This album is certainly not Kanye at his best. First of all, the album is too short. For some artists, such as Earl Sweatshirt, a shorter run-time works well, but it doesn't really work for Kanye. Fans are used to 45 minutes to an hour long albums as his songs tend to be long and contain many features. Here, however, there are minimal features and the album is barely a half an hour long. It also isn't mixed very well and contains some very cheesy lyrics such the infamous Closed On Sunday hook. Despite this, there are high points on the album. God Is is a beautiful song with a great instrumental and I actually like how Kanye strains his voice on the song. Use This Gospel brings us the legendary duo Clipse and they both have great verses (I prefer No Malice's here). Follow God and Selah are high points as well. However, the thing that makes me move the album from a 7 to a 6 is because of what it could have been. Yahndi sounded incredible and this couldn't live up to it.… Expand
  14. JordanLayton
    Apr 30, 2020
    6
    Wow, I would love this album if it wasn't so distinctly about Christianity. And no, I don't find it to be about Jesus quite as much as I find it to be about Christian interpretations, denominational loyalty, and being religious in the public eye in 2019. Tbh I can relate to some of that, and I think I understand where most of it is coming from, but its just not subject matter IWow, I would love this album if it wasn't so distinctly about Christianity. And no, I don't find it to be about Jesus quite as much as I find it to be about Christian interpretations, denominational loyalty, and being religious in the public eye in 2019. Tbh I can relate to some of that, and I think I understand where most of it is coming from, but its just not subject matter I particularly enjoy. Definitely not a record I'll be coming back to very often.

    THAT SAID, the skill in production and lyricism here is what WILL bring me back on that rare occasion. Kanye is undeniable as usual. The Clipse feature is great too.

    Hands On sticks out as an early favorite track. Feels particularly honest with Kanye laying out his feelings about not belonging. Closed On Sunday is just silly.    … Expand
  15. Hendo250
    Mar 29, 2021
    6
    this album is a 6 this album is a 6 this album is a 6 this album is a 6 this album is a 6
  16. proreview0
    Aug 15, 2021
    6
    lowkey this album is not as bad as every one perceives it to be. Kanye makes a nice effort to express his religious feelings. This a new kanye ig
  17. F4lC0N_
    Dec 24, 2021
    6
    Não tem nada de mais, porém o intuito dele é bem bonito. Alem de que nele há boas músicas como Selah e On God.
  18. narolo
    Mar 30, 2022
    6
    okokokokokokokokokokokokokokokokokokokokokokokokokokokokokokokokokokokokokok
  19. Snowyiscool45
    Mar 20, 2022
    6
    Its alright some the songs leaks are better than the released version and donda did the whole christian thing better
  20. Joffnatic
    May 26, 2022
    6
    This album is Kanye's worst yet, however it's still an enjoyable listen. The production is amazing despite some weak points. However the lyrics feel uninspired, and I personally can't relate to the religious texts Ye is throwing at us. I feel very much like Donda did a much better job at making us able to relate to his christian self, and some of the songs on that LP damn near made meThis album is Kanye's worst yet, however it's still an enjoyable listen. The production is amazing despite some weak points. However the lyrics feel uninspired, and I personally can't relate to the religious texts Ye is throwing at us. I feel very much like Donda did a much better job at making us able to relate to his christian self, and some of the songs on that LP damn near made me speak to Jesus personally.… Expand
  21. Andremax
    Nov 1, 2019
    5
    In Jesus Is King, production and beats are great as always, but lyrics are superficial, shallow, clichés, predictable, totally forced out and vocal melodies are weak
  22. Menios
    Oct 25, 2019
    5
    Although there are some very good songs in there, such as "Follow God", "Everything We Need" and the excellent "Use This Gospel", the whole album is way too much confusing and mediocre at best. Most of the production feels nice but the non-existence of any cohesion in the whole album, makes it surely not good. As for the lyricism, the themes do look decent and sincere for Kanye himself butAlthough there are some very good songs in there, such as "Follow God", "Everything We Need" and the excellent "Use This Gospel", the whole album is way too much confusing and mediocre at best. Most of the production feels nice but the non-existence of any cohesion in the whole album, makes it surely not good. As for the lyricism, the themes do look decent and sincere for Kanye himself but lack any form of originality or innovation, which is very much needed, if you take into account most of his previous albums. It's a very mediocre 5 for me.… Expand
  23. nereed678
    Oct 31, 2019
    5
    Kanye returns from the seminal ye with a disappointing follow up. Just as disjointed as ye but minus the honesty, emotional effect and charm, Jesus Is King is an uninteresting, messy and annoyingly preachy christian hip hop project that serves as not much more than a novelty in the Kanye West discography
  24. euanfraser
    Oct 30, 2019
    5
    Some of Kanye's worst tracks and by far his worst album ever. 'Every Hour' and 'Follow God' were great tracks and 'God Is' had potential, however, like many tracks here, Kanye has lost the plot. His "one-take" type delivery is poor and lacks passion. Its sad to see this record ruining Kanye's discography, cementing him in a position where there will never be another stellar record likeSome of Kanye's worst tracks and by far his worst album ever. 'Every Hour' and 'Follow God' were great tracks and 'God Is' had potential, however, like many tracks here, Kanye has lost the plot. His "one-take" type delivery is poor and lacks passion. Its sad to see this record ruining Kanye's discography, cementing him in a position where there will never be another stellar record like Yeezus or MBDTF. This is the start of Kanye's downfall (well... kinda spawned by 'Ye') and most likely nearing towards the end of his music career. As a Kanye fan, it is hard to rate this album so low but in all honesty, for a Kanye album, this album sucks. However, weighing this album against general music, it is fairly average. So... I'll be giving Mr West a 5/10 for his 9th studio record 'Jesus Is King'.… Expand
  25. Sadvilliany
    Oct 29, 2019
    5
    "Eh" is how I'd describe this. I really wasn't impressed with much on here. I liked Selah, I thought Use This Gospel was great, loved that track. God Is and Follow God were pretty aight imo, I enjoyed Water too. But other than that I really didn't get much out of this. Not only can I not see myself revisiting this, but only about half of what was on here kept me listening. That being said,"Eh" is how I'd describe this. I really wasn't impressed with much on here. I liked Selah, I thought Use This Gospel was great, loved that track. God Is and Follow God were pretty aight imo, I enjoyed Water too. But other than that I really didn't get much out of this. Not only can I not see myself revisiting this, but only about half of what was on here kept me listening. That being said, I still anticipate the next Kanye release, but jeez this was a let down.… Expand
  26. Trunestor
    Jun 13, 2021
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Disappointing. But better than I expected. Jesus is King is a short Christian rap journey, with his old style from College Dropout and Late Registration; and also from unreleased album Yandhi. His old beats have been ridiculously altered to (it seems like to) match the quality of the album. But the album has some up's and low's. Half of the album holds up well and the other one doesn't. It peaks at On God, with the slickest beat in this album, then it goes downhill from Everything We Need. He removed every good thing about the song. And then the other albums come, with the same story as Everything We Need had. Overall the album is a good listen… Expand
  27. clem666
    Jan 9, 2021
    5
    Witnessing the fact that Kanye thinks he could be something other than a majestic rapper with an ego bigger than planet Earth is actually nice. Seeing such questioning makes me reconsider humanity positively. The artist faced (and successfully triumph) the idea to work in a totally different way than he usually does. He managed to release an album whose subjects and foundations are closerWitnessing the fact that Kanye thinks he could be something other than a majestic rapper with an ego bigger than planet Earth is actually nice. Seeing such questioning makes me reconsider humanity positively. The artist faced (and successfully triumph) the idea to work in a totally different way than he usually does. He managed to release an album whose subjects and foundations are closer to some part of his personality. In this way, 'Jesus Is King' is a powerful promise and a deep record. Beats and rhythms vary a lot. Production is awesome. There are some interesting featured artists who bring even more music that is different from what Kanye does. Saxophone solo in 'Use This Gospel' from Kenny G is absolutely gorgeous and a good example for that.

    However in the facts we are far from all I previously described as we realize Kanye speaks about Jesus only to draw parallels between their respective lives and to try to identify himself as God's son. Almost all tracks sounds like unfinished drafts. It feels like Kanye couldn't involve himself to his core while creating this project. Some songs may be repetitve sometimes. Not saying nonsense and rudeness must have been frighteningly difficult for Kanye.    … Expand
  28. BigPeePee352
    Oct 28, 2019
    5
    This is easily the worst Kanye album in a while. That doesn't make it awful. Its not even bad. its just ok. Its got some high points and some low points. The high points are songs like "Use This Gospel", "Everything We Need", and "On God". But, there are awful songs too. Like the uninspired "Hands On" and the stupid lyrics of "Closed on Sunday, Your my Chick-Fil-A" on the song closed onThis is easily the worst Kanye album in a while. That doesn't make it awful. Its not even bad. its just ok. Its got some high points and some low points. The high points are songs like "Use This Gospel", "Everything We Need", and "On God". But, there are awful songs too. Like the uninspired "Hands On" and the stupid lyrics of "Closed on Sunday, Your my Chick-Fil-A" on the song closed on Sunday. for every misstep on this album it comes with a positive. So that makes it a 5 out of ten.… Expand
  29. kixistrk
    Jan 24, 2020
    5
    Though holding the same sprawling and engaging production Kanye has become a household band for, Jesus is King lacks the depth and self awareness to bring anything of value to the table. Perhaps it’s a victory lap on Kanye’s life, but personally, it seemed like the top would be a lot more interesting for one of the most influential hip hop talents of all time.
  30. Xellophone
    Oct 30, 2019
    5
    This is a disappointment. It feels half-baked, unfinished, rushed. Still some favourable tracks, but overall the album just doesn't work
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Awards & Rankings

9
#9 Most Discussed Album of 2019

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
53

Mixed or average reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 25
  3. Negative: 4 out of 25
  1. Tiny Mix Tapes
    Dec 30, 2019
    0
    His reunion with frequent collaborators belies a rich history of discovering and championing new voices. This ostensible distance from which Kanye preaches reveals King’s true tension: Kanye, like Kendrick on DAMN., is asking for our prayers, while also distancing himself from our hands and our mouths. And it doesn’t work. ... He has artistically lost track of his audience and himself in its midst.
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  2. The Wire
    Nov 20, 2019
    50
    He’s hung up on Jesus rather than pneumatic women. It’s hard to tell if that’s an improvement, but it doesn’t seem like a regression either. ... An album with zero fat, dense in at least three senses, two of them positive. [Dec 2019, p.60]
  3. RapReviews.com
    Nov 12, 2019
    50
    As with every Kanye album, there’s some magnificent production on a majority of “Jesus Is King” courtesy of Pi’erre Bourne, Timbaland and Boogz, among others. ... Kanye just seems like he’s in his own world; disregarding what’s going on around him. Other times, Ye’s writing delves into eyerolling contradictions and ego-driven intentions.
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