Paper Trail
by T.I.
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. MSN Consumer Guide (Robert Christgau)
    91
    If you can't get with this expediently excessive piece of rich-get-richer, commercial rap albums are beyond your ken.
  2. RapReviews.com
    90
    With very little filler and a strong selection of songs from start to finish, the hype that this is potentially "album of the year" according to Atlantic Records may ACTUALLY be true.
  3. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    Despite his often earnest lyrics, the radio-friendly party anthems, flirty come-ons, collaborations with A-list pals (Rihanna, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Justin Timberlake), and outstanding production prove this beleaguered bad boy still knows how to have a good time.
  5. The A.V. Club
    83
    A welcome return to form after the underwhelming, muddled concept album "T.I. Vs. T.I.P.," Trail is an uneven but oft-invigorating combination of velvet and grit, angst and celebration.
  6. Billboard
    80
    He's embodied literature's most popular archetype--the survivor--by transforming his woes into a reflective, enjoyable album.
  7. Boston Globe
    80
    Paper Trail tops them both [previous two albums] simply by being content driven, from the plot to the refined delivery.
  8. Vibe
    80
    His struggles did make for a strong album.
  9. Paste Magazine
    75
    Even with the burden of sloppy crossover tracks, Paper Trail has enough standout moments for T.I.’s throne to remain secure for now.
  10. AllMusic
    70
    There is a sense of urgency and a new dimension of self-reflection not touched upon throughout the holding pattern that was "T.I. vs T.I.P."
  11. Sputnikmusic
    70
    More lyrical than Lil' Wayne and catchier than Young Jeezy, T.I. has once again proved the fact that he represents an excellent blend of lyrical talent and pop sensibility.
  12. Hot Press
    70
    House-arrested rapper defends his realm.
  13. Blender
    70
    T.I. boats one of gangsta rap's most mellifluous voices and more polysyllabic lexicons, and when he combines the two, he's dazzling, hypnotic, virtuosic. [Dec 08/Jan 09, p.82]
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  14. cokemachineglow
    67
    Sequenced as the record is, with each personality dominating certain stretches of runtime, Paper Trail feels almost vaudevillian.
  15. Pitchfork
    62
    Paper Trail more often succeeds when the positivity sounds more earned than court-ordered.

Awards & Rankings

13
#13 Most Shared Album of 2008

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 83 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 76 out of 83
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 83
  3. Negative: 2 out of 83
  1. JoeBennet14
    Nov 13, 2017
    8
    Excellent lyricism, entertaining beats, an impressive list of features, all packed together with a number of brilliant tracks makes this T.I'sExcellent lyricism, entertaining beats, an impressive list of features, all packed together with a number of brilliant tracks makes this T.I's best project to date. One of the very best albums from the tail end of the 2000's… Full Review »
  2. Jensen67
    May 23, 2017
    9
    For me personally this album is a classic. It's what turned me into such a big T.I. fan. I personally don't think there's a bad song on here,For me personally this album is a classic. It's what turned me into such a big T.I. fan. I personally don't think there's a bad song on here, but a couple are kinda meh.

    Best songs: You Ain't Missin' Nothing / Dead and Gone / Ready For Whatever    … Full Review »
  3. keve16
    Mar 22, 2015
    8
    8.2/10................................................................................................................................................
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