The Album About Nothing
by Wale
  • Record Label: Atlantic
  • Release Date: Mar 31, 2015
Metascore
67

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
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  1. XXL
    Apr 6, 2015
    80
    The Album About Nothing has an infectious, feel-good vibe with an undeniable cohesiveness.
  2. Exclaim
    Apr 2, 2015
    80
    [The] few missteps evince the fact that Wale is finding himself again, treading through the high waters to realize his ambitions. And to that end, The Album About Nothing does more than enough.
  3. RapReviews.com
    Apr 7, 2015
    75
    The soulful production, harnessing plenty of live instrumentals, mixes well with the lingering hints of MMG production.
  5. AllMusic
    Dec 22, 2015
    70
    Although Wale's got so much to say, he often says it over the same tempo, and if it weren't for "The Girls on Drugs" (rescued from another Seinfeld-themed mixtape, Festivus) and a couple other kicking moments, the musical spectrum here would be narrow. Still, it's a minor complaint as The Album About Nothing is bigger, bolder, and better than expected.
  6. Rolling Stone
    Apr 21, 2015
    70
    Wale uses Seinfeld's advice not just as a gimmick but as a jumping-off point.
  7. Billboard.com
    Apr 2, 2015
    70
    The Album About Nothing is his most personal piece of work to date, and also his best. That hair-trigger sensitivity can be off-putting, but it's also what makes him good at what he does.
  8. Complex
    Apr 2, 2015
    70
    The second half of The Album About Nothing is a bit more hit-and-miss than the opening seven tracks.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 46 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 38 out of 46
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 46
  3. Negative: 4 out of 46
  1. Baous
    Apr 8, 2015
    9
    8.4/10

    Probably his best album. TAAN is a very underrated body of work. Definitely a lot better than anything JCole could ever dream of    8.4/10

    Probably his best album. TAAN is a very underrated body of work. Definitely a lot better than anything JCole could ever dream of putting out.

    Best songs: Girls On Drugs, God Smile, Glass Egg, Matrimony, Body, Pessimist, Middle Finger.

    Lots of highlights from the album. 2nd best album of 2015 thus far behind the obvious TPAB.    … Full Review »
  2. swagkonyjohnson
    Apr 2, 2015
    7
    TAAN in my opinion is not Wale's best work, but it is his best album. This album shows Wale pushing away from the more Rick Ross/trap-inspiredTAAN in my opinion is not Wale's best work, but it is his best album. This album shows Wale pushing away from the more Rick Ross/trap-inspired music of MMG and getting back to the style that got everyone hyped about him some years ago, a style that he is more comfortable with and that suits him better. He is very personal, dishing on personal issues, views of society, relationships, etc. The first half or so of the album is on point, with an awesome, attention-grabbing intro and strong works like "The Pessimist" and "The Girls On Drugs." The second half isn't bad at all, but not quite as solid as the first half, although it has really enjoyable songs like "The God Smile," "The Need To Know," and "The Matrimony." The Seinfeld feature on most of the songs was a nice touch, like it was on his early mixtapes, but on some of these songs it was either unnecessary or what Seinfeld was saying just wasn't that important or meaningful. Also, Wale tried to incorporate some singing/sing-rapping (which most artists are doing nowadays), which wasn't necessarily bad but I personally I didn't enjoy too much. But overall I'd say a good job, Wale's best album… Full Review »
  3. michaelobi
    Jul 11, 2016
    9
    The best rap project i have listened to in the last year. Wale has always been an underrated even though he consistently puts out classicsThe best rap project i have listened to in the last year. Wale has always been an underrated even though he consistently puts out classics like this. It is not just about the rhythm with him, The poetry is splendid.… Full Review »
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