The Big Day
by Chance the Rapper
  • Record Label: N/A
  • Release Date: Jul 26, 2019
User Score
3.7

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 325 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 84 out of 325
  2. Mixed: 54 out of 325
  3. Negative: 187 out of 325

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  1. SITBR1995
    Jul 27, 2019
    7
    Overall, this album was good, but not great. Pros: Usually sonically impressive, Loved the Afrobeat influence on Zanies and Fools, Liked Gospel Influences and Chance’s unabashed spirituality, His lyricism was often impressive. Flow was usually impressive. Features were nice.

    Ok: His singing and ad-libs were hit or miss. Bad: Inconsistent. Some good tracks, several average tracks, one or    Overall, this album was good, but not great. Pros: Usually sonically impressive, Loved the Afrobeat influence on Zanies and Fools, Liked Gospel Influences and Chance’s unabashed spirituality, His lyricism was often impressive. Flow was usually impressive. Features were nice.

    Ok: His singing and ad-libs were hit or miss. Bad: Inconsistent. Some good tracks, several average tracks, one or two weak tracks, and one or two outstanding tracks.    … Expand
  2. lm_Naathan
    Jul 26, 2019
    8
    This album was a really fun listen with a lot of great production and sounds but that doesn’t mean it’s perfect. There are some sleepers on this one. Sometimes chance sounds monotone and emotionless or the production doesn’t have any depth, but thankfully there’s not many of those songs on here, like I said this album is really fun if you like to dance and some bars are pretty funny, I canThis album was a really fun listen with a lot of great production and sounds but that doesn’t mean it’s perfect. There are some sleepers on this one. Sometimes chance sounds monotone and emotionless or the production doesn’t have any depth, but thankfully there’s not many of those songs on here, like I said this album is really fun if you like to dance and some bars are pretty funny, I can recommend this one to anyone that’s not picky with music.… Expand
  3. guitfiddler95
    Jul 26, 2019
    8
    Pretty satisfying project, it's a fine debut album but just barely. Definitely could've been shorter but there aren't really any bad moments. All the songs are pretty catchy but there's only a few that really surprised me and surpassed my expectations. There's definitely some really clever lyrics and great sampling. Overall it's a fun listen with a handful of gems. Not blown away like IPretty satisfying project, it's a fine debut album but just barely. Definitely could've been shorter but there aren't really any bad moments. All the songs are pretty catchy but there's only a few that really surprised me and surpassed my expectations. There's definitely some really clever lyrics and great sampling. Overall it's a fun listen with a handful of gems. Not blown away like I was with Coloring Book but I'm sure I'll be coming back to hear tracks like "Ballin Flossin", "Get a Bag", and "All Day Long".… Expand
  4. Willcorbett
    Jul 27, 2019
    8
    Chance's debut album has many elements of his past genius and creativity. Overall, it lacks the coherent vision and fun of his past projects such as coloring book or acid rap. While some of his best work and emotion appears on this album, it suffers from some other, lesser songs on the album. The Big Day is a welcome addition to chances discography and our playlists but suffers inChance's debut album has many elements of his past genius and creativity. Overall, it lacks the coherent vision and fun of his past projects such as coloring book or acid rap. While some of his best work and emotion appears on this album, it suffers from some other, lesser songs on the album. The Big Day is a welcome addition to chances discography and our playlists but suffers in comparison to his previous mixtapes.The Big Day is an enjoyable listen but ultimately feels overstuffed and disappointing.… Expand
  5. AdamReginald
    Jul 27, 2019
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. After a couple of listens to the album, I could tell what Chance was trying to do with his debut album. I believe he was influenced heavily by his wedding or “his big day” so he made music similar to his marriage. Although there isn’t a direct and cohesive sound as well as a lack of Chance’s fun personality compared to his past projects, ‘The Big Day’ is still an enjoyable project, even though I do think this is one of his lackluster projects in his discography.… Expand
  6. ArisaCritic
    Jul 28, 2019
    9
    See heres the thing. This is a really good - pretty great album. But its just that his past projects have been exceptional. 11 out of 10s. And unfortunately he didn’t quite out do that. Which we expected him to, since after all, this is his debut album and his previous projects were mixtapes. Nonetheless, even though this album is much longer, less “fun” than his acid rap or coloring book,See heres the thing. This is a really good - pretty great album. But its just that his past projects have been exceptional. 11 out of 10s. And unfortunately he didn’t quite out do that. Which we expected him to, since after all, this is his debut album and his previous projects were mixtapes. Nonetheless, even though this album is much longer, less “fun” than his acid rap or coloring book, that fact in and of itself, shines light on the growth that Chance has achieved in the past couple of years. His new life as a husband and a father, “a family man” and the overcoming of addictions to cigarettes and xans, both of which have been discussed in the the album, his deepening relationship with God etc, all of these factors combine into making the maturity and genius of this album. The Big Day should be critiqued as a stand alone project, as tempting as it is to compare to what he has previously done (which im guilty of myself). Because each has been produced in completely different points in his life which reflects their outcomes. Very strong songs on this album and the goodness of anything he may have done before does not deny that this is great music.… Expand
  7. benjialbert
    Jul 27, 2019
    8
    Chance moves on from his previous styles into many new different styles + genres, and it’s very successful. from songs such as hot shower to ballin flossin to the title track, there is a huge diversity on the album. While a few tracks/features could have been scrapped, the album is, for the most part, great.
  8. DowntownD
    Jul 28, 2019
    9
    The album is long, but doesn’t to drag on. There’s a surprising amount of variance in each song as Chance switches up the tempo, beats, singing, and features well enough to keep you locked in for the 1 hour 17 minute run time. Chance strikes that rare balance of uplifting rap without being corny. It’s a concept album about being in love and the commitment of marriage. Despite the extensiveThe album is long, but doesn’t to drag on. There’s a surprising amount of variance in each song as Chance switches up the tempo, beats, singing, and features well enough to keep you locked in for the 1 hour 17 minute run time. Chance strikes that rare balance of uplifting rap without being corny. It’s a concept album about being in love and the commitment of marriage. Despite the extensive length of the project, there’s still a cohesion to it. Additionally, Chance sounds like he’s having fun and incorporates themes of fatherhood, throwbacks to childhood nostalgia, and honors his roots with a few Chicago Juke / House songs. This album will age well and be listened to for a long time to come.… Expand
  9. LowbudgetJesus
    Jul 28, 2019
    7
    It's a good album but Chance needs to stop interrupting his own really good flows
  10. Yeehawsir
    Jul 26, 2019
    9
    swings big and murders a couple of tracks. Opens strong with two stunning songs, closes strong. A miss or two on a 22 song album, but otherwise stellar.
  11. yung_ronald18
    Jul 27, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. **** it, is da best jjjjjjjjjjjjjjaaaaa **** the haters **** the indistryyyy… Expand
  12. Stumps
    Jul 28, 2019
    7
    Chance The Rappers The Big Day is an amazing album, but it falls short in the first four songs in the album. These songs are just outliers in the album. The rest of the album is a very well made album with more of a consistent flow.
  13. Shakir1995
    Jul 29, 2019
    10
    It was chances debut album after 3 years of anticipation. For fans of his, specifically from the city of Chicago who’s seen him grow on each release since 2012’s 10 Day, it’s everything you could of expected. He’s not the same acid induced frenetic rapper he was on his most monumental project to date Acid Rap, he’s a married man with kids who has inevitably grown mentally and spirituallyIt was chances debut album after 3 years of anticipation. For fans of his, specifically from the city of Chicago who’s seen him grow on each release since 2012’s 10 Day, it’s everything you could of expected. He’s not the same acid induced frenetic rapper he was on his most monumental project to date Acid Rap, he’s a married man with kids who has inevitably grown mentally and spiritually in response to that fact and it manifests itself on this project. Is it the perfect album? No, could’ve been shorter and a couple of tracks could of been left off but he still delivers some of the most nuanced experimental musical experiences heard this year and it’s a debut album he, along with his fans should be proud of.… Expand
  14. beastmcsavage
    Jul 26, 2019
    9
    An well produced album with memoraboe bars, beats, and vocals. Though the order of songs may seem off you must remember chance was influenced by the music from his wedding, which is clearly seen once a second listening has been completed. This album leaves you wanting to hear what comes next from the artist while also leaving you nostalgic for his past projects that led him to this pointAn well produced album with memoraboe bars, beats, and vocals. Though the order of songs may seem off you must remember chance was influenced by the music from his wedding, which is clearly seen once a second listening has been completed. This album leaves you wanting to hear what comes next from the artist while also leaving you nostalgic for his past projects that led him to this point in his career. Just like what a marriage makes you feel at the wedding day… Expand
  15. JustinH94
    Jul 26, 2019
    9
    A good mix of the old and the new. Varied production, surprising features, and a lot of fun, interesting rapping/singing from Chance. Something for everyone!
  16. zSuchacritic
    Jul 27, 2019
    10
    just an overall slapper. chance doesn't try and do too much outside of what he already done, but thats saying a lot considering he has expanded the genre past its limitations. his music is an artform; the type that may be seen as odd or unorthodox. but its these characteristics of his music, and more specifically this album, that allow for such an enjoyable listen.

    the "preachyness" of    just an overall slapper. chance doesn't try and do too much outside of what he already done, but thats saying a lot considering he has expanded the genre past its limitations. his music is an artform; the type that may be seen as odd or unorthodox. but its these characteristics of his music, and more specifically this album, that allow for such an enjoyable listen.

    the "preachyness" of his music is what makes it unique. and in an era where hip-hop consists of an unhealthy amount of mumble rappers that drone on and on about the same things, that use the most basic of trap beats, and die out in less than a year (Lil Pump, Blueface, etc.) this album is both refreshing and joyful.    … Expand
  17. RandallAudrain
    Jul 29, 2019
    10
    Instant classic. The album features contributions from Megan Thee Stallion, Bon Iver, Nicki Minaj, Shawn Mendes, CocoRosie, James Taylor, and Randy Newman. 10/10
  18. HeavyMachinegun
    Aug 5, 2019
    8
    Definitely too many songs, if you summerize it in 14 songs like his previous projects you'll get a great piece of music everyone. Gotta shout out Eternal, All Day Long, Do you remember, Handsome and many others
  19. the-airbud
    Jul 31, 2019
    8
    Evidently expectations were way too high for this. It's a good album, and people are going to start realizing that in a year or two when all the buzz has died out. Just don't go into it expecting every song is going to be the best track Chance has ever made.
  20. Kevinthewoods
    Jul 29, 2019
    9
    This album is damn good. I know we live in a society full of nihilistic negative douche bags that hate anything with a positive message but this album is just that and it’s awesome and super refreshing.
  21. AGarrr24
    Aug 3, 2019
    8
    Not without its kinks; How Shower is more silly than terrible, but it is also completely out of place - an afterthought-worthy song plugged in after a strong front trio to open the album. Nonetheless, Chance clearly still has a mind for clever-to-charmingly cheesy bars. The depth of previous releases is a bit absent, but it’s still a quality release at its core.
  22. Miyagisama
    Aug 10, 2019
    9
    Every Chance project reflects where he is at in his life and this project is no different. I think the tracklist as well as a few unorthodox genre placements have activated the collective internet's negative hivemind, but if we're being honest, this album is sonically more appealing across the board than colouring book, Infact id put only Acid Rap ahead of 10 day. Chance has evolved as anEvery Chance project reflects where he is at in his life and this project is no different. I think the tracklist as well as a few unorthodox genre placements have activated the collective internet's negative hivemind, but if we're being honest, this album is sonically more appealing across the board than colouring book, Infact id put only Acid Rap ahead of 10 day. Chance has evolved as an artist and unfortunately his fanbase has not but there is no denying that there is something for everyone on this sprawling masterpiece in which chano has invited us to be a part of.… Expand
  23. calebcorleone
    Feb 4, 2020
    8
    The hate for this album is actually absurd. It's like a bunch of angry, lonely people got mad that he made an album about the love of his life. It's solid from top to bottom. Great production, some great songs, really polished, and moving in a lot of ways.
  24. Caldean11
    Aug 3, 2019
    9
    Mark these words: THIS ALBUM WILL AGE WELL. So many people are disappointed because it doesn't have that same frantic, happy energy (that I also love) that Coloring Book had. But this album shows off Chance's range, while constructing a beautifully written 22 track long love letter to his wife...He's doing exactly what he wants and I love it. Hot Shower is great. Made me think of a lotMark these words: THIS ALBUM WILL AGE WELL. So many people are disappointed because it doesn't have that same frantic, happy energy (that I also love) that Coloring Book had. But this album shows off Chance's range, while constructing a beautifully written 22 track long love letter to his wife...He's doing exactly what he wants and I love it. Hot Shower is great. Made me think of a lot of early hip hop. The Big Dream title track with Francis and The Lights is beautiful--chance vocals are perfectly heartfelt, tender, and transparent regarding the crazy part of love. Keep it coming Chance. And give to everyone who is a little let down...give it a few more listens.… Expand
  25. brockcheese
    Aug 29, 2019
    7
    Not gonna lie. Chances worst album to date. Clearly he didn't spend enough time on this as the wedding was earlier this year. Still, any Chance is good Chance, but try harder next time.
  26. jonojono
    Aug 20, 2019
    10
    so this album was actually really good but then i heard needledrops review and i believe its now a 0 out of 10. I do believe Chance did 9/11 thanks i didnt listen to the album and i give this one a meh out of good bye
  27. CraigEchols
    Jul 31, 2019
    7
    You can definitely see a different Chance with this album. Combined with the usual positivity one can expect from Chance, he also delves less into the his religion and more into his life, his growth, his family, etc. What may come off as striking, however, Chance strays away from his simplistic, yet deep flow, to make his attempt at different styles using more double-timed flows,You can definitely see a different Chance with this album. Combined with the usual positivity one can expect from Chance, he also delves less into the his religion and more into his life, his growth, his family, etc. What may come off as striking, however, Chance strays away from his simplistic, yet deep flow, to make his attempt at different styles using more double-timed flows, multi-syllables, and rhyme schemes, and tones. The results are mixed, to say the least, but when he hits, he does hit pretty well.

    The Big Day can seem like a rambling album, which is to be expected from an album at such length (22 tracks) and I can see where some people would get a little fatigued going through it all. You go into the album feeling powerful and as you get to the middle and latter portions it can start to feel like slog. Personally, i'm not a fan of long albums anyways.

    However, if you take the album in doses, you can really enjoy it. Not his best effort for an album, but even a 70% Chance is still better than 90% of the rap game.    … Expand
  28. Nateblum7
    Aug 8, 2021
    10
    Madvillany. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. To Pimp a Butterfly. The Big Day. Ready To Die. What do all of these albums have in common? Instant classics that surpass the tests of time. Top tier hip-hop albums that all have a mission and execute them perfectly. Flawless features, a perfect tracklist, and all around, some of the best music a human can make.
    As I look through the    Madvillany. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. To Pimp a Butterfly. The Big Day. Ready To Die. What do all of these albums have in common? Instant classics that surpass the tests of time. Top tier hip-hop albums that all have a mission and execute them perfectly. Flawless features, a perfect tracklist, and all around, some of the best music a human can make.
    As I look through the tracklist for Chance's magnum opus, I can't find anything that even resembles an issue. The absolute range of the features, spanning from Death Cab for Cutie and Shawn Mendes all the way to DaBaby and Megan Thee Stallion, is nothing short of stunning, and the sheer volume of just overall good music Chance is presenting is truly something special. The inclusion of the three skits, spaced perfectly across the album, was a great decision. Not only are they comedy gold, they help break up the music, so that less musically intelligent troglodytes can understand it better. As for Chance himself, he is arguably the best, if not a top three, rapper in the game right now. His ability to open this album on a somber note, heat up and get hype with the biggest hit "Hot Shower", and take a reflective note as he winds down with songs like "5 Year Plan" and Town On The Hill". The range and pure emotion Chance brings in, paired with the ability to turn up as well, makes The Big Day a bonafide classic, and does more than earn its spot among the all time greats. Chance truly put the whole game on notice with his skill, talent and versatility across The Big Day.    … Expand
  29. Gamemod
    Jul 30, 2019
    7
    UNPOPULAR OPINION: Hot Shower is an enjoyable song.

    Overall though this album has some hard beats, some good vocals, and wild vocals.
  30. WriterITDark
    Aug 7, 2019
    8
    Sonically is VERY pleasing and the collabs are cool with me. Love the production on most tracks. The Nicki collab missed smt besides exellent verse of her the sing missed smt. But fav track is ETERNAL!!!
  31. CHristianLamar
    Jul 29, 2019
    10
    Chance’s debut is GREAT! He still proves why he is one of the best new artists of his generation, and why he will last/have longevity in his career, not just in music, but overall. 10/10 = A-
  32. Yocko
    Jul 30, 2019
    10
    Delicious album. Soundtrack to summer. I even like better than his last album
  33. Ramadeez
    Aug 7, 2019
    8
    This definitely not the type chance project that everyone has been accustomed to in the past... but I’m not shocked. Listen the words in “All Day Long.” This is a Chance thing to do. Sentimental about the important experiences in his life and what more sentimental than his relationship with his wife. He’s off the drugs, God fearing, and mature af. Once you get past this fact you realizeThis definitely not the type chance project that everyone has been accustomed to in the past... but I’m not shocked. Listen the words in “All Day Long.” This is a Chance thing to do. Sentimental about the important experiences in his life and what more sentimental than his relationship with his wife. He’s off the drugs, God fearing, and mature af. Once you get past this fact you realize this is 1000% still the same dude. Not something to bump to all the time but something to appreciate!… Expand
  34. ylneverdie
    Aug 10, 2019
    9
    This album is a thing of beauty. Truly personal. Wonderful vibes. And rewards the listener with every play.
    Sure, not all of the songs are 10s - But the ones that are - man. Wow.
    So refreshing in today's scene - BIG themes of marriage and love make this the hip hop album of the year for me.
    The love story playing out in Chance's music over the last few years is something truly special.

Awards & Rankings

19
#19 Most Discussed Album of 2019
15
#15 Most Shared Album of 2019

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. The Wire
    Sep 13, 2019
    50
    This album finds itself wandering far too into pop territory, without the accompanying substance and adventure that made his preceding releases so refreshing. [Oct 2019, p.67]
  2. Sputnikmusic
    Aug 6, 2019
    80
    TBD, on the other hand, wrangles with value-laden mindlessness in a manner that is both fun and endearing. TBD succeeds, in other words, on the merit of its recontextualisation of current trends into a project that is equal parts soapbox and sellable product.
    Read full review
  3. AllMusic
    Aug 1, 2019
    80
    Occasional nearsighted lyrical perspectives and three or four excellent but inessential tracks keep The Big Day from quite reaching masterpiece status, but it's still the most grown up (and the most polished) rendering of Chance's eternally bright spirit in his catalog.
    Read full review
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