The Life Of Pablo
by Kanye West
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 2238 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,797 out of 2238
  2. Mixed: 179 out of 2238
  3. Negative: 262 out of 2238
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  1. Yeenius
    Feb 16, 2016
    10
    Just about every song including the bonus tracks are wonderful. Production is absolutely top notch. Gives an interesting glimpse into this very conflicted stage of the life of Kanye West. It has beautiful gospel singing as well as absolutely vulgar rhymes (bleached t shirts) that portray Kanye's struggle trying to transition from rock star to family man.
  2. Bigpapi
    Feb 15, 2016
    9
    This is easily a candidate for album of the year already. Kanye West continues to change the game by putting out projects that are all unique to one another and not the same music every album he releases like most of the rappers nowadays. Even though this album isn't quite as good as his best album, MBDTF, it still lives up to the hype it created and more. His rhymes, production, and linesThis is easily a candidate for album of the year already. Kanye West continues to change the game by putting out projects that are all unique to one another and not the same music every album he releases like most of the rappers nowadays. Even though this album isn't quite as good as his best album, MBDTF, it still lives up to the hype it created and more. His rhymes, production, and lines are all on point and there are little to no weak points on the album. If you are a fan of hip-hop or music in general, you ned to listen to this masterpiece, it will go down as one of the albums that changed the rap game forever.… Expand
  3. Sokolymba
    Feb 16, 2016
    8
    Please, read this.
    I've collected that puzzle.
    Enjoy!

    1. Famous
    2. Father Stretch My Hands Pt. 1
    3. Pt. 2
    4. Facts
    5. Feedback
    6. Highlights
    7. Freestyle 4
    8. Wawes
    9. Silver Surfer Intermission
    10. 30 Hours
    11. No More Parties in LA
    12. Fade
    13. I Love Kanye
    14. FML
    15. Real Friends
    16. Low Lights
    17. Wolves
    18. Ultralight Beam
  4. G2TRU
    Feb 14, 2016
    10
    Another fantastic album from Kanye West. The life of Pablo takes bits and pieces from every album Kanye has ever released all into one. Sonically it is a masterpiece. Lyrically he holds his own. Mixing is near perfect. All the collaborators on this album stand out and complement each other. Album is a spiritual journey though all that makes Kanye so unique. You will get brash and confidentAnother fantastic album from Kanye West. The life of Pablo takes bits and pieces from every album Kanye has ever released all into one. Sonically it is a masterpiece. Lyrically he holds his own. Mixing is near perfect. All the collaborators on this album stand out and complement each other. Album is a spiritual journey though all that makes Kanye so unique. You will get brash and confident Kanye West. And you also will get Sad and Vulnerable Kanye West. Conveying the message that this is all a gods dream. Kanye is a dreamer and has vividly portrayed his dream to the masses though out his entire career. And he has done so again. Whether you love him or hate him it you should still give this a listen.… Expand
  5. aidanhicks101
    Feb 14, 2016
    9
    I didn't know what to expect going into this album, especially because it kept changing every 2 secs, but I can say I really enjoyed he album. Although the album cover does look like trash (my opinion) and there are some lyrics that go overboard (Taylor lyric, Ray J lyric, etc.) it doesn't change the album. My favorite songs would have to be Wolves (BTW FRANK OCEAN IS ALIVE!!) and No MoreI didn't know what to expect going into this album, especially because it kept changing every 2 secs, but I can say I really enjoyed he album. Although the album cover does look like trash (my opinion) and there are some lyrics that go overboard (Taylor lyric, Ray J lyric, etc.) it doesn't change the album. My favorite songs would have to be Wolves (BTW FRANK OCEAN IS ALIVE!!) and No More Parties In L.A. (the beats and some of the lyrics were too damn good). It was worth the $20 for me and I would recommend giving it a listen.

    But the only thing I ask is two things. 1. PLEASE put it on iTunes and not this TIDAL BS, because that was a complete disaster. 2. PLEASE PUT THIS ON VINYL! This is the kind of album that BELONGS on vinyl more (my opinion)

    Have a good day!    … Expand
  6. DustyCamp405
    Feb 14, 2016
    10
    The Best Rapper of our generation... a living legend.................................................................................................!
  7. YungMarc
    Feb 14, 2016
    10
    great!! these beats are on point and the lyrics are references to the reality
    pretty sure that album deserves an position on Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame
    please, take off some Led Zeppelin albuns and put Kanye's TLOP there
  8. shanemartin2
    Feb 14, 2016
    9
    Kanye did it again with TLOP. This album is a sonic masterpiece and a breath of fresh air when Hip Hop needs one. Lyrically, it is one of Ye's weaker efforts, but its made up for with out of this world production and aesthetics. He always manages to get the best out of his features and TLOP is no different. Young Thug, The Weeknd, and Chance all manage to fit the vibe Ye was trying toKanye did it again with TLOP. This album is a sonic masterpiece and a breath of fresh air when Hip Hop needs one. Lyrically, it is one of Ye's weaker efforts, but its made up for with out of this world production and aesthetics. He always manages to get the best out of his features and TLOP is no different. Young Thug, The Weeknd, and Chance all manage to fit the vibe Ye was trying to pursue. At first listen it may seem disorganized or without direction, which may not be for some listeners, but this really is another Kanye West masterpiece. It takes gospel influences and mixes them with unapologetic punchlines that only Kanye can pull off. This was a very daring album but I definitely have it in my top 3 Kanye albums of all time.… Expand
  9. jayjayguy2
    Feb 14, 2016
    10
    I don't think you can dislike this and like music at the same time. This is a pure body of work from one of the most creative musicians. So many people will **** on this album without giving it a chance just because they dislike Kanye. Just listen to it front to back and you'll know exactly what I mean.
  10. JeffGoldblum
    Feb 14, 2016
    9
    There aren't two Kanye albums that sound alike; "The Life of Pablo" is a rich, gospel-affected affair highlighted by the opus and album-starter "Ultra Lightbeam," and suprising, last-second addition "Waves." It has a couple of dips lyrically — talk of bleaching **** isn't exactly Shakespearean — and the Good Friday tracks, while likely bonuses, don't necessarily fit sonically with the restThere aren't two Kanye albums that sound alike; "The Life of Pablo" is a rich, gospel-affected affair highlighted by the opus and album-starter "Ultra Lightbeam," and suprising, last-second addition "Waves." It has a couple of dips lyrically — talk of bleaching **** isn't exactly Shakespearean — and the Good Friday tracks, while likely bonuses, don't necessarily fit sonically with the rest of the album, but pioneering production and lyricism tidied up from "Yeezus" make "The Life of Pablo" yet another masterful addition to an already acclaimed discography.… Expand
  11. RAGE16
    Feb 14, 2016
    8
    Kanye always has a knack for making GREAT music even if his lyrics are not as great as they used to be. Production is absolutely fantastic, so varied and layered. Love that his features are always on point and always surprisingly good (ex: Chris Brown) Sounds like Kanye is having fun with his music and being so creative and makes all the other mainstream rappers seems so watered down.Kanye always has a knack for making GREAT music even if his lyrics are not as great as they used to be. Production is absolutely fantastic, so varied and layered. Love that his features are always on point and always surprisingly good (ex: Chris Brown) Sounds like Kanye is having fun with his music and being so creative and makes all the other mainstream rappers seems so watered down. Sampling work is off the charts and you just know it's a Kanye song and has that magic touch only he can provide. Love the depth of the work as well. The juxtaposition of "good, artisitc" Pablo Picasso songs (Ultralight Beam, Father Stretch My Hands, Highlights) compared to Pablo Escobar songs (Famous, Feedback, FML). Only cons to the album are some questionable lyrics that simply sound stupid, Vic Mensa and Sia not being on Wolves (even though Frank Ocean is great), and Facts is just a terrible song. All in all, an album I will be bumping in the car for months and another gem in the Kanye discography.… Expand
  12. TakeitYeezy
    Feb 15, 2016
    10
    This album will probably not be commercially successful album as other Kanye's album, but sure will be one of his most album. A great album that is already a classic.
  13. Lord-Quas
    Feb 16, 2016
    10
    Ye's done it again! Oh my goodness, where do I begin? Mr. West is the only artist I know that stays consistent with his craft. This is the best record that's been put out since 2010's "Dark Fantasy". The overall vibe of this record's glorious! The instrumentation's grandiose without feeling too oversaturated. The only thing I can say is.... Hip-Hop's still alive. #rejoice #Kanye2020
  14. KING_KEIGS
    Feb 16, 2016
    9
    Look Kanye is a cocky dude that I some times get annoyed with but man you got to respect his music/art! Yeezus was different and good but didnt stay in my rotation for long. Life of Pablo will be bumping for months to come! One complaint is a lot of short songs and dumb skits!
  15. Tonyo
    Feb 14, 2016
    3
    A l'écoute de la piste d'ouverture - Ultralight Beam - on pouvait penser que Kanye West était de retour à ses débuts et qu'il allait nous proposer un album solide après cette première piste et surtout l'excellent No More Parties In L.A. . Au final, on se retrouve avec un album qui oscille entre le médiocre et le catastrophique sur un fond d'autotune. Remercions le nombre excessif deA l'écoute de la piste d'ouverture - Ultralight Beam - on pouvait penser que Kanye West était de retour à ses débuts et qu'il allait nous proposer un album solide après cette première piste et surtout l'excellent No More Parties In L.A. . Au final, on se retrouve avec un album qui oscille entre le médiocre et le catastrophique sur un fond d'autotune. Remercions le nombre excessif de collaborations sur son album qui essaient de sauver l'album du naufrage (et qui chantent bien plus que West au passage).

    Avec The Life Of Pablo, West prouve définitivement qu'on parle plus de lui pour sa mégalomanie et sa femme que pour sa musique.

    Les seules pistes à conserver: Ultralight Beam, FML, Real Friends, No More Parties In L.A.    … Expand
  16. fajnydamian
    Mar 29, 2016
    0
    I can't believe Kanye recorded an album like this and wanted to tell everyone in the world that this is good. Well, that's just awful and I can't listen to this because this "music" gives me headache.
  17. BeatPro
    Feb 14, 2016
    10
    Kanye West is back with one of the most inspiring albums ever. Production and guests are both stellar, hands down, this is church brothers and sister, church!
  18. thrills
    Feb 16, 2016
    4
    Despite a few excellent songs on here like Ultra Light Beam, FML, Real Friends, Waves and No More Parties in LA, it feels far too lazy and rushed. One of, if not the worst album in his solo discography so far.
  19. Kasi97
    Feb 14, 2016
    9
    It's great.
    Not as revolutionary as his previous albums, but every track on this thing works out great. It's Kanye so his lyrics are a bit off sometimes and it's clear that he spent less time polishing this one than he did with his other albums.
    It was rushed, but Kanye still has an amazing talent that somehow not only saved the album, but made it awesome. Not sure if he could pull this    It's great.
    Not as revolutionary as his previous albums, but every track on this thing works out great. It's Kanye so his lyrics are a bit off sometimes and it's clear that he spent less time polishing this one than he did with his other albums.
    It was rushed, but Kanye still has an amazing talent that somehow not only saved the album, but made it awesome.
    Not sure if he could pull this off again, so I hope he takes his time with the next one. Please Kanye...    … Expand
  20. Xaviale
    Feb 15, 2016
    9
    This albums comes across as one of Kanyes more experimental types of Albums.. The album really "kept me on my toes", as I was listening. I really didn't know what to expect from the next track, nor even mid listening in to one of the tracks.

    Hand down, this album has the best build ups to any of Kanyes tracks though. "Father stretch my hands Pt. 1" & "Low Light" got me really excited    This albums comes across as one of Kanyes more experimental types of Albums.. The album really "kept me on my toes", as I was listening. I really didn't know what to expect from the next track, nor even mid listening in to one of the tracks.

    Hand down, this album has the best build ups to any of Kanyes tracks though. "Father stretch my hands Pt. 1" & "Low Light" got me really excited when hearing after multiple times..

    I dont think this album beats MBDTF nor 808's although I believe it compares fairly close. West only seems to be getting more experimental every Album and I love it..

    List of top Albums as of now..
    1. MBDTF
    2. 808s
    3. TLOP
    4. Late Registration
    5. College Dropout
    6. Yeezus
    6. Graduation    … Expand
  21. calljohno
    Feb 14, 2016
    10
    Ignore the noise that comes from the haters, this album is beautiful. I feel that any person that objectively listens to this album will see it for the masterpiece that it is. It isn't Kanye's best. MBDTF is still his best album, and is a pretty high standard. I strongly believe that this will likely be the best hip-hop album of the year. Kanye is at his most honest, revealing new truthsIgnore the noise that comes from the haters, this album is beautiful. I feel that any person that objectively listens to this album will see it for the masterpiece that it is. It isn't Kanye's best. MBDTF is still his best album, and is a pretty high standard. I strongly believe that this will likely be the best hip-hop album of the year. Kanye is at his most honest, revealing new truths about himself--receiving professional treatment for depression and anxiety, his early girlfriend Sumeke Rainey cheating on him, and his father leaving him and his mom. Kanye raps about himself, which some people frown upon, but I find that I am able to learn a lot about myself by listening to artists that sing/rap about themselves; it helps me to analyze my own feelings. The sound of the album is fresh and new to the mainstream. I'm sure that the version of the album that will actually be held for sale will be different from what is currently streaming on Tidal, so I will reserve a more in-depth review once the official version is released.… Expand
  22. tannerparsons
    Feb 15, 2016
    10
    Love him or hate him, we are living among one of the greatest musical producers ever. His talent and ability to change the game (and do it well) at the drop of a hat sets him apart from any other artist. Kanye gets away with things that no other artist ever could because he has such a unique way of crafting a song. Kanye is an egotistical maniac, but he's musically gifted, and I won't letLove him or hate him, we are living among one of the greatest musical producers ever. His talent and ability to change the game (and do it well) at the drop of a hat sets him apart from any other artist. Kanye gets away with things that no other artist ever could because he has such a unique way of crafting a song. Kanye is an egotistical maniac, but he's musically gifted, and I won't let my bias against his ego stand in the way of me recognizing that history will view Kaye as a revolutionary artist.… Expand
  23. reece2208
    Feb 15, 2016
    10
    Kanye sampled microphone feedback and then produced a freaking BANGER with it! Yeezy brought the fire! The world doesn't deserve beats this good. Hip-hop has changed once again and as always Kanye is the catalyst.
  24. lpcameron
    Feb 15, 2016
    10
    More like a 9.5 but hey that rounds up. A brilliant combination of all his work to date TLOP should have been Kanye's first flop...the messy build up and a clear shift in priorities away from music towards fashion had me worried.

    Instead what we got was another example of Ye's ability to bring a ridiculously diverse array of genres, artists and themes together to create a masterpiece.    More like a 9.5 but hey that rounds up. A brilliant combination of all his work to date TLOP should have been Kanye's first flop...the messy build up and a clear shift in priorities away from music towards fashion had me worried.

    Instead what we got was another example of Ye's ability to bring a ridiculously diverse array of genres, artists and themes together to create a masterpiece. Falls just short of being his best album...MBDTF will never loose that status. That said we could do with a little less "She just bleached her **** and a little more "I just wanna feel liberated IIIIIIIII" but I guess that's just Kanye being Kanye.

    Best songs: Ultralight Beam, Feedback, Father Stretch My Hands Pt1 & 2, Real Friends, Freestyle 4
    Worst song: Facts (He should drop that for the physical release)    … Expand
  25. giu3
    Feb 19, 2016
    0
    This album is overrated, probably the worst one I heard this year. The production is terrible, the flow even worse and the lyrics are the lamest I've ever heard. Kanye was once a great artist but is now just one of the worst trap rappers of the time.
  26. GHOSTMAKER1991
    Mar 8, 2016
    3
    2010's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy was an incredible album that should have gotten at least an Album of the Year nomination and most likely, the award itself. 2013's Yeezus, while decisive, was a brilliant fusion of electornic/house/industrial and rap. I personally listen to these two albums in their entirety very few weeks. Unfortunately, 2016's TLOP is a dissonant mess with at2010's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy was an incredible album that should have gotten at least an Album of the Year nomination and most likely, the award itself. 2013's Yeezus, while decisive, was a brilliant fusion of electornic/house/industrial and rap. I personally listen to these two albums in their entirety very few weeks. Unfortunately, 2016's TLOP is a dissonant mess with at least 7/18 tracks being entirely worthless and almost no redeeming factors.
    These 7 tracks are around 2 minutes or less including a phone call from imprisoned rapper Max B(Silver Surfer Intermission) and a woman talking slowly about her love for Jesus(Low Lights). Freestyle 4 is a boring adlib with a boring beat. I love kanye is funny the first time you hear it but you will groan every time you hear it after.
    While I could dance or rock out to most of the tracks of his two previous albums, the only song that makes me feel like moving at all is Waves, a beautiful song featuring Chris Brown. I once put Waves on Repeat for an hour I loved it so much. Waves is the only highlight for me.
    After 20 listen throughs(what a waste), Waves is the only song I want to hear again from this album. How anyone with two functioning ears enjoys this album is a mystery to me.
    Do yourself a favor and get the trail version of Tidal. Don't subscribe as you can find most albums, including brand new albums on Youtube.
    Cheers, this is my first time using metacritic.    … Expand
  27. joe9685
    Feb 14, 2016
    10
    Best album he's made since Dark Twisted Fantasy. Wish the songs were a little longer but I like how it isn't just 10 songs like before. I love this album like Kanye loves Kanye.
  28. SeaVee
    Feb 15, 2016
    4
    This album really disappointed me, I only like 5 songs on it. The production is amazing as always but the pacing in most songs on it makes the whole album feel flat. If you want to listen to a better but similar music than this, you should check out Angel Haze's project "Back to the woods"
  29. twaddle
    Apr 9, 2016
    0
    'TLOP' is everything that is wrong with the current 'fast food' style of pop music of the present. It's a heartless, soulless effort designed to trick the masses into thinking it's much better than it actually is. Kanye is a product and nothing more; Not an artist, not a genius, and not even worth my time to finish this senten
  30. Renaldo_Berkley
    Feb 14, 2016
    6
    I really wanted to like this album. I've been looking forward to it since it was called "So Help Me God" and Paul McCartney was an executive producer. After many months of delays, Kanye finally landed on February 11th. Then it was delayed again for two days. Finally, we have our hands (ears?) on it. The Life of Pablo is one of the most beautiful and striking albums I've listened to in aI really wanted to like this album. I've been looking forward to it since it was called "So Help Me God" and Paul McCartney was an executive producer. After many months of delays, Kanye finally landed on February 11th. Then it was delayed again for two days. Finally, we have our hands (ears?) on it. The Life of Pablo is one of the most beautiful and striking albums I've listened to in a long time. Ultralight Beam, Famous, Waves, No More Parties In L.A.. and 30 Hours are all wonderful tracks. Their production is gorgeous (and sorta messy) and the lyrics are the best on the album. Chance The Rapper spits one of his more aggressive verses on Ultralight Beam, vowing to defend God and field any questions that are asked of him. 30 Hours has Kanye reflects on his long distance relationship and it's affect on him. However great these tracks are, the album still has massive flaws.The album as a whole feels very unorganized and messy. Kanye is constantly bringing up his sex life, but in a way that feels extremely cold and gross. On the song Feedback Kanye yells about how great he is for two minutes over a boring, short looping instrumental. On the Silver Surfer Intermission is a phone call between Kayne and Max B the feels like it serves no purpose other than to fill up time. As a whole this album is very polarizing. Kanye goes back to his roots, with soul sampling, but lyrical he has only progressed farther into his lane of self-aggrandizing and egomania. It is by far his darkest album. But in the end the beauty and majesty of the best tracks are able to outshine the messiness and narcissism of the lesser tracks, if only barely.… Expand
  31. mrknowitall_not
    Feb 14, 2016
    8
    Not as good as Yeezus. A lot of auto-tune. Choppy and over-wrought in parts. The first 10 songs go by with few memorable moments. The end of Famous is just throwing together a bunch of samples that don't fit. "Feedback" is pretty good. Low Lights is gospel filler. "Highlights" sounds like a Kanye song from 2002. Freestyle 4 is good but sounds like half-finished song. "I love Kanye" isNot as good as Yeezus. A lot of auto-tune. Choppy and over-wrought in parts. The first 10 songs go by with few memorable moments. The end of Famous is just throwing together a bunch of samples that don't fit. "Feedback" is pretty good. Low Lights is gospel filler. "Highlights" sounds like a Kanye song from 2002. Freestyle 4 is good but sounds like half-finished song. "I love Kanye" is filler. Waves is a pop song. Not rap. FML is heartfelt but awkward with auto-tune Kanye trying to sing. Then Weeknd comes in a saves the song. Real Friends is kind of boring. Wolves is auto-tune and kind of boring. Intermission is filler. 30 Hours is boring. FACTS is the best song on the record. Fade is the second best song. My two favorite songs are the last two songs. Overall respectable effort but songs could have been more fleshed out like Twisted Fantasy or in-your-face like Yeezus.… Expand
  32. geedup
    Feb 17, 2016
    5
    Good: changing the music...new sounds...reinvention....Kayne can still snap on a track
    Bad: the changed music too far from an entirely good album.....new sounds are not all good, particularly if you are in hip hop....reinvention leads to overall subpar sh*t on more of these tracks....Kanye's rap is lost in the production, rarely putting together something to nod your head to while    Good: changing the music...new sounds...reinvention....Kayne can still snap on a track
    Bad: the changed music too far from an entirely good album.....new sounds are not all good, particularly if you are in hip hop....reinvention leads to overall subpar sh*t on more of these tracks....Kanye's rap is lost in the production, rarely putting together something to nod your head to while spittin' some raw.
    Overall a disappointment for true hip hop heads. Kanye's best efforts are behind him.    … Expand
  33. GamerAnt
    Feb 16, 2016
    10
    Its unreal how good this album is. I have listened to this album over and over again back to back without the need to skip a single track. Some of these songs like Ultra Light Beam and Low lights have gave me chills. Kanye has really out did himself on this work of art. This album may come across a bit random by its great in its our merit. I only wish there was a bonus track of wolves withIts unreal how good this album is. I have listened to this album over and over again back to back without the need to skip a single track. Some of these songs like Ultra Light Beam and Low lights have gave me chills. Kanye has really out did himself on this work of art. This album may come across a bit random by its great in its our merit. I only wish there was a bonus track of wolves with Vic Mensa and Sia (Which appears to be coming later) would top put it over the top. Definitely in my top 2 albums of Kanye rivaling MBDTF.… Expand
  34. olidox
    Feb 15, 2016
    8
    If you pretend that Freestyle 4 didn't exist and switch up the order of the songs, this could pass for one of the better experimental hip-hop records this century. A clever blend of gospel, house, melodic sections and stellar production as always. Most of the guests do their job extremely well as per usual on Kanye's albums.

    There are a few issues. Kanye's verse on NMPILA isn't mixed    If you pretend that Freestyle 4 didn't exist and switch up the order of the songs, this could pass for one of the better experimental hip-hop records this century. A clever blend of gospel, house, melodic sections and stellar production as always. Most of the guests do their job extremely well as per usual on Kanye's albums.

    There are a few issues. Kanye's verse on NMPILA isn't mixed that well. The version of Wolves is definitely a step down from the version we heard before. The tracks aren't really sequenced that well; you get a bit of whiplash going from beautiful melodic gospel tracks to Kanye talking about getting bleach on his d**k over trap beats.

    Best moments for me were Chance's verse on Ultra Light Beams, the outro / beat switch on Famous, FML, Real Friends and 30 Hours.

    I really wish Kanye had spent another weak or 2 fine-tuning this project. Nonetheless it is another stellar, original and creative project for Mr. West to add to his already impressive discography

    Strong 8/10 with the potential to be a 9 with a bit of tweaking    … Expand
  35. stfuadam
    Feb 18, 2016
    9
    Some tracks are unnecessary and sound like they were added at the last minute (Facts, Freestyle 4, I Love Kanye - I do like ILK though) and the album is probably SLIGHTLY longer than it needs to be, but it really is Kanye West at the top of his game and... well, being Kanye West. Best tracks: Ultralight Beam, Famous, Real Friends, FML, Wolves, Fade, Highlights.
  36. Mlungisi
    Feb 16, 2016
    10
    Kanye West is once again leading the music industry in a new direction.
    This album is a piece of art which speaks a lot to the modern times of Donald trump politics and plus size models.
    The world no longer accepts the idea of perfection/beauty as what we have become accustomed to and Kanye is echoing that in a way only he can. He makes it clear that he is the conductor an entirely    Kanye West is once again leading the music industry in a new direction.
    This album is a piece of art which speaks a lot to the modern times of Donald trump politics and plus size models.
    The world no longer accepts the idea of perfection/beauty as what we have become accustomed to and Kanye is echoing that in a way only he can.
    He makes it clear that he is the conductor an entirely different orchestra, and the result is magnificent.    … Expand
  37. Sukhvirlam12
    Feb 18, 2016
    10
    Phenomenal. Kanye is 7/7. How does he DO THIS? How does one continue to create so much amazingness. Thank you Kanye. Looking forward to the new released version.
  38. proterospongia
    Feb 15, 2016
    8
    The Life of Pablo brings up the most notable characteristics of previous West's albums: the megalomania of Dark Twisted Fantasy and the schizophrenia of Yeezus. But those features that worked perfectly on those two albums show their flaws on TLOP: at some points, the megalomania turns into excess and the schizophrenia turns into incoherence. After several changes in the tracklist and inThe Life of Pablo brings up the most notable characteristics of previous West's albums: the megalomania of Dark Twisted Fantasy and the schizophrenia of Yeezus. But those features that worked perfectly on those two albums show their flaws on TLOP: at some points, the megalomania turns into excess and the schizophrenia turns into incoherence. After several changes in the tracklist and in the album's title, TLOP seems like it could have worked better without some tracks and with a more cohesive approach. TLOP sounds like a well-produced mixtape and it just add to what we already know: Kanye West is one of the greatest artists of our time. The most outstanding feature here is West's well-known acid sincerity.

    Best Tracks: Ultralight Beam; FACTS, No More Parties In LA (feat. Kendrick Lamar)    … Expand
  39. BrandonTrotter
    Apr 29, 2016
    7
    This is not his best work as it had weak moments, the production was strong but the lyrics were sloppy and worst than Yeezus. Way too many features on this, thought it was his weakest album to date.
  40. mateofalconvale
    Aug 30, 2021
    0
    La mayor porquería que he escuchado en toda mi vida, asco la burla del rap
  41. danielsons
    Feb 19, 2016
    10
    HOLY **** what an amazing album since the first music you can feel that is an other level song. Totally recommended! Best Kanye album in my opinion. Worthy listening
  42. 2016starts
    Feb 17, 2016
    7
    I listened to only some tracks of his new work because I don't have a TIdal account so I listened all tracks but not all. I really like the first singles out like No More Parties In LA. Kanye is back with a kind of Old School Rap....
  43. hunterdav
    Feb 15, 2016
    8
    If Yeezus was Kanye's genius mix of protest music, The Life of Pablo is the quiet after the storm.
    This is passive music. At moments, great for the car with friends, at other moments, somber and reflective. But we expect this from Kanye West albums. What we don't expect is a record that is without cohesion. Much of the track listing feels either rushed or without purpose. Never bad, just    If Yeezus was Kanye's genius mix of protest music, The Life of Pablo is the quiet after the storm.
    This is passive music. At moments, great for the car with friends, at other moments, somber and reflective. But we expect this from Kanye West albums. What we don't expect is a record that is without cohesion. Much of the track listing feels either rushed or without purpose. Never bad, just lacking. Even the much-lauded Ultralight Beam feels, at times, empty. I ask myself, "What does Kanye want us to know with this music?" He calls it a gospel album, but that title gives a great deal of expectation that can not always be lived up to.

    On the other side, the album delivers tracks like Highlights and 30 Hours. If West expanded on the brighter moments and focused on the message, Pablo would easily become his best album to date. In its current state, it isn't quite there.    … Expand
  44. mrtnchmnx
    Feb 15, 2016
    6
    Decent album, but by no means the best from Kanye. While there are a handful of strong tracks, Ultra Light Beam and No More Parties in LA are among some of the best stuff Kanye has put out. However, these tracks are mostly marred by the inconsistency of this album as a whole.
  45. vaggelis
    Feb 16, 2016
    10
    Pure masterpiece. Every kanye album is different, challenging, inspired, he never rests on past glory. The life of pablo pushes the limits even further musically, lyrically and production-wise. You can choose to ignore or hate Kanye West, like there were people that ignored or hated the Beatles in the 60s. He still won't go away, his musical greatness will always be there. 10/10
  46. ricky_the_gent
    Feb 16, 2016
    10
    Ye brings emotion and bragging in an 18-track-long messy album and creates a stunning and highly enjoyable collection of impressionistic mood-changing splinters that only West himself would be capable of doing. The anticipation was worth it: this album deserves everything.
  47. SmithN51
    Feb 20, 2016
    10
    Great Production, Great features, Different Subject Matter, Inventive, clever, intuitive, now all is need is a CD / iTunes release.

    Least Favourite Songs; Facts (Charlie Heat Version) Freestyle 4 Feedback Low Lights Favourite Songs; No More Parties In LA Fade Waves FML Ultralight Beam Father Stretch My Hands Pt. 1 & 2 Real Friends Highlights 30 Hours Wolves I Love    Great Production, Great features, Different Subject Matter, Inventive, clever, intuitive, now all is need is a CD / iTunes release.

    Least Favourite Songs;
    Facts (Charlie Heat Version)
    Freestyle 4
    Feedback
    Low Lights

    Favourite Songs;
    No More Parties In LA
    Fade
    Waves
    FML
    Ultralight Beam
    Father Stretch My Hands Pt. 1 & 2
    Real Friends
    Highlights
    30 Hours
    Wolves
    I Love Kanye

    Songs The Could've Been Better;
    Famous

    If I could change something;
    exclude Freestyle 4, Low Lights & Feedback with Only One, All Day (maybe the Kendrick Remix) and Awesome.

    Overall Score: 10/10    … Expand
  48. Bretto66
    Feb 25, 2016
    8
    While it is tempting to be disappointed. This one is a grower that gets better after each listen. Yeezy is still the man. Mr West is still searching and again we see another facet of his undoubted talent.
  49. matttyc123
    Mar 28, 2016
    5
    After getting crazy excited after hearing Real Friends and No More Parties, I was expecting a return to form for Kanye after being underwhelmed by Yeezus. But I left feeling left down, feeling like I needed something more. I wanted to like this album, I really did. Besides a few standout tracks here and there, this album is bogged down in average production, little to no lyricalAfter getting crazy excited after hearing Real Friends and No More Parties, I was expecting a return to form for Kanye after being underwhelmed by Yeezus. But I left feeling left down, feeling like I needed something more. I wanted to like this album, I really did. Besides a few standout tracks here and there, this album is bogged down in average production, little to no lyrical highlights, and Kanye's standard zest for himself. Strong features throughout the album though, as there always seems to be on a Kanye record. And seriously, how do you get one of the best lyricists of all time in 3 stacks to just say 'thirty hours' for a few minutes? Give the man the verse he deserves!!!

    Fave Tracks: Ultralight Beam, Real Friends, No More Parties in LA    … Expand
  50. BasedFrieza
    Apr 11, 2016
    4
    "If I **** this model
    She just bleached her ****
    If I get bleach on my tshirt Im going to feel like an ****" These 4 lines pretty much sum up how lyrically bland and corny this entire album is. The production on many of these tracks sounds like something that anyone on pro tools could make within 2 hours. Kanye is out of his moment, thus why he has to feature so many artists on this    "If I **** this model
    She just bleached her ****
    If I get bleach on my tshirt
    Im going to feel like an ****"

    These 4 lines pretty much sum up how lyrically bland and corny this entire album is. The production on many of these tracks sounds like something that anyone on pro tools could make within 2 hours. Kanye is out of his moment, thus why he has to feature so many artists on this album. This album is just plain bad.    … Expand
  51. amandalf
    Apr 15, 2016
    3
    Wow, what a mess. How would I describe this album in one word? ANNOYING. And I'm a fan of most Kanye's albums but this one is just sloppy. There's nothing special about any of these songs, there isn't much soul, there's nothing here really. I only liked "Real Friends" but it's mostly good because of the sample anyway. If it wasn't for this song I would have given Pablo a 1/10.
    I can at    Wow, what a mess. How would I describe this album in one word? ANNOYING. And I'm a fan of most Kanye's albums but this one is just sloppy. There's nothing special about any of these songs, there isn't much soul, there's nothing here really. I only liked "Real Friends" but it's mostly good because of the sample anyway. If it wasn't for this song I would have given Pablo a 1/10.
    I can at least understand being a cocky **** if you have the goods to back it up. It's now apparent that he is a shadow of his former artistic value. Funny how his ego has grown and his music has devolved. What a waste.    … Expand
  52. LoveeLand
    May 7, 2016
    3
    Most of it in my opinion is trash. It literally sounds like something I would make using my microphone app on my iPhone. I absolutely hated it, however according to some, you have to listen to it in a certain order and if you do apparently it's incredible. That is the only reason it is not a 0. Plus it came out late, was only on tidal for the longest time, and he changed the album nameMost of it in my opinion is trash. It literally sounds like something I would make using my microphone app on my iPhone. I absolutely hated it, however according to some, you have to listen to it in a certain order and if you do apparently it's incredible. That is the only reason it is not a 0. Plus it came out late, was only on tidal for the longest time, and he changed the album name multiple times which I think rubbed everyone wrong, especially because he settled for the name "The Life of Pablo." Album cover looks awful too. It in my opinion is the most overhyped album to ever be released, and many like it simply just because it is Kanye. I am a big fan of his older music, but this was just terrible.… Expand
  53. dopelean
    Apr 26, 2016
    5
    The worst Kanye project I've listened to, everyone featured on this album did a better job than him. Ye's lyrics can be described in one word - BASIC.
  54. SumitSumbria
    Jun 29, 2016
    8
    A very nice album which is quite impressive but not upto Kanye West's level. Anyway, it spunds great. "Ultralight Beam" is very emotional and soulful song. "Famous" is a gem. These both tracks are the highlight of the album.
    Favourite tracks - Famous, Ultralight Beam
  55. kingkun
    May 3, 2016
    2
    a dead album... .................pffft...........tf?........... kanye west really sold us dreamzz, and gave us a nightmare of an album.... look like kim produced dat shii
  56. Teoneyra
    May 8, 2016
    5
    Kanye is on my top ten MC's and when the life of Pablo came out i was excited like this is going to be fire but it was good.. u know, i think we did to much hype and then when it came out it was not what we expected but still we already knew that Ye its never afraid to be different but this didn't work for me personally.. still the album has some good songs, ain't going lie.
    Famous, No    Kanye is on my top ten MC's and when the life of Pablo came out i was excited like this is going to be fire but it was good.. u know, i think we did to much hype and then when it came out it was not what we expected but still we already knew that Ye its never afraid to be different but this didn't work for me personally.. still the album has some good songs, ain't going lie.
    Famous, No more parties in LA, 30 hours, Ultralight Beam and pt1 & pt2 (trap songs) were actually pretty good, so i give the album 5 because even tho it is he weakest album still the production and some of the lyrics and features help with my decision.    … Expand
  57. NETMUSIC
    Jun 16, 2017
    7
    his best album yet and most raw and intelligent. However a few slips in production may have made this album just a little better

    Best Song(s):
    Waves
    FML
    Wolves
    Famous
    Ultralight Beam

    Worst Song(s):
    Saint Pablo
  58. djdenzel777
    Mar 24, 2017
    5
    This project was one of the most hyped up projects of 2016 and surely didn't deliver. While it can be appreciated that Kanye tries to be "interesting" too often is this used as an excuse for poorly executed songs, which this album has plenty of. That being said, there are some highlights on the project such as "Wolves" where Kanye sings over a haunting beat that makes you feel as if youThis project was one of the most hyped up projects of 2016 and surely didn't deliver. While it can be appreciated that Kanye tries to be "interesting" too often is this used as an excuse for poorly executed songs, which this album has plenty of. That being said, there are some highlights on the project such as "Wolves" where Kanye sings over a haunting beat that makes you feel as if you are in the Hunger Games. Another standout being "Real Friends" where Kanye raps over a beautiful beat, and actually sounds like the "old Kanye." Overall, this project felt rushed and very poorly put together.… Expand
  59. SimplyTrifec
    Jan 22, 2020
    0
    So bad. Please god make it stop. My ears are bleeding. please help please wow.
  60. Hendo250
    Mar 29, 2021
    10
    this album is a 10 this album is a 10 this album is a 10 this album is a 10
  61. SchroederRock
    Apr 11, 2016
    5
    I'll be happier the day someone willingly slays Kanye West and uses his skin to line a limited edition douche canoe. That being said, he always manages a few good tracks per album. On the whole? Kanye is not a consistent artist and constantly tries to step out what really works for him and offers crappy alternative rap tracks. I hate that I enjoy any of his music at all - as a personI'll be happier the day someone willingly slays Kanye West and uses his skin to line a limited edition douche canoe. That being said, he always manages a few good tracks per album. On the whole? Kanye is not a consistent artist and constantly tries to step out what really works for him and offers crappy alternative rap tracks. I hate that I enjoy any of his music at all - as a person Kanye is pretty low on the human race totem pole. If he was still killing it like he was back on Graduation... I'd still hate him as a person but wouldn't feel so ashamed for liking a track or two per album.… Expand
  62. Ricko
    Nov 11, 2020
    6
    There were some great tracks here, up with Kanye's very best tracks. Equally, there is plenty that I just skipped over the first time round and these days when I revisit I just hit the songs I like. The hour or so length of the album is just too patchy especially in a genre that I can take or leave. Ultimately a disappointing follow up to the focused and mercurial "Yeezus".
  63. T-rodney
    Feb 21, 2016
    6
    The LIfe of Pablo is produced like My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy,feels like My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy but sadly is not as great as My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.Kanye West makes The Life of Pablo strange(as usual) with weird lyrics,the production and the feel.

    The album starts off well with the decent Track Ultralight Beam(Ft. Chance the rapper & Kirk Franklin) which is    The LIfe of Pablo is produced like My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy,feels like My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy but sadly is not as great as My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.Kanye West makes The Life of Pablo strange(as usual) with weird lyrics,the production and the feel.

    The album starts off well with the decent Track Ultralight Beam(Ft. Chance the rapper & Kirk Franklin) which is religious and done well although Kanye is hardly there in his own song with weak lyrics.The album moves on to Father Strecth My Hands Part 1 & 2 which are again decent tracks but not spectacular as Kanye does'nt deliver any powerful lyrics we have come to know him for.Kanye steps up a bit with Famous(FT. Rihanna) which is a good song and the album remains consistent then came the bad song Freestyle 4(FT. Desiigner) which is horribly produced and lazily sung.

    I feel LIfe of Pablo really began in the second half of this album because from the song Waves(FT. Chris Brown) which is one of the best songs in the album starts a good tempo for the rest of the album and Kanye really steps up with great songs like Real Friends(FT. Ty Dolla Sign),Wolves and one of the best song from Kanye West in a while No More Parties in LA(FT. Kendrick Lamar), this song was perfect as Kendrick and Kanye go hand in hand to deliver a great 6 minute song. The album finishes off with the song Fade which was kinda boring.

    One thing i have to talk about is the lyrics to this album.We all know Kanye is a strange human being and some of his lyrics work in this album like in the song Highlights(FT Young Thug) he says [I bet me and Ray J would be friends/If we ain't love the same b*tch/Yeah, he might have hit it first/Only problem is I'm rich] which is gold and then some weird lyrics like in the song Father Stretch My hands Part 1 he says [Now if I f*ck this model/And she just bleached her a**hole/And I get bleach on my T-shirt/I'mma feel like an a**hole]-WEIRD

    Now Life of Pablo is not a bad album,not at all but i think it's not that great compared to his past album as some songs bring this album down this weak Kanye lyrics, some filler and annoying production sounds just when the song is ending like Wolves and FML. In the first half of the album Kanye doesn't really fully commit to this album his lyrics feel weak and lazy and is hardly present as the features do most of the work and the songs he doesn't make the songs go full way as you find that a 3 minute song is sung like in a minute and thirty seconds and the rest of the song is just some weird,annoying sounds. However Kanye
    manages to save this album in the second half with amazing song that should have been like the whole album.

    The best tracks are No more parties in LA(best song), Waves, Ultralight Beam and Real Friends. The worst songs are Fade,Freestyle 4 and 30 Hours. The beast Features are Chance the rapper, Kirk Franklin, Chris Brown and Kendrick Lamar.Worst Features are Desiigner,Young Thug and Post Malone.

    So is The Life of Pablo a good album,YES but not as good as MBDTF or Yeezus but this ablum is a personal journey for Kanye as he talks about his family, friends,religion and of-course his favorite subject-HIMSELF.The first half of this album may not be great but an enjoyable album at the least.    … Expand
  64. timed
    Feb 18, 2016
    9
    I thought this was one of Kanye's worst albums at first, but after giving it many more listens, I'm not sure that's true anymore. The lyrics seem misplaced in a few songs, but perhaps this is intentional to reflect the theme of the album which can be seen on the cover: family versus decadence. They are nevertheless not near the level of what we're used to seeing from him on a lot of songs.I thought this was one of Kanye's worst albums at first, but after giving it many more listens, I'm not sure that's true anymore. The lyrics seem misplaced in a few songs, but perhaps this is intentional to reflect the theme of the album which can be seen on the cover: family versus decadence. They are nevertheless not near the level of what we're used to seeing from him on a lot of songs. A number of songs are a strong exception, but there seems to be a lack of consistency. After all, this album did seem rushed and this is apparently not even the final version. Perhaps he devoted too much time to his fashion line instead of giving the album his full attention like he usually does. Of course, his natural talent for production shines through and helps carry many songs to excellence. Many great collaborations are also present. In its own right, it's still a great album. Collapse… Expand
  65. ReubenIsAGod
    Feb 15, 2016
    8
    Yeah it's really good. Not really being a Kanye fan i thought this thing was pretty based. Also the production on this thing, and the general vibe feels so much rawer and a lot more mature opposed to his other stuff. More personal maybe. Good **** check it out of tidel and buy the album
  66. MetricStation3
    Apr 4, 2016
    4
    This album reminded me that I'd rather be listening to Chance the Rapper, Frank Ocean, or Kendrick Lamar. The featured artists are the real highlight here, where the rest of the album falls flat. 2/5
  67. Wael
    Aug 27, 2016
    5
    Except for a couple of songs like "Real Friends", "Ultralight Beam", and "Facts", The Life of Pablo is extremely forgettable, and makes for an unejoyable, even annoying listen.
    Very overrated and totally not worth the hype it got. This album was rushed, and it feels like Kanye released it without really finalizing it (title changes and tracklist editing in the last minute as we saw).    Except for a couple of songs like "Real Friends", "Ultralight Beam", and "Facts", The Life of Pablo is extremely forgettable, and makes for an unejoyable, even annoying listen.
    Very overrated and totally not worth the hype it got. This album was rushed, and it feels like Kanye released it without really finalizing it (title changes and tracklist editing in the last minute as we saw).
    Let's hope 'Ye steps his game back up to its greatness with the next one.    … Expand
  68. LBJ6
    Feb 18, 2016
    8
    The lack of cohesion and focus evident on TLOP is unlike West, leaving the album as a whole to appear a bit messy and lacking a concept. However, individually the tracks are, with the exception of 4-5 songs, what one would expect from an artist of West's caliber. The production, as on all of his previous projects, is more or less flawless and the features dazzle. Not his best body of work,The lack of cohesion and focus evident on TLOP is unlike West, leaving the album as a whole to appear a bit messy and lacking a concept. However, individually the tracks are, with the exception of 4-5 songs, what one would expect from an artist of West's caliber. The production, as on all of his previous projects, is more or less flawless and the features dazzle. Not his best body of work, but another great album to add to his incredible discography. 8.2/10. Highlights include: Waves, FSMH pt.1&2, Ultralight Beam, Real Friends, FML, No More Parties, Highlights, and Famous.… Expand
  69. lucas0150
    Feb 16, 2016
    8
    Religious yet profane. Insane yet serene. Introspective yet outgoing. This could have rivaled 'Dark Fantasy' in terms of beats, colaborators, and sheer creativity, and could have outshone 'Yeezus' in terms of confidence and outright ambition. Only problem is, Kanye forgot to finish it. Some bits feel like a work in progress, one reviewer said, and I concur with him. Still, songs such asReligious yet profane. Insane yet serene. Introspective yet outgoing. This could have rivaled 'Dark Fantasy' in terms of beats, colaborators, and sheer creativity, and could have outshone 'Yeezus' in terms of confidence and outright ambition. Only problem is, Kanye forgot to finish it. Some bits feel like a work in progress, one reviewer said, and I concur with him. Still, songs such as opener 'Ultralight Beam', featuring a glorious mix of gospel choir and downtempo rap, and 'No More Parties in LA', the long-awaited collab between Kanye and Kendrick, make it a solid addition to Ye's discography.… Expand
  70. CCooombs
    Feb 16, 2016
    7
    What is TLOP? As an album it is a reflection of its creator – an irrational, jarring, mildly infuriating collection of sporadic ideas and sounds. There is no real direction within the violent shifts in mood and tracks within The Life of Pablo. The album comes after multiple changes in track listings, covers, titles, and release dates. With so much anticipation behind a new Kanye album itWhat is TLOP? As an album it is a reflection of its creator – an irrational, jarring, mildly infuriating collection of sporadic ideas and sounds. There is no real direction within the violent shifts in mood and tracks within The Life of Pablo. The album comes after multiple changes in track listings, covers, titles, and release dates. With so much anticipation behind a new Kanye album it is hard not to feel expectation – how will the man himself follow up from Yeezus?

    The answer is inconsistently. For ever inspired, jaw-dropping moment on TLOP there is another that falls flat, that ruins the build-up and seems out of place. The opening track, “Ultralight Beams” is a perfect blend of previous Kanye styles, and is genuinely breath taking as a standalone song and an album opener. But the level that it sets going into the rest of the album leaves it all feeling a little underwhelming. Father Stretch My Hands has good moments, Pt 2 also, but they never really go anywhere, swapping from one idea to the next at the flick of the switch.

    The highlights of the album include Famous, FML, Real Friends, No More Parties in LA and 30 Hours. But tracks such as Freestyle 4 or Low Lights seem to be unnecessary, and Waves doesn’t seem like a Kanye track more than it does a Chris Brown song. This album is more challenging than Yeezus as a listen if not more incoherent, and suffers from not having a whole, real idea to sustain it. This feels more like a collection of note, of incomplete parts that don’t all come together to make a complete album.    … Expand
  71. digitallinh
    Feb 28, 2016
    10
    Kanye West does it again. This is not his best album, but it contains some of the best songs he has ever produced. Waves, FML, Real Friends, Wolves, Ultralight Beam, Father stretch my hands pt 1,2
  72. owenhicks
    Feb 18, 2016
    9
    Each individual song is very interesting to listen to. Beautiful and intense lyrics and sounds are scattered across the album, making for a very hectic and overwhelming experience. Thankfully, that experience is a joyride filled with amazing production, ideas and sounds. This album describes Kanye's life perfectly and thematically is a fight between faith and sin. An instant classic thatEach individual song is very interesting to listen to. Beautiful and intense lyrics and sounds are scattered across the album, making for a very hectic and overwhelming experience. Thankfully, that experience is a joyride filled with amazing production, ideas and sounds. This album describes Kanye's life perfectly and thematically is a fight between faith and sin. An instant classic that pushes new boundaries.… Expand
  73. augdawgg
    Feb 24, 2016
    10
    This album is amazing. It is hard to not get goose bumps in the beginning the Ultra Light Beams. The album flows from gospel to hype with Father stretch my hands pt 2 to chill vibes with wolves and real friends to just good songs like 30 hours and Facts. Album is a perfect 10 no doubt.
  74. Mcgillacuddy
    Aug 15, 2016
    9
    The more you listen to this album and understand the themes of it, the more you'll like it. This project takes a very unusual approach for Kanye music, but it definitely gets the job done. This album is a huge step-up from Yeezus and Cruel Summer.
  75. RadioheadLuv17
    Jul 11, 2016
    5
    As high as its highs are (FML, Real Friends, ultralight beam, no more parties in LA, etc...) a lot of the Life Of Pablo is plagued by terrible rapping, half baked song ideas, and a lack of originality. For one of the busiest perfectionists in popular music, this album (3 years in the making) seems strangely last-minute.
  76. Cypher_ATL
    Mar 1, 2016
    7
    I feel that this is easily not one of Kanye’s best projects he has put out for us. I felt that we only got a decent project that was two and a half years in the making, and I felt that Kanye could’ve put out a better project for us. I give extra credit for the overall production of this album, I thought that was one of the best components to this album. I’m also giving a shoutout towardsI feel that this is easily not one of Kanye’s best projects he has put out for us. I felt that we only got a decent project that was two and a half years in the making, and I felt that Kanye could’ve put out a better project for us. I give extra credit for the overall production of this album, I thought that was one of the best components to this album. I’m also giving a shoutout towards this album for the featuring artists and producers Kanye got on this album, I thought all of them brought their best, and it shows on many of these tracks. Some songs hit it home for me on the theme and lyrical side, and a few didn’t, also the poor quality of skits also brought this album down for me a little too. My favorite songs are No Parties In L.A, Ultralight Beam, and Father Stretch My Hands Pt. 1. Some of the lackluster songs on the other hand for me include Freestyle 4, Facts, and Fade.… Expand
  77. yankeeacab
    Sep 28, 2016
    9
    Really great album, it's experimental but in a good way, the album starts with Ultralight Beam, the song that gives it a flavor of gospel, then comes Father Strectch My Hands, which sets the experimental trap-ish/old kanye-ish tone only negative thing about this project are the sometimes unnecessary trap snares that dont fit into some songs
  78. Radiohead2000
    Apr 9, 2016
    10
    Not his best, but still a very solid album by one of the greatest to ever do it. I liked it a lot, very different, very original, very Kanye. It's Kanye pushing the boundaries once, Kanye has made The Life Of Pablo a living breathing thing. It's fascinating.
  79. MarsUlta9
    Feb 18, 2016
    9
    I'm not sure if I agree with the sentiment that this album feels wild and directionless, there is a definite sound that seems to tie it all together. However, I will say that it does feel incomplete and much less polished then either Yeezus or MBDTF.
  80. churko
    Feb 22, 2016
    9
    2nd best kanye album. Best album of the year. All the songs if they were released one at the time would be hits. MASTERPIECE
  81. nirvanafreak
    Feb 24, 2016
    9
    Favourite Songs: Real Friends, 30 Hours, Wolves, Father Stretch My Hands Pt. 1, Feedback, Freestyle 4, No More Parties In L.A., Ultralight Beams
    Least Favourite Songs: Facts (Charlie Heat Version)
    **** cover, **** title, great music. After one of the messiest album roll outs of all time the album I'm still calling SWISH was finally released to the public through Tidal. Naturally I did    Favourite Songs: Real Friends, 30 Hours, Wolves, Father Stretch My Hands Pt. 1, Feedback, Freestyle 4, No More Parties In L.A., Ultralight Beams
    Least Favourite Songs: Facts (Charlie Heat Version)
    **** cover, **** title, great music. After one of the messiest album roll outs of all time the album I'm still calling SWISH was finally released to the public through Tidal. Naturally I did what millions of other Kanye fans did and got the month free subscription to the streaming service solely because I wanted to hear the album, as well as pirating the album as soon as I got access to a computer (after dodging hundreds of viruses.) I definitely wasn't disappointed by it. I know that this, apparently, isn't the finished album but it could be ages until Kanye puts out the actual version. If there's an updated version of the album I'll just write another review but I've been really getting into this current version over the past week or so and I want to give my thoughts on it because I haven't been able to get this music out of my head since I first heard it. From the first track I knew we were in for something special. 'Ultralight Beams' introduces Kanye's supposed gospel themed album beautifully with some lush vocals backed by a gospel choir and a magnificent feature from Chance the Rapper (I've never listened to his stuff but after this I think I might have to.) The music stays at a very high level with 'Father Stretch My Hands Pt. 1' but as soon as Kanye comes in with his verse the concept of it being a gospel album fades away very quickly. His line about an ass-bleaching model makes it very clear that the only person that's going to get attention or praise is Kanye West himself which is reinforced by later lines on the album about having sex with Taylor Swift and wishing his dick had a go pro. This isn't unexpected, I did listen to Yeezus, but like that album I do think his lyrics take away from the enjoyment of the project a bit. However, he is an exceptionally versatile producer and like Yeezus it is easy enough to look over his lyrics because of the beats. I do think he was misleading us slightly by saying it was going to be a gospel album though; there's already a trap banger in the track list just 3 songs in. From there the album just becomes a big mess of sounds from all of his previous albums, from abrasive Yeezus sounding 'Feedback' or 'Freestyle 4' to soulful chopped up Late Registration sounding tracks like '30 Hours' or 'No More Parties In LA'. I saw it coming, I mean I couldn't imagine a way in which he could reinvent himself again so an album reaching for a greatest hits feel was expected. It could have gone wrong but it didn't because the album does actually have some of his greatest hits on. This means it's uncohesive as hell but it really depends on your personal preferences wether this affects the overall quality of the album. I would have certainly liked a cohesive project but I can go with it because like I said the songs are very good and because I like parts of each of his previous albums I can enjoy each song on here. With the exception of 'Facts' and 'Silver Surfer Intermission'; two songs that are just a little too topical and won't be fully understood in a few years which could hold back the album from being as classic as Kanye would like. That and the facts that they're just terrible to listen to. You can go back and check out my review of 'Facts' but I'd like to warn you it's not too positive. He changed its beat for the album which something positive I guess, although the feeling of disappointment I get when the beats comes in after the great soul sample is still overwhelmingly strong. Overall though I do think this is one of Kanye West's best albums and its replay value is through the roof even if it does have some painfully evident issues.
    Better Than Previous Project?: Yes
    Try This If You Like: Cherry Bomb by Tyler, The Creator    … Expand
  82. GiaccoU
    Feb 20, 2016
    7
    The album starts pretty well with Ultralight Beam, but then, listening to the rest of the album, after every song there's a less finished-track touch, as it needed a little bit more of production, the main ideas feel amazing though. The lyrics are great as always, Kanye-quality, just not his best body of work.
  83. EMGC
    Mar 8, 2016
    7
    It’s just too disjointed. There’s some gold in here. As well as some silver and bronze. But you can’t just smash it all together and call it a Cartier.
  84. swagkonyjohnson
    Mar 2, 2016
    6
    While The Life of Pablo ultimately is an overall decent project when compared to many other modern hip hop albums, it lacks the certain it-factors that made Kanye’s past albums so great, and while there are great moments on this record, there were also just as many cringe-worthy moments uncharacteristic of Kanye West’s music that weighed this album down.
  85. LinttaFlamingo
    Jun 19, 2017
    9
    I liked this better than Yeezus. Great sampling choices assure catchy beats and every song has a lot of Kanye's original ideas. Cameos are on point too. Lot of stuff to enjoy here.
  86. Allion
    Feb 23, 2016
    6
    am going to break down each track on this album and give an overall “review”/final impression of it. I got a lot to say, so here it goes:

    L: Liked D: Disliked I: Indifferent 1. Ultra Light Beams: Fantastic song, and a great way to start the album. I guess this is where Kanye’s “gospel album” idea stems from. I think The Dream and Kelly Price’s vocals perfectly complement this song,    am going to break down each track on this album and give an overall “review”/final impression of it. I got a lot to say, so here it goes:

    L: Liked D: Disliked I: Indifferent

    1. Ultra Light Beams: Fantastic song, and a great way to start the album. I guess this is where Kanye’s “gospel album” idea stems from. I think The Dream and Kelly Price’s vocals perfectly complement this song, and Chance The Rapper’s verse was great. I actually didn’t like Acid Rap or Chance for that matter, but this verse made me a fan. This song was great, but it felt like a Chance feat. Kanye song, not the other way around. L

    2. Father Stretch My Hands Pt. 1: This song starts off nicely, and it feels like something off of MBDTF. Sadly, it takes a deep nose dive when Kanye starts talking about bleached **** SMH. D

    3. Father Stretch My Hands Pt. 2: I really like the hook on this song, and to my surprise, it wasn’t Future who was on it, it was some random guy named Desiigner. I decided to look him up, and played the first track I found, “Panda”. I was confused, because it was the SAME as Pt. 2. I think this song should be renamed to “Panda Remix”, because that’s all it is, a remix. I

    4. Famous: I like the samples on this song, and the instrumentation was nice. That’s about it. I didn’t like the lyrics one bit, and I think Kanye should grow up. He is still talking about an incident that happened years ago, and he basically went back on his apology. Once again, SMH. I

    5. Feedback: This song sounds exactly like something off of Yeezus. It’s ok. D

    6. Low Lights: This was kind of like an interlude to the next song, Highlights. It had an interesting sample. Not a song though. It reminds me of MBDTF. I

    7. Highlights: This song carried on the feel from the previous interlude, and I thought it was a decent track. Those lines about the go-pro **** were horrible. L

    8. Freestyle 4: I really liked the beat on this song, it feels like something Denzel Curry would go in on. Once again, fake Future makes an appearance, although his 4 bars were cool. L

    **9. I Love Kanye: **Not a song, more of a freestyle kind of thing. It was hilarious though, and shows that Kanye is self aware of the memes made about him, lol. L

    10: Waves: I liked this song, but I feel like this was more of Chris Brown’s song than it was Kanye’s. The hook is nice, but I think the song would’ve benefited from a second verse from Kanye at the end. L

    11. FML: The Weeknd killed it, but the song felt a little bare bones to me. I was hoping that The Weeknd would have a bigger part, like his own verse and not just the hook. The sample towards the end was great, it fit the song. L

    12. Real Friends: Everything about this song is great. Kanye sounds more introspective than he has on the rest of the album, and the Ty Dolla $ign was cool too. I gotta look up the sample on here, but I like it too. When this song came out last month, I was hoping that the rest of the album would sound like this. Sadly it doesn’t, but that doesn’t take anything away from this song. L

    13. Wolves: I hate this song. I don’t know why, I just hate it. Actually wait, I know why. “You left your fridge open, and someone took a sandwich”. BARS. D

    14. Silver Surfer Intermission: I don’t see the point of this, there was no need for it. Kanye didn’t even name the album “Waves”, so why did he get Max B’s “blessing”? D

    15. 30 Hours: I liked the first half of this song, but I feel like the second half should’ve been replaced with a feature or just removed. It actually sounded like Late Registration Kanye to me. I

    16. No More Parties In LA: This is getting heavy play on my phone. Kendrick Lamar was amazing as usual, and Kanye was equally amazing on here. This has to be my favourite song on here. L

    17. Facts: I didn’t like the previous version of this song as it sounded too much like “Jumpman”. This new version is OK though. I

    18. Fade: I didn’t like this song at all. This beat sounded too much like pop for my taste. D

    Of the 18 tracks, I would only deem 15 of them as actual songs, and from those 15 songs, I only liked 7 of them. For that reason, I will say that this album is a decent album, and definitely an improvement over Yeezus, but TLOP will not be getting any regular plays from me. I feel almost disappointed, but I feel like Kanye is beginning a descend just like Kid Cudi experienced. I think I’ll stick to his pre-2012 projects. I think this album is a 6-6.5/10.    … Expand
  87. jkerlol
    Feb 15, 2016
    8
    I'm a huge kanye fan, and I love all his work, but this one falls a little short just because of the lack of new ideas, it's still an great album. Every album since the college dropout has been so different and innovative that I was expecting more. This is more like a culmination off all his work. Again still a really good album tho
  88. agibbons_96
    Mar 8, 2016
    5
    Up until now, it's been possible to separate Kanye's music from the egotistical personality that created it, but this is the first album of his that you can't really tell the artist from the art. An experimental album in every sense of the word, West's seventh album (eighth if you include “Watch the Throne” with Jay-Z) is his most wide ranging to date with its origins dating back as far asUp until now, it's been possible to separate Kanye's music from the egotistical personality that created it, but this is the first album of his that you can't really tell the artist from the art. An experimental album in every sense of the word, West's seventh album (eighth if you include “Watch the Throne” with Jay-Z) is his most wide ranging to date with its origins dating back as far as the “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” sessions in 2009. For anyone reading this who hasn't heard this record yet, note that “The Life of Pablo”
    (previously “So Help Me God”, “SWISH” and “Waves”) is NOTHING like the impressively cohesive work of any of West's previous albums, and is in fact, very messy. However, it appears that West wanted to do something
    that was not typically him, and wished to create a chaotic record, which to his credit, he has achieved. There are some amazing moments here without question, such as the gospel-inspired opener "Ultralight Beam", the more traditional “Real Friends” and the G-Funk laced “No
    More Parties in L.A.”, but for every great song here, there is almost always two bad tracks (or failed experiments, to be impartial about it) to go with the good ones. "Siiiiiiiiilver Surffffeeeeer Intermission" is the most pointless track on the album, and though only a minute long, it feels like an f*cking eternity. “Facts” and “Fade” are God awful, with only the production being the saving grace on both tracks. When Kanye isn't being brilliant or awful, he's being either completely mad in his decisions or hilarious (and not in a good way). It almost impossible not to laugh hysterically at the “bleached a**hole” verse on “Father Stretch My Hands, Pt. 1” or West's reference to Taylor Swift on “Famous”. However, the “I Love Kanye” skit is actually a moment of genuine laughter which plays on the joke on Kanye
    loving himself, but does so from the third person angle very cleverly. Guest vocalists dominate the album, which include Rihanna, The Weeknd. Chance the Rapper, Kendrick Lamar and Kid Cudi (to be honest, after “Speedin' Bullet 2 Heaven”, a brave call). In fairness, most of the guest vocalists (including Cudi) do a great job during their brief
    cameos on the album, with Rihanna's contribution to “Famous”, The Weeknd on “FML” and Lamar on “No More Parties in L.A.” being highlights. The album's second half is rather consistent in quality, with “30 Hours” being a pure chill-out tune, though the phone call at the end of the song could have been cut. “Wolves” is another good
    track, with Frank Ocean's vocals being among the best on the entire album, but “No More Parties in L.A.” is a gem! West and Lamar brings the G-Funk styled hip hop of the 90's back in style. Lamar's verse is the best moment on an extremely inconsistent album. There are so many
    points, both good AND bad about this album that it could be the musical epitome of Marmite – some will love it, others will never want to hear it again, and there are those (like myself) who'll love what's good about “The Life of Pablo”, but will despise its flaws. It would also be the first record from West that you would wonder whether his ego has finally influenced his work in a negative way. Overall, one of the weakest albums West has released to date, but it does, and will lead you to wonder “Where on Earth will he go from here?”.

    Album Highlights - "Ultralight Beam", “Real Friends”, “Wolves”, “30 Hours” and “No More Parties in L.A.”.    … Expand
  89. nikoziko
    Feb 1, 2018
    9
    this album really improved since it was realised kanye did a lot of changes that turn this album from being kinda mediocore to a great album and one of the best 2016 albums
  90. PuffFishTorch28
    Feb 25, 2016
    8
    I wasn't crazy about Yeezus, but this one has started to grow on me. Not crazy about every track, but overall it's a good album and I enjoyed the majority of it. It sounds unfinished, which is ironic since it is his most delayed release since his first album (Completed through 1999-2004). It's certainly not my favorite Kanye album, though there are some great moments on this that made meI wasn't crazy about Yeezus, but this one has started to grow on me. Not crazy about every track, but overall it's a good album and I enjoyed the majority of it. It sounds unfinished, which is ironic since it is his most delayed release since his first album (Completed through 1999-2004). It's certainly not my favorite Kanye album, though there are some great moments on this that made me laugh, and it leaves me wishing Kanye was rapping on every track minus skits/interludes.… Expand
  91. redjackb123
    Apr 25, 2016
    9
    Kanye West has never disappointed me with his work. The Life Of Pablo is a Masterpiece but it is one of my least favorite Kanye albums (which is not a bad thing at all). I was expecting a better album than Twisted Fantasy but i was somewhat disappointed on that the album felt like it was unfinished and rushed but still the album is a gem.
  92. TrentBizub
    Feb 18, 2016
    7
    The album starts off decent, but with pointless intermissions and many filler tracks, the album loses its focus and cohesion.

    Favorite Tracks: Ultralight Beam, Pt. 2, Famous, Feedback, I Love Kanye, FML, Real Friends, and No More Parties in LA.
  93. RobotoMr
    Jun 18, 2019
    6
    People might think this rating is harsh but trust me I'm not just 'hater'. I've loved every album up to this one.
    Like a few other people have said, it sounds like he doesn't have much to say at all. I think I remember 1 good line out of 18 songs, that's not a good sign.
    I like about 2-3 songs out of the whole album, the rest sound either unfinished or filler. Lyrically when Kanye DOES    People might think this rating is harsh but trust me I'm not just 'hater'. I've loved every album up to this one.
    Like a few other people have said, it sounds like he doesn't have much to say at all. I think I remember 1 good line out of 18 songs, that's not a good sign.
    I like about 2-3 songs out of the whole album, the rest sound either unfinished or filler.
    Lyrically when Kanye DOES say anything all it sounds like is tiny jabs at others, not that calling others out is bad or new to this genre of music but at least try when you do so. The rest of the lyrics are just about either his shoes or how kim is a saint.
    Overall It's a bit disappointing but at least Ultralight Beam, Father Stretch My Hands Pt. 1, Famous came out of this. The beats on a few of the other songs e.g. Waves, Wolves, 30 Hours sounded quite new and catchy but unfortunately ruined by cringey lyrics.    … Expand
  94. SergioV
    Jun 16, 2016
    9
    New Review: 86/100.

    With the addition of "Saint Pablo", this dynamic album changes again, and for the better. Really an overall listenable album, where almost every song is playable and memorable for everyone who cares to listen.
  95. FarhanChowChow
    Feb 18, 2016
    10
    A mixture of all of his previous albums, Kanye's "The Life of Pablo" is a messy, inconsistent, and absolutely beautiful work of art. The album will be an absolute hit amongst his established fan base, though new listeners may find trouble in getting with the groove.
    For people wanting to join the Church of Yeezus, I recommend starting at College Dropout, then proceeding chronologically    A mixture of all of his previous albums, Kanye's "The Life of Pablo" is a messy, inconsistent, and absolutely beautiful work of art. The album will be an absolute hit amongst his established fan base, though new listeners may find trouble in getting with the groove.
    For people wanting to join the Church of Yeezus, I recommend starting at College Dropout, then proceeding chronologically up to this album.
    For those who are already members of the Church, this is a must-buy.    … Expand
  96. AndrewLambert
    Mar 13, 2016
    8
    The circus surrounding TLOP's release couldn't have been any more Kanye, and fittingly on his 7th album he delivers his most divisive album yet. It's inconsistent, indulgent and unapologetic while also endlessly creative, highly original and breathtaking throughout.

    Ultimately, The Life Of Pablo is the kind of flawed, spectacular mess that only West could make- an intense, at times    The circus surrounding TLOP's release couldn't have been any more Kanye, and fittingly on his 7th album he delivers his most divisive album yet. It's inconsistent, indulgent and unapologetic while also endlessly creative, highly original and breathtaking throughout.

    Ultimately, The Life Of Pablo is the kind of flawed, spectacular mess that only West could make- an intense, at times infuriating journey inside the psyche of the 21st century's most conflicting and contentious artist.

    It is only after all the drama, hyperbole and general ridiculousness is over that we are left with the real significance and sense behind Kanye's work; the lasting, innovative and utterly unique music that's kept us talking about him for the last decade. It's good to have him back.    … Expand
  97. southernsun
    Feb 21, 2016
    10
    On the first listen I wasn't so sure, then I listened to it again and the album has pretty much been on repeat since. The Life of Pablo is a continuation of the genius on display in Yeezus. Some of Kanye's finest work and easily one of the best albums of 2016.
  98. yzbay
    Feb 23, 2016
    10
    Production and feature-wise, this album is Kanye's best. he brought Kid Cudi back for vocals. He had features by the oddest people like Young Thug and Post Malone, and still managed to pull of great songs with them. In my personal opinion this album is a perfect mixture of MBDTF, 808s & HB, and Yeezus. This is his best (or second best) album since 808s & HB.
  99. zb1928
    Feb 23, 2016
    4
    A few songs on this album were ok. Besides those few albums it was all over the place and not in a good way. production was also just ok. The lyrics Kanye randomly throws into some of the songs make them unlistenable to me.
  100. Srmlt1014
    Feb 23, 2016
    4
    Production wise this album is nothing short of the flawlessness you'd expect from a Ye album . Lyrically it is not awe insiring but blunt and in your face. While its up to the indivigual to decide whether or not they appreciate it or not. It seems to be disconnected from the average listener on the surface with songs like the controversial Famous. Underneath is a masterfully designed asProduction wise this album is nothing short of the flawlessness you'd expect from a Ye album . Lyrically it is not awe insiring but blunt and in your face. While its up to the indivigual to decide whether or not they appreciate it or not. It seems to be disconnected from the average listener on the surface with songs like the controversial Famous. Underneath is a masterfully designed as a perfectly scripted fight of the ego and conscious. This being said while these elements are melded beautifully at the close of each song and even the album as a whole I'm left wanting more. Its hard to know if this album is representing the ever conflicting parts of Kanye or if its supposed to leave that lingering feeling of emptiness. If thats the intent then I congratulate Mr. West on a job well done . But as most people have enough on their plates its hard to swallow the very public 58 million dollars worth of angst and molly popping piled into this album.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

6
#6 Most Discussed Album of 2016
4
#4 Most Shared Album of 2016

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 35 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 35
  3. Negative: 0 out of 35
  1. Under The Radar
    Apr 6, 2016
    55
    There is plenty here to suggest that West's magic has not entirely left him, but as a statement of art or true intent, this is a significant misstep from an artist with so much to praise.
    Read full review
  2. The Telegraph (UK)
    Apr 1, 2016
    60
    There is much to be admired here, rather less to be enjoyed.
    Read full review
  3. Uncut
    Mar 22, 2016
    70
    For better or worse, no-one else is making records quite like this. [May 2016, p.82]
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