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. SavioLira
    Feb 15, 2016
    9
    Only an artist like Kanye West can produce a unfinished album and make this CD sound incredible, to universal music standards. But the real question is: Is this album matchable to Kanye West's standards? It can easily be seen that Kanye lacks certain goals that he didn't even have to sweat to overcome in his previous albums. Then again, does he need a point to his work? We are talkingOnly an artist like Kanye West can produce a unfinished album and make this CD sound incredible, to universal music standards. But the real question is: Is this album matchable to Kanye West's standards? It can easily be seen that Kanye lacks certain goals that he didn't even have to sweat to overcome in his previous albums. Then again, does he need a point to his work? We are talking about a true phenomenon, in which people just want his music to come out.
    It's still too early to even compare The Life of Pablo to the 2013 album Yeezus, and it obviously doesn't reach the level of College Dropout, Late Registration, Graduation, and MBDTF. Yet again, it's a better album then 808's and heartbreak, and just maybe better compared to Yeezus.
    The production is outstanding (typical of Kanye West), and a uncommon point of this work is that the collaborations are fantastic. He really didn't need to make fabulous lyrics. He had a great team for that.
    One of the only counterpoints is that it does sound unfinished. In his antecedents CDs, it can easily be seen where the album started and finished. In The Life of Pablo, Fade is definitely not a an outro. A song like Who will survive in America, Late, or Last Call is missing.
    Returning back to the main question, this is not Kanye West's best work, but compared to other artists, this just maybe a masterpiece. So it reaches Kanye West's standards. A rare fact is that Kanye is in a level in the hip hop game that is considered "legend." Not even Nas, Jay Z, or even Tupac had the consistency that Kanye has in all his discography. He did it again, just accept it.    … Expand
  2. matteofumarola
    Feb 17, 2016
    10
    If you can't see the CREATIVE GENIUS in this album, problably you're an idiot. This album is something amazing, he changed the game yet another time. Love this crazy egocentric psychopath
  3. Swishalicious29
    Apr 1, 2016
    6
    I was incredibly skeptical heading into this album. Kanye was constantly changing the track-list, the cover art, and lyrics so much that it sounded like he was unsure of the product he was putting out. It's a better album than Yeezus, but still doesn't reach the heights that an album like The College Dropout does.

    Productionwise this album is all over the place. There are bangers like    I was incredibly skeptical heading into this album. Kanye was constantly changing the track-list, the cover art, and lyrics so much that it sounded like he was unsure of the product he was putting out. It's a better album than Yeezus, but still doesn't reach the heights that an album like The College Dropout does.

    Productionwise this album is all over the place. There are bangers like "Famous" and "Facts" and there is classy production with "Real Friends" and "No More Parties in L.A.". Then there is the completely bizarre and insane "Fresstyle 4" which is a true highlight on this album. "FML" with the Weeknd is also a standout with great progression and an incredible ending.

    The quality is all over the place as well. Being one of the most infamous and celebrated hip-hop artists, the fact that Chris Brown gets a full chorus while Andre 3000 just hums on his song is totally egregious. "Low Lights" could be removed and no difference would be made. "Father Stretch My Hands" has some pretty terrible lyrics and aside from the great start to the beat, it becomes annoying after a while.

    The Life of Pablo sounds like a compilation more than a coherent piece of work. It works at times, but at some points its just an experiment that didn't go over all that well. It's definitely a fun listen, but doesn't reach the same heights that his first three LP's did.    … Expand
  4. BrushedRed
    Apr 5, 2016
    6
    Not bad, but not that great either. There are some good songs like "Feedback" and "Father Stretch My Hands," but a lot of this album is just a mess. It's kind of all over the place and rough around the edges. I understand that that's kind of the vibe he was going for, but it just didn't suit my taste. Some of the moments of this album are cringeworthy too ("Low Lights" for example). Not toNot bad, but not that great either. There are some good songs like "Feedback" and "Father Stretch My Hands," but a lot of this album is just a mess. It's kind of all over the place and rough around the edges. I understand that that's kind of the vibe he was going for, but it just didn't suit my taste. Some of the moments of this album are cringeworthy too ("Low Lights" for example). Not to mention the lyrics are awful at parts too. I'll admit I liked some of Kanye's work in the past, but this one didn't thrill me.… Expand
  5. RudigerX
    Feb 20, 2016
    9
    God dam this album is just fine. Beats, lyrics it don't matter it's all good. Dark Twisted Fantasy is in my Top 5 and I swear with each listen this album creeps ever close to it. Get it.
  6. agutie20
    Feb 15, 2016
    10
    THIS ALBUM SOUNDS LIKE THE GREATEST HITS OF KANYE WEST THAT YOU HAVE NEVER HEARD BEFORE. This album is absolutely amazing. All of the delays and scandal around its release were worth the wait.
  7. richie7886
    Feb 15, 2016
    10
    Pure masterpiece, the revival and reinvention of the soul sound. Its what we have all been waiting for and certainly did not disappoint . Those that do not recognize the genius of this album, are once again judging the character of the man and not the substance of his work.
  8. Jgirello
    Feb 15, 2016
    10
    Sonics of this album are amazing. A beautiful combination of elements from all of his previous 6 solo albums. One of his best works up with Twisted Fantasy.
  9. petepabz
    Feb 15, 2016
    10
    Kanye, you did it again fam! Shine them ultra light beams on the haters! Can't wait to hear some of these tunes bang out at the club. And the guardian should give its head a shake for that review. embarrassing
  10. MinorityOpinion
    Feb 16, 2016
    10
    Kanye West once again proves that there is no sound out there like him. And just as controversial as he is of a person this album will be controversial. This album is definitely more sound 'friendly' compare to his previous album Yeezus, but what makes this album great is not the 'friendliness'. What makes it stand out is the fact that in a span of 58 mins and 2 seconds Kanye West showsKanye West once again proves that there is no sound out there like him. And just as controversial as he is of a person this album will be controversial. This album is definitely more sound 'friendly' compare to his previous album Yeezus, but what makes this album great is not the 'friendliness'. What makes it stand out is the fact that in a span of 58 mins and 2 seconds Kanye West shows you his entire personality spectrum. From soulful Kanye "Ultralight Beam" to controversial Kanye "Famous" to Funny Kanye "I Love Kanye" and so on. This album seems more of an autobiography of his personalities than an album, but that is the beauty of it all. Kanye shows us once again that not only is he unique artist but that also his visions and ideas are ever changing. Production is masterful, lyrics are non apologetic (as should they be since he is an artist and should express himself) and Kanye West is at his Kanye Best.… Expand
  11. skouarki
    Feb 16, 2016
    8
    Kanye West produced some really good songs included in this album. I don't think it is as good as the classic "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy" who will probably remain the real album of his life. "Real Friends" and "Ultralight Beam" are real masterpiece.
  12. katyperryasg
    Feb 16, 2016
    10
    Man, he did it again. This time much broader sound with TLOP.
    This is not brand new, but contains very best part of each of his last release.
    And it is certainly a grower. If you didn't like it, give it another chance.
  13. zdot
    Feb 16, 2016
    10
    Fantastic album, disjunction shows the struggles we face in everyday life between good and evil, pride and temptation. Production is life-changing.Top 3 Kanye albums.
  14. ma_xx
    Feb 16, 2016
    10
    Amazing tracks from front to back, especially "Ultralight Beam", "30 Hours", "Fade", "FML", "Real Friends" and "No More Parties in LA." Overall amazing album, very polished. Sounds like a cross of College Dropout and Yeezus Ye'.
  15. nwtconner
    Feb 16, 2016
    10
    Absolute masterpiece. there is no denying Kanye is the greatest musician in 2016 and this album is nothing short of everything we have come to expect from this genius
  16. KTTvinny
    Feb 16, 2016
    10
    The Life of Pablo is confusing, erratic, yet beautiful. We get soul sample Kanye, we get egotistical Kanye, we get wild Kanye, we get introspective Kanye, we get autotune Kanye. It seems as if every standout aspect off Kanye's previous 6 albums can be found somewhere on TLOP. Although it is by far his least cohesive project, maybe thats the point. Kanye doesn't need to define a new lane inThe Life of Pablo is confusing, erratic, yet beautiful. We get soul sample Kanye, we get egotistical Kanye, we get wild Kanye, we get introspective Kanye, we get autotune Kanye. It seems as if every standout aspect off Kanye's previous 6 albums can be found somewhere on TLOP. Although it is by far his least cohesive project, maybe thats the point. Kanye doesn't need to define a new lane in music anymore, for once he's just putting out an album as a collection of great songs instead of fitting everything into a certain aesthetic. That being said, these songs are great. Kanye delivers with bars, his melodies are 808s level, the production is fantastic, and the features all seem perfectly in place. I could do without the 3 skits however there's no complaining about a Kanye album with 18 tracks. 10/10… Expand
  17. silvas006
    Feb 16, 2016
    10
    Incredible experience listening to this album. Kanye is on a whole nother level bringing a fresh new sound to the world of hiphop. We are blessed to live in an era where Kanye is delivering his music to the world.
  18. saadhrahman
    Feb 16, 2016
    10
    The Life of Pablo is an album that fuses all of Kanye's previous works (My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, Yeezus, 808s & Heartbreak) and seems to put together in one album. This album is a very enjoyable listen and is a great album. The collabs in this album are insane and all stand out in this album i.e. Chance the Rapper, Kendrick Lamar. It is his best album since My Beautiful DarkThe Life of Pablo is an album that fuses all of Kanye's previous works (My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, Yeezus, 808s & Heartbreak) and seems to put together in one album. This album is a very enjoyable listen and is a great album. The collabs in this album are insane and all stand out in this album i.e. Chance the Rapper, Kendrick Lamar. It is his best album since My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy and the replay value is very high (something I did not experience with Yeezus). Almost every track in this album except Facts (Charlie Heat Version) are insane and give the best of Kanye. The only problem i have with this album is that there are some tracks in which there isn't enough Kanye and the features are getting more time. Production wise, Kanye always deliver with this being one of his best produced albums, mixing gospel with soul and trap beats with a great use of drums. Lyrically, Kanye is okay but has some great punchlines. Overall, this album is insane and is an early candidate for album of the year.

    P.S. For all of you giving this album a negative review, please don't give this album a negative review just because you hate Kanye. Please actually listen to the album and give it an honest opinion/review.    … Expand
  19. DavidFulcher33
    Feb 16, 2016
    10
    Kanye West's personal antics are a testament to his music -- that despite how ridiculous his character may be, his art rises above and makes fans out of the most discerning skeptics. This album is no different and shows significant progress as a musician -- its many layers cannot be fully appreciated on first listen. The album really picks up at the end with songs "30 Hours" and "No MoreKanye West's personal antics are a testament to his music -- that despite how ridiculous his character may be, his art rises above and makes fans out of the most discerning skeptics. This album is no different and shows significant progress as a musician -- its many layers cannot be fully appreciated on first listen. The album really picks up at the end with songs "30 Hours" and "No More Parties in L.A."… Expand
  20. Jamal_Abdi
    Feb 17, 2016
    10
    This album is absolutely stellar, from the first song up to the last song it's just an art, Kanye isn't afraid of using avante garde background music, and thought provoking vocals to produce something that transcends not only hip hop into great music, but also great music into artefact status.
  21. Little_Taoist
    Feb 17, 2016
    10
    Best. Kanye. Album. Ever. Every listen gets better. Waves is now the best song, soon to be replaced by Real Friends. Ultralight beams. The depth of the music. The layers. Moving into Dr. Dre mode, bring in all the guests you want, its the underlying music thats the feature. Don't buy the mainstream media trying to bring Kanye down. This album is amazing. 30 Hours is as good asBest. Kanye. Album. Ever. Every listen gets better. Waves is now the best song, soon to be replaced by Real Friends. Ultralight beams. The depth of the music. The layers. Moving into Dr. Dre mode, bring in all the guests you want, its the underlying music thats the feature. Don't buy the mainstream media trying to bring Kanye down. This album is amazing. 30 Hours is as good as Last Call on The College Dropout. And thats saying something.… Expand
  22. rafaelss
    Feb 17, 2016
    8
    Its amazing how Kanye can creates a flows in his music that envolves you from the beggining to the end of the album. He tells in a mesmerizing way his scathing and bruising message. The sound is pure and simple. No exaggerations. Although he uses a lot of samples and participations, it is just enough to enrich his songs. An interessant experimental work, without border the smug. It'sIts amazing how Kanye can creates a flows in his music that envolves you from the beggining to the end of the album. He tells in a mesmerizing way his scathing and bruising message. The sound is pure and simple. No exaggerations. Although he uses a lot of samples and participations, it is just enough to enrich his songs. An interessant experimental work, without border the smug. It's just pure good music.… Expand
  23. darrenskt
    Feb 17, 2016
    10
    This album at first may sounds confusing and I know a lot of people say this but it takes a couple listens to really get it this is Kanyes first album in a long time not to have a full message behind it yeezus was a political message my beautiful dark twisted fantasy was his response to the Taylor swift incident and 808 was a response to him losing his mother and fiancé this is KanyesThis album at first may sounds confusing and I know a lot of people say this but it takes a couple listens to really get it this is Kanyes first album in a long time not to have a full message behind it yeezus was a political message my beautiful dark twisted fantasy was his response to the Taylor swift incident and 808 was a response to him losing his mother and fiancé this is Kanyes first album without a backing message since graduation! I must say I was surprised as most songs are upbeat rather than Kanyes darker tone on recent albums it's him simply being him and takes many tones similar to his past efferts such as electronic minimalist tracks such (wolves) soul sample songs that wouldn't sound out of place on graduation or the college dropout ( no more parties in la & father stretch my hands) along with more instructial efforts such as (feedback, fade or freestyle 4) this album does not feature as much rapping as yeezus it features Kanyes style evolving more into a permanent stance witch you well recognize on most tracks recurring themes but more a less Kanye is in danger of becoming more known for his personal life than his music like Michael Jackson none the less this album is so far the best album of 2016 with its amazing production and at times deeply personal lyrics none the less I will review each track individually note not including interloads

    1. Ultra light beam (Ft Chance the rapper & Kelly price)
    A deep religious number with Kanye saying to reject the depressing ways of Satan and pray for more joy also with an amazing religious themed verse from chance the rapper and a calming Minimalist beat rating 8/10

    2.father stretch my hands pt1 &2 (ft kid cudi)
    Starting off with a soul sample before changing into a more yeezus style track witch is becoming more Kanyes signature with Kanyes auto verse talking about random subjects such as anal bleaching this track is one of the more polarizing tracks on the album but a strong chorus from kid cudi a good beat and a very fitting sample of desiigners panda this track is a calming song to drive too rating 7/10

    3. Famous ( ft Rihanna & Swizz beats)
    The track that caused world wide controversy due to Kanyes lyrics (I feel like
    Me and Taylor may still have sex I mad that **** famous) the origin of the lyrics seem unknown due to some saying Taylor oked the lyrics others saying otherwise but none the less the song is the most normal on the album with a hip hop beat and a good Chorus from Rihanna of her sample Nina Simone's and some adlibs from Swizz beats and a great sample of the reggae song bang bang you might know from the interview it's one of the more "normal" songs on the album rating 8.5/10

    4. Feedback
    This song was first heard when arcade fires front man previewed it at a dj set it's a very yeezus style instruial track with a strange but good beat with Kanye showing off some
    Good bars such as (name one genius who ain't crazy) or ( if hov j every Jordan need a rodman) rating 9/10

    5.highlights (ft el de barge Young thug & the dream)

    The young thug featuring banger features both rappers going full autotune along with a great outro from the dream and good beat rating 9/10

    6. Freestyle 4 (ft designer)
    Probably the strangest songs on the album with a menacing beat this song has Kanye go full yeezus describing what he wants to do to Kim at a vogue party rating 9.5/10

    7. Waves (ft Chris brown & kid cudi)
    Most admit I must thank chance for making Kanye put this on the album a thundering unexpected chorus from Chris brown and Kanye shooting some poetic over a futuristic trap beat remicent somewhat of 808 rating 10/10

    8. FML (ft the weeknd )

    Starts off with Kanye deleviring a deep personal intro along with the weeknds strong chorus and Kanyes quick verse over a dark beat this song has Everything the album has to over rating 8/10

    9. Real friends (ft ty Dolla $ign$
    Possibly the most lyrically strong song on the album features Kanye delivering a similar message too welcome to heart break over a drake like beat it's defienltly a grower and the most radio friendly song on the album rating 8/10

    10. Wolves (ft Frank ocean)
    With sia and Vic Mensa gone it features Kanye and frank ocean delivering lyrics about hard ships and growth over an ambient along with Kanyes lone verse reminiscent of runaway rating 9/10

    11. 30 hours
    A song with help from Andre 3000 drake and pharrel can never fail with lyrics of Kanyes past over a smooth beat a for sure can't miss rating 9.5/10

    12. No more parties in la ( ft k dot)
    A very throwback song features the rappers
    Throwing some hard bars over a sample heavy beat rating 7.5/10

    13. Facts
    This Charlie Heat beat is much better than the original with some
    Nike dissing lyrics this jumpman sister track wouldn't be out of place on any future album rating 8/10

    14. fade ( ft ty Dolla $ign & post Malone)
    Over one of the best beats Kanyes ever produced over a mr fingers sample Kanye post and ty deliver smooth lyrics rt 10/1    … Expand
  24. rnbzain
    May 13, 2016
    7
    t.l.o.p. is an amazing album! it's better than drake's album but worse than zayn's and beyonce's ;p waves is my biggest jam! Kanye is one of the most talented rappers.
  25. thedaywalker
    Jan 5, 2017
    6
    I really did not hear the appeal, pretty sure people just praising it because its Kanye West, another rapper less popular and this would have been thrown in the been
  26. chidime
    Feb 14, 2016
    6
    I love Kanye. Hands down my favorite rapper. This record, on the other hand, I do not like. It sounds confused and on some songs, Kanye's rapping seems uncomposed. Like a draft/practice rap made it to the final cut. The lyrics also are just not on the level I have come to expect from Kanye. All-in-all, it sounds like the album never went past the idea phase and never got edited. I willI love Kanye. Hands down my favorite rapper. This record, on the other hand, I do not like. It sounds confused and on some songs, Kanye's rapping seems uncomposed. Like a draft/practice rap made it to the final cut. The lyrics also are just not on the level I have come to expect from Kanye. All-in-all, it sounds like the album never went past the idea phase and never got edited. I will listen to the album again and see if my mind changes but for now, it's a 6 for me.… Expand
  27. Marcbackman
    Feb 15, 2016
    4
    I've tried to ignore Kanye's ever growing ego and enjoy the music removed from his life outside of it, but it's become increasingly hard to separate Kanye the designer and narcissist to Kanye the musician.

    The album generally isn't that good. Kanye doesn't really have anything new to say, and everything he is saying we've heard 10 times already. Ok, we get it Kanye: you hate Nike.    I've tried to ignore Kanye's ever growing ego and enjoy the music removed from his life outside of it, but it's become increasingly hard to separate Kanye the designer and narcissist to Kanye the musician.

    The album generally isn't that good. Kanye doesn't really have anything new to say, and everything he is saying we've heard 10 times already. Ok, we get it Kanye: you hate Nike. Ok, we also get that you are the re-incarnation of God and everyone wants to be you or know you. We get that you have a lot of fame and money. The difference this time around, in contrast to Yeezus, is that musically this album is not very good. The two times it is good ('Ultralight Beam' and 'No More Parties in LA') it is when the song is carried by a guest singer/rapper, and when the music (sonically) actualy has some substance to it - whether it is a great sampled beat in Parties, or the gospel tinged 'Ultralight'.

    I think when Kanye doesn't sound like he is complaining or sulking about something, he bares much better musically. If his narcissism keeps expanding at the rate it's going he no doubt will release a true stinker for his next album. And don't make the mistake of thinking this album is good or at the level we expect of Kanye. It's very average. I recommend Kanye either focus on his fashion brand or his music, because I believe his heart is no longer in the latter - and this album is proof of that fact.    … Expand
  28. astroboy97
    Feb 12, 2016
    10
    As an avid Kanye fan for all my life, I had little hope for this album. I heard it through the Yeezy s3 and got a near CDQ version of the original tracklist from a good friend of mine. After listening to it through 3-4 times, this last work feels almost transcendental. It makes all the other music today almost seem "boring", maybe because it is a new album from a musical icon, butAs an avid Kanye fan for all my life, I had little hope for this album. I heard it through the Yeezy s3 and got a near CDQ version of the original tracklist from a good friend of mine. After listening to it through 3-4 times, this last work feels almost transcendental. It makes all the other music today almost seem "boring", maybe because it is a new album from a musical icon, but nonetheless I felt immersed in history in motion. The grand opening of ultra light beam represented everything about Kanye. When he makes an entrance, he makes a grand one, such was the case with the intro track. Coupled with the brighter tracks of the album, Kanye once again masterfully combines the diversity of today's hip hop while staying true to his roots of always evolving as a musician and ALWAYS, NO MATTER WHAT, being the underdog.… Expand
  29. Maj23
    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.
  30. BenCollier100
    Feb 14, 2016
    10
    Kanye West is back with one of his best projects ever. There are too many incredible tracks on this record to mention. All I'll say is that ULB is one of the best songs I've ever heard. This album oozes style and soulful swagger - perfection.
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Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

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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]
See all critic reviews »