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. AirMartino347
    Feb 16, 2016
    10
    In the same class as MBDTF. Giving it a 10/10 only because MBDTF was perfect and this album is still very good. Kanye is a dick and always ill be blinded by his ego but he can produce some amazing pieces of art.
  2. kogsbogs
    Feb 14, 2016
    10
    Forget for one second the author of this creation and let yourself free fall into the sonics of this masterpiece.
    Reveal the layers to your soul......
  3. 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
  4. DudeDude2020
    Feb 14, 2016
    10
    This is not a cohesive, well put together album, as evidenced by the constantly changing name/ tracklist prior to the 2 day late release. However even they they don't flow together so well, these songs are emotional, angry and soulful, with some great modern production.
    Some of Kanye's lyrics are a bit questionable, but for the most part, he holds his own. Super neat album.
  5. DownHere
    Feb 14, 2016
    10
    What can i say, kanye does it agian. The album of life he says, and that is trough. The album is meant to be uncohesive, its about everything kanye has done in his life up to this point. Kanye never does thing twice, and this is what we get, a 2016 BBQ for life
  6. Orudomonki
    Feb 16, 2016
    10
    Kanye West has really delivered something beautiful. It's so diverse and fresh. I almost cried when I heard Ultralight Beam for the first time. Damn Kanye, why you keep me waiting like that man? A Roller-coaster ride, which will be on loop for a very long time.
  7. ILIKEBJS
    Feb 14, 2016
    10
    Another masterpiece from Kanye. Truly one of the greatest artists of our generation. Classic Kanye lines and some great soul songs. Production is unparalleled in hip-hop today. The best hip-hop album since "To Pimp a Butterfly" (Thank you Chance for Waves and your verse on Ultralight Beam)
  8. 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.
  9. 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
  10. usarice123
    Feb 15, 2016
    10
    A natural feeling evolution of his past albums with heavy emphasis on soundscapes that take you to a whole different place. Most enjoyable album since Channel Orange in 2012 for me
  11. kennythekoala
    Feb 13, 2016
    10
    This album is unapologetically Kanye. I would say it is strongly influenced by 808s and Heartbreaks, Yeezus, and My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. If you were a fan of those albums, you will find something to love about The Life of Pablo. The production on this album is absolutely insane. The beats are fantastic, the songs have progression, the songs are rapid fire and give you a twistedThis album is unapologetically Kanye. I would say it is strongly influenced by 808s and Heartbreaks, Yeezus, and My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. If you were a fan of those albums, you will find something to love about The Life of Pablo. The production on this album is absolutely insane. The beats are fantastic, the songs have progression, the songs are rapid fire and give you a twisted view of Kanye's reality.… Expand
  12. clouie99
    Feb 14, 2016
    10
    Kanye's best album. It's a blend of all of his past work put into one project. Everything else is perfection. collabs on point as with the production. my only complaint is that Vic Mensa and Sia aren't on Wolves.
    Favorites: FML, Waves, Fade, Famous
  13. 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.
  14. 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
  15. 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.
  16. 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.
  17. ILLmatic94
    Feb 14, 2016
    10
    TLOP features some of the best production on a Kanye album since MBDTF. Musically this album is a mixture of 808s, College Dropout and MBDTF to form a beautiful abstract sonic experience that can't be quantified with a rating. Lyrically Kanye is once again scrutinising his own actions, mental state and his past. Kanye doesn't conform to what people expect from him, in fact he addresses hisTLOP features some of the best production on a Kanye album since MBDTF. Musically this album is a mixture of 808s, College Dropout and MBDTF to form a beautiful abstract sonic experience that can't be quantified with a rating. Lyrically Kanye is once again scrutinising his own actions, mental state and his past. Kanye doesn't conform to what people expect from him, in fact he addresses his fan's constant yearning for "old Kanye". TLOP needs to be heard, reviews are cool but go listen for yourself fam.… Expand
  18. bdek16
    Feb 14, 2016
    10
    As a huge fan of "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy" Kanye, this is the kind of album I've been waiting for since 2010. All sorts of genres as well as phases of hip-hop are covered, from Ultra Light Beams-Gospel, to Highlights-modern rap... Truly a work of art. Wouldn't expect any less from Kanye.
  19. dannybb1433
    Feb 16, 2016
    10
    This album is beautiful. A lot of people will not like the autotune, but this could be his most personal work to date, and his best produced album too
  20. Asofnowyoudie
    Feb 14, 2016
    10
    Kanye West introduces gospel beats, and new collaborations to the rap genre which creates an amazing album. While the songs aren't too cohesive and come from a lot of different directions, all of them are top notch.
  21. 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.
  22. abscherz
    Feb 15, 2016
    10
    Nearly every song is refreshing. Favorite tracks: Waves, FLM, Real Friends, Wolves, No More Parties in LA, Famous. Least favorite: Facts

    Needless to say if you're a Kanye fan, you won't be disappointed.
  23. 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
  24. 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.
  25. DoTheFrowns69
    Feb 16, 2016
    10
    If Yeezus was an album with no pop filter, then The Life of Pablo is a pop album with no filter. Yeezus was about the aesthetic; it sought to create, through its instrumentals and lyrics, an album that had a singular, harsh, and uncompromising sound. On TLOP, Kanye maintains that experimental, free-wheeling vibe, but don’t be mistaken: this album definitely stands on its own. This album isIf Yeezus was an album with no pop filter, then The Life of Pablo is a pop album with no filter. Yeezus was about the aesthetic; it sought to create, through its instrumentals and lyrics, an album that had a singular, harsh, and uncompromising sound. On TLOP, Kanye maintains that experimental, free-wheeling vibe, but don’t be mistaken: this album definitely stands on its own. This album is full-on, no-holds-barred, Kanye West; he pulls out every trick, aesthetic, and guest in his bag of tricks, and ends up with a truly amazing album.
    Fans of Kanye’s work may be taken aback by TLOP at first, because it’s the first album in a long time where he doesn’t try to create a genre-defying work of art. Instead, he decides to slow down, look back on what he’s done, and play with it in his music. There’s bits of every album he’s ever created in here; some tracks would fit comfortably on Late Registration, while others are so dark and animalistic that they could’ve served as the intro to Yeezus. This diversity might make the tracks on this album seem disconnected, but it actually speaks to the variety that exists between all of his albums. I’ll put it this way: if you’re a Kanye fan, this is your dream album. If you’re new to his work, however, I would hesitate to recommend it to you. If you haven’t grown used to the auto-tuned, simplistic lyricism of 808’s and Heartbreak, or the brute arrogance of Yeezus (both of which are excellently utilized here), then this will seem like a strange, confusing piece of work. It takes a certain knowledge of Kanye the artist, and a certain appreciation of his work, to truly enjoy this album. To put it simply, if you're not about Kanye West, then you might not be about this album.
    Once you’re willing to take the plunge, however, you’ll find that this is a very well-crafted, enjoyable assortment of aesthetics. Kanye draws from the very best, most interesting aspects of his music, and somehow fits it all together like only he could. Some tracks have him spitting bars energetically (“Feedback”), while others have him reduced to such primitive lyrics that you wonder if he’s actually blacked out in the studio (“Freestyle 4”). “Highlights” feels like “Good Life” part 2, while the crescendo of “FML” feels like a spiritual successor to “Hold My Liquor”. By looking back, Kanye draws not only from himself, but also from those he’s inspired. The incredible intro “Ultralight Beam” brings in Chance the Rapper, who belts out one of his best guest verses of all time while praising his mentor and favorite rapper. “Facts” is such a Drake song that you’d almost accuse Kanye of being unoriginal, until you remember that 808’s was the album that spawned Drizzy’s aesthetic in the first place. Despite the familiarity, none of this feels like a retread. Rather, it feels like a summary; like the biography of an artist. Fitting, I guess, that it be called the Life of Pablo.    … Expand
  26. imdajudgem8
    Feb 14, 2016
    10
    This album is beautiful. A lot of people will not like the autotune, but this could be his most personal work to date, and his best produced album too! The features all did brilliant, and the lyricism is reminiscent of Graduation and 808s. Stellar work from a genius!
  27. kali_michael
    Feb 13, 2016
    10
    this album is so excellent. i think it'll be almost as good as MBDTF. The sounds are just so beautiful, and the features are on point, the lyrics are crazy. Definitely buying this.
  28. nicopatella
    Feb 14, 2016
    10
    This is MDBTF meets Happy Yeezus. It fits the MDBTF structure and it's so well done, so well executed, so interesting, so complex.... This is the Kanye West of albums.
  29. jesseurbancsik
    Feb 12, 2016
    10
    When is Kanye actually going to release this album? My GOD, it's been a while. I watched the live stream of the debut. Great as always. Great features, except the cut of Vic Mensa and Sia on "Wolves". That was a great song. Frank Ocean is a great feature but not as good as Sia and Mensa. Oh, well. The album is a combination of all his past albums. Great lyrics about Taylor Swift, Kim and Rob.
  30. 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
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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 »