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. 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
  2. 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.
  3. BShaps
    Feb 18, 2016
    4
    I'm absolutely perplexed how people can be giving this album good reviews. There are a couple of really good songs, the rest is some of the worst stuff I've ever heard. For example if you can't freestyle, don't put it on your album. It is probably the worst freestyle I've ever heard, here's an excerpt, and the rest of it is like this:

    What the f*** right now? What the f*** right    I'm absolutely perplexed how people can be giving this album good reviews. There are a couple of really good songs, the rest is some of the worst stuff I've ever heard. For example if you can't freestyle, don't put it on your album. It is probably the worst freestyle I've ever heard, here's an excerpt, and the rest of it is like this:

    What the f*** right now?
    What the f*** right now?
    What the, What the f*** right now?
    What if we f*** right now?
    What if we f***ed right in the middle
    Of this motherf***in' dinner table?
    What if we f***ed at the Vogue party?
    Would we be the life of the whole party?
    Shut down the whole party
    Would everybody start f***in'?
    Would everybody start f***in'?
    Would everybody start f***in'?

    If rhyming a line with the exact same line is talent then I'm a rap god.    … Expand
  4. sybtonline
    Feb 18, 2016
    8
    If you took all Kanye’s previous albums, dropped it in a pot and cooked it, The Life Of Pablo is what you will get. The Life Of Pablo is messy in a good way, noisy in a beautiful way and all over the place in an orderly way (I dont even know what that means but it sounds good right?) This album is sonically out of this world as you would expect a Kante album to be, the album however fallIf you took all Kanye’s previous albums, dropped it in a pot and cooked it, The Life Of Pablo is what you will get. The Life Of Pablo is messy in a good way, noisy in a beautiful way and all over the place in an orderly way (I dont even know what that means but it sounds good right?) This album is sonically out of this world as you would expect a Kante album to be, the album however fall shorts in terms of great lyricism -sybt.tv… Expand
  5. bez123
    Feb 18, 2016
    10
    Overall, great album. A sonic masterpiece. While Kanye has never been the most amazing lyricist, he has always provided clever and memorable lines which he does throughout the album. The production throughout the album is amazing and Kanye truly has a gift for combining so many different types of sounds, samples, artists, etc. into such an amazing project. Songs like Ultralight Beam,Overall, great album. A sonic masterpiece. While Kanye has never been the most amazing lyricist, he has always provided clever and memorable lines which he does throughout the album. The production throughout the album is amazing and Kanye truly has a gift for combining so many different types of sounds, samples, artists, etc. into such an amazing project. Songs like Ultralight Beam, Father Stretch My Hands Pt.1 & 2, Famous, Feedback, Waves, FML, Real Friends, and 30 Hours are my favorites, but I like all of the other songs too. If I have any complaint about the album it's that some of the songs start out too slow, but if you let them build up you are in for a rewarding experience.… Expand
  6. Isaiahharris30
    Feb 18, 2016
    10
    This isn't Hip Hop it's just pure beautiful music. Kanye is at his best and he doesn't seem like stop anytime soon. He might be a distraction in the public but the music trumps everything.
  7. 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.
  8. steeze_abiola
    Feb 18, 2016
    9
    The album presents itself to somewhat artistic, revealing a spiritually elusive sonic ambiance. Of all the intended album titles, TLOP interprets the aberrational and con-jointed musical effort of his publicly unacceptable persona and the younger novel Kanye West.

    Just like @JeffGoldblum said; no two Kanye albums sounds alike. If you are finding difficulties liking this album, Read up    The album presents itself to somewhat artistic, revealing a spiritually elusive sonic ambiance. Of all the intended album titles, TLOP interprets the aberrational and con-jointed musical effort of his publicly unacceptable persona and the younger novel Kanye West.

    Just like @JeffGoldblum said; no two Kanye albums sounds alike. If you are finding difficulties liking this album, Read up on Pablo Picasso and see how he started off with the generally acceptable form of art and grew up to be more personal, expressional and deviant.

    Some reviewers think its an incomplete sound, Kanye has taken a impressionist approach to how "beautiful" is defined. Take a cue from his clothing line; appreciating ugliness as an aesthetic defiance is the mode he has been creating music upon, not having to be the harmoniously balanced keys of Marvin Gaye.

    The overly collective mix of different sounds and samples suggests Kanye's ability to extract rhythm and combine a generational ascension of sounds.

    The -1 from my score is the harmful image the lyrical contents adds to his personality. He tries to reinvigorate the humorous Kanye to which he poorly misrepresented into something harsh and intense.    … Expand
  9. rolli
    Feb 18, 2016
    1
    A bunch of unfinished drafts shuffled together don't make a good album. I listened to this album twice - the second time around it got even worse so I deleted it to where it deserves to be.
  10. wbz
    Feb 17, 2016
    10
    This isn't Fantasy. This isn't quite Late Registration. But damn it's good. Even though the whole thing feels a bit messy, he manages to coalesce a variety of sounds into a distinct feel.
  11. Teemobeemo
    Feb 17, 2016
    0
    I have a feeling that Kanye is paying people to post reviews of his album because this album is horrible. It's like if you took two pieces of crap, slapped a piece of crap between them and made a crap sandwich.
  12. Thelifeofreview
    Feb 17, 2016
    9
    Em primeiro lugar o religioso 'So Help Me God', em segundo lugar o curto 'SWISH', em terceiro o sutil 'Waves' e enfim o misterioso 'The Life Of Pablo'.

    The Life Of Pablo é o sétimo álbum solo de estúdio do rapper Kanye West. Lançado oficialmente em 12 de Janeiro. Após uma longa pausa de 3 anos, enfim Kanye West está de volta. Após alguns singles e desfiles, ele volta com tudo, enfim    Em primeiro lugar o religioso 'So Help Me God', em segundo lugar o curto 'SWISH', em terceiro o sutil 'Waves' e enfim o misterioso 'The Life Of Pablo'.

    The Life Of Pablo é o sétimo álbum solo de estúdio do rapper Kanye West. Lançado oficialmente em 12 de Janeiro.

    Após uma longa pausa de 3 anos, enfim Kanye West está de volta. Após alguns singles e desfiles, ele volta com tudo, enfim com um relacionamento sem turbulência, ele recebe de Deus seus dois novos anjos e suas roupas em total evidência. Kanye West apresenta nesse novo álbum uma nova pessoa, um Kanye que nós ainda não tínhamos conhecimento.

    O álbum conta com participações de Chance The Rapper, Chris Brown, Desiigner, Frank Ocean, Kendrick Lamar, Kid Cudi, Kirk Franklin, Post Malone, Rihanna, Sia, Ty Dolla $ign, Vic Mensa, The Weeknd & Young Thug. UFA!

    E nas produções destaco; Cashmere Cat, Kanye West, Madlib, Metro Boomin & Rick Rubin.

    A Pitchfork compara Kanye a Picasso, aqui nesse texto comparo o álbum ao quadro de Les Demoiselles d'Avignon.

    Les Demoiselles d'Avignon: A composição de Picasso, 'As Senhoritas de Avignon', levou nove meses para ser feita, vindo a se tornar uma das obras responsáveis por revolucionar a história da arte, formando a base para o cubismo e a pintura abstrata. O Álbum é complexo, como é a pintura. As participações do álbum são como as cores da pintura, todas estão distribuídas perfeitamente, não há excessos, e todos estão em seus devidos lugares.

    Como a pintura, o álbum trocou de nome diversas vezes. A pintura foi incompreendida pelos amigos de Picasso, e o álbum está sendo incompreendido por alguns não fãs. Kanye referiu-se ao álbum como o álbum da vida, já Picasso referiu-se a pintura como sua primeira verdadeira pintura. Ambos também tem influencias da cultura africana. Picasso relatou que a pintura se retrata de tudo que ocorreu/correrá em 50 anos, o álbum retrata tudo que ocorreu na vida do Kanye e tudo o que ele deseja ocorrer. Muitos estilos em uma única tela. Muitos estilos musicais em único álbum. A possibilidade de fazer tudo que vem a sua mente. A possibilidade de rimar sobre qualquer assunto. A ousadia de Picasso. A ousadia de Kanye em 'Famous', 'Feedback' 'Freestyle 4' & 'FACTS'.

    O álbum não é de fácil entendimento como 'Graduation', você levará algumas semanas para admitir que é um bom álbum. O que Kanye passou para mim é que, ele fez o álbum expondo tudo que viveu e para seus fieis fãs. O álbum não se prende em só em um estilo, ele varia, o que é ótimo. Porém, Kanye deveria ter realizado a distribuição de faixas com mais delicadeza, algo que sempre o destacou. As letras estão no ponto, com rimas fortes e letras emocionantes tais como; 'Ultralight Beam', 'Real Friends' & 'Wolves'. Produção também é um destaque, conta com a lenda Rick Rubin, o produtor do momento, Metro Boomin e também o seu fiel companheiro Mike Dean, que produz conjunto desde Graduation. Como praxe, Kanye dá uma aula de samples no álbum, contendo samples de 'Stand Up and Shout About Love' por Larry Graham Jr, 'Do What You Gotta Do' pela Nina Simone, elementos sonoros do jogo 'Street Fighter II' e '(I Know) I'm Losing You' de Rare Earth.

    Enfim, é um bom álbum. Não se compara ao clássico 'My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy'. porém está em um alto nível. Kanye West nunca decepciona.

    Músicas de destaque: 'Ultralight Beam', 'Real Friends' & 'No More Parties in L.A.'    … Expand
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. 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....
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. jcschauster
    Feb 17, 2016
    9
    Wouldn't go as far to say it's Kanye's "White Album", but I can understand the comparison. It's not perfect, but there is a perfect album in there somewhere, mostly within the first half. Everything after "Silver Surfer Intermission" is strictly bonus in my opinion, which helps maintain any sense of consistency and flow among the rest of the album. There are elements of old, including theWouldn't go as far to say it's Kanye's "White Album", but I can understand the comparison. It's not perfect, but there is a perfect album in there somewhere, mostly within the first half. Everything after "Silver Surfer Intermission" is strictly bonus in my opinion, which helps maintain any sense of consistency and flow among the rest of the album. There are elements of old, including the auto-tune throwback to "808's" and heavily sampled flow of early Kanye with tracks such as "No More Parties in L.A.". The vicious "Yeezus"-era sound is apparent in "Feedback" and "Freestyle 4". What's new and progressive here is the occasional use of modern trap sounds, apparent in "Father Stretch My Hands Pt. 2", and this type of loose structure/quick cut theme is new to Kanye. We're so used to having cohesive albums from Kanye that this jumping around from idea to idea is both distracting and thrilling. Kind of like the erratic lead-up to Pablo's release, this album as a whole is pretty erratic, yet entertaining and undoubtably sonically appealing. Kanye continues to reign as a producer, while throwing his blunt jabs that one can either find hilarious or offensive.… Expand
  19. popcornnsprite
    Feb 17, 2016
    9
    Some of the beat switches got on my nerves initially and could have been executed more smoothly in my opinion. I have started to get used to them after multiple listens and can really enjoy almost every single song on this album (freestyle 4 aside). Ultralight Beam is amazing. Fantastic album with many highs.
  20. 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
  21. Super-Evil-DOOM
    Feb 17, 2016
    8
    Somewhere in here it feels like there's an amazing album that just isn't polished or fully formed. TLOP is a bit chaotic in nature with a few tracks that feel both unfinished and like filler. There are 8-9 truly wonderful songs on the track list, a few of those such as Feedback or Fade STILL feel like they could probably be more than what they are even though their current state is stillSomewhere in here it feels like there's an amazing album that just isn't polished or fully formed. TLOP is a bit chaotic in nature with a few tracks that feel both unfinished and like filler. There are 8-9 truly wonderful songs on the track list, a few of those such as Feedback or Fade STILL feel like they could probably be more than what they are even though their current state is still extremely replayable. Overall, this is still a very exceptional album that can feel a bit exhausting at times, but it does grow with each listen.… Expand
  22. mcq767
    Feb 17, 2016
    9
    Production is on par with MBDTF, maybe even better. 10/10. The lyrics have their moments, but they're kind of lazy and hold it back from being a 10 for me. They're not any worse than you'll find on other albums, but the production is so good that it makes it look like the flow can't keep up by comparison.
  23. yrcrazy
    Feb 17, 2016
    1
    All these ten reviews are completely absurd. Either people have been paid to promote this drivel or the kanye bandwagon has officially made people lose their minds and act like a religious cult. This is Kanye worst work yet as he drifts closer and closer to ending up in a psych ward.
  24. flopez13
    Feb 17, 2016
    10
    A masterpiece in its own right, the album isn't meant for those who cant stomach this kind of music. Kanye isn't making music so that you'd like him or so you can take him seriously, he's making music that he wants to make for fun and making it sound amazing as well. We shouldn't analyze everything he says because really all he's doing is giving us his opinions, humor and own experiencesA masterpiece in its own right, the album isn't meant for those who cant stomach this kind of music. Kanye isn't making music so that you'd like him or so you can take him seriously, he's making music that he wants to make for fun and making it sound amazing as well. We shouldn't analyze everything he says because really all he's doing is giving us his opinions, humor and own experiences on a sliver platter with flawless production behind it. Its a perfect mess.… Expand
  25. Just1PT
    Feb 17, 2016
    9
    Look! This record is downright relevant, alive, interesting, full...I've never been a huge Kayne fan, but this record has changed that for me. It's amazing, fun, sad, just downright great. Sorry haters, Kayne is real, real good with The Life Of Pablo.
  26. badzyman
    Feb 17, 2016
    9
    To enjoy this album, give it a second listen. It underscores Kanye's desire to explore a wide variety of sounds and produce a chaotic album that makes more sense as you listen to it more. For those looking for experimental music with complementary lyrics and voices this is a good one.
  27. FredFlores
    Feb 17, 2016
    10
    Kanye did it again, This was not a consistent album, but it was done intentionally. A perfect mixture of many music genres. You start off with a gospel like song, then you just drop into bass with nice vocals of kid cudi. The rest is history.
  28. 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.
  29. gvarg
    Feb 16, 2016
    0
    I have to fill in the requirements but honestly this is a big no. Its a good 6 but you guys are seriously giving this "man" (cause he is no god) too much credit. He is an okay rapper who just loops and takes things from other songs.
  30. Schmosh
    Feb 16, 2016
    6
    The creativity of To Pimp a Butterfly combined with the brains and voice of Donald Trump.

    Kanye West is really good at producing music and that continues with this album. Just don't listen to it expecting to be challenged or inspired.
  31. wuwukennywu
    Feb 16, 2016
    9
    Wish he had more time doing this, but still sounds amazing. He should've included that Only One remix with Caroline Shaw, kept Sia and Vic's part in Wolves a long with a bigger role with Frank Ocean, at least use Paul McCartney in a couple of songs. Overall the album can be played over and over. TLDR; Able to bring a Pulitzer Prize winning voice, a Beatle, a kid from Chi, and a MaloneWish he had more time doing this, but still sounds amazing. He should've included that Only One remix with Caroline Shaw, kept Sia and Vic's part in Wolves a long with a bigger role with Frank Ocean, at least use Paul McCartney in a couple of songs. Overall the album can be played over and over. TLDR; Able to bring a Pulitzer Prize winning voice, a Beatle, a kid from Chi, and a Malone vibe in an album… Expand
  32. wyatt124uu
    Feb 16, 2016
    9
    Kanye tops his critically acclaimed Yeezus which was released 3 years ago, The Life Of Pablo is very experimental as Kanye tends to be but more enjoyable to fans than Yeezus.
    As I found, Yeezus was not as well received as I felt it deserved.
    TLOP obviously has some amazing production, it's pretty much flawless in that area, one thing I noticed worth mentioning is the vocal samples. A lot    Kanye tops his critically acclaimed Yeezus which was released 3 years ago, The Life Of Pablo is very experimental as Kanye tends to be but more enjoyable to fans than Yeezus.
    As I found, Yeezus was not as well received as I felt it deserved.
    TLOP obviously has some amazing production, it's pretty much flawless in that area, one thing I noticed worth mentioning is the vocal samples. A lot of songs in the track list have vocal samples used mixed in with the beats or in another way. Songs like Fade, Famous, Waves, and Wolves are phenomenal examples of this. All four of these songs have a strong showing of vocal sampling mixed in with the overall production, and all of them come out fantastic. Sister Nancy's song Bam Bam is vocal sampled on the second half of the song Famous and is easily one of the most jaw dropping moments on the album. The song turns from Kanye rapping a lot of braggadocio over a very shining banger type beat, to an incredible soulful, and in a weird way, hope giving beat with Nancy's vocals fitting in perfect. Swizz Beatz ad-libs throughout the song are also incredibly enjoyable, not too much is enough. As recognizable as the Nancy sample is, it still comes in as beautifully and will remind you how you felt when you first heard it (and if you haven't heard the sample before you are in for quite a feeling).
    The album kicks off incredibly strong with Ultralight Beam, featuring GOOD Music's own The-Dream, Chance The Rapper and Kelly Price if I'm not mistaken. It is a beautiful, soul touching gosepl record which is a suprise from someone like Kanye, but it is does to perfection, with Dream and Kelly's vocals bring their game and a choir in the background making the track really feel like a "God dream" as Kanye states in the track. Chance brings a powerful verse to put the cherry on top of the sundae.
    FML is also a mentionable track which features The Weeknd, it is another twisted love story from Kanye talking about how he always "F*cks his life up". The song starts off very slow, but picks up after the first hook which is a quick but powerful show of emotion from The Weeknd.
    The interlude/skit "I Love Kanye" is a hilarious, awesome little jab at all the people who say they miss the "old Kanye" and it is epic.
    Theres a song for everyone on here and some songs are hard not to like. From fun listens like No More Parties In LA, Highlights & Waves to gruff songs that might convince you Kanye is an insane genius like Freestyle 4, Feedback and Facts. The album is a thrilling roller coaster, the mood can change up incredibly in just a few songs, you'll go from near tears from the dark Wolves track with Frank Ocean, to dancing with no care to No More Parties In LA with Kendrick Lamar.
    In conclusion, this isn't Kanye's best work, but it is definitely another impressive entry to his discography, which is already on of the strongest in music history.
    I'm giving this a Strong 9.7    … Expand
  33. 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.
  34. 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
  35. kuznesof
    Feb 16, 2016
    9
    Amazing album, great to listen to. However, not that cohesive and some of the songs are quite shallow compared to Yeezus for example. But all the songs are incredible listening experiences!
  36. itsbrunos
    Feb 16, 2016
    9
    I mean, this is the best work of Kanye West and you need to agree with me. I didn't liked 2 or 3 songs but it doesn't mean that it isn't an incredible art of rap culture.
  37. 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.
  38. roturru
    Feb 16, 2016
    10
    Kanye has been Extremely edgy fro the the last couple of years. This album ended up being Edgy to match his current personality. His lyrics are funny, sarcastic, and full of his egoism. Master piece.
  39. tljacks
    Feb 16, 2016
    10
    This album truly is nothing short of a classic!!! He gives you something from each album (especially last 3.. Yeezus, MBDTF, and 808) ..... It gets better each listen!!! For me, it's top 3 of his catalog but I want to sit on the album a few more months to see if it still moves me the same, to move it up on his best albums list... Sonically, there will be no better album this year!!
  40. 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!
  41. 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
  42. vapo
    Feb 16, 2016
    10
    Classic album. Not only is the production amazing, but West brings an authenticity that nobody else can. He isn't bringing the same tired social criticisms from the last 20 years that we continually hear from Kendrick Lamar. He is bringing both anger and hope together like nobody else can.
  43. maksym26
    Feb 16, 2016
    9
    For me it´s a clear 8.5 from Kanye, so I´m giving him 9. It could be better without 3/4 songs that are on the album, the idea is beautiful, but album is not that consistent as MBDTF is. Still a great album from Kanye.
  44. Kablaaze
    Feb 16, 2016
    10
    Great opening track. Some questionable lyrics here and there but that's Kanye and we love him for that. Genius in every sense of the word. Mr. West does it once again 7 in a row.
  45. 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.
  46. 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.
  47. Wooks
    Feb 16, 2016
    10
    Kanye West has done it again. The almost 3 year wait since his last project Yeezus (which I also loved and was critically acclaimed) was too long. You would've thought after that record, could he do anything any more outlandish and make it work? I was sceptical if this new album would live up to the name Kanye was giving it through Twitter etc... But man, when I first heard the vocals onKanye West has done it again. The almost 3 year wait since his last project Yeezus (which I also loved and was critically acclaimed) was too long. You would've thought after that record, could he do anything any more outlandish and make it work? I was sceptical if this new album would live up to the name Kanye was giving it through Twitter etc... But man, when I first heard the vocals on Ultra Lightbeam... Good lord!! A beautiful opening track and the album just gets better with Father Stretch My Hands, the Cudi we have all missed returns and good job bringing Desiigner on it too, it somehow all blended in well but I'll get to the features later. The tracks on this album are all bold, brash and giving off a massive statement and this was present too in Yeezus and that's what I love about this "New Kanye". The lyrics may not be there as much they once were for Ye but the production of this album, the way the sounds clash and come out, I think, is just amazing. From the exciting instrumental of Feedback to the Good Morning reminiscent instrumental of Famous and the menacing sound of Freestyle 4, Kanye manages to engage the listener in all these different emotions, which to be honest I feel he has managed to do in mostly all of his albums to date. There are 18 songs on this album which is quite appealing as Yeezus only had 10 which is probably the only problem I had with that record. Not to mention, the dude managed to put Facts on the album and still made it sound like an absolute banger. My favourite thing about The Life of Pablo is the fact that truly, every piece of Kanye over the years since The College Dropout can be found on this record. Songs like 30 Hours, NMPIL and Real Friends are reminiscent of Late Registration/Graduation era Kanye whereas songs such as Wolves remind me of 808s and Freestyle 4 could've easily passed as Yeezus bonus track. I also love the way he parodies that whole "Old Kanye" thing in the song (or skit?) I Love Kanye showing his awareness to the whole situation and almost clapping back at it. The features on this record are amazing. Chance did a good job, Rihanna, Cudi, Thugger's contributions were awesome, The Weeknd and hell, even Chris Brown was a good decision to put on this album. I hasten to add the man got Frank Ocean on his album before Frank could put himself on his own album... Frankie did a great job nevertheless. I feel Kanye makes the type of music you don't get or won't like at first but give it a few days, months, even years (it took me a while for Yeezus and 808s to be fair) and you'll realise the beauty behind the madness. But one thing, this record will be hard to understand if you are not a Kanye fan, I feel only strong Ye fans will love and enjoy this album, you just gotta know the history for this record. Ye is an innovative and versatile artist, always giving out a new, different sound for every album, this is a feature other big names in hip hop, lack. It's only been a couple of days yet I am thoroughly enjoying this album so far and I'm bound to keep loving it more and more. Overall, I feel Ye did a good ass job with this project, it's experimental and everything I expected for sure. I don't really have any criticisms about this project, maybe the lyrical content could be slightly better on his behalf, and was a 2 minute version of Low Lights really necessary? I feel Yeezy has delivered again on this with a mix of every album collected in one 58 minute masterpiece. A lot of people won't feel this same way although give it some time, it may not be MBDTF but believe me, it is up there. It'll get the haters for sure, I mean, it IS Kanye West here.… Expand
  48. finnbarrh
    Feb 16, 2016
    10
    this is a god dream. sonically one of the best albums i have ever heard. kanye going down in the history books. every sound is so precise and glorious to listen to.
  49. pabloo
    Feb 16, 2016
    10
    Kanye West returns with his long awaited follow up to 2013's Yeezus. Surprisingly, despite the hype, and continuing downward spiral in the media, The Life of Pablo appears to be yet another triumph for Kanye West. An album that gets better with each listen, as each layer gets peeled back. Although Kanye West does not break new ground on this record, he establishes this as theKanye West returns with his long awaited follow up to 2013's Yeezus. Surprisingly, despite the hype, and continuing downward spiral in the media, The Life of Pablo appears to be yet another triumph for Kanye West. An album that gets better with each listen, as each layer gets peeled back. Although Kanye West does not break new ground on this record, he establishes this as the conceptualization for the album. Rather than create a 'new Kanye', he focuses on being all of the 'old Kanyes' he has created. It appears that his twitter rants and overall abberant behaviour appear to be apart of an insane genius personality he has created, which would explain the use of the multiple Kanyes. Highlights include Ultra Light Beam, Famous, Feedback, Highlights, I love Kanye, Waves, FML, Wolves, No More Parties in L.A,, and Facts. 10/10… Expand
  50. 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.
  51. Montie
    Feb 16, 2016
    10
    This is an album for the fan of all 6 solos. If you hate one of them then you're not gonna love this. But if you're smart and love all 6 then this is the summary. Every track is perfect and its not even completely finished.

    7/7 baby!!
  52. 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
  53. MikeyD1esel
    Feb 16, 2016
    0
    This album is complete and utter, unforgiving trash. There's absolutely no content on this whatsoever. I'm real sick and tired of all these Knaye cultist hypebeasts losing their minds over absolute trash. I don't care if the sound is great, although it's basically autotuned nonsense that sounds like an angry child banging on a trash can, he should go and PRODUCE then. Calling this a RAPThis album is complete and utter, unforgiving trash. There's absolutely no content on this whatsoever. I'm real sick and tired of all these Knaye cultist hypebeasts losing their minds over absolute trash. I don't care if the sound is great, although it's basically autotuned nonsense that sounds like an angry child banging on a trash can, he should go and PRODUCE then. Calling this a RAP album is insulting to real MCs like Kendrick… Expand
  54. 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
  55. 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
  56. 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
  57. 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'.
  58. 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
  59. 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.
  60. 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.
  61. mrchrister2
    Feb 16, 2016
    5
    About half of the songs on the album are amazing. The other half of the songs are complete trash. This album is all over the place and the quality is not consistent in the slightest. The lyrics can be funny and clever but then Kanye goes overboard on the corny lines sometimes which makes me cringe.
  62. 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.
  63. 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
  64. 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.
  65. 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
  66. MatRevo
    Feb 16, 2016
    1
    Unfinished. Get back to the studio, Kanye. This isn't what you need to release after saying you are the greatest artist of all time. This is full of fillers and had a lazy production.
  67. zrvnavi
    Feb 16, 2016
    10
    Kanye has made a greatest hits album for himself with new songs. Taking notes from the most important albums in hip hop (his own) Kanye is able to create a celebration of his music.
  68. 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
  69. 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
  70. 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
  71. 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
  72. 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
  73. karly11
    Feb 15, 2016
    10
    We missed Da Vinci, Beethoven, Shakespeare, Genghis Khan & Mozart. Right now we witnessing Ye, enjoy the ride fam. Our own 21st century genius. This album here is artwork, don't listen to all these fools that say otherwise. Listen and enjoy this journey Kanye is taking us on.
  74. 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.
  75. 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
  76. shangyip
    Feb 15, 2016
    10
    A combination of his work from all his previous albums put into one piece. Kanye has nothing left to prove with six of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time (not including Watch the Throne, which was fantastic), and Pablo only further cements his place as one of the greatest. The album contains soul and gospel sounds that bring out character and an interesting mix of autotune andA combination of his work from all his previous albums put into one piece. Kanye has nothing left to prove with six of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time (not including Watch the Throne, which was fantastic), and Pablo only further cements his place as one of the greatest. The album contains soul and gospel sounds that bring out character and an interesting mix of autotune and trap/heavy bass that surprisingly bangs hard. Though it contains some "controversial" lyrics, Kanye shows that he has no boundaries in his level of expression with "Famous", "Highlights", and "Feedback". His emotional and slightly insecure side comes out again in "FML", "Real Friends", and "Wolves" but he does an amazing job integrating artists like The Weeknd and France Ocean into the intended eerie feeling of the songs. Ye reminds us of his old school bars in "30 Hours" and "No More Parties in LA" which bring listeners to the edge of their seats. A well put together album that displays West's all around capabilities with tremendous production (once again) that consolidate the songs together like a movie. IMO his greatest work yet other than Dark Fantasy (hard to believe, I know), but only time will tell how much more of an impact and influence it will have. Great music, especially hip-hop, isn't meant to be digested fully in the first couple of listens and for the insensitive who aren't able to comprehend the message and sounds in the background without being offended (this is Kanye West, after all). This was an album of our time, appreciate greatness.… Expand
  77. 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
  78. Biased
    Feb 15, 2016
    10
    The album is fantastic. Kanye seems to be zigging while everyone expects a zag. Whats bothersome in some of the publication reviews is the constant commentary on Kanye's ego, as if that is not a subject worth exploring? As if he is not aware enough to use that to contrast his vulnerability, sensitivity, and imperfections. It may not be his best, but it falls in line with his consistentThe album is fantastic. Kanye seems to be zigging while everyone expects a zag. Whats bothersome in some of the publication reviews is the constant commentary on Kanye's ego, as if that is not a subject worth exploring? As if he is not aware enough to use that to contrast his vulnerability, sensitivity, and imperfections. It may not be his best, but it falls in line with his consistent greatness. When it is all said and done we will look back and call this another Kanye step toward all time greatness and a generational talent.… Expand
  79. giu344
    Feb 15, 2016
    0
    Très clairement l'un des disques les plus faibles de kanye, absence de cohérence artistiques, paroles lamentables, production largement en dessous que ce qu'il nous offre d'habitude, beaucoup de chansons très mauvaises, aucune excellente chanson, passez votre chemin...
  80. hpola
    Feb 15, 2016
    5
    A scattered album. There are parts that are very interesting but are quickly overshadowed by his instability. On a few tracks you can almost groove, but then all of a sudden the happiness cuts out.

    Life of Pablo comes off like an uncomfortable couch. Readjustment is futile. With every ye release, it seems we are looking further into his unhinging. Good thing he's such a**hole, no one    A scattered album. There are parts that are very interesting but are quickly overshadowed by his instability. On a few tracks you can almost groove, but then all of a sudden the happiness cuts out.

    Life of Pablo comes off like an uncomfortable couch. Readjustment is futile.

    With every ye release, it seems we are looking further into his unhinging. Good thing he's such a**hole, no one seems to care to stop it.    … Expand
  81. LukaGoncalves
    Feb 15, 2016
    8
    The first impression I got upon listening to TLOP for the first time was that it is not as cohesive as MBDTF or Yeezus which it clearly revisits and attempts to fuse, and even though it's growing on me with each listen, TLOP sounds somewhat unfinished and a little step too far from the sheer greatness of MBDTF or the raw emotion of Yeezus. However there are some excellent pieces of musicThe first impression I got upon listening to TLOP for the first time was that it is not as cohesive as MBDTF or Yeezus which it clearly revisits and attempts to fuse, and even though it's growing on me with each listen, TLOP sounds somewhat unfinished and a little step too far from the sheer greatness of MBDTF or the raw emotion of Yeezus. However there are some excellent pieces of music here like No More Parties in LA, FML, Wolves, Waves or Famous. The messy release of TLOP, Kanye's latest weird tweets and the suprise edited version of Wolves are in order with the raw and disorganized nature of TLOP. Maybe he should have worked on it for a little longer but TLOP is in no way a bad album and sets the scene to Kanye's future music endeavours. 75/100… Expand
  82. dstern29
    Feb 15, 2016
    10
    Kanye returns to the soulful sound that skyrocketed to fame while still finding room to push the boundaries of rap's aesthetics, taking the whole genre to new heights. His anger, weaknesses, cockiness, arrogance, pride, and happiness are on full display in this album.
  83. Cbrannon77
    Feb 15, 2016
    1
    Tired of all the Kanye CULT stans think this is good. It's awfull. Complete garbage a with three decent songs the rest is trash. I made account just to say this. STOP MAKING MUSIC KANYE
  84. internethandle
    Feb 15, 2016
    10
    Just want to add to the 10's to combat the notion that this is anything less than amazing by the critics. It's pathetic to see print/online media froth at the opportunity to take down Kanye West the character/persona and not, you know, assess the music.
  85. savetheroses
    Feb 15, 2016
    10
    This Album Is Timeless And Deserves All The Respect It Commands. Comparable Only To The Word Of God And Bob Marleys Entire Discography. Remember, It Took The World Time To Accept Yeezus.
  86. nastynol
    Feb 15, 2016
    9
    It will take a few months before I can confidently find a place for it on my "Best Kanye Albums List", but early reactions to it have me contemplating it as a top 3 effort. It feels like his most urgent, striking piece of work, especially given his place in the pop culture paradigm and current state of mind/being. Kanye is a tortured soul who needs - more than anything - to expressIt will take a few months before I can confidently find a place for it on my "Best Kanye Albums List", but early reactions to it have me contemplating it as a top 3 effort. It feels like his most urgent, striking piece of work, especially given his place in the pop culture paradigm and current state of mind/being. Kanye is a tortured soul who needs - more than anything - to express himself. I think he did that in an extremely powerful way on this album.… Expand
  87. hip-hop-is-back
    Feb 15, 2016
    9
    One of Kanye's strongest assets is his ability to juxtapose complete delusion with surprising self awareness. In TLOP, the sound is as erratic and jarring as Kanye's own personality, yet it succeeds in bringing a near seamless finished product to Kanye's fans. The production is smoother than YEEZUS's. The lyrics are more daring than any of his previous works. West is begging those who hateOne of Kanye's strongest assets is his ability to juxtapose complete delusion with surprising self awareness. In TLOP, the sound is as erratic and jarring as Kanye's own personality, yet it succeeds in bringing a near seamless finished product to Kanye's fans. The production is smoother than YEEZUS's. The lyrics are more daring than any of his previous works. West is begging those who hate him to keep it up. The album is full of tracks that won't be heard on the radio, but ones that will undoubtedly become synonymous with the nightlife. The self-proclaimed genius/mad man adds something truly special to his already groundbreaking discography with this release, and while we all miss the old Kanye, this one will suit his fans just fine.… Expand
  88. 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
  89. 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.
  90. 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
  91. TogetherLemon
    Feb 15, 2016
    9
    Another incredible record from Kanye. I am always impressed by his passion for creating art that does not abide by the rules of popular music today. West creates what he wants, and the sound of this record is something that hasn't been heard before. Beautiful, soulful, and sometimes angelic production pervade this album, and it is packed with fantastic guest features. Not as brash andAnother incredible record from Kanye. I am always impressed by his passion for creating art that does not abide by the rules of popular music today. West creates what he wants, and the sound of this record is something that hasn't been heard before. Beautiful, soulful, and sometimes angelic production pervade this album, and it is packed with fantastic guest features. Not as brash and harsh as Yeezus, not as maximalist and overwhelming as MBDTF, The Life of Pablo strikes an excellent balance of sound that will keep you listening to it on repeat.… Expand
  92. 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
  93. georgecos
    Feb 15, 2016
    10
    Upon first listen, TLOP is the best album of the 21st century. He continues to change his musical direction while continuously creating masterful music. While there are certainly highlights from the album, each song contributes a different aspect which adds to its greatness.
  94. 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
  95. 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.
  96. appleboy505
    Feb 15, 2016
    10
    Although The Life of Pablo may not contain Kanye's best lyrical performances, it is by far his most complex and satisfying album sonically. The range of different styles and sounds within are far and vast, and this album is a great showcase of Kanye's musical talent because of that. This in many ways is Kanye's White Album, a brilliant display of his many abilities as a musician.
  97. 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.
  98. 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.
  99. 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.
  100. 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.
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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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