Ventura
by Anderson .Paak
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 116 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 105 out of 116
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 116
  3. Negative: 3 out of 116
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  1. clem666
    Apr 3, 2023
    6
    This album truly is the definition of easy-listening. Production is as simple as sleek. Lyrics, despite some highlights as the one brought by André 3000, are lame and almost dumb. Instrumental patterns are quite convenient and don't offer more than some interesting beat switches and alternatives as on 'Yada Yada'.
    Anderson. Paak did invite multiple guests and they fortunately manage to    This album truly is the definition of easy-listening. Production is as simple as sleek. Lyrics, despite some highlights as the one brought by André 3000, are lame and almost dumb. Instrumental patterns are quite convenient and don't offer more than some interesting beat switches and alternatives as on 'Yada Yada'.
    Anderson. Paak did invite multiple guests and they fortunately manage to compliment his style and flow. I can't deny some tracks are really catchy and notable as 'Make It Better' or 'Twilight' but again, this feels and sounds pre-heated. But it feels like when he tries something new or different as in 'Reachin' 2 Much' it often falls flat.
    Definitely funnier and catchier to see live: he is far more an entertainer rather than a clever producer.
    A small and melodic project though.    … Expand
  2. chickensusu
    Feb 24, 2021
    8
    anderson .paak v good 8/10
    anderson .paak v good 8/10
    anderson .paak v good 8/10
  3. BarnPack
    Jun 16, 2019
    6
    Anderson .Paak has taken the world by storm. From his lesser known Breezy Lovejoy days through to NxWorries and Malibu, this success has so far been thoroughly well deserved by the rapper/singer/drummer/general talent.

    Ventura (and Oxnard for that matter) however feels like a misjustice to .Paak's ability. Arguably one of the hardest working talents in hip hop, the groove man should be    Anderson .Paak has taken the world by storm. From his lesser known Breezy Lovejoy days through to NxWorries and Malibu, this success has so far been thoroughly well deserved by the rapper/singer/drummer/general talent.

    Ventura (and Oxnard for that matter) however feels like a misjustice to .Paak's ability. Arguably one of the hardest working talents in hip hop, the groove man should be going for bigger and bolder shots than this.

    That's not to say however that this is a bad album - it's far from it. Come Home, Make It Better, and King James all act as refreshing checkpoints to the otherwise bland music and story telling.    … Expand
  4. rosawpark
    May 29, 2019
    8
    This is one of Anderson .Paak's best album so far. This brings old-school soul/R&B music into the new generation. Had a very nice and fitting outro with Nate Dogg in it Best tracks are Reachin' 2 Much; Come Home; Jet Black; Make It Better; and What Can We Do?
  5. NoahHylleberg
    May 25, 2019
    8
    Anderson .Paak mixed soul with R&B and the result was a thorough well-produced project, with an abundance of bangers. On a negative note, some of the songs aren't very memorable and lack that certain ''spark'' that .Paak often shines on his tracks. Overall, it's a solid album with HIGH replay value, considering every song is unique in its own way.

    Favorite song is Winners Circle
  6. musicwizard636
    May 15, 2019
    7
    "Ventura" is another confident collection of songs from the music-making-machine known as Anderson .Paak. How he releases so many high quality songs at such a large quantity is still mysterious.
  7. hzy0421
    May 13, 2019
    5
    A lazy retrospection album that looks back on old-school soul, decent but has nothing groundbreaking.
  8. jpegmafia
    Apr 16, 2019
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I loved this one, but it's a little odd to hear more of the same. I do enjoy every song (especially Come Home with Andre 3000, and King James, shoutout to the bar about taking a knee) but it's not AMAZING as it could be if Anderson .Paak would take it into a new direction. But don't let that stop you from listening to it. This album is bloody amazing.… Expand
  9. CiphirSol
    Apr 16, 2019
    10
    Oxnard was pretty good, but some of the features stole the show, this is more of what .Paak does best, the only thing we need now is a proper follow-up to NxWorries' Yes Lawd!
  10. trey_willi
    Apr 15, 2019
    9
    He does it again. Anderson .Paak has become one of my all time favorites after dropping two classics within 5 months. I have decided that I cannot pick a favorite between Malibu, Oxnard, and Ventura because they all have something different to offer while staying within the Soul/Hip-Hop Realm.
  11. jmo
    Apr 15, 2019
    7
    While Ventura may not have the most heartfelt lyrics, or experimental production the fusion of smooth r&b and lush neo soul makes Ventura one of the most enticing releases of 2019 so far. Gone are the long, complicated grand tracks from Oxnard and instead like some of my favorite albums of all time Anderson Paak uses simplicity to his gain. He uses features sparingly only in situationsWhile Ventura may not have the most heartfelt lyrics, or experimental production the fusion of smooth r&b and lush neo soul makes Ventura one of the most enticing releases of 2019 so far. Gone are the long, complicated grand tracks from Oxnard and instead like some of my favorite albums of all time Anderson Paak uses simplicity to his gain. He uses features sparingly only in situations where he needs them and while the production is smooth lush and groovy it holds no weight without anderson paaks vocals and samples. On the topic of samples Anderson paak used a Smokey Robbinson & a sample from Nate Dogg two risks that payed off well, as they feel a part of the track and not thrown together by a label to increase hype for the album. But if your looking for hype look no further as Andre 3000 one of Paak's Greatest inspirations delivers a great verse as we can usually expect from the Critically acclaimed Outkast Member. Pharell Willams also produces the track "Twilight" with his iconic drum pattern. Overall Anderson .Paak has dropped one of the most smooth groovy albums of the year with snappy production sticky charismatic lyrics and great pitch and tune from Anderson .Paak for one of the best albums of 2019 so far.

    Best Tracks: Twilight, What Can We Do?, Come Home, Make It Better
    Worst Tracks: Yadda Yadda

    Overall: 7/10    … Expand
  12. Jonsnow123
    Apr 15, 2019
    8
    Not quite as soulful as Malibu when it wants to and neither does it have the same hits, furthermore not as hard hitting as Oxnard's bangers. I feel like Anderson tries to please both fans at the same time, but most of us are the same- i would rather have i Oxnard or Malibu by itself than this half measure.

    Although i might seem very harsh i did enjoy the album a lot. Both singles are    Not quite as soulful as Malibu when it wants to and neither does it have the same hits, furthermore not as hard hitting as Oxnard's bangers. I feel like Anderson tries to please both fans at the same time, but most of us are the same- i would rather have i Oxnard or Malibu by itself than this half measure.

    Although i might seem very harsh i did enjoy the album a lot. Both singles are good, especially make it better which is up there with the hits from Malibu. Jet Black, Come home and winner circle are all really good songs. But i think Anderson would've benefited from working a little longer on this project, for it to feel like a fully fleshed out soul/ jazz rap album that he wants to create. I feel like his best music still lies ahead, with 3 or 4 standout songs from Ventura and Oxnard, Malibu is impeccable for the most part.

    I feel like a light to a decent 8 on this one.

    Favourite songs: Make it better, jet black, king James, come home    … Expand
  13. Estoniantoad
    Apr 15, 2019
    5
    There should have been one good album not two sub par ones. I don´t think Dr Dre´s label is the best place for Anderson Paak´s music, because they tried to manage him almost like a rap star, when in heart he is a funk and old school soul man. "Tints" should have been a big hit - but they kinda gave up half way. Anderson Paak is still great, but his management team...
  14. Alba-Star
    Apr 15, 2019
    10
    Fresh, New and maybe his best work. This album is a trip! For long rides with your girlfriend!
  15. ImBathory
    Apr 14, 2019
    5
    Boring, every song sounds the same. what a chore it was listening to this album.
  16. Westender
    Apr 13, 2019
    10
    wonderful album and an instant classic, maybe even better than Malibu (if that is even possible?). modern soul which takes the best of the old and mixes in some new with sick hooks and slick production. i can't stop listening to it.
  17. andhow
    Apr 12, 2019
    9
    A bubbly return to form for Andy Paak. If you liked Malibu, take a trip to Ventura.
  18. Xaire
    Apr 12, 2019
    8
    This album is very captivating, very intriguing and a great follow-up to last year's Oxford. Oh and that Andre 3000 verse was great.

Awards & Rankings

69
#69 Most Discussed Album of 2019
13
#13 Most Shared Album of 2019

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. Under The Radar
    May 9, 2019
    75
    He updates romantic tropes to suit the more woke, modern lady, and strips off the machismo that mired Oxnard.
    Read full review
  2. AllMusic
    May 2, 2019
    80
    The album is a treat to the ears. It's unmistakably in the tradition of soul and funk older than the artist himself, but could not have been made any earlier than the late 2010s.
    Read full review
  3. No Ripcord
    Apr 25, 2019
    90
    Coming across as a familiar yet fresh sound, like a reconciliation of a past lover, Ventura’s soulful presence was crafted by time. Memorable and intimate from the start, Ventura completes Oxnard, as Malibu did to Venice; tying up all loose ends and graciously ready for the next chapter.
    Read full review
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