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Ventura
by
Ventura Image
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 19 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 116 Ratings

  • Summary: The fourth full-length studio release for the Southern California artist features guest appearances from André 3000, Brandy, Nate Dogg, Sonyae Elise, Lalah Hathaway, Smokey Robinson, and Jazmine Sullivan.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. 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.
  2. Variety
    Apr 12, 2019
    85
    .Paak manages to both evolve and remind us why we’ve always loved him in the first place.
  3. HipHopDX
    Apr 17, 2019
    82
    .Paak’s newest project is less cinematic and epic than its companion piece but it’s just as ambitious, texturely rich, and bustling with pleasant surprises.
  4. New Musical Express (NME)
    Apr 11, 2019
    80
    This is a simple collection of woozy slow-jams and blissed-out recollections (a step back from the hip-hop stylings of ‘Oxnard’, which wrong-footed some fans).
  5. musicOMH.com
    Apr 17, 2019
    80
    Every track is dripping with smooth chords, funk-influenced rhythms and a retro quality to the production, and is all the better for it.
  6. The Guardian
    Apr 11, 2019
    80
    It feels like evidence that Ventura is a less ambitious and grandiose project than its predecessor. But it’s also a better and more satisfying album that plays to its author’s considerable strengths and skirts around his weaknesses.
  7. The Observer (UK)
    Apr 15, 2019
    60
    Recorded at the same time as Oxnard, Ventura distinguishes itself from its predecessor by being looser and warmer.

See all 19 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. Alba-Star
    Apr 15, 2019
    10
    Fresh, New and maybe his best work. This album is a trip! For long rides with your girlfriend!
  2. 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 oldwonderful 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.… Expand
  4. 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 IHe 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.… Expand
  5. 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 fittingThis 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?… Expand
  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"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.… Expand
  7. 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 byThis 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
  8. ImBathory
    Apr 14, 2019
    5
    Boring, every song sounds the same. what a chore it was listening to this album.

See all 18 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

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