Jesus Is King
by Kanye West
User Score
5.2

Mixed or average reviews- based on 1454 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 657 out of 1454
  2. Mixed: 241 out of 1454
  3. Negative: 556 out of 1454

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  1. Diesker
    Oct 28, 2019
    9
    Muy buen album de Kanye, la verdad que no decepciono, no tenia idea de lo que podia llegar a esperar de un album Gospel, pero la verdad que me sorprendio bastente. Entre los mejores temas destaco Follow God, Close On Sunday, On God y Use This Gospel.
  2. Kevinthewoods
    Nov 7, 2019
    10
    There’s nothing more powerful than the gospel. It’s so beautiful that Kanye is using his massive reach to put out a much needed message in our increasingly decaying culture.
  3. Venqo
    Jan 23, 2020
    10
    Okkkkkkkkxnnfmgmfmfmfmræfædlrlrnr brkrkenememeestkpstipsyztjpdypd updupxocyoupxjodyxydyoxjo
  4. acp5533
    Nov 6, 2019
    10
    Easily 10/10. Unique, multi-faceted and beautiful lyrics.

    If you’re a fan of JIK, you’re a fan of yourself.
  5. LuisThe24
    Oct 27, 2019
    10
    Album of the Year. This album is better than what any other artist can put out. People still hate on him as a person and claim that his quality of music is declining, but he’s actually experimenting with new themes and sounds, so all of his albums are unique. He is the greatest artist of all time. “God Is” is a classic track already. That’s Kanye West for you.
  6. Dfour45
    Oct 27, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Kanye doesn’t disappoint with this one and has made another great album! Wished it was longer!… Expand
  7. 21JackWal
    Oct 27, 2019
    10
    Delivers a cohesive, sonically pleasing and lyrically strong gospel album without having it be all “praise Jesus” like some often do. Very strong production and lyricism
  8. Phillycheese050
    Oct 28, 2019
    10
    Only Ye can make music like this. Even when it seems like he hasn't put his all into the project, it sounds infectious, inspiring, and more artistic than most music today. While the project could've been more fleshed out, longer, etc., the fact is that despite all the pressure...a diamond was still made. And that deserves apprevtoation.
  9. rickjamesiii
    Oct 28, 2019
    10
    Great Album! Obviously Kanye brings all the haters out making these reviews all but pointless
  10. Andrewl0701
    Oct 28, 2019
    8
    I believe that "Jesus is King" is a genuinely great album. Despite having a limited run-time of only 27 minutes, Kanye makes the most of it by embellishing it with beautiful choir vocals and outstanding production. This is the most focused we have seen Ye since the days of 808s and Heartbreak, as I believe that this is the first time since then that he has found a sound and truly sticks toI believe that "Jesus is King" is a genuinely great album. Despite having a limited run-time of only 27 minutes, Kanye makes the most of it by embellishing it with beautiful choir vocals and outstanding production. This is the most focused we have seen Ye since the days of 808s and Heartbreak, as I believe that this is the first time since then that he has found a sound and truly sticks to it. This is without a step above what we heard on "Ye" and I truly can not recommend this album enough. It may not be for everyone, but I do think that many will be very surprised on how much they enjoy this project.… Expand
  11. donxy12
    Oct 28, 2019
    10
    This album shows Kanye’s versatility and adds well to his unique discography
  12. bodilyfluids
    Oct 28, 2019
    10
    7/10
    While the lyricism of Jesus Is King might be Kanye's worst to date, the production & concepts are definite hits. Refreshing album after Kanye's tumultuous 2018.

    Best Tracks: On God & God Is
    Worst Tracks: Water & Everything We Need
  13. Eliasisi
    Oct 28, 2019
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A very good album with a awesome production and instrumentals. Lyrics are good too, but it's a fact that is gospel hip hop album, so it's very experimental, I just loved. kanye it's on a other phase of him life, so try to listen the full album with no preconcept… Expand
  14. Sire_Rock
    Nov 6, 2019
    10
    Obviously a Christian themed Album/Movie may not sit well with DEMOCRATS/JEWS/NON-CHRISTIANS/LGBTQ etc...However these groups comprise the VAST majority of Music & Film Critics. And I think they are being VERY dishonest in their biased reviews of these Exceptional works of Art by Kanye. Jesus is King is an AMAZING Album, 10 Stars
  15. raynersouza
    Nov 7, 2019
    10
    This is a very honest and deep album were Kanye is expressing his feelings and getting over mistakes from the past and giving glory to God. I love it !
  16. jesusIsLord
    Nov 8, 2019
    10
    This is by far the most uplifting album of 2019 I've heard, filling the cultural gap that exists in today's society and music industry where every record almost sounds the same as the other one in advancement of evil. Well done Kanye, you getting a Grammy plus a BET for this one.
  17. Idrem
    Nov 11, 2019
    10
    Despite the fact that it’s only a 27-minute-album, For a album «as a christian», songs are pretty good and lyrics a lil bit deep
  18. BobGeorge
    Nov 11, 2019
    10
    Não é um dos seus melhores álbuns, mas está longe de ser o pior. ye, lançado no ano passado, é o verdadeiro e único ponto baixo da sua discografia. Jesus Is King representa o renascimento de um dos maiores artistas do século 21 depois de retomar contato com Deus e merece atenção e elogios por sua criatividade e estética sonora. Embora as letras não estejam no mesmo nível, abordam temasNão é um dos seus melhores álbuns, mas está longe de ser o pior. ye, lançado no ano passado, é o verdadeiro e único ponto baixo da sua discografia. Jesus Is King representa o renascimento de um dos maiores artistas do século 21 depois de retomar contato com Deus e merece atenção e elogios por sua criatividade e estética sonora. Embora as letras não estejam no mesmo nível, abordam temas necessários que a sociedade costuma ignorar. Mal posso esperar pelo capítulo seguinte.… Expand
  19. Cas3102
    Nov 25, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Lyrically the album is phenomenal, my only negative thought on the album is that I wish the album was longer. I've never heard an entire album where all tracks were great, in jesus is king all tracks are great. I never expected this from a gospel album but regardless of the genre this is the best I've ever heard… Expand
  20. Kikikinooo
    Jan 10, 2020
    10
    Kanye has always been a trendsetter and will always be. The mix of his voice and gospel really works. Bravo Kanye!
  21. Mantis_Tobaggan
    Jan 10, 2020
    9
    I was disappointed with this album at first, but over time it began to grow on me. On first listen, only the track "Follow God" stood out, but of course that is because Kanye was clearly going for something different on this album. After being out for a few months, I love this album. It very much reminds me of 808s in a lot of ways, and I think in 5 to 10 years people will look back andI was disappointed with this album at first, but over time it began to grow on me. On first listen, only the track "Follow God" stood out, but of course that is because Kanye was clearly going for something different on this album. After being out for a few months, I love this album. It very much reminds me of 808s in a lot of ways, and I think in 5 to 10 years people will look back and give this album the praise it deserves. My thoughts:

    - Selah, Follow God, Closed on Sunday, Hands on & Use This Gospel are all great tracks
    - the into and interlude tracks are enjoyable
    -"On God" is my favorite song that came out this year, excluding music that was leaked.
    -"Everything We Need" is good, but not as good as the XXXTENTACION version that was on the Yandhi bootleg
    -"Water" is a good song but I do find Kanyes verse on this track to be lazy
    - Ant Clemons contributions to the album were great
    - The album is rather short, and I do think certain other songs from Yandhi could have been included

    8.75-9/10
    I would say it is the 6th best out of Kanye's solo albums.    … Expand
  22. coopsjt998
    Jan 18, 2020
    7
    As Kanye seems to reinvent himself once again, seemingly becoming a "born-again" christian, he finds himself at a new point in his life, producing and rapping on this christian/gospel and rap inspired record. A nearly one-of-a-kind album, it features soothing, solid production and witty, christian inspired Kanye-isms. A very sincere effort, yet overall less of a christian rap album for theAs Kanye seems to reinvent himself once again, seemingly becoming a "born-again" christian, he finds himself at a new point in his life, producing and rapping on this christian/gospel and rap inspired record. A nearly one-of-a-kind album, it features soothing, solid production and witty, christian inspired Kanye-isms. A very sincere effort, yet overall less of a christian rap album for the people and more of an updated look into Kanye's life as a christian for himself.… Expand
  23. MW77
    Feb 4, 2020
    10
    Production and structure are the strengths. A deeper understanding of Kanye is recommended to appreciate it as a whole.
  24. pianaro
    Feb 21, 2020
    10
    cheio de espírito e inspiração, kanye colocou sua alma nesse álbum, com tanto trabalho chegou a obra de arte espiritual perfeita
  25. 000Asyl
    May 1, 2020
    10
    Criativo e inovador como sempre, superando as barreiras do que é tratado como hip hop e criando um álbum gospel excepcional, cheio de faixas extremamente incríveis e que não prezam por apelo religioso pra ganhar visibilidade, mas sim apenas fala de Deus da sua maneira.
  26. CreatingReview
    Apr 6, 2021
    10
    This album is amazing. Whoever is rating this low, clearly doesn’t know what good music is.
  27. glmonkeylord9
    Aug 7, 2021
    7
    A good album, but not great like the rest of Kanye's discography.

    Overall, the production is really solid and the gospel aesthetic is very nicely implemented throughout the record. There are tracks like Use this Gospel and Everything We Need that use dense autotune vocal harmonies in their choruses that sound other-worldly and honestly just straight up beautiful. Other tracks like    A good album, but not great like the rest of Kanye's discography.

    Overall, the production is really solid and the gospel aesthetic is very nicely implemented throughout the record. There are tracks like Use this Gospel and Everything We Need that use dense autotune vocal harmonies in their choruses that sound other-worldly and honestly just straight up beautiful. Other tracks like Follow God and God Is use Kanye's signature vocal sampling to great effect, bringing us a Watch The Throne-type banger and an endearing, soulful ballad respectively on the same record. The tracklist is quite diverse, going from quaint Sunday Service jam sessions to grand cinematic gospel bangers all in a short 27 minute runtime. The cohesion of the album's tracklist is held together by a well-executed gospel aesthetic and great Kanye production, albeit with a few hiccups along the way.

    The one big major drawback is that the transition out of secular music seems to have hindered Kanye's writing ability on this record a bit. Tracks like Closed on Sunday and On God lack the wit and punch of Kanye's usual writing, instead almost sounding a bit like he's just trolling with the lyrics. It's no poopity scoop but it's getting there. There are also times where tracks lack the beefy mixing that is to be expected on a Kanye record, rather sounding quite unimpactful and lackluster especially in the low end of the mix. Also, a small gripe that is quite common among listeners is the brevity of Jesus Is Lord, where the track seems to end as it starts to ramp up towards what would have been an absolutely amazing track (Watch the JIK film for the full version). All in all, these flaws do hinder the album from becoming great, but it is still nonetheless a good, solid record.

    7/10    … Expand
  28. Matteusz
    Nov 21, 2021
    10
    overhated VERY overhated overhated VERY overhated overhated VERY overhated overhated VERY overhated overhated VERY overhated overhated VERY overhated overhated VERY overhated overhated VERY overhated overhated VERY overhated overhated VERY overhated overhated VERY overhated
  29. TheGreatFan
    Jan 12, 2020
    7
    This is not a good album for Kanye West but decent as best as a regular artist. There are some tracks that are repetitive and stuff and some tracks that i don't like. My favorite tracks are Use This Gospel and Selah. But it is a listenable short album and i like it
  30. sebastianmina
    Oct 1, 2020
    7
    Not the worst Kanye album, some weak songs on here like Water and Hands On but also some amazing tracks like: Use This Gospel, God Is, Selah and Follow God. Pierre on this is also very intresting.
  31. RickyD22
    Nov 29, 2019
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I’ve been waiting for this album for a while now and I was a little bit scared of how this album would sound like cause I didn’t like Ye and I wasn’t impressed with the Yandhi leaks. But when the thing dropped I was happy that it turned out to be a pretty good album. As in terms of production this album could’ve been a little bit better, but tracks such as "Follow God", "Everything We Need" & "On God" have really cool production. As in terms of the lyrical content this album is gospelish as I thought that it would’ve been. But "Follow God", "Hands On" & "Use This Gospel" have some lyrical content. Fav tracks: "Follow God", "Hands On (ft. Free Hammond)" & "Use This Gospel (ft. Clipse & Kenny G)".… Expand
  32. brenb
    Jan 22, 2020
    7
    Has its high and low points. For me the highs are God Is, On God, Use This Gospel, and Follow God. Low would be Closed On Sunday and Everything We Need. The rest of the songs are good not great. Could’ve been better, but certainly not a bad album at all.
  33. MasterFair
    Jan 23, 2020
    7
    Jesus is King is enjoyable, good production as always and while I find it hard to resonate with the subject matter, the conviction adds a tone of quality and it’s a new step in an interesting direction.
  34. thepes
    Nov 29, 2020
    8
    8/10

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  35. Lewdogmma
    Jun 24, 2021
    7
    Way to overhated. Everysong on here is nice. I don't like selah. On god is nice
  36. formiga116
    Jul 27, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Excellent Album, the most spiritual that Kanye has ever released, I saw God in the lyrics and I believe that the angels in the sky sing like this… Expand
  37. Tomehshh
    Sep 11, 2020
    10
    this is a masterpiece godly production looking forward new kanye's music :D
  38. Rosh444
    Aug 20, 2020
    8
    Aged like fine wine in my opinion, grew on me with each listen. Violent crimes is an amazing track, probably in my top 10 ye songs of all time.
  39. Josezzc
    Dec 15, 2020
    10
    is a beautiful album , this album changes my life , i love it , thank you Kanye
  40. tdbtom
    Mar 14, 2021
    7
    "JESUS IS KING" once again splits fans of Kanye roughly down the middle. As I look back on this album, I see myself more in favor of his creative direction with the project. It's no secret that, "everybody wanted Yandhi" but truthfully, I respect what Kanye repurposed it into. Instead of repeating himself with essentially a Yeezus 2, Kanye created the direct opposite to Yeezus. Yeezus"JESUS IS KING" once again splits fans of Kanye roughly down the middle. As I look back on this album, I see myself more in favor of his creative direction with the project. It's no secret that, "everybody wanted Yandhi" but truthfully, I respect what Kanye repurposed it into. Instead of repeating himself with essentially a Yeezus 2, Kanye created the direct opposite to Yeezus. Yeezus and JIK are opposites of one another which I find far more satisfying than if Yhandi were to come out and just repeat Kanye's cycle of sin. The journey from Yeezus to JIK closely resembles Dante's epic, The Divine Comedy. But enough about the message of JIK; how does it sound? Pretty mixed if we're being honest. "Every Hour" is a great start to the album, letting us know this is going to be the most gospel-related album Kanye's released yet. Selah, Follow God, and Use This Gospel are the clear highlights of this album. Top tier without a doubt. I very much enjoyed Everything We Need, God Is, and On God as well. They aren't standouts but I loved them sure enough. But Closed On Sunday, Water, Hands On, and Jesus Is Lord are all...alright. I admittedly have a bias in favor of all of Kanye's work so I tend to still like the songs that typically, I would think as "okay." Objectively though, these tracks could have been much more. Closed On Sunday has a creepy beginning and some interesting lines about a fast food chain which I thought to be an interesting take. Water was 'right but c'mon Kanye, you could've put a bit more mph into that verse my guy. Hands On is similarly spooky like Closed On Sunday and has a nice outro. My final note is that the last track should've just been an instrumental. I give JIK a 7/10 as my objective score. I honestly enjoy every track even with the imperfections because I'm invested in the message Ye is trying to convey with this album. But when looking at this LP more objectively and critically, I see that how Kanye could have swapped some of the tracks on this thing or just add more to it.

    P.s. I have not watched the film.    … Expand
  41. hbjuhvuv8
    Jun 19, 2021
    10
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  42. kolbert
    Aug 29, 2021
    7
    If you love Jesus, you will love this album, but if you don't love Jesus, you won't love this album as much as those who love Him. A very complicated and strange thesis, but true. Kanye introduces us to his love for God. She's making an album for HIM. If I had to name my favorite songs, they would be "God Is," "On God," "Water," "Follow God," "Everything We Need" and "Closed on Sunday."
  43. Pandabear1996
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    This album is beautiful if you actually listen to the meaning behind every song. Even closed on Sunday
  44. Thejonaz
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This álbum change my life, Jesus is the king, Just praise the lord and nothing more… Expand
  45. RuRu92
    Sep 3, 2021
    8
    The fact he’s stated he’s no longer making secular music from here on in means it’s on us as the listener to bare the brunt of the fact before going into the project. Inspiring stuff; admittedly not his best work by any means but when you’ve set the bar as high as this man has, it’s going to be hard to top itS Let’s just say this work, has a man reevaluating his faith.
  46. Skeledon
    May 22, 2023
    7
    Not the best album from ye, but still it works, it's a bit unfinished imo. But as a first dip into gospel from ye a good attempt, what i would change in this album is, Jesus is Lord as the Intro and longer, Every Hour and Hands on should be cutted, and deleted from the album to get Wake the dead, and La Monster on it. Use this Gospel is one of the best ye Songs peroid. - Favorite Song: UseNot the best album from ye, but still it works, it's a bit unfinished imo. But as a first dip into gospel from ye a good attempt, what i would change in this album is, Jesus is Lord as the Intro and longer, Every Hour and Hands on should be cutted, and deleted from the album to get Wake the dead, and La Monster on it. Use this Gospel is one of the best ye Songs peroid. - Favorite Song: Use this Gospel… Expand
  47. ISETAEME
    Jan 10, 2022
    7
    El álbum esta muy bien producido, la letra es buena, dura lo justo y necesario...
    Sin embargo, sabiendo lo que iba a sacar Kanye con Yandhi para luego tener esto, es algo decepcionante. Parece un borrador del proyecto final.
    Aún así, muy disfrutable.
  48. CordRafael
    Feb 17, 2022
    8
    gosto muito!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!so p deixar no perfil so p deixar no perfil so p deixar no perfil
  49. VanZizek
    Mar 6, 2023
    7
    I like the project, it's very interesting and has very special touches, it seemed to be a new Kanye and a very good breakthrough, I like in this album what Kanye becomes and songs like "Selah" even make you cry.
  50. frapsed1
    Apr 10, 2023
    7
    I went into this project with open ears, but heard that is arguably Ye's worst work, but I was amazed. It is so much different than any other Ye album. The choir is amazing, and the Christian themes are executed well. There aren't many tracks that I can listen to on their own, but I like how every single track is important to the album's narrative. Not bad, but I have heard better from Ye.I went into this project with open ears, but heard that is arguably Ye's worst work, but I was amazed. It is so much different than any other Ye album. The choir is amazing, and the Christian themes are executed well. There aren't many tracks that I can listen to on their own, but I like how every single track is important to the album's narrative. Not bad, but I have heard better from Ye.

    FAVORITES: Selah, Follow God, On God, Everything We Need    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

9
#9 Most Discussed Album of 2019

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
53

Mixed or average reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 25
  3. Negative: 4 out of 25
  1. Tiny Mix Tapes
    Dec 30, 2019
    0
    His reunion with frequent collaborators belies a rich history of discovering and championing new voices. This ostensible distance from which Kanye preaches reveals King’s true tension: Kanye, like Kendrick on DAMN., is asking for our prayers, while also distancing himself from our hands and our mouths. And it doesn’t work. ... He has artistically lost track of his audience and himself in its midst.
    Read full review
  2. The Wire
    Nov 20, 2019
    50
    He’s hung up on Jesus rather than pneumatic women. It’s hard to tell if that’s an improvement, but it doesn’t seem like a regression either. ... An album with zero fat, dense in at least three senses, two of them positive. [Dec 2019, p.60]
  3. RapReviews.com
    Nov 12, 2019
    50
    As with every Kanye album, there’s some magnificent production on a majority of “Jesus Is King” courtesy of Pi’erre Bourne, Timbaland and Boogz, among others. ... Kanye just seems like he’s in his own world; disregarding what’s going on around him. Other times, Ye’s writing delves into eyerolling contradictions and ego-driven intentions.
    Read full review
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