Lasers
by Lupe Fiasco
  • Record Label: Atlantic
  • Release Date: Mar 8, 2011
User Score
6.0

Mixed or average reviews- based on 152 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 74 out of 152
  2. Mixed: 43 out of 152
  3. Negative: 35 out of 152
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. Exosphere
    Nov 4, 2019
    8
    Very under-appreciated rap album, I have no doubt that this album will eventually gain respect within the next decade, especially with the massive dip in quality with today’s mumble rap garbage. Lasers may be one of Lupe’s weaker creations, but this is without question worth listening to. Give it a try !
  2. Shady313
    Mar 22, 2015
    9
    9/10 .................................................................................................................................................
  3. TheChiefBennist
    Dec 24, 2013
    9
    Some don't like this album, and I can see why. Lasers does try to delve into mainstream. However, it doesn't go to far and retains Lupe's trademark lyricism. Second to food and liquor 2
  4. Swishalicious29
    Jun 20, 2013
    4
    Lasers is a weak album from such a talented artist as Lupe. His messages are still here, so his lyrics are great, but the beats just do not work at all. They sound like beats that you will hear on a Kidz Bop CD. "Letting Go", "Words I Never Said", "The Show Goes On", and "All Black Everything" are the few songs that you need.
  5. simonsays
    Jun 14, 2013
    2
    I was actually shocked by how bad this thing was. The only good track is "Things I Never Said" and everything else ranges from weak to just plain awful. Commercial pop-rap at it's worst. The iTunes bonus tracks, "I'm Beamin" and "Shining Down", which I initially thought were going to be on the actual album, were actually pretty solid tracks....which makes how terrible the final version ofI was actually shocked by how bad this thing was. The only good track is "Things I Never Said" and everything else ranges from weak to just plain awful. Commercial pop-rap at it's worst. The iTunes bonus tracks, "I'm Beamin" and "Shining Down", which I initially thought were going to be on the actual album, were actually pretty solid tracks....which makes how terrible the final version of this album was even more perplexing… Expand
  6. thugnificent2
    Mar 31, 2013
    7
    it's not horrible. some songs are actually good, especially the singles. all black everything could be the best song lupe every did. while some songs are just blah
  7. dfjaljfdal
    Mar 15, 2012
    8
    Not his best album by far, but still a relatively good album compared to everything else out there. Words I Never Said and All Black Everything are the best songs; The Show Goes On is good for a chart-topper. MDMA is horrid, however; he messes up every song he is on.
  8. RonaldOVOXO
    Feb 23, 2012
    8
    I hate when rappers rap about Politics. But Lupe made a great point on what the U.S. is doing today. This album is good but I dont wanna care right now i didnt like. But the overall the album is good
  9. PlanetaryEWE
    Sep 22, 2011
    5
    This album is no comparison with either of his previous albums. It has been destroyed by electro-beats designed for radio listeners, and lupe's weak lyrics. In fact the only reason this album scored 5 is because of a few amazing tracks hidden in the album, Namely Words I Never Said, and All Black Everything. the fact lupe stated he hated his own album, and that atlantic records made itThis album is no comparison with either of his previous albums. It has been destroyed by electro-beats designed for radio listeners, and lupe's weak lyrics. In fact the only reason this album scored 5 is because of a few amazing tracks hidden in the album, Namely Words I Never Said, and All Black Everything. the fact lupe stated he hated his own album, and that atlantic records made it hard for him to release it redeems this half-baked project a little. However this is not lupe's best work and much of what made him great is very absent.

    Lupe's Comments on Lasers:
    http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.14228/title.lupe-fiasco-explains-how-compromise-affected-lasers

    http://www.complex.com/music/2011/02/interview-lupe-fiasco-hates-lasers    … Expand
  10. staff0rd
    Jul 7, 2011
    10
    food & liquor > lasers > the cool.

    No idea why people are hating this album, took a couple of listens to get into, but now its in my regular playlist.
  11. JLeVRT
    Jul 2, 2011
    7
    Unfortunately, Lupe didn't seem to have as much creative control over this album, and it definitely showed. Compared to his previous albums, Lasers maintains the same lyricist we all know as Lupe Fiasco, but the songs, beats, featured artist, and hooks for the most part felt... forced. Most fans of Fiasco have stuck with him throughout his entire career, considering the fact that it hasUnfortunately, Lupe didn't seem to have as much creative control over this album, and it definitely showed. Compared to his previous albums, Lasers maintains the same lyricist we all know as Lupe Fiasco, but the songs, beats, featured artist, and hooks for the most part felt... forced. Most fans of Fiasco have stuck with him throughout his entire career, considering the fact that it has only spanned 3 albums. While Lasers isn't horrible, it isn't what most expected of him. With the constant "mainstream sounding" beats and hooks, the album didn't seem like the same Lupe we've all grown to know and love. While this album isn't bad... it could be better. And that "better" album most likely will be his next album: Food & Liquor 2.… Expand
  12. yesplease
    Jul 1, 2011
    6
    Yes, it's disappointing but people need to stop and accept the album for what it is: a solid pop album. The limited background that I have on the process that went into making this album makes it that much more interesting. I must say that the album drags a little bit in the middle, though. Download "Words I Never Said" and "All Black Everything."
  13. TheCool
    Jun 14, 2011
    9
    Honestly, I can't understand all the negativity around this album. This is seriously the best album I've heard in a long time. Yeah it's obviously not as good as Lupe's first two, but I'm pretty sure that would be close to impossible to achieve! Still a fantastic album and definitely worth a listen. My personal favorites are "Words I Never Said" and "Out Of My Head".
  14. Chrislake94
    Jun 4, 2011
    5
    First of all a big **** you to Atlantic Records for controlling this record. This is what happens when a Corporate Company controls an Album and this is why the skill of Mainstream Hip Hop is declining. Hip Hop used to be about expression now all these Executives are ruining it. Words I never said, All Black Everything were decent, but I want to imagine what would of happened if AtlanticFirst of all a big **** you to Atlantic Records for controlling this record. This is what happens when a Corporate Company controls an Album and this is why the skill of Mainstream Hip Hop is declining. Hip Hop used to be about expression now all these Executives are ruining it. Words I never said, All Black Everything were decent, but I want to imagine what would of happened if Atlantic Records DIDN'T interfere.… Expand
  15. martinex
    Mar 26, 2011
    10
    Yes the vehicle is more commercial than the previous efforts but listen to the message. Lupe's message is one of hope and despair. If you're not feelin' it you're not listening.
  16. L0stR3negade
    Mar 26, 2011
    8
    Great album. I haven't heard his older stuff but this album got me into him and i like it a lot. It is a bit mainstream but is has a great feel to the music and the lyrics has meaning unlike crappy lil wayne
  17. SamA
    Mar 24, 2011
    6
    Lupe Fiasco had the hip-hop world in his grasp with the release of his first two albums, the ecstatic "Food & Liquor" and the lyrically monumental "The Cool". After years of silence, album changes, and teasers, the much anticipated "Lasers" finally came out. Has he created a triangle or immaculate records? Well, no. "Lasers" does not live up to (incredibly overblown) expectations. However,Lupe Fiasco had the hip-hop world in his grasp with the release of his first two albums, the ecstatic "Food & Liquor" and the lyrically monumental "The Cool". After years of silence, album changes, and teasers, the much anticipated "Lasers" finally came out. Has he created a triangle or immaculate records? Well, no. "Lasers" does not live up to (incredibly overblown) expectations. However, it's still an enjoyable album. Lyrically, Lu's dumbed it down (oh irony!), but his message is still clear and straight-forward, easily enough for mainstream audiences to grasp. Some gems on the album, "Till I Get There" or "Coming Up", are very old-skool Lupe; reassuring lyrics laid over a wavy beat. To keep the anarchy-theme in order, "Words I Never Said" and "All Black Everything" may be the most politically charged songs on here, the former screaming profinity at the state of the world while the latter viewed from the perspective of a racially-profiled dream. It's all very compelling, really. However, the weak spots on the album make their way up too often. "Out Of My Head", "State Run Radio" and "I Don't Wanna Care Right Now", thanks to some particularly distracting choruses, are very hard to get into, while "Break The Chain" or "Beautiful Lasers" could've been amazing if not worked on a bit more. Overall, it's a decent effort. However, Lupe seriously needs to reconsider ditching Atlantic and getting back to his roots. You can accept "Lasers" for it's good points (great messages) or let the bad overpower it (production isn't well suited, and featured artists take the spotlight). Right now, you either love this album or hate it. Only time will tell if "Lasers" beams, or flickers into black.… Expand
  18. syedcbb
    Mar 21, 2011
    0
    I am really disappointed with this album. The lyrics are decent but nothing on par with his first two albums. Production is just horrible. The one song i truly loved was all black everything. That was about it
  19. MattFitz96
    Mar 18, 2011
    8
    Although the production is for the most part bad, the album still has amazing lyrics, so if you can look past the poor production its a great album, just focus on the lyrics instead of the beats. Truly a great album
  20. BackToTheLyrics
    Mar 18, 2011
    0
    Anything above 60 is just too high for this awful piece of work. The production sounds like it would be more suited to Kesha or Flo Rida, Lupe is really un focused for the majority of the LP, All Black Everything & Words I Never Said being the only two exeptions and the later was completely destroyed by awful production! Lupe can blame Atlantic all he wants but nobody forced him to release
  21. KeysOpenDoors
    Mar 17, 2011
    0
    Lupe's latest effort is not even in the same realm as his previous two LPs. The production is pop-y, mainstream, wrought with auto-tune. Lupe's notable lyrical genius is also lacking on most tracks. Soundtrakk (who produced most of Food and Liqueur, as well as The Cool) is sorely missed. Atlantic and Lupe really screwed this one up with delays and the tracks they picked to be on the record.
  22. WeInThisBatch22
    Mar 17, 2011
    0
    I've never been able to skip a single Lupe track before, but now that's changed. Where do I even begin? This third LP is full of lazy, generic sounding dial-it-in electro production. "Break the Chain" sounds like throw away trance music slowed down. Where is Soundtrakk!? Where is Matthew Santos? These guests are awful. I don't know who Skylar Grey is but her voice makes me want to break th
  23. Hiyo555
    Mar 17, 2011
    0
    Lupe Fiasco's LASERS is a long step down from his previous works. In his interviews he spoke of how Atlantic had a large hand in the direction and sound of this album. Gone are the producers he built a great rapport with like Soundtrakk and instead we get a crew of no name producers that don't mesh with Lupe Fiasco's style or message. Rife with excessive auto-tune use and generic pop rock â
  24. TCard18
    Mar 17, 2011
    0
    Lupe's latest effort is not even in the same realm as his previous two LPs. The production is pop-y, mainstream, wrought with auto-tune. Lupe's notable lyrical genius is also lacking on most tracks. Soundtrakk (who produced most of Food and Liqueur, as well as The Cool) is sorely missed. Atlantic and Lupe really screwed this one up with delays and the tracks they picked to be on the record.
  25. BREEZY
    Mar 14, 2011
    8
    Lasers isn't a horrible as some are making it seem. It's actually good but definitely not Lupe Fiasco's style. As Lupe said on multiple occasions Atlantic kept putting there hands in the mix forcing him to switch up songs and choruses. Which lead to an album that isn't very Lupe. But there are some songs that you can tell are all Lupe such All Black Everything,The Show Goes On, & Words ILasers isn't a horrible as some are making it seem. It's actually good but definitely not Lupe Fiasco's style. As Lupe said on multiple occasions Atlantic kept putting there hands in the mix forcing him to switch up songs and choruses. Which lead to an album that isn't very Lupe. But there are some songs that you can tell are all Lupe such All Black Everything,The Show Goes On, & Words I Should Have Never Said.It sucks because when you hear these songs they give a glimpse on what what Lasers could have been.Like I said the rest of the album isn't horrible but it's not this artist. So before you blame Lupe or call him a sell out, look up the details on the long & tedious road Lupe went down to get this album out. Lasers started off as the next awesome album for Lupe but ended up a road block. So for all the Lupe fans that are saying he sold out or didn't care that false. It's like if you create something but for the next couple of years people keep altering your work and adding their own details, of course it's going to look like your heart was not in it. Mostly because your true work was diminished. Atlantic basically made the album for him. But the good thing is Lasers is finally out and Lupe can work on his next project. Which hopefully is all him.… Expand
  26. Matlock
    Mar 14, 2011
    0
    I've never been able to skip a single Lupe track before, but now that's changed. Where do I even begin? This third LP is full of lazy, generic sounding dial-it-in electro production. "Break the Chain" sounds like throw away trance music slowed down. Where is Soundtrakk!? Where is Matthew Santos? These guests are awful. I don't know who Skylar Grey is but her voice makes me want to breakI've never been able to skip a single Lupe track before, but now that's changed. Where do I even begin? This third LP is full of lazy, generic sounding dial-it-in electro production. "Break the Chain" sounds like throw away trance music slowed down. Where is Soundtrakk!? Where is Matthew Santos? These guests are awful. I don't know who Skylar Grey is but her voice makes me want to break things....so I did just that and snapped the CD in half and threw it in the garbage where it belongs. e p i c fail… Expand
  27. greve
    Mar 14, 2011
    3
    Lupe Fiascos Lasers really hard to judge when what Lupe can do. If you have heard" Food and Liquor" or "The Cool" you would expect much more than what Lasers is. If you know who Lupe Fiasco is (who haven't after "Touch the Sky") then you would think that Lasers i a HUUUUUUGE letdown. But if you never heard of him it's a album that's worthy of 8-9-10 maybe, but when the label ties his handsLupe Fiascos Lasers really hard to judge when what Lupe can do. If you have heard" Food and Liquor" or "The Cool" you would expect much more than what Lasers is. If you know who Lupe Fiasco is (who haven't after "Touch the Sky") then you would think that Lasers i a HUUUUUUGE letdown. But if you never heard of him it's a album that's worthy of 8-9-10 maybe, but when the label ties his hands as much as they have, (They even told him not to get to lyrical on "The Show Goes On", a song they gave him themselves) it pulls him down. 5.0 stars overall, 1 to the label but 10 to Lupes lyric… Expand
  28. Teddy
    Mar 12, 2011
    1
    This album is in no way comparable to his first two albums. As well as his beats sounding like they belong on a Ke$ha album, his once lyrical genius has been dumbed-down to the same standard as Taio Cruz.
    Perhaps the only chance at redemption is All Black Everything, commanding the same respect as any song off his last two albums, but it is not enough to stop this album and possibly Lupe    This album is in no way comparable to his first two albums. As well as his beats sounding like they belong on a Ke$ha album, his once lyrical genius has been dumbed-down to the same standard as Taio Cruz.
    Perhaps the only chance at redemption is All Black Everything, commanding the same respect as any song off his last two albums, but it is not enough to stop this album and possibly Lupe himself dropping out of the league of hip-hop's greats and into that of any other over produced, under educated rapper.
    At one point in this album Lupe says "Failure's my last name, Never's my first one." We now know that as well as a sell out he is a liar.    … Expand
  29. Labarron
    Mar 12, 2011
    5
    I am disappointed of Lupe. His did not deliver his best on this album. The production was horrible and the guest stars was boring. I know that he can do better than is. "Food & Liquor" and "The Cool" was awesome, but this album, no! The only track that was good was "All Black Everything". I hope he takes his time on his next album and focuses.
  30. McDrizzle
    Mar 12, 2011
    5
    This album reminds me of how Eminem released Relapse, it was rushed and it showed. Well, Lasers may have been rushed since the album was finished way before release. The Auto-tune used in this album is so unnecessary and the beats drown out most thought that Lupe's lyrics usually leave you with. I feel like I could listen to Lupe's 2 Previous Studio albums and recognize a clear purpose,This album reminds me of how Eminem released Relapse, it was rushed and it showed. Well, Lasers may have been rushed since the album was finished way before release. The Auto-tune used in this album is so unnecessary and the beats drown out most thought that Lupe's lyrics usually leave you with. I feel like I could listen to Lupe's 2 Previous Studio albums and recognize a clear purpose, I'm not sure this album has one. The Manifesto and this ALBUM are like polar opposites and the few breaks between horrible choruses are the only time Lupe stands out for better (All Black Everything) and for worse (Til I Get There). I bought this album and after listening I realized why it was on sale. I will support this album cause I would have paid for Enemy Of the State: A Love Story or if SLR was on iTunes. Every artist in this era seems to have an auto-tuned covered album bleeding with murdered creativity and oozing conformity, I see this as Lupe's. Hopefully he can bounce back like Em did on Recovery. This Album isn't L.ove A.lways S.hines E.very time R.emember 2 S.mile.... its just Lasers.… Expand
prev
Page:

Awards & Rankings

30
#30 Most Discussed Album of 2011
63
#63 Most Shared Album of 2011

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
57

Mixed or average reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 27
  3. Negative: 3 out of 27
  1. DJ Booth
    Aug 4, 2011
    70
    Lupe seems to have accepted that Lasers is not the masterpiece he originally set out to make and is prepared to move on. Maybe we should follow his lead.
    Read full review
  2. New Musical Express (NME)
    Mar 28, 2011
    40
    Save for the brief reprieves of the barbed, anti-everything 'Words I Never Said' and the historical rewrite of 'All Black Everything', Lasers walks a fine line between conscious hip-hop and sleepwalking.
    Read full review
  3. Paste Magazine
    Mar 23, 2011
    60
    So the political nails are hidden deeply enough in the candy that sometimes it's hard to tell whether the juxtaposition is truly bracingly subversive or oddly self-defeating. Depending on your mood or disposition, maybe it's neither, either or both. A musical Rorschach test if there ever was one.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »