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. soumyadeepdas
    Feb 23, 2017
    7
    Okay, this is not as bad as many people suggested me. I heard MBDTF and was pleased with it, although I find his debut and sophomore album way better. I liked 808s, but Yeezus was just a continuation of the sound with a tinge of brashness (which was the reason why I didn't like it, not because of the lyrics or the instrumentals or anything like that). Then came TLOP, and I was quiteOkay, this is not as bad as many people suggested me. I heard MBDTF and was pleased with it, although I find his debut and sophomore album way better. I liked 808s, but Yeezus was just a continuation of the sound with a tinge of brashness (which was the reason why I didn't like it, not because of the lyrics or the instrumentals or anything like that). Then came TLOP, and I was quite impressed that Kanye didn't make it as underwhelming as Yeezus. The whole album is like a compilation album of everything Kanye has done, except with new material. Therer's glossy produced tracks like Famous, then there's gospel-influenced tracks like Ultralight Beam, and what more! I love the messy, kaleidoscopic, Tumblr-like aesthetic. However, sometimes the album goes down in quality with tracks like Highlights, Freestyle 4, and Fade (I didn't mention Facts because that beat is impressive), However, it regains its momentum back with more better produced tracks like Ultralight Beam, Famous, Feedback, FML, Real Friends, Wolves, No More Parties In LA, and Saint Pablo. There are underwhelming cuts such as Father Stretch My Hands (even though that beat drop is insane), Waves, and 30 Hours (punchlines on point though). it's a mixed bag. A mixed bag is something I hate, but Kanye makes the term seem a bit more positive. This is not a Pitchfork 9, nor a Rolling Stone 9. This is just an album with the highs being very high and the lows being very low. The highs are more, so it's a 7.2/10 for me.… Expand
  2. areslol1
    Feb 16, 2017
    9
    Unlike the razor-sharp Yeezus, The Life of Pablo is more of a collage. Relaxed songs give way into the classic angry rapping that Yeezus was acclaimed for. The Life of Pablo also has a much more gospel feel to it.
  3. thedaywalker
    Jan 5, 2017
    6
    I really did not hear the appeal, pretty sure people just praising it because its Kanye West, another rapper less popular and this would have been thrown in the been
  4. victorcarter
    Nov 29, 2016
    8
    Kanye puts together a chopped soul & gospel mixtape of sorts with help from lots of rappers he **** with, even Max B. He keeps the sound very patchwork sounding and minimalistic. Favorite songs Father Stretch My Hands Pt. 1, Feedback, Waves, and Fade
  5. patricioparodi
    Oct 22, 2016
    10
    amazing album he really did a great job with lyrics and production.wow
    i cantw wait for the next album because i know it will be even better yassssssss
  6. yankeeacab
    Sep 28, 2016
    9
    Really great album, it's experimental but in a good way, the album starts with Ultralight Beam, the song that gives it a flavor of gospel, then comes Father Strectch My Hands, which sets the experimental trap-ish/old kanye-ish tone only negative thing about this project are the sometimes unnecessary trap snares that dont fit into some songs
  7. michaelpbourke
    Sep 7, 2016
    10
    Easily my favourite album of his! Took a while to get used to it & the way it was released was annoying as I don't subscribe to TIDAL/Spotify so I had to find each up date on PB but 100% worth it once I got it. Every track is good with the excpetion of Pt. 2 (Panda is annoying asf).
  8. Wael
    Aug 27, 2016
    5
    Except for a couple of songs like "Real Friends", "Ultralight Beam", and "Facts", The Life of Pablo is extremely forgettable, and makes for an unejoyable, even annoying listen.
    Very overrated and totally not worth the hype it got. This album was rushed, and it feels like Kanye released it without really finalizing it (title changes and tracklist editing in the last minute as we saw).    Except for a couple of songs like "Real Friends", "Ultralight Beam", and "Facts", The Life of Pablo is extremely forgettable, and makes for an unejoyable, even annoying listen.
    Very overrated and totally not worth the hype it got. This album was rushed, and it feels like Kanye released it without really finalizing it (title changes and tracklist editing in the last minute as we saw).
    Let's hope 'Ye steps his game back up to its greatness with the next one.    … Expand
  9. joekeary
    Aug 24, 2016
    10
    In all honestly, TLOP is (so far) my favourite album of 2016. Musically, the range of sounds is extremely compelling, the lyrics of songs such as Real Friends (the best song on the album, in my opinion) are extremely real and deep yet other songs such as I Love Kanye are extremely entertaining and humorous. This balance makes for a great listening experience. However, songs such asIn all honestly, TLOP is (so far) my favourite album of 2016. Musically, the range of sounds is extremely compelling, the lyrics of songs such as Real Friends (the best song on the album, in my opinion) are extremely real and deep yet other songs such as I Love Kanye are extremely entertaining and humorous. This balance makes for a great listening experience. However, songs such as Siiiiiiiiilver Surffffeeeeer Intermission seem unnecessary and are skippable however this does not make the album any less entertaining and pleasing to the ears.… Expand
  10. Mcgillacuddy
    Aug 15, 2016
    9
    The more you listen to this album and understand the themes of it, the more you'll like it. This project takes a very unusual approach for Kanye music, but it definitely gets the job done. This album is a huge step-up from Yeezus and Cruel Summer.
  11. Mesmerize
    Aug 9, 2016
    8
    8.5
    zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
  12. cfc38
    Jul 28, 2016
    9
    In what state must a person be to make an album like this. Messy, disjointed, provocative, sometimes cheap, rarely disappointing, always mad. Always genius..
  13. dlmmusic
    Jul 25, 2016
    5
    Majority of the songs on this album consist of other artists work/ songs and add on's, with Kanye West commentating with his verses. Now, some of the songs sounds pretty good ( for example Famous, Pt 2) and obviously there are strong connotations and underlining meanings within the songs that are incredibly powerful. Overall my thoughts are that this album is one of his worst.
  14. RadioheadLuv17
    Jul 11, 2016
    5
    As high as its highs are (FML, Real Friends, ultralight beam, no more parties in LA, etc...) a lot of the Life Of Pablo is plagued by terrible rapping, half baked song ideas, and a lack of originality. For one of the busiest perfectionists in popular music, this album (3 years in the making) seems strangely last-minute.
  15. SumitSumbria
    Jun 29, 2016
    8
    A very nice album which is quite impressive but not upto Kanye West's level. Anyway, it spunds great. "Ultralight Beam" is very emotional and soulful song. "Famous" is a gem. These both tracks are the highlight of the album.
    Favourite tracks - Famous, Ultralight Beam
  16. SergioV
    Jun 16, 2016
    9
    New Review: 86/100.

    With the addition of "Saint Pablo", this dynamic album changes again, and for the better. Really an overall listenable album, where almost every song is playable and memorable for everyone who cares to listen.
  17. raywithajay
    Jun 3, 2016
    5
    While this record does have a few bright moments, it is overall rough and incoherent. The production is mostly mediocre, although some songs such as Ultra Light Beam and No More Parties in LA (produced by Madlib) are produced masterfully. Kanye doesn't really have anything interesting to say anymore. This is his worst lyrical work as he resorts to rapping about getting skin bleach on hisWhile this record does have a few bright moments, it is overall rough and incoherent. The production is mostly mediocre, although some songs such as Ultra Light Beam and No More Parties in LA (produced by Madlib) are produced masterfully. Kanye doesn't really have anything interesting to say anymore. This is his worst lyrical work as he resorts to rapping about getting skin bleach on his t-shirt from having sex with a model, putting a GoPro on his penis, and several other strange sexual topics. TLOP is not nearly as cohesive as any of his other projects; it sounds like a random assortment of songs thrown together. The production style varies greatly from song to song and there is no common theme found in the subpar lyrics. In my opinion, the most enjoyable aspect of this album is the production, which isn't totally consistent. However, I did think that Real Friends, No More Parties in LA, and Ultra Light Beam were all stellar tracks. I enjoyed TLOP more than Yeezus, but maybe I hard a hard time enjoying TLOP because Kanye's earlier works set a high standard for me… Expand
  18. WANGWEST
    May 31, 2016
    10
    This is one of the best albums ever by Kanye, an extremely divergent and weird masterpiece that has a lot of gospel in it and a controversial reference to Taylor Swift but is a really magnificent album! Promise! This album will go down in history as one of the best rap albums ever!
  19. billytrev24
    May 20, 2016
    8
    The Life of Pablo is 19 tracks of pure off-the-wall entertainment. Whether I was getting into the songs like Ultralight Beam and Real Friends, or your laughing at some of the funniest lines in rap history, this album will stick. I found myself constantly disgusted with what I was hearing, but also totally loving it at the same time. There are the cringe-worthy songs, such as, Feedback,The Life of Pablo is 19 tracks of pure off-the-wall entertainment. Whether I was getting into the songs like Ultralight Beam and Real Friends, or your laughing at some of the funniest lines in rap history, this album will stick. I found myself constantly disgusted with what I was hearing, but also totally loving it at the same time. There are the cringe-worthy songs, such as, Feedback, Facts, etc. There are bangers like, Pt. 2, Fade, Waves. And then, somehow, Kanye finds room on this album for real, emotional songs, like Real Friends, Wolves and No More Parties in LA. This is the most confusing album I've ever heard. There is never a complete thought, and I can't tell if that is this album's bright-spot or its downfall.

    Fave songs: Ultralight Beam, Father Stretch my Hands Pt. 1, Highlights, Wolves and Fade.

    Least: Feedback, Pt. 2 and 30 hours.

    76/100    … Expand
  20. InglouriousAndy
    May 18, 2016
    10
    one of the best albums ever recorded. Kanye is a genius.
    I invented Kanye
    There wasn't any Kanyes
    And now I look and look around
    And there's so many Kanyes
  21. rnbzain
    May 13, 2016
    7
    t.l.o.p. is an amazing album! it's better than drake's album but worse than zayn's and beyonce's ;p waves is my biggest jam! Kanye is one of the most talented rappers.
  22. dex332
    May 8, 2016
    10
    yes yes yes yes yes yes yes ye ye ye ye ye ye ye ye ye ye yes yes yes yes yes. GOAT album I do not care what y'all say. goat goat goat goat goat G.O.A.T GOAT
  23. Teoneyra
    May 8, 2016
    5
    Kanye is on my top ten MC's and when the life of Pablo came out i was excited like this is going to be fire but it was good.. u know, i think we did to much hype and then when it came out it was not what we expected but still we already knew that Ye its never afraid to be different but this didn't work for me personally.. still the album has some good songs, ain't going lie.
    Famous, No    Kanye is on my top ten MC's and when the life of Pablo came out i was excited like this is going to be fire but it was good.. u know, i think we did to much hype and then when it came out it was not what we expected but still we already knew that Ye its never afraid to be different but this didn't work for me personally.. still the album has some good songs, ain't going lie.
    Famous, No more parties in LA, 30 hours, Ultralight Beam and pt1 & pt2 (trap songs) were actually pretty good, so i give the album 5 because even tho it is he weakest album still the production and some of the lyrics and features help with my decision.    … Expand
  24. LoveeLand
    May 7, 2016
    3
    Most of it in my opinion is trash. It literally sounds like something I would make using my microphone app on my iPhone. I absolutely hated it, however according to some, you have to listen to it in a certain order and if you do apparently it's incredible. That is the only reason it is not a 0. Plus it came out late, was only on tidal for the longest time, and he changed the album nameMost of it in my opinion is trash. It literally sounds like something I would make using my microphone app on my iPhone. I absolutely hated it, however according to some, you have to listen to it in a certain order and if you do apparently it's incredible. That is the only reason it is not a 0. Plus it came out late, was only on tidal for the longest time, and he changed the album name multiple times which I think rubbed everyone wrong, especially because he settled for the name "The Life of Pablo." Album cover looks awful too. It in my opinion is the most overhyped album to ever be released, and many like it simply just because it is Kanye. I am a big fan of his older music, but this was just terrible.… Expand
  25. arnmlr6
    May 7, 2016
    8
    After finally hearing TLOP when it began streaming in places other than TIDAL I was pretty okay with it but it definitely wasn't album of the year material. However, for weeks afterwards I found myself with about half of the album on repeat in my head. There's an intoxicating mood of ego, spirituality, and hip-hop to the music that JUST might stick in my head for the rest of the year.
  26. kingkun
    May 3, 2016
    2
    a dead album... .................pffft...........tf?........... kanye west really sold us dreamzz, and gave us a nightmare of an album.... look like kim produced dat shii
  27. Eduardo_Santos
    May 1, 2016
    8
    I like Kanye West, and the album is pretty good, but It's far from a "808s & Heartbreak", his best project. It's a excelent album but I think he rushed the release and not complete as it should.
  28. BrandonTrotter
    Apr 29, 2016
    7
    This is not his best work as it had weak moments, the production was strong but the lyrics were sloppy and worst than Yeezus. Way too many features on this, thought it was his weakest album to date.
  29. dopelean
    Apr 26, 2016
    5
    The worst Kanye project I've listened to, everyone featured on this album did a better job than him. Ye's lyrics can be described in one word - BASIC.
  30. redjackb123
    Apr 25, 2016
    9
    Kanye West has never disappointed me with his work. The Life Of Pablo is a Masterpiece but it is one of my least favorite Kanye albums (which is not a bad thing at all). I was expecting a better album than Twisted Fantasy but i was somewhat disappointed on that the album felt like it was unfinished and rushed but still the album is a gem.
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Awards & Rankings

6
#6 Most Discussed Album of 2016
4
#4 Most Shared Album of 2016

Critic Reviews

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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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