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. savetheroses
    Feb 15, 2016
    10
    This Album Is Timeless And Deserves All The Respect It Commands. Comparable Only To The Word Of God And Bob Marleys Entire Discography. Remember, It Took The World Time To Accept Yeezus.
  2. internethandle
    Feb 15, 2016
    10
    Just want to add to the 10's to combat the notion that this is anything less than amazing by the critics. It's pathetic to see print/online media froth at the opportunity to take down Kanye West the character/persona and not, you know, assess the music.
  3. dstern29
    Feb 15, 2016
    10
    Kanye returns to the soulful sound that skyrocketed to fame while still finding room to push the boundaries of rap's aesthetics, taking the whole genre to new heights. His anger, weaknesses, cockiness, arrogance, pride, and happiness are on full display in this album.
  4. Biased
    Feb 15, 2016
    10
    The album is fantastic. Kanye seems to be zigging while everyone expects a zag. Whats bothersome in some of the publication reviews is the constant commentary on Kanye's ego, as if that is not a subject worth exploring? As if he is not aware enough to use that to contrast his vulnerability, sensitivity, and imperfections. It may not be his best, but it falls in line with his consistentThe album is fantastic. Kanye seems to be zigging while everyone expects a zag. Whats bothersome in some of the publication reviews is the constant commentary on Kanye's ego, as if that is not a subject worth exploring? As if he is not aware enough to use that to contrast his vulnerability, sensitivity, and imperfections. It may not be his best, but it falls in line with his consistent greatness. When it is all said and done we will look back and call this another Kanye step toward all time greatness and a generational talent.… Expand
  5. shangyip
    Feb 15, 2016
    10
    A combination of his work from all his previous albums put into one piece. Kanye has nothing left to prove with six of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time (not including Watch the Throne, which was fantastic), and Pablo only further cements his place as one of the greatest. The album contains soul and gospel sounds that bring out character and an interesting mix of autotune andA combination of his work from all his previous albums put into one piece. Kanye has nothing left to prove with six of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time (not including Watch the Throne, which was fantastic), and Pablo only further cements his place as one of the greatest. The album contains soul and gospel sounds that bring out character and an interesting mix of autotune and trap/heavy bass that surprisingly bangs hard. Though it contains some "controversial" lyrics, Kanye shows that he has no boundaries in his level of expression with "Famous", "Highlights", and "Feedback". His emotional and slightly insecure side comes out again in "FML", "Real Friends", and "Wolves" but he does an amazing job integrating artists like The Weeknd and France Ocean into the intended eerie feeling of the songs. Ye reminds us of his old school bars in "30 Hours" and "No More Parties in LA" which bring listeners to the edge of their seats. A well put together album that displays West's all around capabilities with tremendous production (once again) that consolidate the songs together like a movie. IMO his greatest work yet other than Dark Fantasy (hard to believe, I know), but only time will tell how much more of an impact and influence it will have. Great music, especially hip-hop, isn't meant to be digested fully in the first couple of listens and for the insensitive who aren't able to comprehend the message and sounds in the background without being offended (this is Kanye West, after all). This was an album of our time, appreciate greatness.… Expand
  6. karly11
    Feb 15, 2016
    10
    We missed Da Vinci, Beethoven, Shakespeare, Genghis Khan & Mozart. Right now we witnessing Ye, enjoy the ride fam. Our own 21st century genius. This album here is artwork, don't listen to all these fools that say otherwise. Listen and enjoy this journey Kanye is taking us on.
  7. vaggelis
    Feb 16, 2016
    10
    Pure masterpiece. Every kanye album is different, challenging, inspired, he never rests on past glory. The life of pablo pushes the limits even further musically, lyrically and production-wise. You can choose to ignore or hate Kanye West, like there were people that ignored or hated the Beatles in the 60s. He still won't go away, his musical greatness will always be there. 10/10
  8. MinorityOpinion
    Feb 16, 2016
    10
    Kanye West once again proves that there is no sound out there like him. And just as controversial as he is of a person this album will be controversial. This album is definitely more sound 'friendly' compare to his previous album Yeezus, but what makes this album great is not the 'friendliness'. What makes it stand out is the fact that in a span of 58 mins and 2 seconds Kanye West showsKanye West once again proves that there is no sound out there like him. And just as controversial as he is of a person this album will be controversial. This album is definitely more sound 'friendly' compare to his previous album Yeezus, but what makes this album great is not the 'friendliness'. What makes it stand out is the fact that in a span of 58 mins and 2 seconds Kanye West shows you his entire personality spectrum. From soulful Kanye "Ultralight Beam" to controversial Kanye "Famous" to Funny Kanye "I Love Kanye" and so on. This album seems more of an autobiography of his personalities than an album, but that is the beauty of it all. Kanye shows us once again that not only is he unique artist but that also his visions and ideas are ever changing. Production is masterful, lyrics are non apologetic (as should they be since he is an artist and should express himself) and Kanye West is at his Kanye Best.… Expand
  9. ricky_the_gent
    Feb 16, 2016
    10
    Ye brings emotion and bragging in an 18-track-long messy album and creates a stunning and highly enjoyable collection of impressionistic mood-changing splinters that only West himself would be capable of doing. The anticipation was worth it: this album deserves everything.
  10. katyperryasg
    Feb 16, 2016
    10
    Man, he did it again. This time much broader sound with TLOP.
    This is not brand new, but contains very best part of each of his last release.
    And it is certainly a grower. If you didn't like it, give it another chance.
  11. zdot
    Feb 16, 2016
    10
    Fantastic album, disjunction shows the struggles we face in everyday life between good and evil, pride and temptation. Production is life-changing.Top 3 Kanye albums.
  12. ma_xx
    Feb 16, 2016
    10
    Amazing tracks from front to back, especially "Ultralight Beam", "30 Hours", "Fade", "FML", "Real Friends" and "No More Parties in LA." Overall amazing album, very polished. Sounds like a cross of College Dropout and Yeezus Ye'.
  13. Lord-Quas
    Feb 16, 2016
    10
    Ye's done it again! Oh my goodness, where do I begin? Mr. West is the only artist I know that stays consistent with his craft. This is the best record that's been put out since 2010's "Dark Fantasy". The overall vibe of this record's glorious! The instrumentation's grandiose without feeling too oversaturated. The only thing I can say is.... Hip-Hop's still alive. #rejoice #Kanye2020
  14. nwtconner
    Feb 16, 2016
    10
    Absolute masterpiece. there is no denying Kanye is the greatest musician in 2016 and this album is nothing short of everything we have come to expect from this genius
  15. KTTvinny
    Feb 16, 2016
    10
    The Life of Pablo is confusing, erratic, yet beautiful. We get soul sample Kanye, we get egotistical Kanye, we get wild Kanye, we get introspective Kanye, we get autotune Kanye. It seems as if every standout aspect off Kanye's previous 6 albums can be found somewhere on TLOP. Although it is by far his least cohesive project, maybe thats the point. Kanye doesn't need to define a new lane inThe Life of Pablo is confusing, erratic, yet beautiful. We get soul sample Kanye, we get egotistical Kanye, we get wild Kanye, we get introspective Kanye, we get autotune Kanye. It seems as if every standout aspect off Kanye's previous 6 albums can be found somewhere on TLOP. Although it is by far his least cohesive project, maybe thats the point. Kanye doesn't need to define a new lane in music anymore, for once he's just putting out an album as a collection of great songs instead of fitting everything into a certain aesthetic. That being said, these songs are great. Kanye delivers with bars, his melodies are 808s level, the production is fantastic, and the features all seem perfectly in place. I could do without the 3 skits however there's no complaining about a Kanye album with 18 tracks. 10/10… Expand
  16. Montie
    Feb 16, 2016
    10
    This is an album for the fan of all 6 solos. If you hate one of them then you're not gonna love this. But if you're smart and love all 6 then this is the summary. Every track is perfect and its not even completely finished.

    7/7 baby!!
  17. silvas006
    Feb 16, 2016
    10
    Incredible experience listening to this album. Kanye is on a whole nother level bringing a fresh new sound to the world of hiphop. We are blessed to live in an era where Kanye is delivering his music to the world.
  18. Wooks
    Feb 16, 2016
    10
    Kanye West has done it again. The almost 3 year wait since his last project Yeezus (which I also loved and was critically acclaimed) was too long. You would've thought after that record, could he do anything any more outlandish and make it work? I was sceptical if this new album would live up to the name Kanye was giving it through Twitter etc... But man, when I first heard the vocals onKanye West has done it again. The almost 3 year wait since his last project Yeezus (which I also loved and was critically acclaimed) was too long. You would've thought after that record, could he do anything any more outlandish and make it work? I was sceptical if this new album would live up to the name Kanye was giving it through Twitter etc... But man, when I first heard the vocals on Ultra Lightbeam... Good lord!! A beautiful opening track and the album just gets better with Father Stretch My Hands, the Cudi we have all missed returns and good job bringing Desiigner on it too, it somehow all blended in well but I'll get to the features later. The tracks on this album are all bold, brash and giving off a massive statement and this was present too in Yeezus and that's what I love about this "New Kanye". The lyrics may not be there as much they once were for Ye but the production of this album, the way the sounds clash and come out, I think, is just amazing. From the exciting instrumental of Feedback to the Good Morning reminiscent instrumental of Famous and the menacing sound of Freestyle 4, Kanye manages to engage the listener in all these different emotions, which to be honest I feel he has managed to do in mostly all of his albums to date. There are 18 songs on this album which is quite appealing as Yeezus only had 10 which is probably the only problem I had with that record. Not to mention, the dude managed to put Facts on the album and still made it sound like an absolute banger. My favourite thing about The Life of Pablo is the fact that truly, every piece of Kanye over the years since The College Dropout can be found on this record. Songs like 30 Hours, NMPIL and Real Friends are reminiscent of Late Registration/Graduation era Kanye whereas songs such as Wolves remind me of 808s and Freestyle 4 could've easily passed as Yeezus bonus track. I also love the way he parodies that whole "Old Kanye" thing in the song (or skit?) I Love Kanye showing his awareness to the whole situation and almost clapping back at it. The features on this record are amazing. Chance did a good job, Rihanna, Cudi, Thugger's contributions were awesome, The Weeknd and hell, even Chris Brown was a good decision to put on this album. I hasten to add the man got Frank Ocean on his album before Frank could put himself on his own album... Frankie did a great job nevertheless. I feel Kanye makes the type of music you don't get or won't like at first but give it a few days, months, even years (it took me a while for Yeezus and 808s to be fair) and you'll realise the beauty behind the madness. But one thing, this record will be hard to understand if you are not a Kanye fan, I feel only strong Ye fans will love and enjoy this album, you just gotta know the history for this record. Ye is an innovative and versatile artist, always giving out a new, different sound for every album, this is a feature other big names in hip hop, lack. It's only been a couple of days yet I am thoroughly enjoying this album so far and I'm bound to keep loving it more and more. Overall, I feel Ye did a good ass job with this project, it's experimental and everything I expected for sure. I don't really have any criticisms about this project, maybe the lyrical content could be slightly better on his behalf, and was a 2 minute version of Low Lights really necessary? I feel Yeezy has delivered again on this with a mix of every album collected in one 58 minute masterpiece. A lot of people won't feel this same way although give it some time, it may not be MBDTF but believe me, it is up there. It'll get the haters for sure, I mean, it IS Kanye West here.… Expand
  19. pabloo
    Feb 16, 2016
    10
    Kanye West returns with his long awaited follow up to 2013's Yeezus. Surprisingly, despite the hype, and continuing downward spiral in the media, The Life of Pablo appears to be yet another triumph for Kanye West. An album that gets better with each listen, as each layer gets peeled back. Although Kanye West does not break new ground on this record, he establishes this as theKanye West returns with his long awaited follow up to 2013's Yeezus. Surprisingly, despite the hype, and continuing downward spiral in the media, The Life of Pablo appears to be yet another triumph for Kanye West. An album that gets better with each listen, as each layer gets peeled back. Although Kanye West does not break new ground on this record, he establishes this as the conceptualization for the album. Rather than create a 'new Kanye', he focuses on being all of the 'old Kanyes' he has created. It appears that his twitter rants and overall abberant behaviour appear to be apart of an insane genius personality he has created, which would explain the use of the multiple Kanyes. Highlights include Ultra Light Beam, Famous, Feedback, Highlights, I love Kanye, Waves, FML, Wolves, No More Parties in L.A,, and Facts. 10/10… Expand
  20. vapo
    Feb 16, 2016
    10
    Classic album. Not only is the production amazing, but West brings an authenticity that nobody else can. He isn't bringing the same tired social criticisms from the last 20 years that we continually hear from Kendrick Lamar. He is bringing both anger and hope together like nobody else can.
  21. Kablaaze
    Feb 16, 2016
    10
    Great opening track. Some questionable lyrics here and there but that's Kanye and we love him for that. Genius in every sense of the word. Mr. West does it once again 7 in a row.
  22. saadhrahman
    Feb 16, 2016
    10
    The Life of Pablo is an album that fuses all of Kanye's previous works (My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, Yeezus, 808s & Heartbreak) and seems to put together in one album. This album is a very enjoyable listen and is a great album. The collabs in this album are insane and all stand out in this album i.e. Chance the Rapper, Kendrick Lamar. It is his best album since My Beautiful DarkThe Life of Pablo is an album that fuses all of Kanye's previous works (My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, Yeezus, 808s & Heartbreak) and seems to put together in one album. This album is a very enjoyable listen and is a great album. The collabs in this album are insane and all stand out in this album i.e. Chance the Rapper, Kendrick Lamar. It is his best album since My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy and the replay value is very high (something I did not experience with Yeezus). Almost every track in this album except Facts (Charlie Heat Version) are insane and give the best of Kanye. The only problem i have with this album is that there are some tracks in which there isn't enough Kanye and the features are getting more time. Production wise, Kanye always deliver with this being one of his best produced albums, mixing gospel with soul and trap beats with a great use of drums. Lyrically, Kanye is okay but has some great punchlines. Overall, this album is insane and is an early candidate for album of the year.

    P.S. For all of you giving this album a negative review, please don't give this album a negative review just because you hate Kanye. Please actually listen to the album and give it an honest opinion/review.    … Expand
  23. tljacks
    Feb 16, 2016
    10
    This album truly is nothing short of a classic!!! He gives you something from each album (especially last 3.. Yeezus, MBDTF, and 808) ..... It gets better each listen!!! For me, it's top 3 of his catalog but I want to sit on the album a few more months to see if it still moves me the same, to move it up on his best albums list... Sonically, there will be no better album this year!!
  24. roturru
    Feb 16, 2016
    10
    Kanye has been Extremely edgy fro the the last couple of years. This album ended up being Edgy to match his current personality. His lyrics are funny, sarcastic, and full of his egoism. Master piece.
  25. DavidFulcher33
    Feb 16, 2016
    10
    Kanye West's personal antics are a testament to his music -- that despite how ridiculous his character may be, his art rises above and makes fans out of the most discerning skeptics. This album is no different and shows significant progress as a musician -- its many layers cannot be fully appreciated on first listen. The album really picks up at the end with songs "30 Hours" and "No MoreKanye West's personal antics are a testament to his music -- that despite how ridiculous his character may be, his art rises above and makes fans out of the most discerning skeptics. This album is no different and shows significant progress as a musician -- its many layers cannot be fully appreciated on first listen. The album really picks up at the end with songs "30 Hours" and "No More Parties in L.A."… Expand
  26. Jamal_Abdi
    Feb 17, 2016
    10
    This album is absolutely stellar, from the first song up to the last song it's just an art, Kanye isn't afraid of using avante garde background music, and thought provoking vocals to produce something that transcends not only hip hop into great music, but also great music into artefact status.
  27. FredFlores
    Feb 17, 2016
    10
    Kanye did it again, This was not a consistent album, but it was done intentionally. A perfect mixture of many music genres. You start off with a gospel like song, then you just drop into bass with nice vocals of kid cudi. The rest is history.
  28. flopez13
    Feb 17, 2016
    10
    A masterpiece in its own right, the album isn't meant for those who cant stomach this kind of music. Kanye isn't making music so that you'd like him or so you can take him seriously, he's making music that he wants to make for fun and making it sound amazing as well. We shouldn't analyze everything he says because really all he's doing is giving us his opinions, humor and own experiencesA masterpiece in its own right, the album isn't meant for those who cant stomach this kind of music. Kanye isn't making music so that you'd like him or so you can take him seriously, he's making music that he wants to make for fun and making it sound amazing as well. We shouldn't analyze everything he says because really all he's doing is giving us his opinions, humor and own experiences on a sliver platter with flawless production behind it. Its a perfect mess.… Expand
  29. Little_Taoist
    Feb 17, 2016
    10
    Best. Kanye. Album. Ever. Every listen gets better. Waves is now the best song, soon to be replaced by Real Friends. Ultralight beams. The depth of the music. The layers. Moving into Dr. Dre mode, bring in all the guests you want, its the underlying music thats the feature. Don't buy the mainstream media trying to bring Kanye down. This album is amazing. 30 Hours is as good asBest. Kanye. Album. Ever. Every listen gets better. Waves is now the best song, soon to be replaced by Real Friends. Ultralight beams. The depth of the music. The layers. Moving into Dr. Dre mode, bring in all the guests you want, its the underlying music thats the feature. Don't buy the mainstream media trying to bring Kanye down. This album is amazing. 30 Hours is as good as Last Call on The College Dropout. And thats saying something.… Expand
  30. matteofumarola
    Feb 17, 2016
    10
    If you can't see the CREATIVE GENIUS in this album, problably you're an idiot. This album is something amazing, he changed the game yet another time. Love this crazy egocentric psychopath
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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]
See all critic reviews »