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. Yeenius
    Feb 16, 2016
    10
    Just about every song including the bonus tracks are wonderful. Production is absolutely top notch. Gives an interesting glimpse into this very conflicted stage of the life of Kanye West. It has beautiful gospel singing as well as absolutely vulgar rhymes (bleached t shirts) that portray Kanye's struggle trying to transition from rock star to family man.
  2. Bigpapi
    Feb 15, 2016
    9
    This is easily a candidate for album of the year already. Kanye West continues to change the game by putting out projects that are all unique to one another and not the same music every album he releases like most of the rappers nowadays. Even though this album isn't quite as good as his best album, MBDTF, it still lives up to the hype it created and more. His rhymes, production, and linesThis is easily a candidate for album of the year already. Kanye West continues to change the game by putting out projects that are all unique to one another and not the same music every album he releases like most of the rappers nowadays. Even though this album isn't quite as good as his best album, MBDTF, it still lives up to the hype it created and more. His rhymes, production, and lines are all on point and there are little to no weak points on the album. If you are a fan of hip-hop or music in general, you ned to listen to this masterpiece, it will go down as one of the albums that changed the rap game forever.… Expand
  3. Sokolymba
    Feb 16, 2016
    8
    Please, read this.
    I've collected that puzzle.
    Enjoy!

    1. Famous
    2. Father Stretch My Hands Pt. 1
    3. Pt. 2
    4. Facts
    5. Feedback
    6. Highlights
    7. Freestyle 4
    8. Wawes
    9. Silver Surfer Intermission
    10. 30 Hours
    11. No More Parties in LA
    12. Fade
    13. I Love Kanye
    14. FML
    15. Real Friends
    16. Low Lights
    17. Wolves
    18. Ultralight Beam
  4. G2TRU
    Feb 14, 2016
    10
    Another fantastic album from Kanye West. The life of Pablo takes bits and pieces from every album Kanye has ever released all into one. Sonically it is a masterpiece. Lyrically he holds his own. Mixing is near perfect. All the collaborators on this album stand out and complement each other. Album is a spiritual journey though all that makes Kanye so unique. You will get brash and confidentAnother fantastic album from Kanye West. The life of Pablo takes bits and pieces from every album Kanye has ever released all into one. Sonically it is a masterpiece. Lyrically he holds his own. Mixing is near perfect. All the collaborators on this album stand out and complement each other. Album is a spiritual journey though all that makes Kanye so unique. You will get brash and confident Kanye West. And you also will get Sad and Vulnerable Kanye West. Conveying the message that this is all a gods dream. Kanye is a dreamer and has vividly portrayed his dream to the masses though out his entire career. And he has done so again. Whether you love him or hate him it you should still give this a listen.… Expand
  5. aidanhicks101
    Feb 14, 2016
    9
    I didn't know what to expect going into this album, especially because it kept changing every 2 secs, but I can say I really enjoyed he album. Although the album cover does look like trash (my opinion) and there are some lyrics that go overboard (Taylor lyric, Ray J lyric, etc.) it doesn't change the album. My favorite songs would have to be Wolves (BTW FRANK OCEAN IS ALIVE!!) and No MoreI didn't know what to expect going into this album, especially because it kept changing every 2 secs, but I can say I really enjoyed he album. Although the album cover does look like trash (my opinion) and there are some lyrics that go overboard (Taylor lyric, Ray J lyric, etc.) it doesn't change the album. My favorite songs would have to be Wolves (BTW FRANK OCEAN IS ALIVE!!) and No More Parties In L.A. (the beats and some of the lyrics were too damn good). It was worth the $20 for me and I would recommend giving it a listen.

    But the only thing I ask is two things. 1. PLEASE put it on iTunes and not this TIDAL BS, because that was a complete disaster. 2. PLEASE PUT THIS ON VINYL! This is the kind of album that BELONGS on vinyl more (my opinion)

    Have a good day!    … Expand
  6. DustyCamp405
    Feb 14, 2016
    10
    The Best Rapper of our generation... a living legend.................................................................................................!
  7. YungMarc
    Feb 14, 2016
    10
    great!! these beats are on point and the lyrics are references to the reality
    pretty sure that album deserves an position on Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame
    please, take off some Led Zeppelin albuns and put Kanye's TLOP there
  8. shanemartin2
    Feb 14, 2016
    9
    Kanye did it again with TLOP. This album is a sonic masterpiece and a breath of fresh air when Hip Hop needs one. Lyrically, it is one of Ye's weaker efforts, but its made up for with out of this world production and aesthetics. He always manages to get the best out of his features and TLOP is no different. Young Thug, The Weeknd, and Chance all manage to fit the vibe Ye was trying toKanye did it again with TLOP. This album is a sonic masterpiece and a breath of fresh air when Hip Hop needs one. Lyrically, it is one of Ye's weaker efforts, but its made up for with out of this world production and aesthetics. He always manages to get the best out of his features and TLOP is no different. Young Thug, The Weeknd, and Chance all manage to fit the vibe Ye was trying to pursue. At first listen it may seem disorganized or without direction, which may not be for some listeners, but this really is another Kanye West masterpiece. It takes gospel influences and mixes them with unapologetic punchlines that only Kanye can pull off. This was a very daring album but I definitely have it in my top 3 Kanye albums of all time.… Expand
  9. jayjayguy2
    Feb 14, 2016
    10
    I don't think you can dislike this and like music at the same time. This is a pure body of work from one of the most creative musicians. So many people will **** on this album without giving it a chance just because they dislike Kanye. Just listen to it front to back and you'll know exactly what I mean.
  10. JeffGoldblum
    Feb 14, 2016
    9
    There aren't two Kanye albums that sound alike; "The Life of Pablo" is a rich, gospel-affected affair highlighted by the opus and album-starter "Ultra Lightbeam," and suprising, last-second addition "Waves." It has a couple of dips lyrically — talk of bleaching **** isn't exactly Shakespearean — and the Good Friday tracks, while likely bonuses, don't necessarily fit sonically with the restThere aren't two Kanye albums that sound alike; "The Life of Pablo" is a rich, gospel-affected affair highlighted by the opus and album-starter "Ultra Lightbeam," and suprising, last-second addition "Waves." It has a couple of dips lyrically — talk of bleaching **** isn't exactly Shakespearean — and the Good Friday tracks, while likely bonuses, don't necessarily fit sonically with the rest of the album, but pioneering production and lyricism tidied up from "Yeezus" make "The Life of Pablo" yet another masterful addition to an already acclaimed discography.… Expand
  11. RAGE16
    Feb 14, 2016
    8
    Kanye always has a knack for making GREAT music even if his lyrics are not as great as they used to be. Production is absolutely fantastic, so varied and layered. Love that his features are always on point and always surprisingly good (ex: Chris Brown) Sounds like Kanye is having fun with his music and being so creative and makes all the other mainstream rappers seems so watered down.Kanye always has a knack for making GREAT music even if his lyrics are not as great as they used to be. Production is absolutely fantastic, so varied and layered. Love that his features are always on point and always surprisingly good (ex: Chris Brown) Sounds like Kanye is having fun with his music and being so creative and makes all the other mainstream rappers seems so watered down. Sampling work is off the charts and you just know it's a Kanye song and has that magic touch only he can provide. Love the depth of the work as well. The juxtaposition of "good, artisitc" Pablo Picasso songs (Ultralight Beam, Father Stretch My Hands, Highlights) compared to Pablo Escobar songs (Famous, Feedback, FML). Only cons to the album are some questionable lyrics that simply sound stupid, Vic Mensa and Sia not being on Wolves (even though Frank Ocean is great), and Facts is just a terrible song. All in all, an album I will be bumping in the car for months and another gem in the Kanye discography.… Expand
  12. TakeitYeezy
    Feb 15, 2016
    10
    This album will probably not be commercially successful album as other Kanye's album, but sure will be one of his most album. A great album that is already a classic.
  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. KING_KEIGS
    Feb 16, 2016
    9
    Look Kanye is a cocky dude that I some times get annoyed with but man you got to respect his music/art! Yeezus was different and good but didnt stay in my rotation for long. Life of Pablo will be bumping for months to come! One complaint is a lot of short songs and dumb skits!
  15. Tonyo
    Feb 14, 2016
    3
    A l'écoute de la piste d'ouverture - Ultralight Beam - on pouvait penser que Kanye West était de retour à ses débuts et qu'il allait nous proposer un album solide après cette première piste et surtout l'excellent No More Parties In L.A. . Au final, on se retrouve avec un album qui oscille entre le médiocre et le catastrophique sur un fond d'autotune. Remercions le nombre excessif deA l'écoute de la piste d'ouverture - Ultralight Beam - on pouvait penser que Kanye West était de retour à ses débuts et qu'il allait nous proposer un album solide après cette première piste et surtout l'excellent No More Parties In L.A. . Au final, on se retrouve avec un album qui oscille entre le médiocre et le catastrophique sur un fond d'autotune. Remercions le nombre excessif de collaborations sur son album qui essaient de sauver l'album du naufrage (et qui chantent bien plus que West au passage).

    Avec The Life Of Pablo, West prouve définitivement qu'on parle plus de lui pour sa mégalomanie et sa femme que pour sa musique.

    Les seules pistes à conserver: Ultralight Beam, FML, Real Friends, No More Parties In L.A.    … Expand
  16. fajnydamian
    Mar 29, 2016
    0
    I can't believe Kanye recorded an album like this and wanted to tell everyone in the world that this is good. Well, that's just awful and I can't listen to this because this "music" gives me headache.
  17. BeatPro
    Feb 14, 2016
    10
    Kanye West is back with one of the most inspiring albums ever. Production and guests are both stellar, hands down, this is church brothers and sister, church!
  18. thrills
    Feb 16, 2016
    4
    Despite a few excellent songs on here like Ultra Light Beam, FML, Real Friends, Waves and No More Parties in LA, it feels far too lazy and rushed. One of, if not the worst album in his solo discography so far.
  19. Kasi97
    Feb 14, 2016
    9
    It's great.
    Not as revolutionary as his previous albums, but every track on this thing works out great. It's Kanye so his lyrics are a bit off sometimes and it's clear that he spent less time polishing this one than he did with his other albums.
    It was rushed, but Kanye still has an amazing talent that somehow not only saved the album, but made it awesome. Not sure if he could pull this    It's great.
    Not as revolutionary as his previous albums, but every track on this thing works out great. It's Kanye so his lyrics are a bit off sometimes and it's clear that he spent less time polishing this one than he did with his other albums.
    It was rushed, but Kanye still has an amazing talent that somehow not only saved the album, but made it awesome.
    Not sure if he could pull this off again, so I hope he takes his time with the next one. Please Kanye...    … Expand
  20. Xaviale
    Feb 15, 2016
    9
    This albums comes across as one of Kanyes more experimental types of Albums.. The album really "kept me on my toes", as I was listening. I really didn't know what to expect from the next track, nor even mid listening in to one of the tracks.

    Hand down, this album has the best build ups to any of Kanyes tracks though. "Father stretch my hands Pt. 1" & "Low Light" got me really excited    This albums comes across as one of Kanyes more experimental types of Albums.. The album really "kept me on my toes", as I was listening. I really didn't know what to expect from the next track, nor even mid listening in to one of the tracks.

    Hand down, this album has the best build ups to any of Kanyes tracks though. "Father stretch my hands Pt. 1" & "Low Light" got me really excited when hearing after multiple times..

    I dont think this album beats MBDTF nor 808's although I believe it compares fairly close. West only seems to be getting more experimental every Album and I love it..

    List of top Albums as of now..
    1. MBDTF
    2. 808s
    3. TLOP
    4. Late Registration
    5. College Dropout
    6. Yeezus
    6. Graduation    … Expand
  21. calljohno
    Feb 14, 2016
    10
    Ignore the noise that comes from the haters, this album is beautiful. I feel that any person that objectively listens to this album will see it for the masterpiece that it is. It isn't Kanye's best. MBDTF is still his best album, and is a pretty high standard. I strongly believe that this will likely be the best hip-hop album of the year. Kanye is at his most honest, revealing new truthsIgnore the noise that comes from the haters, this album is beautiful. I feel that any person that objectively listens to this album will see it for the masterpiece that it is. It isn't Kanye's best. MBDTF is still his best album, and is a pretty high standard. I strongly believe that this will likely be the best hip-hop album of the year. Kanye is at his most honest, revealing new truths about himself--receiving professional treatment for depression and anxiety, his early girlfriend Sumeke Rainey cheating on him, and his father leaving him and his mom. Kanye raps about himself, which some people frown upon, but I find that I am able to learn a lot about myself by listening to artists that sing/rap about themselves; it helps me to analyze my own feelings. The sound of the album is fresh and new to the mainstream. I'm sure that the version of the album that will actually be held for sale will be different from what is currently streaming on Tidal, so I will reserve a more in-depth review once the official version is released.… Expand
  22. tannerparsons
    Feb 15, 2016
    10
    Love him or hate him, we are living among one of the greatest musical producers ever. His talent and ability to change the game (and do it well) at the drop of a hat sets him apart from any other artist. Kanye gets away with things that no other artist ever could because he has such a unique way of crafting a song. Kanye is an egotistical maniac, but he's musically gifted, and I won't letLove him or hate him, we are living among one of the greatest musical producers ever. His talent and ability to change the game (and do it well) at the drop of a hat sets him apart from any other artist. Kanye gets away with things that no other artist ever could because he has such a unique way of crafting a song. Kanye is an egotistical maniac, but he's musically gifted, and I won't let my bias against his ego stand in the way of me recognizing that history will view Kaye as a revolutionary artist.… Expand
  23. reece2208
    Feb 15, 2016
    10
    Kanye sampled microphone feedback and then produced a freaking BANGER with it! Yeezy brought the fire! The world doesn't deserve beats this good. Hip-hop has changed once again and as always Kanye is the catalyst.
  24. lpcameron
    Feb 15, 2016
    10
    More like a 9.5 but hey that rounds up. A brilliant combination of all his work to date TLOP should have been Kanye's first flop...the messy build up and a clear shift in priorities away from music towards fashion had me worried.

    Instead what we got was another example of Ye's ability to bring a ridiculously diverse array of genres, artists and themes together to create a masterpiece.    More like a 9.5 but hey that rounds up. A brilliant combination of all his work to date TLOP should have been Kanye's first flop...the messy build up and a clear shift in priorities away from music towards fashion had me worried.

    Instead what we got was another example of Ye's ability to bring a ridiculously diverse array of genres, artists and themes together to create a masterpiece. Falls just short of being his best album...MBDTF will never loose that status. That said we could do with a little less "She just bleached her **** and a little more "I just wanna feel liberated IIIIIIIII" but I guess that's just Kanye being Kanye.

    Best songs: Ultralight Beam, Feedback, Father Stretch My Hands Pt1 & 2, Real Friends, Freestyle 4
    Worst song: Facts (He should drop that for the physical release)    … Expand
  25. giu3
    Feb 19, 2016
    0
    This album is overrated, probably the worst one I heard this year. The production is terrible, the flow even worse and the lyrics are the lamest I've ever heard. Kanye was once a great artist but is now just one of the worst trap rappers of the time.
  26. GHOSTMAKER1991
    Mar 8, 2016
    3
    2010's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy was an incredible album that should have gotten at least an Album of the Year nomination and most likely, the award itself. 2013's Yeezus, while decisive, was a brilliant fusion of electornic/house/industrial and rap. I personally listen to these two albums in their entirety very few weeks. Unfortunately, 2016's TLOP is a dissonant mess with at2010's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy was an incredible album that should have gotten at least an Album of the Year nomination and most likely, the award itself. 2013's Yeezus, while decisive, was a brilliant fusion of electornic/house/industrial and rap. I personally listen to these two albums in their entirety very few weeks. Unfortunately, 2016's TLOP is a dissonant mess with at least 7/18 tracks being entirely worthless and almost no redeeming factors.
    These 7 tracks are around 2 minutes or less including a phone call from imprisoned rapper Max B(Silver Surfer Intermission) and a woman talking slowly about her love for Jesus(Low Lights). Freestyle 4 is a boring adlib with a boring beat. I love kanye is funny the first time you hear it but you will groan every time you hear it after.
    While I could dance or rock out to most of the tracks of his two previous albums, the only song that makes me feel like moving at all is Waves, a beautiful song featuring Chris Brown. I once put Waves on Repeat for an hour I loved it so much. Waves is the only highlight for me.
    After 20 listen throughs(what a waste), Waves is the only song I want to hear again from this album. How anyone with two functioning ears enjoys this album is a mystery to me.
    Do yourself a favor and get the trail version of Tidal. Don't subscribe as you can find most albums, including brand new albums on Youtube.
    Cheers, this is my first time using metacritic.    … Expand
  27. joe9685
    Feb 14, 2016
    10
    Best album he's made since Dark Twisted Fantasy. Wish the songs were a little longer but I like how it isn't just 10 songs like before. I love this album like Kanye loves Kanye.
  28. SeaVee
    Feb 15, 2016
    4
    This album really disappointed me, I only like 5 songs on it. The production is amazing as always but the pacing in most songs on it makes the whole album feel flat. If you want to listen to a better but similar music than this, you should check out Angel Haze's project "Back to the woods"
  29. twaddle
    Apr 9, 2016
    0
    'TLOP' is everything that is wrong with the current 'fast food' style of pop music of the present. It's a heartless, soulless effort designed to trick the masses into thinking it's much better than it actually is. Kanye is a product and nothing more; Not an artist, not a genius, and not even worth my time to finish this senten
  30. Renaldo_Berkley
    Feb 14, 2016
    6
    I really wanted to like this album. I've been looking forward to it since it was called "So Help Me God" and Paul McCartney was an executive producer. After many months of delays, Kanye finally landed on February 11th. Then it was delayed again for two days. Finally, we have our hands (ears?) on it. The Life of Pablo is one of the most beautiful and striking albums I've listened to in aI really wanted to like this album. I've been looking forward to it since it was called "So Help Me God" and Paul McCartney was an executive producer. After many months of delays, Kanye finally landed on February 11th. Then it was delayed again for two days. Finally, we have our hands (ears?) on it. The Life of Pablo is one of the most beautiful and striking albums I've listened to in a long time. Ultralight Beam, Famous, Waves, No More Parties In L.A.. and 30 Hours are all wonderful tracks. Their production is gorgeous (and sorta messy) and the lyrics are the best on the album. Chance The Rapper spits one of his more aggressive verses on Ultralight Beam, vowing to defend God and field any questions that are asked of him. 30 Hours has Kanye reflects on his long distance relationship and it's affect on him. However great these tracks are, the album still has massive flaws.The album as a whole feels very unorganized and messy. Kanye is constantly bringing up his sex life, but in a way that feels extremely cold and gross. On the song Feedback Kanye yells about how great he is for two minutes over a boring, short looping instrumental. On the Silver Surfer Intermission is a phone call between Kayne and Max B the feels like it serves no purpose other than to fill up time. As a whole this album is very polarizing. Kanye goes back to his roots, with soul sampling, but lyrical he has only progressed farther into his lane of self-aggrandizing and egomania. It is by far his darkest album. But in the end the beauty and majesty of the best tracks are able to outshine the messiness and narcissism of the lesser tracks, if only barely.… Expand
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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 »