Ye
by Kanye West
User Score
7.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1222 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 889 out of 1222
  2. Mixed: 142 out of 1222
  3. Negative: 191 out of 1222

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  1. Reesy
    Jun 25, 2018
    8
    This album is very good at showing us the "new Kanye", the Kanye which stands on the edge of insanity and firmly on top of the game. While the message can seem confusing at first, the more you listen the more it makes sense. Kanyeis a musical genius and this was just a side to him that many people weren't expecting.
  2. kingdyzzle
    Jun 21, 2018
    9
    Kanye does it again! Every album he releases always manages to bring something new to the table, the second i heard "I thought about killing you" i knew this album was gonna make history, the production is absolutely beautiful, The track "No Mistakes" gives me a flash of old 2007-Kanye, "Ghost Town" makes amazing use of the sample and Kid Cudi's feature, my only complaint is how short theKanye does it again! Every album he releases always manages to bring something new to the table, the second i heard "I thought about killing you" i knew this album was gonna make history, the production is absolutely beautiful, The track "No Mistakes" gives me a flash of old 2007-Kanye, "Ghost Town" makes amazing use of the sample and Kid Cudi's feature, my only complaint is how short the album is, usually longer albums have more of an impact on me because it goes like a book, this was quick and sweet, it just leaves us wanting more, but i guess that's a good thing.… Expand
  3. vaggelis
    Jun 20, 2018
    10
    amazing emotional personal album. Kanye is the most important artist of this generation. beautiful sonically and lyrically.
  4. finnmccool1985
    Jun 19, 2018
    9
    The production alone deserves at least a 7, 70. That's without the added creativity, lyrics- these middling scores to greater works- funny how they differ in the user scores, and overall critic averages on other sites. To anyone who frequents this site, I suggest you visit the 'about metascores' page to see how they do this- they are owned by CBS interactive who then 'puts more weight onThe production alone deserves at least a 7, 70. That's without the added creativity, lyrics- these middling scores to greater works- funny how they differ in the user scores, and overall critic averages on other sites. To anyone who frequents this site, I suggest you visit the 'about metascores' page to see how they do this- they are owned by CBS interactive who then 'puts more weight on some metascores than others, based on the quality and stature of the publication.' Notice how user scores aren't shown on the sites opening page, as if these critics of 'quality and stature' have opinions that rise above us all. This is clearly intentional, and where there is asymmetry between User scores and critics, or cherry-picked critics scores here, showing as 'averages,' that aren't showing up elsewhere in the same light- there is money, propaganda involved. I've noticed it enough, especially now with every awards show being a PR stunt, for it to bear mention, as Kanyes newest works, esp the new Nas, after listening, have suffered in the critic department because of media bias- this is wrong. This is metacritic not meta-ethics, meta-politics. Clearly there is a line needed to be drawn.… Expand
  5. aguarner11
    Jun 17, 2018
    0
    man i was hoping for a great project but after having digested it you realize that this is mediocre Ye at best. It is really a shame but that doesn't take away from the fact that All Mine and Ghost Town are cool tracks, the only ones i will ever revisit
  6. marktheshark4
    Jun 17, 2018
    9
    The most polarizing record of the year. Coming right off the biggest controversy and public image nightmare of his career its no surprise reviewers don't give this a chance. Only time will tell how good this is. Kanye gives us 7 beautiful tracks with near zero flaws about mental illness and family. It's a spiritual awakening of sorts and an extremely important album for kanye himself.The most polarizing record of the year. Coming right off the biggest controversy and public image nightmare of his career its no surprise reviewers don't give this a chance. Only time will tell how good this is. Kanye gives us 7 beautiful tracks with near zero flaws about mental illness and family. It's a spiritual awakening of sorts and an extremely important album for kanye himself. Feels like t's made for himself and real fans more than for the publics acceptance like he did for My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. Easily the most personal record he's done, it can be an emotional listen for kanye fans.

    The first 3 tracks are manic and all over the place. Adopting Yeezus and Pablo style personas and sound on mental health, loneliness, ego, lust, and depression. "I Thought About Killing You" is striking right off the bat talking about his ego and possible bi polar reference then has a few words for his haters and struggling friendships. "Yikes" is a full on manic episode about mental health, and referencing his "breakthrough." "All Mine" is the catchiest song sounding like it could've been on Life Of Pablo with Kanye throwing comical bars on social commentary and sex. "Wouldn't Leave" separates the album with an apology dedicated to Kim. It seems so personal to the point it felt no one else but her was supposed to hear it. The last 3 tracks change tone completely, they feel nostalgic and soulful; songs about family and redemption. No Mistakes is classic kanye straight outta 2007. Ghost Town is the most beautiful track on the album, with an innovative sound mixing 60s pop and pete rock. Violent Crimes ends it with a track dedicated to his daughter, personal favorite.

    My only complaint is i wish it was 11 or 12 songs! I believe the reception would've changed so much if that were the case. The other Wyoming projects produced from Kanye have a very big production that the albums feel full. This is the only one that is raw and stripped down so i do think that effects the 7 tracks feeling incomplete in a way. Yeezy season and Good Fridays are back!    … Expand
  7. Bishof
    Jun 14, 2018
    4
    Ye couldn’t impress me. Verses may be are actual, but I don’t like it. Music compilation and texts compilation are classical for Ye, I generally don’t fall in love with that
  8. kiwigazer
    Jun 12, 2018
    5
    Kanye returns with much of the same production prowess he's become famous for over the course of his career on 'Ye.' The problem is, no amount of incredible sampling can save this album from the fact that it sounds incredibly half-assed. Sure, Kanye is known for his rough-around-the-edges artistry, a factor that works to his benefit on albums like 'The Life of Pablo.' The difference,Kanye returns with much of the same production prowess he's become famous for over the course of his career on 'Ye.' The problem is, no amount of incredible sampling can save this album from the fact that it sounds incredibly half-assed. Sure, Kanye is known for his rough-around-the-edges artistry, a factor that works to his benefit on albums like 'The Life of Pablo.' The difference, however, is that on albums like 'TLOP,' this roughness sounds like it stems from a thirst and ambition to create something great, a thirst that can never be quenched; on 'Ye,' it sounds like Kanye got cocky and imposed this one-month deadline on himself for the sole purpose of proving to his ego that he could create an album in such a short time span. It is an impressive feat indeed - but that alone does not make this album a good one. Lyrically, it's easily his weakest album - and it's not close. There are the typical Kanye-isms we all crave, but they are surrounded by lines and lines of cheesy, superficial lyrics that don't come close to the level we expect from the Kanye we all have come to know and love. While the production and sampling are incredible as per usual, the songs suffer from a blatant and painful brevity. On Kanye's first GOOD Music project of the summer - Pusha-T's 'Daytona' - for example, the songs were cohesive and nuanced enough that the album, just seven tracks in length, feels MUCH longer than its 21-minute run time, in a great way. 'Ye' feels like it's over in 15 minutes, and leaves the listener with much to be desired - not in the sense of wanting more, but more so wishing for a do-over. In the end, I can't help but feel that, just maybe, we've arrived at the point in Kanye's career where so much new ground has been tread that there simply is not much more left to tread. I hope to God I'm wrong - and if there's any one person who can prove it and come back from a place like that, it's Kanye. One thing is for certain, though - 'Ye' the first Kanye album we did not need. (5.2/10)… Expand
  9. OGHipHopCritic
    Jun 11, 2018
    7
    70 on the dot.I reckon Kanye was trynna pull off that Yeezus type style. By changing the style of his album, which is a lot different to normal mainstream albums. With a 23 minute long album, I think Kanye should have not wasted any time with rants or spoken lyrics, however, skipped straight to the bars. The rnb and soul feel to the album was excellent. Despite this, some tracks were not70 on the dot.I reckon Kanye was trynna pull off that Yeezus type style. By changing the style of his album, which is a lot different to normal mainstream albums. With a 23 minute long album, I think Kanye should have not wasted any time with rants or spoken lyrics, however, skipped straight to the bars. The rnb and soul feel to the album was excellent. Despite this, some tracks were not fully executed especially the first track, where he is speaking for around a minute. I'd understand skits and interludes in an album like TLOP, but this was a too short album for time to be wasted. In my opinion, this is one of Kanye's lesser greater albums, but in saying that it is still an amazing album compared to other rap albums. I just think Kanye put too much focus in Daytona to worry about his own album, but that is what all great producer's do like Dr. Dre, who instead of advancing his career made music for the likes of 50 cent and Eminem. Therefore, this album for me would be a 78 which would round up to an 8 out of 10. To Kanye's standards the album was not too great, but compared to other hip hop albums, it was an excellent project and I am comparing this to other hip hop albums. Strewth.… Expand
  10. WillyG77
    Jun 10, 2018
    8
    Kanye's sound and lyrics are very real and meaningful, not a single bad song on the album. Overall, very solid.
  11. FromKanga
    Jun 10, 2018
    8
    Great album, say what you want about Kanye West but he does have talent.
    Every track is interesting and I just wanted to hear more, after I finished this album I just listened to it again. You can tell Kanye is not happy from hearing this album, even if he has an ego he does critize himself.
    I don't like Kanye as a person but I do love him as an artist, he's my favorite rapper and I    Great album, say what you want about Kanye West but he does have talent.
    Every track is interesting and I just wanted to hear more, after I finished this album I just listened to it again. You can tell Kanye is not happy from hearing this album, even if he has an ego he does critize himself.

    I don't like Kanye as a person but I do love him as an artist, he's my favorite rapper and I hope he makes another album soon.    … Expand
  12. sopesoap
    Jun 9, 2018
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. the first two tracks are excellent, the highlight of the album is the first song(the beat drop before the switch, is insane). But I will focus on the rest of the album which is very underwhelming, at times boring and flat. Besides the first two songs, the album does not have any of the compelling compositions that created obscure nuances which made him such an artistic genius. 'wouldn't leave', 'all mine', and 'violent crimes' are especially bad. A very mediocre album, which is unexpected from whom this reviewer considers to be the most magnificent artist of all time not just a generation. hugely disappointing album if you are more than a casual fan of his.… Expand
  13. jackyboi2000
    Jun 9, 2018
    10
    Production was outstanding and it was the most personal and real he has been on an album in a long time.
  14. ItsUuuh
    Jun 9, 2018
    8
    This is definitely a different album comparing to the style of music that Kanye makes. But that doesn't mean i'ts bad. In fact, this is actually a pretty good album. Personally enjoyed it. Just wish it was a little bit longer - thats the only negative thing i can take from "ye". I think i'ts also a really easy to listen to, because its not very aggresive. The lyrics on some of these tracksThis is definitely a different album comparing to the style of music that Kanye makes. But that doesn't mean i'ts bad. In fact, this is actually a pretty good album. Personally enjoyed it. Just wish it was a little bit longer - thats the only negative thing i can take from "ye". I think i'ts also a really easy to listen to, because its not very aggresive. The lyrics on some of these tracks are also some of the best i've ever seen coming from Kanye. The instrumental are the biggest changes in my opinion, but i've never been disappointed when it comes to Kanye producing. Also adding that this album also contain some of Kanye's best production as well.
    Overall, i really recommend this album. 8/10    … Expand
  15. gustave154
    Jun 9, 2018
    10
    Very underrated album from the musical genius himself Kanye West. Like 808 this will go down as one of the best music ever released from Kanye.
  16. mattbrassard
    Jun 8, 2018
    10
    This album is an absolute masterpiece, anyone who is giving negative reviews to this is upset with Kanye for his political views and other recent actions, and should loose all credibility in regards to music.
  17. talkyoshii
    Jun 8, 2018
    10
    Considerably more engaged than TLOP and the generation is a portion of Kanye's absolute best work. From the frightful opening track to the marvelously built Ghost Town, this is by a wide margin the best collection of the year so far. He can state all that he needs to in the 7 tracks and is maybe the most cozy, defenseless Ye we have ever observed. Considerably more so than 808s and itConsiderably more engaged than TLOP and the generation is a portion of Kanye's absolute best work. From the frightful opening track to the marvelously built Ghost Town, this is by a wide margin the best collection of the year so far. He can state all that he needs to in the 7 tracks and is maybe the most cozy, defenseless Ye we have ever observed. Considerably more so than 808s and it works splendidly for this situation.… Expand
  18. jvcobm
    Jun 8, 2018
    9
    Minimal, personal and one of Kanyes most vulnerable works to date. Production is clean and varied and compliments kanye and the guest features on the record.
  19. CassioSanfelice
    Jun 8, 2018
    10
    The shortness of the project helps Kanye to differentiate each single song. They vary in sonic identity and content, but not in originality. On the lyrical side, this is his best work since MBDTF.
  20. LeadOxide
    Jun 8, 2018
    0
    This is completely unfinished. Kanye clearly put the minimum effort possible into this and as a result none of these songs are coherent.
  21. AkumaJack
    Jun 8, 2018
    8
    Not on the same level of My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy but still a great album full of DRAGON ENERGY by Kanye.
    A lot calmer and slower imo, but tender and introspective.
  22. jacquesomari
    Jun 7, 2018
    10
    its uniquely kanye, something new and fresh. yet, so personal and intimate at the same time. we see a side of kanye rarely spoken about...
  23. kaitgamer
    Jun 7, 2018
    10
    I dont get the downvotes for this!!! Its hauntingly beautiful. The words are gut wrenching, risky and honest. The production is flawless. The beats are both strange and just so musical. Kanye sounds effortless in the way he makes mangled and strange sounds musical and in the pocket. its not a "big" production in that the beats are mostly sparse but more than any recent album I keepI dont get the downvotes for this!!! Its hauntingly beautiful. The words are gut wrenching, risky and honest. The production is flawless. The beats are both strange and just so musical. Kanye sounds effortless in the way he makes mangled and strange sounds musical and in the pocket. its not a "big" production in that the beats are mostly sparse but more than any recent album I keep listening over and over again. Favorite tracks are the opener and Ghost Town.… Expand
  24. chris74
    Jun 7, 2018
    9
    Great personal album that has everythin from great edgy production to personal lyrics
  25. A7sus4
    Jun 6, 2018
    8
    Fantastic front to back. Raw, open, honest, and soulful as hell. Ye delivers. Favorites: Wouldn't Leave, No Mistakes, Ghost Town.
  26. erolsabadosh
    Jun 6, 2018
    10
    Really loving this! Compared to TLOP it's much more focused and upbeat. It feels like a spiritual successor to 808 and Heartbreak imo, it's an emotional album but in place of grief is a genuine tenderness and maturity. The opening track is arresting, honest and stunningly produced; a work of art in which Kanye consolidates his anger at the man who took his mother's life. Yikes bangs hard,Really loving this! Compared to TLOP it's much more focused and upbeat. It feels like a spiritual successor to 808 and Heartbreak imo, it's an emotional album but in place of grief is a genuine tenderness and maturity. The opening track is arresting, honest and stunningly produced; a work of art in which Kanye consolidates his anger at the man who took his mother's life. Yikes bangs hard, All Mine is a sexy club number, Wouldn't Leave is a delicate confessionary cut, No Mistakes is old school soulful bliss, Ghost Town an epic introspective standout with soaring guitars & Violent Crimes is a moving ode to fatherhood that ends the album on a touching high. No matter what you think of the man himself his music is phenomenal.… Expand
  27. nielsfregerslev
    Jun 6, 2018
    9
    While in no way the same kind of maximalist musical experience as 'MBDTF' or' Yeezus', 'ye' is an extremely personal and emotional album fra Kanye West with very genuine commentrary on his mental condition and his love for his family. It sometimes feels a little flawed by how fast it was put together, but other than a few places where it sounds like kanye straight up didn't have time toWhile in no way the same kind of maximalist musical experience as 'MBDTF' or' Yeezus', 'ye' is an extremely personal and emotional album fra Kanye West with very genuine commentrary on his mental condition and his love for his family. It sometimes feels a little flawed by how fast it was put together, but other than a few places where it sounds like kanye straight up didn't have time to finished a lyric, this feeling of the album being rushed also gives it a deep sense of intimacy. Both lyrically and musically a such less extreme statement than ye's post 'college' albums but with extraordinarily beatiful instrumentation and vocals from 070 Shake, Ty Dolla Sign and John Legend.… Expand
  28. CORNROWKENNY
    Jun 6, 2018
    7
    With only seven tracks and a runtime of 24 minutes, "ye" doesn't feel as all over the places as "The Life of Pablo" did, but maybe that's just because its minimal length doesn't allow it to.
    It does, however, feel as unfinished as TLOP at some points. This also shouldn't come as a surprise, and maybe it's part of a so called concept, since the album reportedly was made in just a month.    With only seven tracks and a runtime of 24 minutes, "ye" doesn't feel as all over the places as "The Life of Pablo" did, but maybe that's just because its minimal length doesn't allow it to.
    It does, however, feel as unfinished as TLOP at some points. This also shouldn't come as a surprise, and maybe it's part of a so called concept, since the album reportedly was made in just a month.
    There are plenty of half-baked ideas and lazy lyrics on here, so one would wish that West for once wouldn't have done justice to his self-imposed deadline (a deadline he'd given himself before even starting on the album).
    On the other hand, it's also fascinating to look at this project (can you call this an album?) as the result of a single month, a single, troubled point in time in Wests life and career. He addresses his mental health, his family and the impact his behaviour had on them in standout tracks such as the beautiful "Wouldn't leave".
    Unfortunately, there are also plenty of cringeworthy Kanye West lyrics on here. His handling of the TMZ situation seems childish and doesn't add anything useful to the discussion, nor is it funny. It makes the listener feel glad that West doesn't dwell on the whole Trump situation that much. There's also a track about infidelity, which thematically seems a bit ouf of place, as do the bars about drugs on "Yikes".
    His lyrics on the closer "Violent Crimes", which is beautifully produced, are heartfelt, but also old-fashioned in their "I-respect-women-now-that-I-have-a-daughter" sentiments. Implying that all men are monsters and his daughter needs protection doesn't help either. Still, it seems very genuine. The track features 070 Shake, a GOOD Music newcomer who also appears on "Ghost Town", another standout track, mostly due to her performance.
    Other features include Kid Cudi, Ty Dolla Sign, John Legend, Jeremih, Charlie WIlson and PARTYNEXTDOOR, who delivers a fantastic vocal performance on "Wouldn't Leave".
    The opening track is also very interesting: West displays murder fantasies, and it's not quite clear who they're aimed at (his wife? himself?). He delivers a lengthy monologue over a gourgeous, minimalistic piece of production, before he actually starts rapping and the beat switches.
    Some might say that this unfocused nature of the lyrics, as well as the minimalistic and unfinished production actually play into the theme of the album. Kanye seems to embrace his fragile mental state, he proclaims his bipolar-disorder, which he was supposedly diagnosed with, as his "super power". Others might say that you can't pass off short and unfinished work as a "concept".
    The truth is probably somewhere in the middle, as "ye" brings us all the highs and lows we've come to expect from Kanye West in recent years. It features some very beautiful and humane moments, and the production is mostly very good, but the whole thing seems flushed out to quick. The "short album" thing doesn't work as well as it did with Pusha T's razor-sharp "DAYTONA", and "ye", despite it's moments of past greatness, feels like it's just too little, too late.    … Expand
  29. thedaywalker
    Jun 6, 2018
    6
    Kanye West had something to say here, but i don't think he said it well and loud enough for everybody to listen. He got really personal and it's nice to hear someone like Kanye show a different layer of himself

    The beat selection again, doesn't disappoint, they are fresh listens and something different from what you usually listen in hip hop. His delivery sometimes fails to hit the    Kanye West had something to say here, but i don't think he said it well and loud enough for everybody to listen. He got really personal and it's nice to hear someone like Kanye show a different layer of himself

    The beat selection again, doesn't disappoint, they are fresh listens and something different from what you usually listen in hip hop.

    His delivery sometimes fails to hit the mark, but his rhymes are always on point. This album should be taken time to listen to, at first listen i probably would have given this a 5, but i found my second listen experience a bit better.

    The features are the worst part of this album, very weak listens by everyone, Jeremiah completely disappoints with every word that comes out of his mouth.

    Yikes, Violent Crimes and Ghost Town are my highlights on this, they are great tracks that i'll listen to very often, the problem with this album is... the other tracks are a bit forgettable and i won't miss them on my playlist

    It's a good listen, but it needs more than one listen to be appreciated    … Expand
  30. euanfraser
    Jun 6, 2018
    7
    This very short album was unexpected but worth the listen. What I loved most about this album was that Kanye talked about the dark side of him and did not glorify himself which is seen a lot in some of his other albums. What this album lacked was that some parts felt as if it was created seemingly without care and was just filling in spaces Kanye wasn't bothered to deal with. i also sawThis very short album was unexpected but worth the listen. What I loved most about this album was that Kanye talked about the dark side of him and did not glorify himself which is seen a lot in some of his other albums. What this album lacked was that some parts felt as if it was created seemingly without care and was just filling in spaces Kanye wasn't bothered to deal with. i also saw this with the album art which was literally taken right before the listening party. This sense of laziness is the only thing that put this album down for me.
    SONGS:
    I Thought About Killing You - Good
    Yikes - Good
    All Mine - Bad
    Wouldn't Leave - Meh
    No Mistakes - Meh
    Ghost Town - Good
    Violent Crimes - Good    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

9
#9 Most Discussed Album of 2018
1
#1 Most Shared Album of 2018

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 34 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 34
  3. Negative: 2 out of 34
  1. RapReviews.com
    Oct 8, 2018
    60
    ye is an average album with some good songs, some bad songs, and some songs that will clearly be spun millions of times. The problem is that "average" has never been good enough for Kanye West nor should it be.
    Read full review
  2. The Wire
    Jul 26, 2018
    60
    For all his power as a motivating force it’s perhaps inevitable that Ye proves weakest of the first four. Left to his own devices West sounds bewildered, somewhere between awe and exhaustion. [Aug 2018, p.63]
  3. AllMusic
    Jun 15, 2018
    50
    Ye can feel uneven, sometimes boring, and more indulgent than usual, but it's a fascinating peek into West's psyche.
    Read full review
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