scout_ocean13

I've given this album a fair shot — probably seven or eight full listens — and I just can't connect with it the way so many people seem to. The opening track drew me in with its promise of something special, but the album never delivers on that promise. It keeps gesturing toward profundity without actually achieving it. The production is admittedly impressive from a technical standpoint, and there are flashes of genuine songwriting talent. But too much of this feels like an artist trying to be Important with a capital I rather than just making good music. I wanted to love it, I really did.

The ideas are there but the execution falls flat too often.

Feels self-indulgent in places. Could have been much better with editing.

This has some of the best individual songs of the decade even if the album has weak spots.

Took me three listens to fully appreciate what was happening here but once it clicked, it really clicked. The layering is incredible — you hear new things every time. A rich, rewarding album that demands your attention.