Last updated on February 18, 2024
VULTURES 1 is one of the weakest Kanye albums to date, and is characterized by its depressing performance. Despite this, the production is worlds above the rest of the album.
Kanye West’s 13th studio album and the debut project for Kanye and Ty Dolla Sign’s group, ¥$, brings an experimental but successful track list of 16. With features from Playboi Carti, Travis Scott, Chris Brown, and even his daughter North West, the album’s highs and lows are both extreme. Kanye calls back to some of his previous eras during Yeezus and Donda while still introducing some new sounds.
Overall, VULTURES 1 is mediocre at best. Standout songs like BURN, CARNIVAL, and STARS are washed out by the far misses on the album. The listening experience feels exceptionally long due to how the album is filled with boring listens. Kanye’s verses are depressing, and it is evident he is losing his golden touch as a hip hop legend. He attempts many lines that make you think “Did I hear that right?” but these do not stir as much conversation as intended. The overall lyricism on this record is repetitive but expected for the trap and pop-rap focus, with just a few songs delivering thoughtful and emotional verses. Fortunately, Ty Dolla sign delivers many times but does not gain recognition due to Kanye’s popularity.
“Some people don’t want to be happy They want you to make them happy I decided to make myself happy and I’m happy with that”
Kanye West, Feb 12, 2024
Looking at the positives, the production stands out far beyond the performance. Whether it’s the uplifting chants of CARNIVAL or the creative sample of TALKING, the instrumental side of this album is worlds ahead of the performance. Some tracks, like HOODRAT, are boring all around, but the majority of production is not. The beat on BACK TO ME especially recalls an older Kanye. In addition to this, the performance is not entirely dreadful. Most of the features deliver along with Kanye and Ty from time to time. Altogether, VULTURES 1 is a mess but is a step in the right direction for ¥$.
Track List Ratings
| 9. BURN | 8/10 |
| 10. F** SUMN | 6.8/10 |
| 11. VULTURES | 3.1/10 |
| 12. CARNIVAL | 7.7/10 |
| 13. BEG FORGIVENESS | 4.9/10 |
| 14. GOOD (DON’T DIE) | N/A |
| 15. PROBLEMATIC | 6/10 |
| 16. KING | 6.1/10 |
| 1. STARS | 7.8/10 |
| 2. KEYS TO MY LIFE | 5.1/10 |
| 3. PAID | 6.9/10 |
| 4. TALKING | 7.1/10 |
| 5. BACK TO ME | 6.6/10 |
| 6. HOODRAT | 3/10 |
| 7. DO IT | 5/10 |
| 8. PAPERWORK | 5.1/10 |
