Dec 9, 2016

What do u think about the album?

 

Dec 9, 2016

That beat was weak for Cardiak IMO

 

Dec 9, 2016

I've made it 6 years without liking this nerd, I'm hoping I don't have to start now.

It is pretty hard, but Cudi's sex noises > Cole's

 

Dec 9, 2016

bro this s--- not even better than 1017 vs The World

 

Dec 9, 2016

album was good with a few higlights but not near as good as FHD for me

 

Dec 9, 2016

Wtf is this Bryson beat doing on here

 

Dec 9, 2016

My reactions are probably like 150 pages late idgaf

 

Dec 9, 2016

So after about 5 listens straight and reading 60+ pages to catch up to this thread, I've finally come to a conclusion about this album...
COLE HAS FINALLY DONE IT!!!


This is by far Jermaine's most mature album to date and, so far, his best album. It's up there with his mixtapes as well. The bars were so carefully picked and fit the whole album. I really was listening the entire 1st time waiting for him to ruin it with his 'fart/s---/getting head/cheating' bars. NOPE! He was consistent. I have always loved Cole's bars on all his album but this feels different. More focussed. The production MY GOD!!! Once again, I was one of those who have actually enjoyed his production on albums but this s--- right here!! Fam!!

And finally the subject matter the entire album explain best by @LondonSimba is what did this for me. I was very confused on the first listen why Cole kept referencing drug culture and being in the dope game like n----- if you don't shut up with your lying a---...then the title track happened

Wow. WOW. I agree with everyone praising this track so highly. It tied the entire album up together perfectly. Cole isn't retiring but if he is gone for a while, I am really not mad at ALL with what he gave us here.

Intro track was so questionable to me at first listen, especially compared to his previous Intro tracks being classics. After repeated listens, that s--- is so POWERFUL!! Cole's passion fully shows and compliments so well with the trumpets and other jazz elements. Sets the scene for the album.

Immortal...n-----!!!

Deja Vu is another dope track. I don't listen to Bryson Tiller like that so I didn't know his song but apparently Cole made it first so whatever lol.
Ville Mentality...yeah. I hated it just like the rest of you guys. And now, I still don't love Cole's singing the first time on the track but more listens and the inclusion of the daughter and knowing what the album is about, I am not mad at it.
She's Mine pt.1 and pt. 2 are both BEAUTIFUL

I kinda wish the album description didn't come out cuz this would have hit harder on a surprise tip on first listen. Still, you can feel the words being expressed towards the wife and child respectively. So special how he did this and spaced them out on the album to fit the narrative.
Change and Neighbours are so SICK!!! Who says Cole can't produce?!

Changes with the Pac feel indeed (salute @Mike Tyson) and Ari Lennox was perfect for this track, great look for her. The verses of trying to change and be a better person for the sake of his wife on both tracks are so well done to see his frustration filter out little by little at the end of each track and...
Foldin Clothes. Yup. Nice track!! First listen caught me off guard that it was literally folding clothes and how empty the opening 2/3 mins were being repetitive. But like @Kold said, I also think this was done on purpose along with the upbeat production to reflect the fake mood James was in until the last verse. I f--- with it.
Overall, I want to thank all of you for this classic thread, especially the JCN family. And thank you Cole. We have seen you go from a boy in college to the man you are now. Growth. Good luck on the marriage and future child.

 

Dec 9, 2016

dooooog cardiak to old now lmao he cant make them slaps anymore

 

Dec 9, 2016

It's okay. I don't hate it but it felt pretty underwhelming and forgettable. I liked FHD more first listen

I loved the beat, I like it when Frank Dukes does them trippy af melodies plus the beat is different from most of the other beats. Probably why its my favourite on there. J. Cole needs to get on more of these beats.

 

Dec 9, 2016

This album almost feels like a different genre, I think my mood will depend on whether I prefer FHD or 4YEO and I can see it changing frequently. This album is a sit down and think about life album, a chill album, a calm night time album and it is slowly becoming one of my favourite albums of 2016, every listen ensuring the idea that this is a near classic.

 

Dec 9, 2016

As much as I like this album and cole. You need to give this album time. Say what you guys are saying a week or two from now, your opinion will change. I loved tpab when it came out, now can't stand it. Things change.

 

Dec 9, 2016

I didn't like TPAB when it came out, still don't like it now.

 

Dec 9, 2016

I loved TPAB I just got bored eventually and don't play it anymore but I still regularly enjoy FHD

 

Dec 9, 2016

I was mainly aiming this at people who are saying this is amazing, best since fnl. Each to their own

 

Dec 9, 2016

Fhd has decent replay value,

 

Dec 9, 2016

On 2nd listen, this album is amazing. It is a sit down and listen to entire album, really thematic like a movie. The concept is dope, didn't really catch it my 1st listen. This easily Cole's most creative album because parts of it don't sound like a rap album, but it still pushes the culture forward. I didn't like She's Mine pt 1 and 2 on 1st listen. but once you get the concept, they are amazing. He actually made a great concept album.

I will say it's a mood album though. You definitely have to be in the mood to listen to it. I will also say if you looking for a purely rap album, you will not enjoy this album.

 

Dec 9, 2016

I have to wait 8 hrs to listen to this album

 

Dec 9, 2016

I really hate being one of those people, because they're annoying as all f---, but this J.Cole album is actually kinda boring. I definitely get where he's coming from on this album, he's matured a lot. He's wiser, he's got stories to tell. Unfortunately, it's just not presented all that interestingly. I like what he did with the title track, but his delivery is just...I feel like there should be a whole lot more emotion put into it.

Lyrically the album is sharp, there's no denying it. Production is nice too. But the charisma/energy that was present on 2014 Forest Hills Drive is almost non-existent. Which is a shame because the lyrics and production on 4 Your Eyez Only is stronger than FHD. I guess what my issue with this album is that it doesn't really have all that much replay value for me save for two tracks. Then again, once you listen to this album once or twice you pretty much get everything you're supposed to get out of this album.

While listening to this album I felt like it was supposed to be a mixtape. I just get that mixtape vibe from this project. I feel like this is Truly Yours, but in album form. You have Truly Yours, Truly Yours 2, and Truly Yours 3. Now we got 4 Your Eyez Only. I think that Cole was continuing the series with this project right here.

Whatever the case maybe out of all the projects that came out last night and coming out today and tomorrow, 4 Your Eyez Only is so far ranking low on the list. So far it's Do What Thou Wilt and Fireplace: TheNotTheOtherSide that are getting all the plays and attention from me. Until that Mos Def drops that is.

 

Dec 9, 2016

It's cool because I didn't expect a lot from this album in the first place.