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Dec 14, 2016It is spartan but sumptuous, emotionally acute but plain-spoken. There’s an extraordinary sense of calm pervading this album, one of the year’s most finely drawn.
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Dec 14, 2016It's a love letter, and yet, it's astonishing just how hard-hitting it is.
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Jan 17, 2017He has matured into a one of the most important figures in modern hip hop and 4 Your Eyez Only is the evidence of this.
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Dec 23, 2016It's a special work, one that might require several thorough spins -- across a long stretch of time -- to be fully appreciated by those who love Cole's hit singles.
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Dec 19, 20164 Your Eyez Only is a solid, short listen that relies on J. Cole’s strength and comfort zone, perhaps a little too much at times, but the underlying concepts continue to add a layer of depth to his artistry.
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Dec 16, 2016With 4 Your Eyez Only, J. Cole deserves consideration for tugging at the heartstrings of listeners with raw human emotion but still leaves open the door to reach a musical zenith.
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Jan 10, 2017Cole’s most affecting statement to date.
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Dec 19, 2016The concept works for Cole, and he does a stellar job diving into the mind of a seasoned criminal, who despite his seemingly impenetrable outer shell, is still human after all. It’s a narrative that allows Cole to retain his reputation as a gifted MC while displaying his own growth and maturity as a human being at the same time.
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Dec 14, 2016The title track, which closes the album with a missive for those young girls, is anchored by his personal anxieties, making for some of Cole’s most affecting writing to date. ... At its lowest points, 4 Your Eyez Only rehashes Cole’s worst tendencies.
Awards & Rankings
User score distribution:
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Positive: 255 out of 323
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Mixed: 43 out of 323
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Negative: 25 out of 323
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Dec 14, 2016
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Dec 14, 2016
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Dec 15, 2016