Dark Sky Paradise
by Big Sean
  • Record Label: Def Jam
  • Release Date: Feb 24, 2015
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
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  1. Spin
    Feb 25, 2015
    60
    More of the same, really, and what same is that anyway? His beats, hooks and musicality tread slightly above water.
  2. New York Daily News (Jim Faber)
    Feb 24, 2015
    60
    Sean doesn’t have Drake’s brooding soul, but he’s a lot more fun to listen to these days.
  3. Rolling Stone
    Feb 24, 2015
    60
    His third and best record isn't that moment yet, but he's one step closer.
  5. RapReviews.com
    Feb 24, 2015
    55
    It is an LP with one hit single, some solid album cuts and the rest is genuinely quite forgettable.
  6. The Wire
    May 15, 2015
    50
    On tracks with genuine maverick talents like E-40, his fundamental lack of character appears (or disappears) in sharp relief. [Apr 2015, p.65]
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  7. Boston Globe
    Feb 24, 2015
    50
    Twice, he wisely enlists Jhene Aiko, who has become rap’s signifier for bruised emotions. Yet the conflicted despondency throughout (“I Know,” “Win Some, Lose Some”) never yields to enlightenment; the results are more murky than dark.

Awards & Rankings

37
#37 Most Discussed Album of 2015

User Reviews

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User Score
7.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 176 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 127 out of 176
  2. Mixed: 32 out of 176
  3. Negative: 17 out of 176
  1. thaleslucas
    Feb 25, 2015
    8
    Big Sean has improved significantly since his last album. "Dark Sky Paradise" shows a more adult and mature mind by Sean.

    The album has    Big Sean has improved significantly since his last album. "Dark Sky Paradise" shows a more adult and mature mind by Sean.

    The album has great tracks like "Blessing", "One Man Can Change the World" and "Other" that present forms of protest, thanks and even enhancement of Sean for himself. These tracks bring great verses that can lead the listener to become addicted and even reflect on something.

    But there's always a failure and in this album are the songs "Play No Games", "I Know," "Win Some, Lose Some" and "Research", all make this a very tedious and not interesting album. As much as bring great vocals of Jhene Aiko, Chris Brown and Ariana Grande, is blatant that were only put on the album to make it more successful, in short, the commercialism.

    "Dark Sky Paradise" is an album to listen to at a certain time, it's a scary and heavy album in some ways, but it's still nice and pleasant too. Of course, I cannot forget the growth of Big Sean side of a good mentor to, better known as Kanye West.    … Full Review »
  2. xDiamondxx
    Feb 24, 2015
    10
    Arrasou viado, o álbum tá destruidor principalmente Research (feat com a Ariana Grande), Rihanna e Drake teen estão cada vez mais poderosos,Arrasou viado, o álbum tá destruidor principalmente Research (feat com a Ariana Grande), Rihanna e Drake teen estão cada vez mais poderosos, eles são poderosíssimos.… Full Review »
  3. LukeVMG
    Feb 24, 2015
    9
    This album was a HUGE improvement from his sophomore slump, Hall of Fame. His lyrics, flow, subject matter and production have all taken aThis album was a HUGE improvement from his sophomore slump, Hall of Fame. His lyrics, flow, subject matter and production have all taken a huge step up which makes Dark Sky Paradise one of Sean's best projects to date. Highlights on this album for me were All Your Fault, Paradise [Extended], Win Some, Lose Some, One Man Can Change The World & Deserve It. Strong 9/10 from me, and if Sean keeps on doing what he's doing here, he could definitely enter some people's top 5 new school lists!… Full Review »
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