Pain Is Love
by Ja Rule
Metascore
59

Mixed or average reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    Like his frequent compadre Jay-Z, Rule loves his old-school R&B, but Rule's samples and grooves, rooted in '80s dance-floor pop, are more tuneful.
  2. AllMusic
    80
    What makes it a slightly better album than Rule 3:36, though, is the album's consistency.
  3. E! Online
    75
    The hip-hopper's gravelly vocal style benefits greatly from the many collaborations here.
  5. Launch.com
    70
    The only problem is that Ja's ear for a hit has begun to make his straight street-level efforts less enticing.

Awards & Rankings

58
#58 Most Discussed Album of 2001
86
#86 Most Shared Album of 2001

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 20 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 20
  3. Negative: 6 out of 20
  1. foro1030
    May 8, 2023
    10
    Ja Rule is very underrated and Pain Is Love is one of the great albums of 2001.
  2. ChunkDump
    Dec 25, 2020
    9
    The breakout album well at least until i started listening and paying attention. it had the hits like "livin it up" and "Im Real ( MurderThe breakout album well at least until i started listening and paying attention. it had the hits like "livin it up" and "Im Real ( Murder remix)" he was on top of the world until that fateful diss track he released...oh what could of been.… Full Review »
  3. RonaldOVOXO
    Feb 4, 2012
    7
    His lyrics were "Aight" but he needs to stop trying to be 2pac. He cant imitate a legend. Hopefully Pain is love 2 is good cuz ive beenHis lyrics were "Aight" but he needs to stop trying to be 2pac. He cant imitate a legend. Hopefully Pain is love 2 is good cuz ive been waiting for a awhile… Full Review »
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