Whole Lotta Red
by Playboi Carti
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 241 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 188 out of 241
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 241
  3. Negative: 36 out of 241
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  1. stewart_traynor
    Jan 15, 2021
    8
    Carti has progressed his sound since his last single, @meh. Long gone are the days of his baby voice, with light, fun, bouncy beats. Carti has leaned into a punk sound, making his music harsh and gritty, pushing himself vocally, straining often. It is polarizing on your first listen. However, It is still very good. He has managed to keep the infectious nature of his rapping style, heavy onCarti has progressed his sound since his last single, @meh. Long gone are the days of his baby voice, with light, fun, bouncy beats. Carti has leaned into a punk sound, making his music harsh and gritty, pushing himself vocally, straining often. It is polarizing on your first listen. However, It is still very good. He has managed to keep the infectious nature of his rapping style, heavy on its repetitive lines, with less than previous work but still, full of adlibs. His use of features is much more conservative, with special appearances from Future, Kid Cudi and Kanye, the executive producer. It's mixing is odd at first, but it really gives a darker atmosphere, sounding very underground as if it wasn't highly produced commercial project adding to its authenticity. its mixing is more like a UK drill song than anything resembling his previous works. My only real complaint is that a lot of the songs are too short, reducing each songs impact. On the whole, a very solid, innovative album. If you didn't enjoy it on your first listen, I implore you to go back and try it again. And if you wanted more of a Die Lit 2, maybe you shouldn't have leaked all of it and you would have got that.… Expand
  2. Cumball
    Jul 11, 2021
    7
    The first time i listened to this album i was really disappointed, but after a few months of easing up to the album i decided to take a second listen and it actually wasn't as bad as i remembered it being. looking back, the hate this album got was really unwarranted. Pretty good album overall, but not as good as Die Lit.

    7/10
  3. Wanesta
    Dec 28, 2021
    6
    Carti is diving headfirst in this surreal world filled with heavy metal bands with trap vampires replacing the long-beards. It's catchy and massive at times, but also stretched out. Bring it back to the studio, cut down half the album, and we have a perfect one.
  4. Goktugbasaran
    Sep 29, 2021
    10
    A punk-rap classic. Wlr is a certified masterpiece that every human being must listen to it before they die.
  5. YK22
    Nov 18, 2021
    10
    My life changed after listening to WLR. My wife got pregnant and I had two beautiful kids that I named after WLR songs. When Lord Carti said "I take my shirt off and all the hoes stop breathing" I started crying immediately. Otherwise, when he said " When the sun goes down, yeah it's time to creep" I suddenly got horny and blasted cum all over my dining table. The production by Kanye WestMy life changed after listening to WLR. My wife got pregnant and I had two beautiful kids that I named after WLR songs. When Lord Carti said "I take my shirt off and all the hoes stop breathing" I started crying immediately. Otherwise, when he said " When the sun goes down, yeah it's time to creep" I suddenly got horny and blasted cum all over my dining table. The production by Kanye West is incredible, Carti's vocals are angelic, and pretty much everything on this album is a 10. If I had to make the last wish in my life, it would be 4-hour sex with Lord Carti. I love this man. 10/10… Expand
  6. CordRafael
    Feb 17, 2022
    10
    eu te amo carti eu te amo estetica muito foda eu te amo carti te amo porraaaa
  7. Joh4n
    Jan 5, 2021
    8
    This a decent project, it could be better but it's actually good, maybe the people that listen to this album, don't like the album because it doesn't have the classic leaks of carti.
  8. DiegoEspinosa
    Jan 10, 2021
    4
    I don’t know what was he thinking in the studio but this just shows as a result some songs without any type of uniqueness. It’s a mediocre album and a downfall compared to his previous works.
  9. DSEN
    Jan 5, 2021
    8
    Carti in his bag on this one. Elegant production and sharp vocals. Worth the wait
  10. fgbvfgbfb
    Jan 5, 2021
    10
    Mind blowingly hard. Like trap trimmed of all its a fat; just a leaner, tastier meal.
  11. rekab
    Sep 13, 2021
    10
    Incredibly innovative and grows on you heavily.

    Without a doubt, this is Carti's "Yeezus" and is the best album in his discography.
  12. EazyG
    Jan 5, 2021
    10
    Ignore the hate this album deserves, but also keep in mind it’s not perfect. What Carti does here is the same thing that Uzi does with Eternal Atake (but not as good as that album obviously). He projects this album to have a different theme and sound from all the other previous projects that he’s released. Dracula/Nosferatu theme and style with the beats of Vamp Anthem and Go2DaMoon makeIgnore the hate this album deserves, but also keep in mind it’s not perfect. What Carti does here is the same thing that Uzi does with Eternal Atake (but not as good as that album obviously). He projects this album to have a different theme and sound from all the other previous projects that he’s released. Dracula/Nosferatu theme and style with the beats of Vamp Anthem and Go2DaMoon make this record unique in many ways, however, there are definitely some songs that won’t digest well for others. Still, I give this a must listen because not only are people trashing on it for not being what they want, but there are also some really good hidden gems on this album that people have gotta listen to again to really feel the vibe!!… Expand
  13. kryptyde
    Jan 6, 2021
    10
    A statement album with colorful layered and dynamic beats that are candy for the ears. The energy is so high that moshpits are inevitable if played at concerts. The anticipation leading up to its release was well acquainted for and giving a 10/10 is an understatement.
  14. LewisFire22
    Jan 7, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Carti combines a Punk aesthetic with his usual catchy hooks and ad-libs, this time round with consistently flawless production behind him and more bars than we’ve ever seen from Carti. Absolutely amazing.… Expand
  15. Lance3007
    Mar 2, 2021
    5
    For Carti, this is ok. But it’s meh. Some songs are bland, some are boring, some are both and some are alright. That’s it, that’s the review.
  16. musicexpert69
    Jan 9, 2021
    9
    WLR was a huge disappointment to me after first listen. However, the album quickly began to grow on me with time, as good music tends to do. In this album, Carti is pushing the limits of everything he's done in music before. The beats are blown out and pixelated, like an old Atari machine that got addicted to meth. The album is undeniably punk, experimental, and I love it. He doesn't hitWLR was a huge disappointment to me after first listen. However, the album quickly began to grow on me with time, as good music tends to do. In this album, Carti is pushing the limits of everything he's done in music before. The beats are blown out and pixelated, like an old Atari machine that got addicted to meth. The album is undeniably punk, experimental, and I love it. He doesn't hit on every song, which is why I can't give this a 10/10. Batting .750 ain't bad though and Carti easily has more hits than misses.… Expand
  17. Gawi123
    Jan 6, 2021
    10
    Best album of 2020, I'm thinking maybe the best of Carti's as well. It's too soon to tell.
  18. boondocks
    Jan 8, 2021
    10
    One of the most hyped and hugely over-hated albums to come out recently, but this album is great. Carti really evolved his sound in a good direction which is dark, aggressive and hypnotic at some points. Carti returns to his old sounds on some songs which are probably my least favorite songs on the album. Hopefully Carti continues to evolve past this sound but with all the hate he may justOne of the most hyped and hugely over-hated albums to come out recently, but this album is great. Carti really evolved his sound in a good direction which is dark, aggressive and hypnotic at some points. Carti returns to his old sounds on some songs which are probably my least favorite songs on the album. Hopefully Carti continues to evolve past this sound but with all the hate he may just return to his Die Lit Days. Best songs are "Slay3r", "Rockstar Made", "New Tank", "Punk Monk", "Vamp Anthem", and "F33l Lik3 Dyin".… Expand
  19. G22222888
    Jan 7, 2021
    2
    Probably one of the most overhyped things I listened to Every song is just the same loop of 10 sec
    Nothing exciting there
    It could be a decent album but the whole lotta album sound like they made it in a week so bummer
  20. CHristianLamar
    Jan 6, 2021
    9
    This album is innovative! Satanic... somewhat... but innovative, and that’s exactly what Carti has been making: innovative trap music. This album will take some getting used to, and possibly won’t be as impactful as Die Lit, but this, in a way, is Carti’s Yeezus. And just like Yeezus, it grew on fans over time.
  21. stnkw-ok
    Jan 7, 2021
    9
    First and foremost I would like to stress that Whole Lotta Red was not made to appeal to the mainstream rap audience. This is an album in which Carti pushes the boundaries of the trap genre and builds on his already unique style by drawing inspiration from hyperpop, punk and the 'trap metal' scene. If you are looking for some different, boundary pushing and forward-thinking trap music,First and foremost I would like to stress that Whole Lotta Red was not made to appeal to the mainstream rap audience. This is an album in which Carti pushes the boundaries of the trap genre and builds on his already unique style by drawing inspiration from hyperpop, punk and the 'trap metal' scene. If you are looking for some different, boundary pushing and forward-thinking trap music, this album will interest you.

    Carti essentially delivers a mix of three 'aesthetics' on this album. One is the repetitive and hypnotic style of 'Die Lit' that we have grown accustomed to. This is more prevalent on the latter half of the album, which I think plays it safer and experiments less than the first half. Tracks that come to mind are New N3on, Place, Over and ILoveUIHateU, all of which are great. The next aesthetic that Carti brings is an aggressive, screamed style of vocals over abrasive beats. These moments remind me of the works of artists such as Zillakami, City Morgue, and Scarlxrd; 'trap metal' as it has come to be known over the past few years. Carti executes this very well on tracks such as Rockstar Made and Stop Breathing. The third aesthetic draws influence from hyperpop and PC music on tracks such as Slay3r, Teen X and Control. These three elements are often melded together throughout the album, such as on the track JumpOutTheHouse, on which Carti takes his Die Lit formula, but elevates it to a trap metal banger by putting it over an abrasive beat and rapping in a half-scream half-whispering voice. Such fusions of styles make for a varied but surprisingly cohesive experience.

    One of the greatest strengths of Whole Lotta Red is Carti's voice. Over the past few years, Carti's baby voice has become iconic. Tracks such as 'Flatbed Freestyle' and 'Pissy Pamper' were major artistic milestones for Carti. On Whole Lotta Red, Carti experiments with not only the baby voice, but with a variety of different kinds of vocal inflections. Carti has one of, if not the most unique and creative voices in the rap game right now. Whether he be screaming on JumpOutTheHouse or autocrooning on Control, his voice consistently compliments the aesthetics of the album and elevates the quality of the songs. He is significantly more expressive and creative than he was on Die Lit. Some of the vocal inflections remind me of Young Thug, such as on the track Stop Breathing which at points is reminiscent of 'Harambe' from Jeffery. I just love the heck out of Carti's voice on this album, and cannot praise it enough.

    WLR takes a very different approach to mixing than Carti's previous projects. The appeal of Die Lit is rooted in its simplicity and hypnotic qualities. It is an album where Carti's vocals meld with the beat. WLR is the complete opposite in this regard because Carti's vocals are so standout e.g. on "Rockstar Made". This is because Carti is taking inspiration from rock music. I personally love this aspect of WLR, but I understand if it is a negative for some people. As always, it comes down to personal taste.

    One flaw that I would point out is that the tracklist is a bit bloated, with some tracks not hitting as hard and feeling like filler e.g Meh. I think that M3tamorphosis is a tad bit too long. I would have liked it better if it was 3 or 4 minutes. Also, there is a pause at the beginning of Place and a 40 second sample of DJ akademics voice at the beginning of Control. These moments kind of ruin the flow of the album, but again, they are minor issues for me.

    Overall, Whole Lotta Red manages to be boundary-pushing, genre-blending, experimental, and eclectic while also being quite accessible. It is my favourite Carti project to date.    … Expand
  22. ThatOneGuy__13
    Mar 25, 2021
    2
    I understand what carti was trying here, but it really just didn’t work in my opinion. it just sounded too irritating, and for me it almost feels like he’s not trying. I understand people who like this album, but I don’t
  23. playboicartidad
    Jun 13, 2021
    0
    these people in the comment are not valid 10/10 album of 2020 you are just not experamental if you dont like this
  24. DM29x
    Dec 9, 2021
    1
    It’s amazing this album has been given album of the year by the Washington Post. Truly one of the worst albums i’ve ever heard. Terrible vocals, terrible beats for the most part. Only reason it’s not a zero is because some of the songs have little instrumentals that sound good but they get old quickly. Everyone says it aged well, i heavily disagree.
  25. reviewbo
    Jan 15, 2021
    0
    Its trash, not good, Go2DaMoon with kanye is the only good song cause Carti is barely on it
  26. dympl3z
    Jan 21, 2021
    10
    this is easy the best album of 2020 people say they were dissatisfied are also the same people who would leak the songs so be happy and glad that he still popped off when y’all took away the best track list of all time from the goat
  27. JawsPapi86
    Jan 5, 2021
    0
    I mean no. It's definitely a hard no. No inspiration, no substance. Sad excuse for an album.
  28. highassshiit
    Jan 12, 2021
    0
    Very disappointed. This album should've been his "die lit"/"cash carti" style, this album was a joke of an album and I will never listen to it again. This man could've dropped any other Friday over the last 2 years and the album would be significantly better. Way to let down the true fans Carti! You should rekindle with Ethereal and Uno to make better music. Selling your soul wasVery disappointed. This album should've been his "die lit"/"cash carti" style, this album was a joke of an album and I will never listen to it again. This man could've dropped any other Friday over the last 2 years and the album would be significantly better. Way to let down the true fans Carti! You should rekindle with Ethereal and Uno to make better music. Selling your soul was definitely not worth it smfh.… Expand
  29. serenawillams24
    Jan 7, 2021
    0
    This album was pure trash. Nothing else needs to be said. Let’s make that clear as crystals.
  30. Anke51
    Jan 5, 2021
    0
    Uninspired project, generic music and washed out lyrics - i didn't enjoy it at all.
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Awards & Rankings

39
#39 Most Discussed Album of 2020

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 7
  3. Negative: 1 out of 7
  1. The Wire
    Apr 6, 2021
    70
    Carti’s voice here sounds rough and occasionally hoarse. His famed knack for repeating phrases ad infinitum seems to lead into cul-de-sacs, and the rumbling PC beats don’t float as easily as his earlier work. But there’s plenty to appreciate on Whole Lotta Red. [Feb 2021, p.61]
  2. AllMusic
    Jan 19, 2021
    80
    While losing some of the pop appeal of his previous work, Whole Lotta Red represents Playboi Carti coming into a new phase of his artistry, however jagged and disorienting the process may be.
    Read full review
  3. PopMatters
    Jan 11, 2021
    70
    Whole Lotta Red is a demonstration of Carti's commitment to dynamic growth and experimentation. However, it's painfully apparent that Carti needs more features (his divine harmony with Pi'erre Bourne shines on their single collaboration "ILoveUIHateU").
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »