Despite FM!'s brevity, Staples jams so much into every bar that it fully satiates, all while still managing to end so abruptly that it comes as a surprise. The electrifying thrill of FM! is a triumph for the rapper who remains at the top of his game.
FM! features the rapper in his raw form and representing his love for the west coast.
It’s a slight turn from the dark, future-thinking electronics of Staples’ previous album Big Fish Theory ... but the gloomy, rapid pace riot of FM! is an extremely focused beast and Staples’ flow is melodic as hell, in fact it pops.
With production duties primarily hot potatoed between Hagler and Kenny Beats, the beats and feel are consistent and strong while not getting in the way of Staples’ flow, which is elastic and modern without losing an inch of his clarity and bluntness.
Vince has managed to not only be acerbic but entertaining on his newest release. Its only drawback is its extremely short runtime.
Running to only 22 minutes, it’s a record that feels like a drawing board of the rapper’s influences, collaborators and lifestyle.
FM! further cements Vince Staples’ status as an artist who isn’t afraid to challenge societal norms - with the slickest production. Giving you the feeling of tuning into the radio in your car, Vince takes us on a drive through his hometown.
FM!'s fun concept begs for a longer runtime, but even at 22 minutes the project has plenty to offer with its quality beats, flows, hooks, and lyrics.
His music has grown more accessible with each new release, and FM! is the largest leap forward in that process. With this new album, Staples' music may finally get as much attention as his personality.
FM! might have personality, but it's of the more obnoxious and self-obsessed "Get the Fuck Off My Dick" variety, and there's simply not enough quality on display to justify its own brief and largely annoying existence. Next.
In Vince Staples' short discography, "FM!" is a really underrated album, it's a gritty, fun and concise radio themed project that's full of great west coast bangers, where Vince's personality shines throughout and the instrumentals bang, with even its interludes either adding to the radio concept cleverly or providing cool little song snippets. In comparison to both "SummerTime '06" and "Big Fish Theory" this album is much more feel good and easy to get through, ... read more
......this is my favorite Vince Staples album. Don't get me wrong, summertime '06 has some great moments, and while I don't like Big Fish Theory I get why other people do. But there's just something about FM that's unique to ONLY FM.
Maybe it's the fun radio themed concept, maybe it's Vince's amazing flow on every song, maybe I'm just a sucker for car jams. I just keep finding myself listening to this. Listening to this while driving elevates the exsperence.
Idk, I guess this album is like ... read more
Favourite: Feels Like Summer
Worst: Outside!
1. Feels Like Summer - 9
[I like this. I know it's in the title but seriously what a great summer track. Ty Dollar Sign even though was brief on those hooks was just so good. Vince as well just makes this such a fun enjoyable track]
2. Outside! - 7
[Love the transition between tracks, took me 20s to notice lol. Lyrically again this was really fun and interesting in the choice of lyrics probably lowers it a bit but still not a bad song]
3. Don't ... read more
This album is vince at his most fun and care free. The summer radio theme is creative and fun, I always find myself listening to this in the car. His flows throughout the album r amazing, and the west coast production is also great. Overall a short and fun listen while still having quality tracks.
1. Feels Like Summer 9/10
2. Outside! 10/10 🥈
3. Don’t Get Chipped 8.5/10
4. Relay 8/10 ❌
5. Run The Bands 10/10 👑
6. FUN! 10/10 🥉
7. No Bleedin 8/10
8. Tweakin’ 9/10
1 | Feels Like Summer 2:29 | 80 |
2 | Outside! 2:05 | 79 |
3 | Don't Get Chipped 2:28 | 81 |
4 | Relay 2:17 | 76 |
5 | New earlsweatshirt 0:22 Interlude | 80 |
6 | Run the Bands 3:08 | 74 |
7 | FUN! 2:51 | 83 |
8 | No Bleedin 2:03 | 73 |
9 | Brand New Tyga 0:35 Interlude | 67 |
10 | (562) 453-9382 0:52 Skit | 64 |
11 | Tweakin' 3:06 | 79 |
#4 | / | The Ringer |
#9 | / | BLARE |
#12 | / | FLOOD |
#12 | / | PAPER |
#13 | / | Dummy |
#14 | / | Okayplayer |
#14 | / | Slant Magazine |
#14 | / | Stereogum |
#15 | / | Highsnobiety |
#18 | / | Rolling Stone |