Vince Staples - FM!
Critic Score
Based on 17 reviews
2018 Ratings: #326 / 890
Year End Rank: #48
User Score
2018 Rank: #373
Liked by 142 people
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CRITIC REVIEWS

90
AllMusic

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.

83
Consequence of Sound

FM! features the rapper in his raw form and representing his love for the west coast.

82
Pitchfork
Vince has made an album that’s true to himself, one that represents his image of Long Beach, his love for the music of the West Coast, and that unleashes the complete personality of Vince Staples.
82
HipHopDX
Ultimately, Staples has added another colorful chapter to his chameleon-like catalog and reinforced his intention to keep evolving no matter what trends are dictating the current wave.
80
Highsnobiety

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.

80
NOW Magazine

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.

80
XXL
Even if this is just an off-hand project Vince recorded quickly, it's a hell of a one-off album that's full of charm and lyrical depth paired with fantastic production.
80
Exclaim!

Vince has managed to not only be acerbic but entertaining on his newest release. Its only drawback is its extremely short runtime.

80
DIY

Running to only 22 minutes, it’s a record that feels like a drawing board of the rapper’s influences, collaborators and lifestyle.

80
The 405

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.

80
NME
The Cali rapper is here for a good time, not a long time, his accomplished third album a compelling reminder that life isn’t always sunny.
70
The Needle Drop

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.

70
Albumism

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.

60
Clash
As it stands ‘FM!’ is little more than a placeholder - an interesting but self-indulgent sketch from an artist who could be creating masterpieces.
46
Sputnikmusic

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.

Getoutdakitchen
78

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

Toasterqueen12
96

......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

CameronFriezer
84

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

chillyJB
80

Banger album!

VinceSupporter
91

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

mongbobby
70

Very fun.

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Track List

1Feels Like Summer
2:29
80
2Outside!
2:05
79
3Don't Get Chipped
2:28
81
4Relay
2:17
76
5New earlsweatshirt
0:22
Interlude
80
6Run the Bands
3:08
74
7FUN!
2:51
83
8No Bleedin
2:03
73
9Brand New Tyga
0:35
Interlude
67
10(562) 453-9382
0:52
Skit
64
11Tweakin'
3:06
79
Total Length: 22 minutes
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Added on: November 1, 2018