AOTY 2023

STARZ

Yung Lean - STARZ
Critic Score
Based on 7 reviews
2020 Ratings: #818 / 868
User Score
2020 Ratings: #384
Liked by 149 people
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CRITIC REVIEWS

80
Earmilk
Yung Lean's newest album is likely his strongest and most consistent to date. It effectively elaborates on his preestablished dream trap aesthetics while still abandoning a safe compromise. Many years into his massive career, it's clear that the Swedish prodigy still has unique and engaging ideas that he's not afraid to commit to.
77
Beats Per Minute

As Starz brandishes Lean’s hazy flows and whitearmor’s icy synth blows in a beautiful marriage, new Lean listeners and Sad Boys alike are treated to a world of simultaneous confusion and beauty.

70
Clash
If this were any number of other artists, it’d be hailed as a masterpiece. If this were a statement album by a generic pop-rapper we’d all be praising it like the baby Jesus. No amount of Frank Ocean collabs, Travis Scott features, culture awards or YouTube millions will ever convince some folks to get over themselves and give Lean a chance, and that’s too bad.
60
NME
Yung Lean’s music has always been more interesting than it is good. ‘Starz’ features just enough captivating moments to prevent him – now an unexpected seven years into his career – from feeling played-out.
60
Exclaim!

Despite its brisk pacing, Starz still suffers from bloat. Songs like "Iceheart," "Dance in the Dark," and "My Agenda" could have been left off the track list and made the album more coherent and enjoyable to experience.

55
Pitchfork

On his new album, the sad-boy pioneer regresses into empty flexing, content to remain stagnant while the rap world passes him by.

50
The Needle Drop

The songwriting and vocal performances on Starz often leave a lot to be desired, though the Whitearmor production is pretty stellar.

BradTasteMusic
75

People gave me shit for reviewing The Weeknd after one half asleep listen, and it was deserved... but this album is why that half asleep strategy works

I don’t think I’ve ever slept so well to an album. I can’t really explain but damn, this was such a good listen to sleep to

Doublez
77

Much more clairvoyant and refined than his previous work, Starz is finally the album we hoped and expected, that is to say an ultra modern opus that perfectly highlights his talent and his universe.

Although Yung Lean has always found it difficult to make projects solid enough in their entirety, sometimes made from the top down, there's no denying that it's worth thanking him again for the major impact he has had (and not just on rap). In the end, despite his flaws, I personally have always ... read more

soundworld
84

Lean fucked around and dropped the AOTY.

Natron
90

Lean's best project

Least Fav Tracks: Butterfly Paralyzed

MoisToast
78

Deez nuts

ttrashstar
78

this album is a perfect vibe with some great songs, but some fall forgetable as standalone tracks.
Best 3 tracks - Acid at 7/11 , Iceheart, Pikachu
Worst track - Low

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Track List

1My Agenda
2:08
81
2Yayo
2:37
79
3Boylife in EU
3:36
84
4Violence
2:52
79
5Outta My Head
2:51
73
6Dance in the Dark
2:53
75
7Acid At 7/11
3:12
79
8Starz
4:20
82
9Hellraiser
2:25
75
10Butterfly Paralyzed
2:37
71
11Dogboy
2:16
72
12Iceheart
2:08
75
13Pikachu
2:07
81
14Low
2:44
71
15Sunset Sunrise
2:32
67
16Put Me in a Spell
2:56
79
Total Length: 44 minutes

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Added on: February 26, 2020