98-ASTROWORLD by Travis Scott

Journey Through Apple Music’s Top 100 Albums

Welcome back to “Journey Through Apple Music’s Top 100 Albums”! In this episode, we’re exploring the 98th album on the list: ASTROWORLD by Travis Scott. Released in 2018, this album has left a significant mark on modern hip-hop. With its innovative production and star-studded features, ASTROWORLD showcases Travis Scott’s unique style and musical vision. Here’s my track-by-track review and overall impression of this acclaimed album.

STARGAZING

The opening track “STARGAZING” sets the tone for the album with its atmospheric production and hard-hitting beat. The song definitely bumps with energy, though the use of voice changers can be grating at times. Travis Scott’s frequent use of auto-tune is a personal turn-off, but I appreciate the song’s infectious beat. The second half of the track really picks up, featuring a great flow and captivating beat. The transition between the two halves is seamless and adds an unexpected twist. Rating: 8/10.

CAROUSEL (feat. Frank Ocean)

“CAROUSEL” features the enigmatic Frank Ocean, whose contribution is always a welcome addition. The song takes a while to get going, but it’s not bad once it does. The beat is a bit underwhelming for my taste, and Travis Scott’s ad-libs aren’t my favorite. However, Frank Ocean’s vocals add a layer of depth and emotion that elevates the track. Rating: 5/10.

SICKO MODE (feat. Drake)

“SICKO MODE” is a standout hit for a reason. The beat and flow are fantastic, and Drake’s feature elevates the song to another level. The multiple beat switches keep the listener engaged and showcase Travis Scott’s versatility. However, the initial wow factor diminishes slightly upon repeated listens, especially considering the song’s viral success on TikTok and Twitter. It’s hard to imagine the song being as impactful without Drake’s presence. Rating: 9/10.

R.I.P. SCREW

“R.I.P. SCREW” is a chill, smooth track that serves as a nice interlude. It’s not the standout of the album but provides a laid-back vibe that contrasts well with the more intense tracks. The homage to DJ Screw is a nice touch, reflecting Travis Scott’s Houston roots. Rating: 6/10.

STOP TRYING TO BE GOD (feat. Kid Cudi and Stevie Wonder)

This track highlights the style of music I enjoy from Travis Scott. The collaboration with Kid Cudi and Stevie Wonder adds depth, making it one of my favorites on the album. The introspective lyrics and mellow production create a contemplative atmosphere. Kid Cudi’s hums and Stevie Wonder’s harmonica solo are standout elements that make this track memorable. Rating: 8/10.

NO BYSTANDERS (feat. Juice WRLD)

I love the sample and Travis Scott’s flow on this track. Juice WRLD’s feature complements the song well, adding an energetic and rebellious vibe. The chant-like hook “Fuck the club up” is infectious and adds to the track’s high-energy feel. The last two tracks have made me appreciate Travis Scott more. Rating: 8/10.

SKELETONS (feat. The Weeknd and Pharrell)

“SKELETONS” features contributions from The Weeknd and Pharrell, creating a dreamy, psychedelic vibe. Initially, I thought Kanye West was featured on this track, which shows how versatile Travis Scott can be with his flows. The Weeknd’s ethereal vocals and Pharrell’s production touch make this track a standout. Rating: 7/10.

WAKE UP (feat. The Weeknd)

“WAKE UP” was one of my favorite songs coming into this album. The Weeknd and Travis Scott make a great team, and the track’s production is top-notch. The lyrics about longing and desire are complemented by The Weeknd’s haunting vocals. This collaboration highlights the strengths of both artists. Rating: 9/10.

5% TINT

This track embodies Travis Scott’s unique sound. It’s more along the lines of what I expect from him, featuring his signature style and production. The eerie, bass-heavy beat and moody lyrics create an atmospheric experience. The interpolation of Goodie Mob’s “Cell Therapy” adds a nostalgic element. Rating: 7/10.

NC-17 (feat. 21 Savage)

“NC-17” features 21 Savage, but I’m not a fan of his style, so this track didn’t resonate with me. It feels lackluster compared to others on the album. The dark, minimalist beat and 21 Savage’s monotone delivery don’t add much to the album’s overall appeal for me. Rating: 5/10.

ASTROTHUNDER

“ASTROTHUNDER” feels like filler. It fits the album’s theme, but it doesn’t stand out. The track’s mellow, spacey production is nice, but it lacks the impact of other songs. It’s like Travis just got in the booth and freestyled. Rating: 5/10.

YOSEMITE (feat. Gunna and Nav)

Some flows just pull you in, and “YOSEMITE” is one of those tracks. Gunna and Nav’s features add a melodic, catchy element that makes the song easy to vibe with. The laid-back, flute-driven beat is a highlight, and Travis’s verse ties everything together smoothly. Rating: 8/10.

CAN’T SAY (feat. Don Toliver)

“CAN’T SAY” features Don Toliver, whose distinct voice and delivery add a fresh element to the track. The reverb breaks and other effects Travis Scott uses can get old quickly. While they add an interesting element, overuse can make them less impactful. Despite this, it’s a good song overall. Rating: 7/10.

WHO? WHAT! (feat. Quavo and Takeoff)

“WHO? WHAT!” features Quavo and Takeoff, but it is my least favorite feature on the album. It’s not a bad song, but it’s not one I’d add to my playlist. The repetitive hook and formulaic beat don’t offer much excitement. Rating: 6/10.

BUTTERFLY EFFECT

A catchy radio hit, and there’s a reason it was chosen as a single. However, it suffers from the same overuse of ad-libs that I dislike. The melodic beat and infectious hook make it a standout, but the repetitiveness detracts from its overall appeal. Rating: 7/10.

HOUSTONFORNICATION

The song’s structure and ad-libs make it sound similar to other tracks, making it hard to distinguish it right away. It feels repetitive and lacks the standout quality of other songs on the album. The lyrics about Travis’s experiences in Houston add a personal touch, but it’s not enough to elevate the track. Rating: 6/10.

COFFEE BEAN

“COFFEE BEAN” showcases Travis Scott’s ability to adapt to different styles effortlessly. The laid-back, soulful beat and introspective lyrics provide a refreshing change of pace. It’s another solid track that rounds out the album nicely. Rating: 7/10.

Overall Rating

Overall, ASTROWORLD by Travis Scott scores a 7/10 for me. The album’s innovative production and notable features make it a standout in modern hip-hop, despite some repetitive elements and overuse of auto-tune. Stay tuned for the next album on our journey through Apple Music’s Top 100 Albums!