Travis Scott - Rodeo (2015)

Why should one listen to Travis Scott? Lyrically, he's pretty lackluster. But the production is fantastic- Exhibit A: the Days Before Rodeo mixtape. Rodeo, the debut album, makes for a fine Exhibit B. Rodeo has some of the best and most-unique sounding tracks I've heard this year.

We begin with T.I.'s voice as our narrator telling a story of sorts, a la Common on Kid Cudi's Man on the Moon. Opener "Pornography" doesn't really stand too well on its own, but it's a solid opener. "Oh My Dis Side" and "3500" are both bangers, but also a little lengthy. It's not until "90210" where Rodeo really takes off though. It's a mish-mash of influences, but it's fantastic. I was reminded of Kanye West's 808s and Heartbreak, Drake's "Marvin's Room", and Scott's own "Don't Play".

The Weeknd is another solid feature on the album, shining as the final verse on "Pray 4 Love". Like albums by his mentor Kanye, Scott's Rodeo certainly does not lack in featured verses. It adds to the ambitious scope of Rodeo. If Scott's goal was to create something moody and rambunctious, like a real-life rodeo, then the Texan rapper succeeded.

It's hard to discuss Rodeo without mentioning "Maria I'm Drunk", which features the divisive Young Thug and even more divisive Justin Bieber. Guess what? Both of them are in fine form. "Maria I'm Drunk" might be a standout track due to surpassed expectations, but I hope it's remembered as the beginning of a new direction in Justin Bieber's career as a potential rapper.

Besides "Maria", standout tracks include the previously mentioned "90210", but also the drop-heavy "Antidote" and the unbelievably catchy "Flying High". It's quite possible Rodeo's weakest track is the brief West-featuring "Piss On Your Grave", which has a rock sound that sounds out of place on the trap-heavy album. It's a good track, don't get me wrong, but it just feels out of place.

Rodeo isn't brilliant or too groundbreaking, but it's the big, in-your-face rap that 2015 has been sorely lacking. There are many outstanding features, and a varied set of producers that makes sure that no two tracks sound too alike. Forget the haters, Rodeo is one of the year's better rap albums, and might make an appearance in my final top 10.

8/10