In XXXTENTACION’s potentially final album, he reaffirms his undeniable talent as an artist, leaving a lasting impact on the music world.
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TOP 5
5. HEARTEATER
Everybody calls out heartbreakers; X calls out hearteaters.
While “HEARTEATER” may not be the greatest track I’ve ever heard, it stands out with XXXTENTACION’s touching vocal performance and perfectly crafted melodies. The magnificent guitar solo towards the end adds a distinctive touch. If X were still alive, songs like these would have kept him miles ahead of your average artist.
4. ATTENTION!
“ATTENTION!” sounds like “moonlight,” right? I f**k with “moonlight” a lot.
“ATTENTION!” is undeniably one of the best tracks on Bad Vibes Forever. It boasts a highly memorable hook and showcases an unrestrained, fearless, and fiercely competitive side of X. It’s also simply really f**king fun to listen to.
3. Triumph
“Triumph” is the kind of track you would appreciate in drenched clothes on the bathroom floor after a break-up you didn’t want to happen.
The best kind of music is the type that can resonate with anyone, and “Triumph” falls into that category. Despite featuring an instrumental primarily built on a straightforward guitar pattern and repetitive lyrical content, there’s a captivating quality in X’s raw vocals and powerful melodies that will truly connect with listeners.
2. Ex Bitch
Damn, X’s ex-b*tch got a beautiful song dedicated to her.
Don’t you just love how XXXTENTACION can sound unserious but so damn serious at the same time? That said, in “Ex Bitch,” you get a hook that gives me Maury vibes, but you also get gorgeous, touching vocals that will give you chills and stripped-down instrumentation that has these guitar strings that will pull at your heartstrings. When all is said and done, I think it’s these kinds of songs that X will be remembered for the most.
1. bad vibes forever (Ft. Trippie Redd & PnB Rock)
“bad vibes forever” includes two artists whom X likely would have collaborated with if he were still alive.
In terms of pushing musical boundaries, XXXTENTACION did it so effortlessly. While he could deliver powerful rap verses when he chose to, his true brilliance, in my opinion, emerged when he ventured into alternative music. In “bad vibes forever,” X, along with featured artists Trippie Redd and Pnb Rock, soulfully sing about indulging in the women they love over a beautiful acoustic instrumental.
While none of the artists on “bad vibes forever” may be labeled as “legendary singers,” their contributions to the song are heartwarming, pure, and organic.
SONG BY SONG BREAKDOWN
1. introduction (N/A)
2. Ex Bitch (4/5)
3. UGLY (2.5/5)
4. bad vibes forever (Ft. Trippie Redd & PnB Rock) (5/5)
5. School Shooters (Ft. Lil Wayne) (3.5/5)
6. I Changed Her Life (Ft. Rick Ross) (3.5/5)
7. LIMBO (Ft. Killstation) (3/5)
8. Triumph (4/5)
8. before i realize (3.5/5)
9. Ecstacy (Ft. Noah Cyrus)(4/5)
10. Kill My Vibe (Ft. Tom G) (3.5/5)
11. Hot Gyal (Ft. Tory Lanez & Mavado)(4/5)
12. THE ONLY TIME I FEEL ALIVE (2/5)
13. the interlude that never ends (3/5)
14. Daemons (Ft. Joey Bada$$ & Kemba)(4/5)
15. ATTENTION! (4/5)
16. Eat It Up (2.5/5)
17. Voss (3/5)
18. Royalty (Ft. Ky-Mani Marley, Steffon Don & Vybz Kartel) (3.5/5)
19. wanna grow old (i won’t let go) (Ft. Jimmy Levy) (4/5)
20. HEARTEATER (3.5/5)
21. Northstar (Remix) (Ft. Joyner Lucas) (4/5)
22. CHASE / glass shards (Ft. ikabodVEINS) (2.5/5)
23. numb the pain (3.5/5)
24. IT’S ALL FADING TO BLACK (3.5/5)
OVERALL RATING
(C) (75%)
In my opinion, I believe X wouldn’t have released an album like Bad Vibes Forever if he were still alive. However, we should feel fortunate that we had the opportunity to experience his artistry in some capacity through what could be his final body of work.
Although X’s performances on the album resemble decent drafts, an entire album of drafts is unlikely to sound good. Nevertheless, I appreciate the opportunity to hear various facets of X, from a daring singer to a petty individual, a creepy character, a rock star, an experimental artist, a lonely soul, and someone unafraid to drop serious bars on this album. I also commend all the guests who contributed to Bad Vibes Forever; on some tracks, they likely played a crucial role in carrying X’s vision, a challenging task in itself. All in all, I think this album has to be listened to if you appreciate music.
R.I.P. to X.
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
This Post Has 10 Comments
As a fan, this is honestly a very well done review. I felt the exact same way.
“The fact of the matter is this: “Bad Vibes Forever” sounds sloppy, rushed, and all-over-the-place. While X’s performances on the album sound like decent drafts, unfortunately, an album full of drafts isn’t bound to sound right..”
Fair review, a little harsh, but fair enough. I did feel like some songs were too short and repetitious, but I still enjoyed them nonetheless. I like how we Got to experience (XXXperience) all sides of X to get a picture of the whole man in this album. The production was well done too.
Yep, I feel the same way. X will go down as one of the most versatile artists to ever pick up a mic/guitar.
Yea, it was one of the sadder things I had to say about an artist in X that I enjoy listening to. But we have to keep it real with ourselves.
Thanks for reading! (Thanks for the compliment, too)
Personally my favourite was the last track with blink-182. I could imagine X really enjoying it himself.
Blink-182 are legends! I definitely agree that he would’ve had a blast collaborating with them.
That song school shooters was a total embarrassment xD. That lil Wayne verse is messed up. Don’t think I’ll personally ever go back to this album.
I feel the same way. It sounds as disturbing as it gets.
stfu clown
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