Tory Lanez – MADE YOU THINK I WAS GONE…BUT (Album Review)

Tory Lanez reminds fans why his versatility has always separated him from the competition.

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TOP 5

5. GYMR

Beat switches are everywhere on this album, but “GYMR” has the one that actually serves a purpose. The first half is explosive, powered by booming bass and club-ready production that feels like it’s begging to be played at maximum volume. Tory responds with nonstop energy, barreling through the beat with aggressive flows and a chorus that sounds built to get crowds yelling along.

Once the instrumental shifts, the mood becomes smoother and more melodic while still carrying plenty of low-end. Tory transitions seamlessly, sounding cooler, more composed, and just as technically sharp while continuing to flex about his lifestyle and the women around him. This kind of versatility is what separates him from most artists.

4. First Day Out (R&B version)

Holy s**t, is this the first R&B “First Day Out?” If not, let’s pass an executive order and make it that.

If you came into this track expecting Tory Lanez to unload with aggressive bars, you’re in for a surprise. Instead, he leans into a slow-burning, bedroom-ready instrumental built on silky melodies and intimate vibes. Over it, Tory delivers some of his smoothest, most seductive vocals, painting a picture of everything he’s looking forward to once he’s free. The chemistry between the production and his performance is undeniable, the chorus is ridiculously catchy, and the lyrics feel intimate enough to make the whole record hit even harder.

3. Jalen Brunson

“Jalen Brunson” is tougher than Jalen Brunson dropping 45 in the NBA Finals. The production is absolutely monstrous, packed with earth-shaking bass that could probably rattle the doors off an old hoopty like Fred Flintstone’s, yet it’s balanced by elegant piano melodies that add a surprising level of sophistication.

Tory Lanez sounds completely locked in, roaring on the chorus and delivering relentless verses. He spends much of the track taking aim at the people who counted him out after his prison sentence, while also flexing on his past success and the women who were part of his life before everything changed. The confidence is undeniable, the intensity never fades, and the performance feels uniquely Tory. Honestly, I can’t picture any other artist making some s**t like this.

2. Who ??

Tory Lanez approaches this record like he’s preparing for an all-out war. His energy is relentless from start to finish, attacking the beat with the confidence of someone who still believes nobody can touch him. The production deserves just as much praise, blending rich synths, jazzy textures, thunderous bass, and dramatic choral elements into something that feels massive. Lyrically, Tory is all swagger, talking about women, silencing doubters, and continuing to flex despite his current circumstances. The biggest surprise comes at the end, where he transitions into a soulful vocal performance that gives the track an emotional lift without sacrificing its intensity. This song is easily one of the strongest on the project.

1. Dancers Remorse (Sin City)

Most of the R&B cuts on this project didn’t leave a lasting impression on me, but “Dancers Remorse (Sin City)” was a major exception. The production immediately grabbed me with its lush synth work and silky, slow-paced groove that creates the perfect late-night atmosphere. Tory sounds phenomenal here, effortlessly balancing airy high notes with deeply emotional singing throughout the track. What really makes the song stand out is its perspective. Somehow, Tory paints the life of a stripper with the elegance and admiration usually reserved for a ballerina, and it works far better than it probably should. It’s a fresh concept backed by an excellent performance.

SONG BY SONG BREAKDOWN

1. Revenge of Fargo (4/5)

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Check out the individual track ratings we gave—these are what we used to calculate the overall score

RGM RATING

(B-)

I said it before Tory Lanez went to jail, and I’ll say it again now: he’s one of the most talented artists in hip-hop. (For me, Doja Cat is right behind him.) Few artists can adapt to as many sounds as Tory can, and even fewer can switch between elite rapping and melodic singing as effortlessly. MADE YOU THINK I WAS GONE…BUT is another reminder of just how deep his bag is. Crodie, this dude can do just about everything.

It’s obvious Tory has a lot to get off his chest while watching the world move on without him. Much of the album is fueled by that frustration. Throughout the project, he takes aim at everyone from TMZ and judges to fake friends and rappers he clearly doesn’t respect. At the same time, he raps as if he’s still outside, talking about women, money, and settling scores with his enemies. Oddly enough, he never comes across as bitter. The first disc feels like the work of someone who’s been dealt a terrible hand but is determined to fight through it, all while itching to get back to the life he once lived. The second disc shifts gears, with Tory leaning into relationship drama, lust, heartbreak, and romance. From a lyrical standpoint, I found both halves engaging.

Performance-wise, Tory is outstanding. He delivers relentless flows, memorable hooks, powerful singing, aggressive rapping, and enough versatility to remind you why he’s always been such a unique talent. Compared to some of his recent releases, the vocals and overall sound quality are noticeably sharper. My biggest issue, however, is how much this album borrows stylistically. At times, it feels like ICEMAN cast a huge shadow over this project. Songs like “Deen & AB // SGA” feel ripped straight from that blueprint, while “Hasty Market // Toronto” immediately brought “National Treasure” to mind. Disc 2 also leans heavily on melodic approaches and harmonies that feel overly familiar. Instead of sounding inspired, some moments come across as imitation, and that kept pulling me out of the experience.

The production, however, is phenomenal. Tory is given an impressive variety of sounds, from house music and Detroit-inspired beats to club records, commercial cuts, and softer, more emotional instrumentals. Despite the stylistic range, there’s a dark atmosphere that ties everything together and gives the album a consistent identity.

As a Tory Lanez fan, I can confidently say this project delivers most of what you’d want from him. The talent is undeniable, the performances are excellent, and the production is top-tier. My biggest criticism is simply that too many songs remind me of music I’ve already heard. Even so, MADE YOU THINK I WAS GONE…BUT is a strong release, and while Disc 2 took longer to grow on me, I ultimately found plenty to enjoy across both halves.

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