Yung Lean: Stranger (2017) (Hip-hop/R&B)

In a cleaner more polished formula than usual, Lean crafts a cloud rap album filled with a mix of introspective ballads and catchy cuts. Lean's rapping and lyricism is occasionally captivating and in association with the crisp and clear production of Gud, Yung Sherman, and Whitearmor he does effectively write songs that embody a sentiment of melancholy and bliss. Like much of his work, there are moments with underwritten, unstructured songs, marinating in instrumental vapor, but that being said, Stranger may be his most accessible album and also one of his strongest.


Best Tracks: Muddy Sea*, Red Bottom Sky, Skimask, Hunting My Own Skin, Iceman, Agony*, Yellowman

B



Alternative R&B/Ambient Pop/Cloud Rap/Emo Rap

Yung Lean: Starz (2020) (Hip-hop/R&B)

A mixed bag of personal melancholic R&B and cloud rap, packaged in an aesthetic that is a bit rougher than Stranger but still more serious than most of his work. Performances are varied, and instrumentals are typical blissful cloud rap with occasional abrasive witch house. Some good songs but there are also barren songs with not enough focus or structure (Acid at 7/11, Butterfly Paralyzed), leading some songs to feel like filler. Still many blissful and interesting sounds are found like the lo-fi childlike Dogboy or witch house inspired downer banger Boylife in EU.

Best Tracks: Yayo, Boylife in EU*, Violence, Starz, Dogboy, Iceheart

C+

Alternative R&B/Ambient Pop/Cloud Rap/Emo Rap/Witch house

Yung Lean: Unknown Memory (2014) (Hip-hop,Trap)

Though it at times it can feel inconsequential and flippant, allowing yourself to be consumed by the misty Lean in it's gooey, druggy nature can amount to moments of bliss and intensity (Sunrise Angel, Yoshi City, Volt). Production is largely influenced by Clams Casino cloud rap aesthetics of the time but prepare for a subtle dose of 80s synth-wave and electro. Many songs have very fast tempos and are not just a cloud of intoxication. Don't expect much from the raps but Lean allows himself the freedom to experiment under the hazy veil of production showing that him and his Sadboys collective are worthwhile for the times they get it right.

Best Tracks: Sunrise Angel, Yoshi City, Ghosttown, Volt*

C+

Cloud Rap/Electronic/Trap