Malibu cover

Released 10 years ago

Malibu

Anderson .Paak · 2016

61 min · 16 tracks · contemporary R&B

A vibrant blend of funk, soul, and hip-hop that radiates warmth and introspection while showcasing Anderson .Paak's diverse musicality.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Heart Don’t Stand a Chance — This track encapsulates the essence of Malibu with its irresistible groove and heartfelt lyrics about love's complexities. Its fusion of soulful melodies and rhythmic beats showcases .Paak's unique artistry.
  • →
    Come Down — A standout anthem that combines infectious energy with a message of resilience, reflecting .Paak's ability to create feel-good music that resonates with listeners while addressing deeper themes.
  • →
    The Waters — This track highlights .Paak's storytelling prowess as he navigates themes of vulnerability and self-reflection against a backdrop of smooth instrumentation. It's a perfect example of his lyrical depth.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

67 /100
Alpine
Higher than 91% of albums we've rated

Malibu showcases strong songwriting and production but has some uneven pacing in its tracklist.

What we noticed

  • Several songs incorporate layered vocal harmonies and call-and-response patterns, enhancing the communal feel of the music.
  • The tempo varies significantly across tracks, with some maintaining a laid-back groove while others build to more energetic climaxes.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
8/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • wave-like pacing experience
  • vibrant, uplifting moods
  • engaging storytelling elements

Where this album fits

Career context
In 2016, Anderson .Paak released Malibu as his second studio album, following the breakthrough success of his debut, Venice. This album marked a significant turning point in his career, establishing him as a prominent voice in contemporary R&B and hip-hop. With its eclectic sound and personal lyrics, Malibu set the stage for .Paak's widespread acclaim and future collaborations.
Stylistic neighbors
Thundercat· Kali Uchis· Leon Bridges

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • The Season / Carry Me

    The shift from introspection to a hopeful plea for support illustrates the struggle between self-doubt and the desire for connection.

    The contrast in tone between verses reveals an emotional journey, heightening the impact of vulnerability expressed through the poignant transition.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 The Bird 3:37
  • 2 Heart Don’t Stand a Chance 5:12
  • 3 The Waters 2:54
  • 4 The Season / Carry Me 5:28
  • 5 Put Me Thru 2:40
  • 6 Am I Wrong 4:13
  • 7 Without You 3:19
  • 8 Parking Lot 3:54
  • 9 Lite Weight 3:26
  • 10 Room in Here 3:59
  • 11 Water Fall (Interluuube) 1:58
  • 12 Your Prime 3:57
  • 13 Come Down 2:56
  • 14 Silicon Valley 4:04
  • 15 Celebrate 3:46
  • 16 The Dreamer 5:39

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata