Oblivion cover

Oblivion

T-Pain · 2017

62 min · 16 tracks · contemporary R&B

A blend of melodic hooks and candid storytelling dances between contemporary R&B and hip-hop rhythms.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Who Died Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    Textin' My Ex — This track encapsulates the emotional turmoil of dealing with past relationships, blending catchy melodies with relatable lyrics about moving on.
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    That's How It Go — Featuring a laid-back vibe, this song highlights T-Pain's signature style while addressing the complexities of modern romance in a straightforward manner.
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    May I — Spanning nearly eight minutes, this track showcases T-Pain's vocal range and storytelling prowess, making it a centerpiece of the album that dives deep into themes of desire.
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    Classic You — This song features nostalgic undertones and smooth production, reflecting on idealized love while retaining a contemporary sound that resonates with listeners.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album blends personal themes with melodic hooks but lacks a strong cohesive arc throughout its length.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features tracks that maintain a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the second half introduces slower ballads that shift the emotional tone.
  • Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies, with T-Pain alternating between singing and rapping within the same song.
  • The lyrics often reflect personal experiences and emotions, with a focus on relationships and introspection, particularly in the latter half of the album.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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

  • wave-like pacing for reflection
  • introspective moments with smooth melodies
  • dynamic flow with emotional peaks
  • late-night conversations and confessions

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • seek high-energy party anthems

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Shows T-Pain's evolution and return to the mainstream after a hiatus.
Themes
post-relationship reflection· D.C. storytelling· auto-tuned vulnerability
Career context
By 2017, T-Pain had transitioned from his early career peak with hits in the mid-2000s to a more introspective phase. 'Oblivion' marks his first album release since 2011's 'rEVOLVEr', reflecting a shift towards personal themes and vulnerability in his lyrics amid a changing musical landscape.
Stylistic neighbors
Khalid· Chris Brown· Usher

Tracklist

  • 1 Who Died Start here 2:24
  • 2 Classic You 2:42
  • 3 Straight 2:57
  • 4 That's How It Go 2:40
  • 5 No Rush 2:49
  • 6 Pu$$y on the Phone 2:09
  • 7 Textin' My Ex 4:04
  • 8 May I 7:53
  • 9 I Told My Girl 3:48
  • 10 She Needed Me 4:20
  • 11 Your Friend 4:05
  • 12 Cee Cee from DC 4:56
  • 13 Goal Line 3:24
  • 14 2 Fine 6:15
  • 15 That Comeback 2:47
  • 16 Second Chance (Don't Back Down) 5:00

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata