ASTROWORLD (2018) - Travis Scott

 

ASTROWORLD by Travis Scott is the third studio album by the Houston-born rapper, released on August 3, 2018. Named after a defunct Houston amusement park, the album serves as a sonic rollercoaster ride, blending psychedelic trap, R&B, and hip-hop elements. With its star-studded guest list and Travis’s meticulous production, Astroworld cemented his place as one of the most innovative voices in modern rap.

Tracklist:

1. STARGAZING
2. CAROUSEL
3. SICKO MODE
4. R.I.P. SCREW
5. STOP TRYING TO BE GOD
6. NO BYSTANDERS
7. SKELETONS
8. WAKE UP
9. 5% TINT
10. NC-17
11. ASTROTHUNDER
12. YOSEMITE
13. CAN’T SAY
14. WHO? WHAT!
15. BUTTERFLY EFFECT
16. HOUSTONFORNICATION
17. COFFEE BEAN

Astroworld is a lush, genre-defying journey that thrives on its unpredictable transitions and layered production. The album opens with STARGAZING, an ethereal track that builds into a hard-hitting second half, setting the tone for the unpredictability ahead. SICKO MODE, the album’s breakout hit, is a three-part epic featuring Drake, blending hypnotic beats, a booming bassline, and one of Travis’s most dynamic performances.

STOP TRYING TO BE GOD stands out for its introspective tone, featuring harmonica by Stevie Wonder and vocals by James Blake, creating a soulful yet haunting atmosphere. Tracks like CAROUSEL, featuring Frank Ocean, and SKELETONS, with contributions from The Weeknd and Tame Impala, further highlight the album’s collaborative brilliance.

The production on Astroworld is intricately detailed, with tracks like ASTROTHUNDER and 5% TINT showcasing Travis's ability to weave atmospheric soundscapes with subtle yet impactful beats. The closing track, COFFEE BEAN, strips back the grandeur for a more personal and reflective moment, ending the album on a grounded note.

Astroworld is an immersive experience that feels more like a theme park ride than a traditional album. Travis Scott’s vision shines through in every detail, from the transitions between songs to the eclectic guest features.

My favorite tracks include SICKO MODE for its boundary-pushing structure, STOP TRYING TO BE GOD for its emotional depth and experimental sound, and YOSEMITE for its laid-back, melodic vibe. These tracks highlight the diversity and ambition that make Astroworld such a unique and memorable project.

With Astroworld, Travis Scott redefined the possibilities of modern hip-hop, creating a world that feels both expansive and deeply personal. It’s an album that invites listeners to lose themselves in its layers, rewarding repeated listens with new discoveries each time.