| Goodbye Horses | ||||
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| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | October 18, 2024 | |||
| Length | 19:14 | |||
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| Producer |
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| Ian chronology | ||||
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Goodbye Horses is the debut studio album by American rapper and producer Ian, released on October 18, 2024 through BuVision and Columbia Records. [1] The album follows Ian's debut Valedictorian (2023), and features a unique blend of Chicago trap horns and emo rap, with emotional, introspective lyrics.
The album marks a departure from Ian's earlier style, incorporating more melodic elements alongside his signature trap beats. It includes collaborations with Chief Keef and other emerging artists.[ citation needed ]
Goodbye Horses fuses the sound of Chicago drill with emotional rap, often exploring themes of self-doubt, relationships, and resilience. Notable tracks include "Till I Die" and "Shit Sad," both of which feature introspective lyrics and innovative production.[ citation needed ]
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| Pitchfork | 4.6/10 [2] |
| AllMusic |   [3] |
Upon release, Goodbye Horses was met with generally negative reviews from music critics, which commented its emotional depth and stylistic evolution. Pitchfork noted Ian's move toward a more melodic sound, pointing to his ability to express vulnerability and raw emotion, particularly in tracks like "Shit Sad." They recognized this as a maturation of his musical identity. [4]
HotNewHipHop emphasized the album’s impressive collaborations, highlighting the presence of Chief Keef and Lil Yachty. The review considered their contributions a key part of the album's appeal, offering a mix of trap energy and introspective lyricism. [5]
HipHopDX's review focused on the album's innovative production, which blends Chicago drill influences with more melodic, reflective elements. Critics pointed to Ian's ability to craft a sound that feels both fresh and resonant, with standout moments that showcase his growing versatility as an artist.
In contrast to the generally positive reviews, The Needle Drop offered a critical perspective on Goodbye Horses. The review described the album as lacking in originality and depth, suggesting that Ian's work is derivative and fails to bring anything new to the genre. Specific criticisms included the quality of production and Ian's lyrical content, with the reviewer expressing disappointment in the album's overall execution. This critique stands as a notable counterpoint to the more favorable assessments from other outlets. [6]
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Showboat" |
|
| 2:30 |
| 2. | "Till I Die" |
| Sxprano | 2:44 |
| 3. | "3.5" | Ian O'Neill Smith |
| 2:36 |
| 4. | "On the Floor" | Ian O'Neill Smith |
| 2:22 |
| 5. | "My Call" |
|
| 2:39 |
| 6. | "Out West" | Ian O'Neill Smith |
| 2:06 |
| 7. | "Shit Sad (featuring Chief Keef)" |
|
| 3:14 |
| 8. | "End Up Gone" |
| Sxprano | 2:19 |
| 9. | "Older (featuring Reign)" | Ian O'Neill Smith |
| 2:22 |
| 10. | "Loco" |
|
| 2:10 |
| 11. | "Hate Me (featuring Lil Yachty)" |
| Childboy | 2:12 |
| 12. | "Off That Shit" |
| Sxprano | 2:11 |
| 13. | "Goodbye Horses (featuring Eyesis)" |
|
| 3:03 |
| Total length: | 30:42 | |||
| Chart (2024) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| US Billboard 200 [7] | 86 [8] |