For nearly two years, hip-hop fans eagerly awaited the release of “Astroworld,” Travis Scott’s highly-anticipated third studio album. Scott did not disappoint, as he not only pleased his patient fans with high-quality music, but also dominated the charts as the album landed as No. 1 on the Billboard 200.

Scott, a Houston native, said he wanted the album to represent the emotions he felt when the Astroworld amusement park closed in 2005.

And the rapper certainly delivered.

Scott encapsulates the feeling of the theme park with mesmerizing melodies and surprising beat-switches. The album takes listeners on a thrilling roller-coaster experience.

“Astroworld” begins with STARGAZING, an immediate standout, as it is one of the more brilliantly crafted tracks on the album. It starts off slow, yet captivating, easily drawing full attention to itself.Scott blankets the melody with several layers of vibrant vocals. About halfway through the track, a sudden beat-switch moves toward a surprisingly aggressive, electrifying sound. Scott wastes no time asserting himself through his rap verses and clearly sets the tone for the remainder of the album.

Throughout the entire album, Scott keeps listeners engaged with intriguing guest features. On one of the album’s most popular songs, SICKO MODE, fellow rapper Drake and Scott compliment each other’s skill sets nicely.

The song consists of two major beat-switches– each that completely take on a life of its own. They each have rap verses that not only steal the show, but prove to be one of the most exciting tracks on the entire album.

As the album progresses, we are introduced to yet another well-received tune entitled STOP TRYING TO BE GOD, and rightfully so. The features in this song each contribute their own distinct element. With Scott’s somber vocals brushing through classic Kid Cudi hums and a Stevie Wonder harmonica feature followed by a James Blake vocal outro, this song is easily one of best crafted on the album.

Though released as a single a year before the release of “Astroworld,” BUTTERFLY EFFECT blends in perfectly with the psychedelic aesthetic that this album consistently embodies. Containing a recognizable repetitive rhythm, this song is a fun ride from start to end. As a whole, “Astroworld” showcases Travis Scott’s ability to not only produce consistently solid projects, but also shows how he has become one of today’s most respected mainstream hip-hop artists. With interesting collaborations and astounding beats, “Astroworld” is a success and one of Scott’s biggest career highlights.