Top Songs Ranked from Travis Scott’s ‘Days Before Rodeo’

Travis Scott’s breakthrough mixtape, Days Before Rodeo, has made its way to digital streaming platforms ten years after its initial release. Fans are thrilled to revisit the project or experience it anew, particularly following Scott’s rise to household name status with albums like Astroworld and Utopia.

But how do these tracks hold up after a decade? Here’s an attempt to rank the 12 songs from Days Before Rodeo to determine the best one.

“Zombies” lands at the bottom of the list. Travis Scott has often been seen as more style than substance, and “Zombies” exemplifies this perception. The track pairs uninspired lyrics with a plodding beat, making it the weakest on the mixtape.

Next is “Basement Freestyle.” Although it features a compelling, albeit repetitive, beat from Metro Boomin and Lex Luger, calling it a “freestyle” puts an unfortunate spotlight on Scott’s less-than-stellar raps.

At number ten is “BACC.” When Travis tries to present himself as tough, it doesn’t quite convince. The posturing in the hook clashes with the empty boasts of the verse, causing the bonus track to fall flat.

Ninth place goes to “Days Before Rodeo: The Prayer.” The mixtape starts strong with this track, featuring a fun Wondagurl beat. However, its initial strength disintegrates towards the end, and some of its motifs get repetitive as the album progresses.

Ranking eighth is “Don’t Play” featuring The 1975 and Big Sean. This track brings an odd mix of high-art indie-rock and energized rap. The elements feel somewhat discordant, with Big Sean overshadowing Travis Scott.

In the seventh spot, “Quintana Pt. 2” features an uncredited T.I., whose seasoned presence highlights the flaws in Scott’s fundamentals. T.I.’s verse, removed from the streaming version, leaves behind a void that drags the song down.

“Sloppy Toppy,” featuring Migos and Peeway Longway, takes the sixth spot. Although its initial promise isn’t fully realized, the song remains interesting thanks to the soulful intro sample and Migos’ energetic delivery, particularly Takeoff’s performance.

In fifth place is “Grey.” Here, listeners can hear the early seeds of Travis’ future hit “Pick Up The Phone.” The track showcases a slight improvement in his writing, making the imagery more vivid and compelling.

The fourth spot goes to “Mamacita,” featuring Rich Homie Quan and Young Thug. Both guest artists bring an energy that boosts Scott’s performance. Thugger’s verse takes on new significance given his later struggles, adding emotional weight to the track.

Third is “Backyard.” This song offers a burst of optimism amidst the apocalyptic soundscape of the album. Scott’s vulnerability adds depth, making the track compelling and refreshing.

In second place is “Skyfall,” featuring Young Thug. Despite an unremarkable first minute, the rest of the track shines. The chemistry between Scott and Thug is palpable, and the cautionary lyrics about aging artists add a timeless quality.

The best track on the mixtape is “Drugs You Should Try It.” This fan favorite captures Travis Scott at his peak. The metaphor of drugs for romantic feelings marries his hazy songwriting style perfectly, creating a powerful, lasting impact. It prompts listeners to wonder why Scott doesn’t always push himself to this level.

Revisiting Days Before Rodeo after ten years offers a fascinating glimpse into Travis Scott’s artistic journey. Although not every track holds up, the mixtape contains flashes of the innovative artist he has become today.

Source: Getty Image, Merle Cooper