Reviews (page 13 of 15)
Бля хуй знает че сказать, идите посмотрите видеоэссе чтоли, я пойду пивка попью Да, в понедельник 7/10
Bleh
6/10
Ugh, not listening to this.
Meh
have heard this previously. a lot of this is great but i really wish kanye just. talked less. "runaway" is a good example, that song is great but both his verse and the guest verse i could *really* do without. the 3 minute long outro doesn't do it any favors. i listened to some of "the college dropout" recently and it was miles better than anything on here.
A timeless classic at this point. What more is there to say that hasn't been said about this album. The meticulously orchestration over Kanye's playful, often crude , and often pained lyrics makes this a slam dunk 5/5
Kanye deserves all of the hate he gets these days, but I'm a 5/5 going into this one. Great album front to back, with unmatched production and supporting cast. His opus for sure. Looking at the tracklist, the thing I find most interesting is the fact that almost all of the songs push the 4 minute mark. Clearly this wasn't made for radio appeal, and yet, it is regarded in popular culture as a modern classic. --- My relationship with this album is kind of like Cartman with "Come Sail Away;" as soon as I hear the intro sample from Dark Fantasy I can't be satisfied unless I've heard the rest. Dark Fantasy opens with classic Kanye production featuring gospel-like elements interleaved with a bouncing beat and some twinkling piano + strings. Gorgeous flips into a textured beat lead by a fuzzed out guitar and a hook delivered by Cudi. Kanye's vocals are equally fuzzed, but they stand clearly against the background. Some of the more memorable lines in this song: "choke a South Park writer with a fish stick." "I treat the cash like the government treat AIDS, I won't be satisfied til all my niggas get it, get it?" "what's a black beetle anyway, a fuckin' roach?" POWER is the first single I heard off this album. About as self-aware a testament to his megolomaniacal tendencies (I mean "I don't need your pussy bitch, I'm on my own dick"); just watch the music video. Makes use of sample of King Crimson's 21st Century Schizoid Man as the hook. All of the Lights is on the other side of this one, which is the album's second single featuring a hook by Rhianna and various others in support (Fergie, Elton John, Alicia Keys, Drake). Jam even if the drums in the outro sound a bit tinny. This bleeds into Monster, which is probably the most aggressive song on the album; also one of my favorites that features Kanye against Jay-Z, Rick Ross, and Nikki Minaj. Everyone brings it, especially Minaj who steals the show. Beautiful production (big surprise); this would be a jam even without vocals. So Appalled is another star-studded track with one of my favorite Pusha T verses, the flow on "Range Rove', leather roof, love war, fuck a truce. still move a bird like I'm in bed with Mother Goose" is so clean. RZA is the only feature on here that feels a little out of place, but at the same time, his shouting just feels like an escalation of how ridiculous everything is. Devil In a New Dress has always been one of my favorites on here. Beautiful, soulful instrumental meets some more self-aware lyrics (even though it has one particularly corny line "ordered Jerk, she say your are what you eat"). You almost think the track is closing during the interlude, before Rick Ross comes in to clean up. Blame Game is one that I initially wasn't very into, but has grown to be one of my favorite songs on the album. Pretty piano melody with some of the more vulnerable lyrics on love from Kanye. Outro featuring Chris Rock is also pretty great. "Yeezy taught me." Lost In The World into Who Will Survive in America is a strong ending to a great album. Interesting and satisfying choice that the egotistical Kanye West chose to leave the last ~2 minutes of the album to Gil Scott Heron to poetically capture what Kanye and friends sang about for the rest of the album. This album is greater than the sum of its parts, and for that it is an easy 5 / 5. I am fully bought into the idea that this is a modern classic that captures Kanye at his height and before his recent(ish) self destruction. Yeezus is another strong album IMO, but this is pinnacle Kanye. Amazing production top to bottom, great shot selection, and some of his best work behind a mic featuring far fewer awkward lines than he averages on his other works.
Fuck Kanye
Dark fantasy is an awesome start with the choir singing. The POWER>All of the lights section gets me so hyped I love when those songs come on while I'm snowboarding. Monster is a crazy song but it fits so well with the outrageousness of the album. I love the amount of people on So Appalled they were just tossing that song around and each taking a turn throwing in a verse. The whole song of Runaway is a beautiful song but the piano outro in particular really makes the song. The ending of Blame Game is hilarious I think that is Chris Rock which would make sense. Such an incredible album I may have not ever listened to it all the way through which is a shame that I have waited this long. Easy 5.
Easy 5 before listening. This is prime fuckin Ye when he was an actual artist. Definitely one of my favorite rap albums of all time. I FANTASIZE BOUT THIS BACK IN CHICAGOOOOO. 21ST CENTURY SCHIZOID MANNNNNNNN what a dope ass sample. I love All of the Lights but it is just wayyyyy more hype with the interlude before it. Just beautiful. I'M A MUTHAFUCKIN MONSTA! You know that shit is... fuckin' ridiculous. I love RZA. Runaway is probably Kanye's best song. Not my personal fav but it's top 3 no doubt and I'll never be mad if it comes on. The music video also fucks. So beautiful and emotional. Just wish that end piece was like a minute or two shorter lol. Reminds me of Blood on the Leaves where the song is a certified jam and then he does a weird autotune for like 2-3 minutes. I love this album.
Some bangers for sure, a few tracks didn't really hold my attention as much though. Not bad tracks, but not a no skip album for sure.
ikke min smag
Nope
Sometimes become repetitive, has catchy songs.
Had heard some tracks from this before, and overall it was a lot better than I expected, but wasn't anything special.
5/10
Interesting but not my style
Some choice lyrics: What's a black beatle anyway, a fuckin roach? // Choke a South Park writer with a fishstick. // You ever have sex with a pharaoh? I put the pussy in a sarcophagus. The man was on top of it all, the GOAT for a moment. Shame really.
A great album brought down by the casual mysogeny, being too long, and the presence of Nikki Minaj
He's a colossal dickhead but this is very good. Not the best hiphop album we've had (Jay-Z gets that), but it's a polished, ambitious, collaborative effort that works on several levels.
This is just superb. Production is incredible the whole way through, uses the guests really well (in that they really bring something extra without taking over the album). Definitely the best hip hop album we've had so far, so many standout tracks that they don't really stand out. Probably listens better knowing that he's ended up fully going down this rabbit hole. Occasionally gets a bit too crude (the outtro to Blame Game is a bit much for me, no real need for pussy upholstering chat) but it still very much deserves a 5.
Really excellent album. It's just a shame Kanye's such a jackass. It's hard for me to give it 5 stars given the artist.
Not my cup of tea, but still good tea.
Meh. I don’t care for Kanye West. Never have. Never will.
It's creative and I enjoyed the layered music underneath. Rap just isn't my bag even when it's more enjoyable like this album is.
Started well, with songs I recognised, but then got a little boring as the album went on
Started off promisingly, but alas failed to last the distance.
I feel like I got this one already. Idk, kinda irritating. Maybe this one of those 'ya had to be there' albums. I missed the moment, I don't get it.
This album is timeless
Nope. Still don’t like Kanye
Monster
I enjoyed his debut album when it came out. Maybe my tastes have evolved since then, maybe hip-hop has moved on since then and I expect more, or maybe I'm no longer willing to separate the person from the music. Whatever the reason, I did not enjoy this. Well produced, but you can't polish a turd.
Some of it is pretty good, but i don't think any of it is outstanding. Never really understood the kanye hype
what a c**t
THAT'S WHY HE'S THE GOAT
Amazing project all around, classic. 9/10
This is musically great tho some of the lyrics are facile. I feel like it is maybe slightly over rated.
Excellent album
Despite Kanye’s obvious problems (which will be different depending on when you’re reading this), My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy has some phenomenal beats, samples, and writing. It’s hard to argue that songs like “Power” and “All of the Lights” aren’t catchy and enjoyable for even people that don’t like rap/hip-hop, and while the second half of the album suffers a little from being less sonically memorable, the writing is still pretty great, and this album will really stand as a testament to Kanye’s talent for making music (and that’s all I’ve got to say about that).
Five star production, three star bars
While I don't think it's as absolutely perfect as others, this album really is great and deserves most of it's praise given out over it's legacy. Not only lots of replayability, but it aged extraordinarily well and holds to this day of being a massive landmark moment Hip Hop.
many good songs, some more fillery.
I remember walking back to my house from studies. It was December, snow and cold everywhere. Headphones on my ears while i was listening to music, shuffle playlist. Suddenly I realized there was no one around me. Not a single person walking or cars driving by. World stopped at this moment. I call it moment of silence and peace. And then interlude to All Of The Lights starts playing. That was 13 years ago, yet I remember this like it was yesterday. My masterpiece. 5/5
Great album from a deeply flawed individual.
Nope
The production of this album is excellent. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy feels big and full, it’s clear the attention to detail and thought that went into it and that’s what makes this album so strong. The featured guests had a strong impact as well, Nicki Minaj’s appearance on Monster was especially impressive. The only guest track that I didn’t necessarily appreciate was John Legend’s. Some clever lyricism on this as well, “Too many Urkels on Your Team, that’s why your wins low” is a favourite of mine. I did appreciate Kanye’s annoyance on Gorgeous when he sang, “Choke a South Park writer with a fishstick” made me think he truly doesn’t get the joke. This is a really well done album a couple tracks that didn’t do it for me. 4.5 stars
Near perfect album, have heard it 100's of times, love Kanye
Kinda poppy tbh
This album, like many of Kanye’s albums, is very important to me and the expansion of my musical taste and knowledge. I haven’t listened to any of his work recently as it is just hard to be excited and into the music when you keep seeing headlines about horrendous shit he’s saying, but I still love this album. I have always found him to be a funny and engaging rapper with some interesting things to say, and a relatable storyteller who has some demons that are a bit more relatable to me than the average artist. Loneliness, mental health, and self sabotage aren’t unique or uncommon in music, but it is nice to have these themes in songs that are otherwise pretty high energy as opposed to the more dour tracks I love that talk about them. Beyond Kanye the performer, Kanye the producer is also huge here. The beats are iconic, you have strong radio hits like All of the Lights and Power alongside more somber tracks like Lost in the World, and some incredible and varied features. This album features perhaps the best Nikki Minaj verse on Monster, Bon Iver’s intro to Lost in the World, and Rick Ross’ luxurious verse on Devil in a New Dress. It certainly has its weak points, I’m not a huge fan of Jay Z on Monster, and Blame Game and the Chris Rock cameo, it really halts the energy moving into the two part finale, but overall, I still put this album up there as one of the greats.
mid
A genre that I wouldn’t normally consider listening to. Of course you would need to live on Mars to not be aware of Kanye West. Consistent quality is what I took from this record. Some brilliantly creative moments, even a King Crimson sample thrown in.
August 25, 2023 HL: "POWER", "Runaway", "Lost in the World", “All of the Lights”, “Monster” Damn… the best album I’ve heard all week and it’s by self-proclaimed Nazi, Ye and company. If there’s one thing that’s consistent among these very different Kanye albums, is that they bring out the best in his collaborators, whether it’s Nicki Minaj, Bon Iver or Raekwon. Wasn’t super impressed with “Runaway” the 1st time I heard it, but it works so well as a change of pace after the louder, more celebratory “POWER” & “Monster” Here's a short list of all the artists who I had every album (on this website) before a single one by Radiohead: Kanye West (3 albums), Leonard Cohen (5 albums), Queen (3), Sonic Youth (5), U2 (4), Wilco (3), Yes (3)
Just Kanye being Kanye.
Will not become my favourite but undeniably a very good album. Great production but lyrics mean I won’t be a regular listener.
I recall getting this albums years ago when I was a teenager, and not really appreciating it all too much, haven’t listened to it since. Now that I’m older I realize why it’s so revered all these years later, all songs sound unique in their own way, very memorable.
Fck nazis
Banger
The quintessential Kanye West album.
He definitely has issues and his rapping is meh, but he makes some serious tunes.
fuck Kanye but this album is a masterpiece
Noise, not a fan.
Almost didn't listen to this because Kanye is a schmuck. But I did and I'm glad I did. It's a lot better than I expected.
first two songs both felt like intros, also felt slightly contrived but could equally be him being mentally ill. mostly banger after banger in the middle but ends and begins somewhat forgetabbly.
Fantano was right imo
The most self deprecating hip hop album I've ever heard.
Ye Sux.
The best part of this is the guest stars. Ye is not half as good as he thinks he is, and there are way better out there. Stick to producing.
I never got into Kanye. I liked this album but it didn’t hit like a supposed all-timer should. Maybe it’s too introspective and I don’t care about him that much.
Millennial nostalgia was strong with this one, and it’s always interesting to revisit a “masterpiece” without zeitgeist. The whiplash from Runaway (which is a masterpiece) to Hell of a Life (which is stupid) is significant. The Chris Rock skit is far too long. That said the high points of this album are raw and virtuosic. I miss the old Kanye!
Some good songs, lots of what felt like filler, and, nowadays, unfortunately too much baggage. Can kinda see how it was a big deal when it came out but didn't really do it for me now.
Heard it before?: Yes Enjoy it?: I do, it was peak Kanye, strongest run of tracks upon this release and the features on this were insane and added so much to it Favourite song: Track 8 - Devil in A New Dress
Pretty decent - shame it's by Kanye West. -3 stars for that.
not really my style, a few decent songs
This is an amazing album.Almost all the tracks are bangers.The sampling is amazing and so is the instrumentation,especially the piano,leading to some really beautiful moments.Kanye west is not a good person and the album seems to agree with that.There’s this amazing energy to all the songs,they’re all bursting with sorrow and melancholy.All orchestrated perfectly.It’s such a good album.
Dark Fantasy - beautiful
"My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy" is the fifth studio by American rapper and producer Kanye West. Kanye had retreated to Hawaii, a self-imposed exile after interrupting Taylor Swift's MTV video award acceptance speech. The album was mostly recorded in Honolulu with a host of producers (Mike Dean, No I.D., Jeff Bhasker, RZA, Bink, DJ Frank E. and Kanye) and lots of singers (Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, Jay-Z, Pusha T, Rick Ross, Kid Cudi, Alicia Keys, John Legend, Bon Iver and Elton John). The music is hip hop with a maximalist production incorporating elements of soul, pop, baroque, electra -symphonic sounds and progressive rock. The lyrics deal with his celebrity status, consumer culture, self aggrandizement and idealism of the American dream. The album is recognized as Kanye's best and one the best of the 2010's, debuted at #1 in the US and won the Best Rap Album at the Grammy's. The original album cover showing a naked winged female on top of a naked Kanye was banned in the US. The album begins with Nicki Minaj reading a Roald Dahl poem in "Dark Fantasy." Right away..big production, a lot going on. Original layered, echoing vocals of multiple artists. The music reminded me of NWA for some reason. About decadence and hedoism. The first single "Power" is dark. Repetitious tribal drumming with a Continent Number 6 sample. Chanting females amidst Kanye's rapping. And why not sample King Crimson's "21st Century Schizoid Man." "All of the Lights" has 14 vocalists and Elton John on piano. Horns. Percussion. Drum and bass beats. The vocals give this a pyschedelic feel. It's the narrative of a man with multiple issues including abusing a lover and prison. "Monster" has strings. Anytime you sample Napolean Dynamite, I'm in. Rappers after rappers with Nicki Minaj killing it. "Runaway" features Pusha T and has a great piano motif melody. My favorite music on the album. Addressing public opinion of him. Another highlight of the album is "Lost in the World" with its layered music and vocals. A dance beat. A gospel choir. Great vocals by Bon Iver and Alicia Keys. The album ends with "Who Will Survive in America" with all vocals a sample of Gil Scott-Heron from "Comment #1." A defiant beat and about African-Americans Ill-fated idealism of the Anerican dream. Really, the only song overtly political and not something about Kanye. This is quite an achievement. Each song is an adventure. The album requires and gets better with multiple listens....so much going on...big production, multiple and layered vocals and music, unque sampling selection. It's pyschedelic, freaky and grandiose. Yeah, easily one of the best albums of the 2010's.
I don't like rap so this one gets one star
Such a good album, only thing i would say is the second half is a tad over dramatic but otherwise perfect
Kanyes lyrics are so wack. Some good tracks in here though. Can't imagine me ever putting it on again
Not a Kanye fan, or a hip-hop fan in general, but this is one of the few records I somewhat enjoy from the genre. The production is great, features are really good, and I like the concept behind it. Runaway and Devil In A New Dress are amazing songs, and I love the King Crimson-sampling on POWER.
ok. A lot of crude lyrics I didn't like...
BUT HE MADE MBDTF BUT HE MADE MBDTF BUT HE MADE MBDTF BUT HE MADE MBDTF BUT HE MADE MBDTF BUT HE MADE MBDTF BUT HE MADE MBDTF BUT HE MADE MBDTF BUT HE MADE MBDTF BUT HE MADE MBDTF BUT HE MADE MBDTF BUT HE MADE MBDTF BUT HE MADE MBDTF BUT HE MADE MBDTF BUT HE MADE MBDTF BUT HE MADE MBDTF BUT HE MADE MBDTF BUT HE MADE MBDTF BUT HE MADE MBDTF BUT HE MADE MBDTF BUT HE MADE MBDTF BUT HE MADE MBDTF BUT HE MADE MBDTF BUT HE MADE MBDTF BUT HE MADE MBDTF BUT HE MADE MBDTF BUT HE MADE MBDTF BUT HE MADE MBDTF BUT HE MADE MBDTF BUT HE MADE MBDTF
Ritmos hip hop para un estilo moderno. Canciones reivindicativas. Estilo rítmico y escuchable en cualquier ocasión
😎
In my opinion, one of the most recognisable and influential hip hop albums of the 21st century. Also one of my personal favourites and my favourite Kanye West album. 5/5 DISCLAIMER: Fuck Kanye West and everything he stands for today.
this seems like a smart guy talking about stupid shit
great album
Everyone's favourite narcissist here with a pretty banging album, mixing hip-hop beats with elements of rock and R&B to good effect. The machismo is sometimes a little grating but otherwise a solid album
Kanye makes my skin crawl
Talented rapper, just not my jam. Runaway is a hood song.
Never liked Kanye personality or music
Kanye is a great producer but he is by far the weakest rapper and singer on the album
Hmm. Ordinarily this would be a 3, as it is pretty listenable and melodic. But I feel it should go down due to Kanye's repulsiveness and also the repetitive nature of his shtick. But some songs are good. Ok, a 3 it is. Most relevant line: "You've been putting up with my shit just way too long"
All time classic really great
Discazo. Un par de canciones flojas, pero en general guay.
First time hearing an entire Kanye West song, let alone full album, and another hip-hop album ruined by crass and sexist lyrics. There were some interesting things going on musically, but also a lot of annoying bits, mostly with the vocals, like the awful auto-tune. Chris Rock deserved to be slapped for his contribution in the song "Blame Game." I'll bet it wasn't fun trying to edit the clean version of that one. Best track: "Power". I'm guessing there will be more Kanye on this list. Sigh.
Súper energético, no puedes quedarte quieto mientras escuchas este álbum, te exige ponerte en movimiento
Shame Kanye turned out to be an anti-semetic psycho cause dang does he make some solid hip-hop. The various collaborations, the hints of different genres and influences, and the production is all killer.
All the shine is gone. It's fine I guess. When I pay attention to the lyrics, I'm overanalyzing them in the context of who he became, which probably isn't fair. The production doesn't seem as great now either, but I imagine that is due to his techniques being used by others a million times since this was released. Power was the highlight of the album. He does seem like a much better emcee in the age of trap and mumble. That being said, he still has a corny forced flow that isn't helped by cadences that are slightly beyond his ability. Wish I could listen to it in a vacuum without him as baggage
I KNOW THIS ONE! 'POWER' It's alright. The record so far has been alright to be honest. King Crimson. lol. FUCKING RIDICULIS! Well, well, well, could do with being about 15–20 minutes shorter. I also don't care and can't relate to a lot of the situations he's writing these songs about, but he's a good rapper, the beats and samples are good and the guest artists do their jobs well. 3 / 5 stars.
Didn't listen, do lnt want to support Kanye
Pretty good album. I already had a couple of songs saved.
So after listening to College Dropout my first Kanye and being forced to admit it was magnificent, on this journey, I said I'd listen to the other good ones. Well I didn't. But here we are, his more or less universally regarded peak. And yeah, ok wow, it's pretty bloody brilliant. And I actually recognise a song! Power. Although I mainly just recognise the female vocal, (and King Crimson obvs) don't think I'd heard the whole song. Well, this is undeniable. I'm actually looking forward to the next one. Obviously the guy is a walking bin fire now, and some of these lyrics are tiresome and foreshadowed that transition. Thinking back to 2010, were people as obsessed with doing anal, or thinking it's ok to send photo of your dick to someone (unrequited) or choking during sex? I'm sure I can't blame all that on Kanye but it makes me wonder if he helped that shift in society by how massive this album is (despite me never hearing it lol). Also, obvs the clue was in the name, don't take it literally people. Oof, just got to the Chris Rock bit. Kerrrrrrrringe. Bon Iver! That actually dates this a bit haha. Anyway, fucking great album, really. Both immediately accessible and complex enough to reward repeat listens (I imagine).
listened to again masterful production, features, and bars
-He should stop trying to sing -Autotune overuse -boring samples most of the time, some piano-pieces are ok i guess -lyrics are terrible -why the fuck is (was) he so successfull? This is a really boring, uninspired and hollow piece. Straight fire? Classic? LMFAO
aside from him being a nazi i also don’t like his music
Great album but kayne went krazy ya know?
if somebody else made this i’d give it a 5
Album 87 of 1001 Kanye West - My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy Rating : 3 / 5 Favorite Track : Blame Game Full disclosure: I did not go into this one with an open mind. Was always determined not to listen to him and had no plans for that to change...but here we are. Now I can say, - with a personal reference on which to base my opinion - I don't get the hype. Just a bunch of self-indulgence, in my opinion...and since it is all a bunch of self-indulgence, one would have to be inclined to possess a somewhat positive opinion of the messenger in order to be entertained. Maybe it takes knowing Kanye throughout his career. Maybe jumping in to this album first, this late into his game, causes something to be missed. Maybe not. I'll give it a fair rating out of deference to the masses, but I find no personal appeal. He seems to have more strength as a producer. When he actually tries to sing a melody, my ears bled. You can't accuse me of not sacrificing for the cause.
Regretfully,
Kanye is a solid producer, although when you use super famous samples, and don't alter them much, you can't count yourself among the greats. He is an ok rapper, but has some seriously cringy lines. He is a horrible singer, and his hooks are annoying. The features are the best parts here. 2 monsters out of 5 👹👹
His best album. Fantastic start to finish.
Of course the one day I miss is this album. Classic, torn between a 4 and a 5. I'll give a 5 because I doubt many others will get a 5 on this site.
4,5/5 Highlights: Dark Fantasy, Gorgeous, All Of The Lights, Runaway
First listen: amazing production, but I'm not really convinced by the lyrics Second listen: maaan, I really made a mistake of paying attention to the lyrics. I felt similarly when listening to JAY-Zs Blueprint. However, unlike there, these beats are fire. Nonetheless, I'd much prefer it to be instrumental. Apparently I found out that pop rap is not my cup of tea. A weak 4
Sam Ye może nie śpiewa za dobrze, ale teksty i zwłaszcza produkcja całego albumu jest conajmniej wyśmienita. Mój ulubiony album rapowy.
one of the view albums on this list that i had listened to before. i rated it a 9/10 last time and i’d probably go with a 9.5 this time. crazy consistency with some all time bangers
Hard pass. Fuck this guy.
Some bangers, Some very forgettable songs. Overall the production is amazing, but has some lacklustre features. Favourite tracks “Runaway” and “ All Of The Lights” 8/10
I mean this is not really my music, and so went in with little expectations.. but I can see why people think that Kanye is a very talented musician despite being a troublesome character. Some of these songs were like 4 but the album as a whole, for me, is a 2
I didn't really care about this. Some beats were alright, but some were annoying. His flow didn't really catch my attention very often. Not very excited for the other two albums on the list. My favourite song was Devil in a New Dress.
Onlangs dit album nog een keer vrijwillig geluisterd omdat dit album steevast genoemd wordt in diverse toplijsten. Geen idee waar het allemaal over gaat, maar het is gevarieerd, het is met vlagen echt hiphop, met vlagen is het wat meer pop. Er werken diverse grote namen aan mee, de productie is top. Alleen "Blame Game" vind ik een nogal ongemakkelijke track.
One of my favorite albums ever. Production is immaculate, the features are fire, and the lyrics are vulnerable. Every song feels like a movie.
Somehow even better than the last Kanye album. Such a shame being a genius made him bonkers.
Turns out I do miss the old Kanye. This was good though, he's definitely very creative with his beats and sampling. Albums has several big hits. He definitely had a big impact on the game. Last album before he got so experimental and crazy. Probably in my top 3 Kanye albums?
Some creative production choices.
listened
05.06.2023
Good album despite Kanye being an anti semite
Some of the lyrics in here made me want to give this less but I gotta admit it's a solid listen
One of the absolute best albums of all time. A looot of 10/10 songs like Runaway, Power, Monster and so on... Nicki Minaj's best performance and I could go on and on. Everybody should listen to this one.
Admittedly I’d give this a 3.5 if possible. The songs that are good are great but the ones that aren’t hold the album back and a couple songs run a little too long in my opinion
Some classic Kanye vibes. Jay z ruined a couple of the track. Fave tune a devil in a new dress
runaway👌
I'm choosing not to support this artist with my listen
I don't listen to the music of pieces of shit.
I’ve heard this album before and it’s good, like real good. But what an absolute trash human being. People still support and stand up for this man when really they should be pushing for him to get professional help. Or go live on an island in isolation, never to be heard from again.
For me Kanye West is too smooth when he does smooth music and not politically believable enough if he does more political stuff. But enough variation to enjoy.
didn't listen, fuck kanye
Not much of a hip-hop fan but this album had some fun songs, personal favourite was runaway
Not even Kanye’s best
Nah, I'm good. I've listened to this album plenty in the past, back when I could do so and actually enjoy it. Kanye has gone so off the rails that I have no interest in streaming his music and supporting him. I know he struggles with mental health issues and I hope he figures it out but he's also an anti-Semite, so I just can't enjoy his music and put that all out of my head. Standout Tracks: N/A
I like it, even though it's Kanye, even though some don't.
I avoided Kanye my entire life due to his lackluster reputation as a decent member of society, but I started listening to him last year when I accidentally listened to 808s & Heartbreak. When I say I accidentally listened to a whole ass album, I played "Welcome to Heartbreak" with the intention of only listening to "Welcome to Heartbreak". And then "Heartless" came on, then "Amazing", then "Love Lockdown", and before I knew it, I had gone through the whole album. The worst part was that I really liked it. So yes, Kanye is a piece of shit and him and his fan base infuriate me. But he makes damn good music. I thought "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy" was overrated the first time I listened back in September. I didn't think all the hits were even that good. But I've been listening to "So Appalled" all year, and that has yet to get old. Upon the most recent listen, however, I appreciated it a lot more. I can't articulate why though. More importantly, I can't believe he sampled King Crimson in "POWER". That's crazy that I recognized "21st Century Schizoid Man" (bless this generator for introducing me to King Crimson), but it also makes so much sense.
I hate Kanye. He’s an awful, awful person. I cannot say enough bad things about who he is. Not to mention, my freshman roommate was obsessed with Kanye. And I hated that kid too. One time he held a Kanye album drop party in our room at midnight without telling me, then him and a few others got so blacked out that one passed out on the toilet mid shit and the others were puking their guts out in every trash bag we had. And guess what - the album didn’t even drop that night!!! But goddamnit, so many of these songs just hit. That is the only way I can describe it. Every single song makes me believe that I can one day like rap. Ironically the only thing that could make this a 5 is if Kanye wasn’t rapping.
Do you like fish sticks?
B- Dark Fantasy - Kanye is usually the worst part of his songs and the best part of other people’s songs. This holds true. 3. Gorgeous - boring. The guitar riff gets pretty old by the third minute. 3. Power - 5. All of the Lights (Interlude) - 2. All of the Lights - 4. Monster - 2. Nicki bumped this down from a 3. So Appalled - 2. Devil in a New Dress - 4. Runaway - the guitar at the end sounds like the South Park sh** sound. 3. Hell of a Life - 2. Blame Game - “Yeezy taught you well” YIKES. This was so cringy. 1. Lost In The World - 5. Who Will Survive in America - 3. Returning to this anti-Semite’s album made me feel like Stan when he turns 10. Everything was so much shittier than I remembered.
Can’t stand Kanye. He’s a prick but the music is ok. I do wish it was shorter though
"The clock's ticking, I just count the hours" - 8 minutes into this 1h 8min long album I'm counting down the hour... I wasn't looking forward to this, and I'm still not. But I'm in it... If this led to anybody checking out King Crimson who hadn't previously done so, that's probably going to be the most positive attribute of this album for me... Oooof! "Monster" might just feature the weakest Jay-Z verse I've ever heard. That was painful. "Runaway" is about 9 minutes too long and has one of the dumbest hooks I've ever heard. Oh! Nevermind. This vocoder/autotune re-write of "Iron Man" for the hook of "Hell of a Life" is much worse! Alright, in order to inject some positivity into these proceedings I will fall back to where I commonly wind up when it comes to discussions around Kanye - there is some fantastic production here. I think Kanye is a solid producer. Not the best; not legendary; solid. But as an emcee, I feel like his spectrum reduces to something between decent and horrifically wack - more often than not the latter end of that. Perhaps the incredible array of guest appearances on this album distracts many from the fact this is self-indulgent and not that good, aside from a bunch of the beats.
Eu não consigo gostar desse album, mas consigo ver o motivo de outros gostarem
Was able to listen to all of it unlike the last one. Not my favorite but could return for others.
I don't like rap, but at least this has some actual musical elements to it and not just a generic backing track. There's actually some decent stuff on here. Favorite tracks were All Of The Lights (Interlude) and Runaway. Parts of Monster, Gorgeous, and Blame Game were ok too.
What is the overall style and genre of the album? Rap. Again dont know genres well Are there any standout tracks or moments that resonated with you? Dark Fantasy and Monster were great, last track was great too. I always like when they save a good one to close an album. Bookending it like that always feels great. HATED blame game, even if that skit was funny (it wasnt) it went on for waaayyy too long. How did the album make you feel? Did it evoke specific emotions? Little bit of nostalgia. This album was big when I was in HS. Made me think of those days. Did you enjoy listening to the album overall? I did, few songs dragged. I would listen to it again. Probably would let myself skip a few tracks second time through though. Would you recommend this album to others? Who might particularly enjoy it? Yeah. Again I wouldnt be like check out this very famous album from 2014 but if someone said "I know nothing about Kanye is this album worth listening to Id say yeah. Misc Notes Best track: monster or dark fantasy Best line: too many Urkles on your team that’s why your wins low. Worst track: blame game what the fuck was that long ass skit with Chris rock? That sucked.
I really like(d) this album. I really dislike what Kanye has become.
Solid Rap album, surprised at the diversity. Too much profanity.
Classic Kanye album, maybe the last before he totally lost it?
Déjà écouté mon reuf 9/10
Something I have never heard before, but I like it. Not preferred stile, but good to listen to.
Kanye being a massive bellend aside, this album is overated imo. Some catchy parts but also lots of cringey bits.
Another Kanye.. My comments on Yeezus pretty much all still apply here.
Don't want to give the guy any sound scans. Not listening to it.
Beside from everything, this is one of those albums that just had an impact on me. A little overrated? Maybe, but I personally love this record. "Dark Fantasy" is one of the best opening tracks I've listen to, and "Runaway" probably my favorite hip hop song ever.
Pretty Good Album actually.
A controversial artist now for obvious reasons. I still really like this album though. I wouldn't say it's my favorite Kanye Album, but it definitely has a lot of bangers. I have almost this whole album in my main playlist so needless to say I like it even if I hate Kanye as a person. Separate art from the artist and all that. This album was so influential in Hip hop that it's kind of insane. There are so many memes around it too. It basically helped start Niki Manje's and John Legend's careers. Niki really killed it on Monster which is crazy because she was a "no-name" at this point (and I don't even like her that much) I stand by my thoughts that songs shouldn't be longer than 6 minutes, but he makes it work on all but runaway (it could have ended way earlier) Runaway did have a short film attached to it though. I am really on the fence about whether this is a low 5/5 for me or a high 4/5. It is probably the best album we have gotten so far and I already had it in my rotation for years. Aside from a Kendric album (not DAMN) or Graduation, I don't know if there are many others that could top this album that could be on this list since it has mostly been mediocre boomer and British rock subgenres.
a one piece reference followed by an entire album of mid songs that go on for way too long. power was good, but we already knew that. luckily, it doesn't fall into the british music tier.
Blameee Gamee😅
Very good
I can understand why this is being seen as such a pivotal album in HipHop history and Kanye's career. This is his Magnum Opus and it has all gone downhill from here, music and sanity wise. I think the balance was found here.
Supergodt album!
This is an absolute masterpiece from Ye. Song after song is filled with top notch lyrics and it’s musically perhaps his most ambitious endeavor. I hate giving the guy props but a great album is a great album.
Aside from the dumb lazy religious track, this album is just legendary.
Meh
He might hate Jews, but GADDAM he makes good music
Leaving aside that Kanye has absolutely lost his mind on a public stage for the better part of the last, what, two years? It's a decent album. I was a big fan of Kanye's but fell off around "Graduation", so this is my first listen through of this. The production is, as always, immaculate, but certain parts can be pretty cheesy (let's just say the whole of "Blame Game", skit included). That being said, love or or hate her, this record introduced the world to Nicki Minaj, who absolutely slays a verse in a room full of heavy-hitters. This record has hits, just maybe some dead air in between. Favorite tracks: "Runaway", "Lost In the World", "Monster"
I don’t like Kanye West or hip hop, but this album is good. Production wise honestly brilliant, the rapping is super mediocre in my opinion. I didn’t like when he was actually doing any of the ‘singing’ I liked when there were guests and whatnot. Some great songs sampled too That being said that much of KW was way too much. By the second half of the album I was just waiting for it to be over Saved tracks: Dark Fantasy, Gorgeous, POWER, Who Will Survive In America
bleh
Low-key surprised by how good this sounds. Still, the lyrics though.
Okay, I guess. Nothing special, nothing bad either. Not my vibes.
I don't know how I'm supposed to rate this. Overall the album was much better than I expected. I enjoyed some of the songs, but I also skipped several others because they were unbearable.
Part of this album has really good beats and vibe but second half is downfall. Lyrics are not especially for me.
It wasn’t as bad as some albums but I don’t like the man and that prejudiced my opinion. Also there were the usual bad mouth lyrics and no doubt, mysoginistic views. 2*
Actually liked this one. May have been got a four if it wasn't for some of the silly stuff.
As always, let me preface this by saying that Kanye, the person, is trash. Contrary to the opinion of some, I also think that Kanye the rapper is trash. He comes up with the occasional good line, but for the most part, his lines come off like a 10 year-old who thinks he's edgy. Kanye the singer? A whole other level of bad. But Kanye the producer? I've gotta give it up to that guy. This album has some of the best production in rap history. The samples are fantastic. The features are great. Overall, it's a pretty damn great collection of songs, in spite of the artist.
Can I give zero stars?
4.5/5
Album has some class songs. Power is anthemic. Gorgeous also a bop. Shame Kanye is such an anti-semite and general asshole. All of the lights and monster not as good, Nicki Minaj pisses me off on the latter song haha. And devil in a new dress is confusing... the song doesn't mention the colour, style of this new dress at all 🤔 song slaps tho. Good album x
Hard pass. No streaming revenue for bigots.
Will no endorse a nazi
This is my first time listening to Kanye in almost any capacity. Maybe I've heard a song of his here and there but had never listened to him. I had heard that this album was really good, but I don't get it since it was fine. However since he's a Nazi piece of shit, that lowers my opinion of everything. I try and separate art and artist but Kanye has done real harm and for that I do not support anything he does.
That's a no from me.
One of the all time great albums. Peak Kanye
Kanye has a song here and there that I love, but most of them are just terrible. I don't understand the obsession. His flow is just ok, his voice is annoying, and his beats are either fire or completely annoying no in between.
I enjoyed this more than I expected.
I disliked this
I especially like this album.
What an amazing album. Everything is so good and original and exciting. Alive with energy. So many good artists all on one album. Dragged toward the end of the album and some songs may go on a little long, but I thoroughly enjoyed all of them. No doubt will listen to again. 4/5
I listened to this album a lot when it came out, and there are a few tracks I don't remember sucking this bad. Especially the first two tracks. I really like "Blame Game" and "Lost In The World".
A lush, epic, melodramatic, hip hop saga of an album. I wanted to dislike this, but much of it is pretty great. For someone that spouts such abhorrent views, Ye is surprising touchy about a South Park episode poking fun at him. Rating: 4/5 Playlist track: Runaway Date listened: 31/03/23
Not for me.
Great album - typically, I listen to these at school before students arrive, and I chose to not listen to this one owing to content, but I have listened to it previously and it is charming.
The first Kanye album that I was exposed to, such a great album from start to finish
Non male ma non il mio genere
Former US President Barack Obama correctly identified Kanye West as a jackass and if you can separate Ye's antics and outbursts from his music you might be able to enjoy this record for what it's worth. There are at least 4 great tracks on this record that are good enough to stand on their own outside of his complicated legacy. However, the remainder of the tracks are of uneven quality. Bracketing all the negative Kanye stuff would only put this record in three star territory reaching for that unattainable fourth star. Unfortunately for me, as the owner of four of his albums, I find it increasingly difficult to hold all that extra stuff at bay. Two stars.
Já conhecia muitas das músicas do álbum, produção muito boa, Kanye pode não ser o melhor rapper mas sabe fazer uma música boa.
I looked up "beautiful dark twisted fantasy reddit" to see what people thought about this album. The consensus was almost unanimously in favor of this album: most people said it was great, some went as far as to say it's the best album ever. With some skepticism, I started listening. I was not dissapointed. This was really, really good. A lot of albums start off good or OK and turn pretty crappy as it goes on, but this album just got better as it went on. I'm seriously so impressed. Every song except Who Will Survive In America is now in my liked songs.
Might be a good album, but unfortunately from an artist with personal views that can't be justified and therefore don't allow to support his music in any way
4.0
Separating the art and the artist. Lots of amazing songs. A shame Kanye went crazy. Won't stream his music again to give him money.
Superb album. Too heavy to listen too often, but brilliant nonetheless
What a surprise! I knew Kanye West more as a celebrity with extremely terrible opinions and world views, than a musician, producer or a rapper. But oh boy, he made a really great album almost 13 years ago now! First of all, I love the marriage between Kanyes style and prog rock riffs turned into samples. It creates a fabulous atmosphere without any additional input, just such a great foundation for songs. And then you have so many collaborations from many famous rappers and singers, but every time it actually adds something special to the track. The four opening songs are instant classics, at least in some genres, amazing beats, vocals, feeling. Unfortunately, the level drops quite a bit after "All of the Lights". I didn't like that the style became much subdued and the energy of the first art of an album was gone. None of the tracks from the second half were interesting or had any repeatability value, in my opinion. But just the four tracks to start off the album were enough to place "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy" on this list. Overall, I really enjoyed this position, looks like at some point Kanye was actually a talented man!
Disclaimer: I’m on Kim’s side, I’m on Taylor’s side, and I’m on Pete’s side. Kanye’s foray into anti semitism that he has now renounced because of 21 Jump Street ??? is not ok and disgusts me deeply. However I’ve decided to rate this album based purely off the music. I’ve never listened to more than a few of Kanye’s hits before. The beginning of this album was so good I honestly thought I might have to give him a 5 against my will. Fortunately, then “All of the lights” came on, a very weak song despite my love for Rihanna. Monster would have been a very average song without that incredible Nicki verse, and I’m not giving Kanye credit for her talent! Runaway is apparently widely acclaimed but I thought it was nothing special, way too long and the last two minutes of nothing but distortion gave me a headache. Blame Game contained a lyric I found disturbing in light of the reality of domestic violence against women and the number of times victims are accused of lying “Lie and say I hit you… running my name through the mud”. It was made worse by the weird talking at the end of the song. Gross. I loved Dark Fantasy and Lost In The World. Best tracks: Dark Fantasy, Power, Monster, Devil In A New Dress, So Appalled, Hell Of A Life, Lost In The World Worst tracks: All Of The Lights, Runaway, Blame Game A final shout out to this lyric: “No more drugs for me, pussy and religion is all I need” which pretty much seems to define Kanye to this day.
Without knowing it I've heard half of this album in hockey changing rooms. it used to be all about rock music but all these youngsters seem to need some of this shit to get them pumped up. doesn't compute with my old brain but whatever, the yoof will inherit the earth. it's his most coherent album and i can appreciate the production but i always struggle to listen to anything where the singer is a despicable prick. Kanye is up in the higher echelons of gobshite dickheads that are unlistenable sat at the head table with Bonio and Chris Cunting Martin.
What an unbearable dickhead
Not his best and soundwise hasn't aged well. But some emotional highpoints of Kanye West.
Cannot be fucked with. The thing that all other hip hop and pop in the early 2010s proceeded to chase and not catch
This album seems like it what it must be to have bipolar disorder. It's honestly a little reminiscent of the later parts in The Wall. It's a singer songwriter who got so big they started writing arena rock. So many of these songs create huge moments about being unfathomably huge, which at this point is true to kanye's life. And these songs, of course, are hits. All of the Lights, Power, Monster (which really is the most important for introducing us to nikki minaj and cor revealing what jay z thinks monsters are). It's like the best wrestling. It blends the line between real and fiction to the point where it matters more than either. But like in The Wall, and like Soldier Field Presents: The Mountain Goats, there are moments of cracks and they are so heavy when you properly see them. The next line usually comes quickly as if to plaster over them, but it's not quick enough. The biggest glimpse is in the song that was too long to be a hit, maybe intentionally (it is a full 20 seconds before we hear anything besides that singular piano note), but to me the most well regarded in retrospect, Runaway. This song is brutal. It's a lament and a warning of the lot in life he spent the first half of this album glamorizing, but with the knowledge and certainty that it will not be heeded. Not by people dreaming for it, not by the people around him, not by himself. So many lines in this album really make you stop in your tracks when you finally stop grooving long enough to listen, but in this one he desperately pleads for you to hear him, but he knows nobody will. Idk if kanye's a sympathetic figure irl, probably not. I dont know how much of this is truth and how much is presented fiction. But this is a seminal work of art. And fun to listen to throughout. Shame where he ended up, but he told us here exactly what would happen. Dark Fantasy, Power, Monster, and Runaway make the playlist.
Never got the hype about Kanye. The best moments on this album are due to guest vocalists.
Better then expected
Still can't get into Kanye. I liked this album more than the last one I got here but its still a one and done.
One of the best albums ever and one of my favourites of all time. Perfect album.
This album just made me sad that Kanye became Ye. The production quality is out of this world.
Great production and enjoyed many of the features. Interesting takes on the genre scattered throughout. Some of the lyrical content hasn't aged well.
Rating: 10/10
NB
He is a world class moron, but the album is easy to listen.
Kanye, the douche...
meh... dont understand how its there, dirtbag
Don’t like him much as a person, but this album was okay
Kanye is bonkers but this album is awesome. Close 5 for me.
an absolute masterpiece of hip-hop
1-2 gute Sachen, ansonsten unauthentischer Alt-Rap mit zuviel Effekthascherei. Ach ja und Kanye isn Penner. Immernoch.
Overall to donda, a few listenable songs but overall just not too great. Power makes it a 2
Whole album is packed with hits, there’s a reason so many people consider this a masterpiece and I agree with them. When Kanye is on as a producer he is ON
Possibly his best work, which is saying something! Very varied, with features and guest verses all over the shop. Wonderful, even if it should probably lose a star for him going so fully insane in the time since. But, my rules, and I've decided it would have been six if he had stayed sane!
This is an exceptionally good album, but I struggle with Ye's lyrics too much to be able to award a 5.
Not my type of music really so found myself either mentally disconnecting and not listening, or actively skipping songs that I did not care for. Just not my vibe.
medio meh
I absolutely love this album, but it’s been tainted for me by Kanye’s appalling behaviour. Too bad.
Begrudgingly enjoyed it. Like a lot haha. Surprised by how nostalgic it was, I didn’t realize how familiar I was with it.
5 star on first listen
Great album.
Beautiful, dark, twisted, fantastic 👍🏾
p928. 2010. 3.5 stars Hip-hop/rap, so wrong audience, and comes with the usual foul language and misogynistic "lyrics" typical of the genre. Having said that, musically there is a LOT to like here - it's accessible, great hooks and faultless production. There's enough here to make me want to listen to his other albums, but I don't listen to those who admire Hitler. "Bitch I'm a monster no good blood sucker/Fat muthaf-cker now look who's in trouble"
Putting his massive ego and highly problematic personality aside (which is hard because he is a massive piece of shit) I can see why this is considered highly but it doesn’t move me
Umm, a lot of nostalgia from my teenage years with the lead singles, but I think he put out better work since then, even with Donda.
Terrible music!
you gotta be fucking kidding. starting my journey with this. haven't listened since he showed his true colours! don't need to since i'm already very familiar like most people, still probably his best. whole thing is as elegantly maximal as it needs to be. like making a self portrait from your own blood, sweat, tears, and CUM. DO I AGREE WITH IT BEING HERE? yeah, though its legacy will be tainted forevermore.
Un chef d'oeuvre ? Je pense que oui, du moins cote production de chanson. 5
I see Kanye West i skip and then straight to 1 , because there is no 0.
"Cause the same people that tried to blackball me Forgot about two things, my Black balls" - from Gorgeous Yeah well I never tried to blackball Ye, and yet here I am, having totally forgotten about his black balls. And I look forward to forgetting them again.
The time has come to have a discussion on separating the art from the artist. This time last year, I wouldn't have even thought of including something like this on an album like this, one of my favorite Kanye albums. Possibly one of the best rap albums of all time. But recently, as many have seen very publicly, Kanye fell off. But the question I have is can we still separate an artist's current "persona" or actions from work they created many years prior. If it came out that Michelangelo was a part of some weird child trafficking thing for the church, would we still appreciate his work that was done hundreds of years ago? And what is the difference between throwing away old Kanye merch and tearing down a confederate statue? Well, I'd argue the confederates showed their colors almost immediately, whereas it took Kanye at least 6-8 albums before the cracks started showing. So do you stop listening to his current albums? Do you stop listening to all of them? What about when no one is looking? Does something a person says or believes taint their prior work products (Would you live in your house if you found out it was built by a racist contractor)? I'm not sure, and I don't know if there will ever be a good answer, because none of us truly know Kanye. We may claim to, but hearing a few soundbites and clips of damning evidence doesn't seem like enough qualification to say you have a grasp on who this person is. He may be even worse! He also may be suffering from some mental issues, many undiagnosed, and at that point does that outrage turn to pity? Should it? Often, the most prolific artists are suffering from something, and it is through that suffering that their best work comes out. Whether that is a mental issue, a death (like Kanye's mom), or them losing all their sponsors and respect because they spew conspiracy theories and "free-thinking" ideologies. When we were younger, I had some skewed beliefs about certain actors. You could call it Klein Cancel Culture. I don't know if I could name them all, but I know Barbara Streisand off the top of my head, our parents would always speak ill of her, most likely due to her having a more progressive ideology than them. I have a photo of a note my mom wrote and put on the fridge that said something about the birther theory with Barack Obama. But now, actors are actually getting canceled. Kevin Spacey was completely pulled off a movie and replaced with Christopher Plumber to reshoot all his scenes (and was nominated for it). What I have learned and adopted for film, is that the choices, comments, and actions of someone on a production like a film, while not good or redeeming, should not punish the rest of the cast and crew who made that film. When you watch a movie, that person is not the only one in the credits. There are thousands of people who earned a living creating this art, and to cast aside something because of the actions of one, to me seems silly. Did a thousand people create this album? No, music is a little different. But when you have artists like Michael Jackson who are lauded as the greatest of all time and a child molester in the same sentence, then I wonder if people are picking and choosing who they cancel. Is that the best path? By precedent, Michael Jackson's music shouldn't be listened to anymore. Most of his songs sound a little slimy when you think of Billie Jean, Pretty Young Thing, etc. This is all a very long winded way of explaining that I am not cancelling Kanye's old music, in the same way that I haven't really cancelled Michael Jacksons greatest hits. Now, if Kanye were to release a new album this year, I certainly would listen to it, but I would be very weary of what is being said and if it sounds like he is going off the rails then I wouldn't listen anymore. Another way to say, he is on watch now. I also had an interesting conversation a while back with some of my friends who were explaining that it was interesting the industry was cancelling Kanye over his anti-Semitic comments but where was cancel culture anytime there are anti-black comments in rap? Why didn't any of his sponsors cancel him for any of those comments in the past, or when he rushed the stage at the Grammys. Again, cans of worms that I don't think people want to open so they settle for just burying the person. At the end of the day, I truly believe that it just takes common sense. An intelligent person should be able to separate the art from the artist, and if they can't, there is a deeper issue at work. If you want to cancel someone, you are free to. You can pick and choose like society, our parents, friends, and family do, and I don't think you'd be wrong. Just remember that these artists already made their money and they don't even know who you are. Am I a fan of this album? Yes. This is one of my favorite Kanye albums. Am I a fan of Kanye at this point in his life? Absolutely. He was arguably at his PEAK between this and Yeezus. Am I a fan of him now? No, not really. The more I have seen him outside of his music, the more I have a hard time relating to him due to his god complex and attitude towards others around him. I have very little respect for people who don't own up to their actions and take responsibility for the impact they have on those around them. Especially on minds that are more moldable such as younger audiences. There need to be consequences when people say things they shouldn't. Kanye was dropped and fell off for good reason. Should it have been earlier? Maybe. But it is that same free thinking mindset he touts that should allow you the ability to listen to this album and judge for yourself. Favorites: Dark Fantasy, Gorgeous, Power, All of the Lights, Monster, So Appalled, Devil in a New Dress, Runaway, Hell of a Life, Blame Game Album Art: I wonder if it wasn't pixelated would people have cancelled this album for what that picture is depicting.
Just a few albums ago, we got Kendrick's To Pimp a Butterfly, arguably the greatest hip hop album ever made. Why is it arguable? Because this album also exists. Sure enough, when I was tweeting about how great TPAB is, people ask if it's better than MBDTF. On that day? My answer was TPAB, but it's always a matter of recency bias. There are a handful of albums from the last decade (this one, TPAB, Yeezus, Channel Orange [which we also got recently!] and Blonde) that I hold in my highest regard, and it seems that whenever I listen to one of the five I'm convinced it's better than one or more of the others. Then I listen to another and they shuffle again. Back in the Target days, I would work backroom and could listen to music on my headphones while I worked. I had a tradition where, in the last hour of my work day, I would shift from whatever playlist I was listening to to a victory lap album. This was a frequent choice. It's almost exactly an hour long, and it's an intricate tapestry. Every track is cinematic; the strings throughout get that point across very well. Features are jam-packed, with some of the greatest names in hip hop. And damn, you know an album's good when Jay-Z is featured multiple times and his verses are some of the WORST on the project. Everyone (else) brought their A-game to this one. Unsurprising, given the lore: this album was recorded in Hawaii in a sort of retreat setting. Supposedly, artists were required to wear suits to the studio. Maybe I'm misremembering that, but it wouldn't shock me from Kanye. Kanye has become a real piece of work recently, and not in an artistic sense. He's spiraled into this bizarre realm of right-wing conspiracies and antisemitism that's disappointing at best. One of my favorite artists of all time, and I've been unable to listen to him lately, not because I'm not supposed to but because his voice just reminds me how awful he decided to become. This album's interesting, because it followed what I'm sure some of the world thought would be his biggest controversy we'd have to weather: interrupting notable white woman Taylor Swift during an award speech. The world at large and industry hated him, so he retreated to a (luxurious) island and emerged with this, one of the most impressive and bombastic concept albums of this century, if not ever. Plenty of people debate whether he could (or must) do that again to save himself this time, but I just don't think it can be done. Instead, hearing this today and knowing where he's put himself now, it feels appropriate. This is and was his "comeback" album from controversy, today as it was 13 years ago. His music has already become pervaded by his weirdo politics, so he can't do this again. But hearing MBDTF reminds you why we tolerated the madman in the first place. As for the music itself, it's phenomenal. Endless quotables, stunning and extravagant production, and a strong concept of a man struggling with his fame and the temptations surrounding him. What do you give the man who has it all? As of this year, apparently not a dreidel. This album was made by a mad scientist of a man, who years later became a Nazi sympathizer. Incredibly unfortunate and embarrassing for him, but if that's the road he chooses, we can find comfort in his old stuff and not engage with the man today. "I Miss the Old Kanye" has never been more relevant. Favorite tracks: All of 'em, but "Devil in a New Dress" is always my favorite. Album art: This one's fun because, first of all, the centered image that's blurred is an abstract painting of a naked angel straddling Kanye or his character that this album presents. But the artist made a number of different art pieces, and the vinyl release of this album came with prints that you could slot in and out to change your cover. I have mine set to my favorite, which is the image of Kanye's head impaled by a sword. He used that as his twitter avatar for many years, and it's striking. The bold red border is great too. Such a perfect, opulent cover art. 5/5
Nope
“Pussy and religion is all I need.” Well, if that’s all you need, take a 2/5. He hides behind all the other guest artists to get any semblance of music into a track.
Better than expected
Hard to listen to this in light of his latest antisemitic hate speech, etc etc etc. In fact it colors it a bit, except for the fact that we've always know that he's an asshole. It's disappointing to know all that, when he's clearly such a talented producer and rapper, and in his best, most vulnerable moments the music is transcendent.
This is about where I get off the train with Kanye, but man, what a sound. Some of the most intricately structured hip hop you'll ever hear. He omnivorously draws from everything he can get his hands on to make something beyond genres. And yet, despite its complexity, which might come across as the hip hop equivalent of showboating prog rock, the album has an irresistible manic energy that just sweeps you up in its audacious scope. Powerful stuff. Perfect balance of id and ego. Yes, Kanye is insane, but you have to be to have this type of boundaryless vision.
Fuck Kanye. But, this was a tour-de-force. I know around this time there wasn't a lot of prog-hip-hop or anything approaching this level of grandiosity in the genre, so for that it's admirable. Crazy collabs as well. It's not my fav. style of hip hop but credit to where credit is due.
Full disclosure..this is the first time I listened to this lp beginning to end Ignoring Kanye’s current troubles, this lp touched on so many topics and feelings. What surprised me the most was how some songs started with a musical hook, and then BAM, here comes Kanye. A well thought out album. The POWER All Of The Lights videos are so good, and dramatically different It’s a rough listen, but I will go back and listen to it again, maybe back to front next time
Close to the end of Ye's genius. After this and Yeezus, he really started slipping for me. But this record is intense. It's challenging, ok a good way.
Fuck Kanye
I don't give money to nazis.
Han undviker bottenbetyg tack vare sina samplingar, att han stjäl och att det finns någon form av melodi i vissa låtar.
No es mi estilo, pero le damos una oportunidad.... (ONB). No me ha gustado (LNM).
I went into this album with open ears and a sense of eagerness about me. The only real experience I'd ever had of Kanye West was when he played one of the worst sets I've ever seen at Glastonbury - exhibiting a total lack of imagination or care for the festival and its audience. So, when this came up as the album of the day, I was actually quite excited to see what all the fuss was about. Yes, I did listen to the full album (twice). Do I regret it? No, I do not. Will I be listening again in a hurry? No, I will not. It was a great start - an intriguing voiceover, into an almost choral "Dark Fantasy" made for an enticing beginning. I was ready for my opinions and beliefs to be changed. But it was after track one that things started to go down hill. For the majority of tracks, the disjointed formula of "spoken/rap" > "dramatic music/breakdown" > "spoken/rap" became laborious and although there's no denying that there are SOME well composed tunes that save the whole thing, I did find myself going "oh god, not again" approximately half way in. The top tier collaborations are worth noting too - I always love guests adding their own characteristics to an album but for me, it wasn't enough. Overall, this album feels largely self-gratifying - with the overriding theme of the album being "look at how amazing I am - and if you don't agree, we'll have sex and everything will be okay". I don't know - maybe at the wise old age of 28 I'm turning into a grumpy old man. But this certainly wasn't the album for me.
I’ve avoided Kanye because I always thought the dude guy seemed like a massive dick (!). Now I’ve been forced to listen to MBDTF… I listened to the album 3 times 😅 I thought every song bought something unique with a whole bunch of collabs which makes the album a ride start to finish. Especially liked the Aphex Twin sample! Dudes still a nightmare, just rating the music here okay
Runaway
He really is a musical genius. But would I add this to the 1001 list, knowing his mental status?
So sad where we are now. This album is epic and brilliant. So lyrically engaging, the beats are strong, and the sampling/creativity is off the charts. The diversity across the tracks is amazing and it is just compelling... track after track. So sad to see where he is now as an artist.
fantastic album, really pushed the envelope on what rap shouuld be. it sucks that kanye sucks so much.
Unreal. Didn’t want to like it. Loved it.
The guest roster is impressive and the beats are textured and memorable. Arguably Kanye’s last great work before he descended into the sad, hateful man he has become.
Wasn’t at all expecting to like West’s music because of the controversial bollocks he comes out with but I have to respect rhyming sarcophagus with oesophagus. He’s funny. I think he knows he’s an arse hole and is unapologetic about it. He’s got a really good grasp of rhythm and can turn simple Melodic lines into something really beautiful. I actually understand why he is famous now.
I hated everything about this album, except for the obvious level of effort that went into producing it. I’m clearly missing the point, but I did not hear one interesting song or musical idea.
Eat a dick Kanye
Nice listen, runaway alone is perfect
I was really hoping to hear Fish Sticks on this album. Alas I am disapointed but enjoyed it non the less.
One of my favourite albums!
Sounds the same way a teenager flexing in the mirror looks.
At the time of this writing, a lot has been going on with Kanye. Obviously a troubled dude, and even as someone who's pretty good at "separating the art from the artist," even I've had trouble compartmentalizing. That being said, I'm gonna leave that aside for the purposes of my review. I think few would argue against this album being Kanye at his absolute peak, and given his run up to this point, what a lofty peak it was. There's not really a weak song on this entire album, and it was one of the few that upon first or second listen, you could kind of just tell that it would be important and enduring (ya know, unless Kanye can somehow further torch his legacy/reputation). Really truly a masterpiece. Standouts: The Entire Fuckin Thing, Honestly
Not remotely interested even if it’s a good listen
It's a masterpiece. Feel off giving two 5s in a row. RIP Kanye, we miss you
surprisingly good. I had not given this one a listen before. Really solid album from the ever-polarizing Ye.
Absolute shit
Yo!
Obviously, regarding this album by the present issues with this artist is difficult, like viewing MJ without considering the spectre of pedophilia. That said, POWER is one of the snatchiest hooks of the last decade. Most of the rest of this album is a similarly amazing production level. I see some similarities between this album and Dark Side of the Moon. That seems to be the proper iconic parallel for this album for its day. Hard to swallow the fascism, this one is.
If I didn't know who this was, and I couldn't hear the tiresome, tiresome lyrics (notable exception for the use of the word "reupholstered"), I would like this quite a bit. The music tracks and the singing vocals are quite enjoyable.
Ye, can you get please just stay in the studio? There is some undeniable talent here, even if some of that talent may be surrounding one’s self with others will talent.
A Kanye West album definitely wasn't on my wish list for Christmas so I took the day off and didn't listen. Too bad Ye is such a public mess because a lot of this album is truly great. Yeah, some of it is misogynist-ick and some of it is just plain ick. But several of the songs really got to me in a way that's hard to reconcile. Once again, I am failed by a one-dimensional scale.
I don’t really want to hear any more about Kanye so I was not happy with this Christmas present. Still, I got through this and must admit that it is an impressive album. The production spares no expense. It’s expertly crafted. The lyrics are often pretty great although there are some dud moments. Like the Chris Rock skit at the end of the Blame Game - yuck. Some of these songs are truly great. If I had never heard of Kanye this would likely be a 5. He definitely complicates my feelings greatly about this album. Going with a 4 but part of me thinks that’s too high and part of me thinks that is too low.
Probably my favorite Ye. Devil in a dress bops mega hard, and has always been in my list of fave jams. But yeah, oi vay listening to his albums doesn’t feel too kosher anymore.
There’s a line in monster where Kanye says “I crossed the line. And I’ll let god decide.” Well I think God is going to slap the shit out of Kanye when he reaches the pearly gates. There are a few boppers and some very unique & creative beats. Impressive that he produced the entire record himself. Much less interesting lyrics than college dropout or late registration. He stopped rapping about god and decided he was a god. Fame is a helluva drug 2.5/5
Even if Kanye didn’t go off the deep end, this album still would have aged poorly. Generic pop sound with incredibly cringy lyrics. Somehow this album is cheesier than Meatloaf… and I don’t think that was intentional. This is probably Kanye’s most famous album, but it lacks the wit and charm from his previous work. Blame game is good tho. 1.5/5
One single word: overproduced. The record starts with a set of songs that all hear the same, beautifully produced pop sounds, intro by some choir either men or women and then mixed, and then the lyrics by Kayne. In the middle there are some more raw RAP songs. That sounds actually quite interesting from time to time. At the end it comes back to the same style as with the start of the record and then he closes with a song that disparages democracy. My summary: kind of boring, too much of the same, not my preferred choice.
Fuck Kanye. This album slaps but fuck Kanye.
Hell no. 0 stars.
Almost gave this a pass, but if I could make it through Radiohead and The Flying Burrito Brothers, I can put up with this. The hubris, egocentrism, and sheer audacity that is Kanye are in full effect here, especially on the spoken word cringe fest "Blame Game'. That is an excellent song if you've ingested a household cleaner and need to induce vomiting.
Kanye is a horrible person, but this album is a masterpiece.
2010년산 클래식 - 가가 가가 못지 않은 예가 얘야