1001 Albums Summary

Packed full of soul and rhythm and doused with jazzy groove, this record is full of indefatigable good vibes. If you would like something like that, put on Earth, Wind & Fire and let yourself be transported to a 70s discotheque. Highlight Tracks: Shining Star, Reasons, Africano 8/10

In my opinion, Kanye West’s magnum opus. A coalescence of all of his talents that he had developed over his four albums before this. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy record partly meant as a reprimand for the public and media’s backlash against Kanye a year earlier as a result of the controversy he had with Taylor Swift, but it is also a record dealing with fame, relationships, and self-reflection, a first for Kanye. This is truly one of the greatest hip-hop/rap albums of all time. And whenever a statement like that is made, it is very bold, but MBDTF deserves to be in the running for that conversation. Almost every track is a marvel of music production. The lyrics are all-around excellent and this record arguably presents Kanye West at his songwriting peak. Not to mention the features from other artists who are also great additions. It is unreal how many classic songs are in this album. The intro track, Dark Fantasy, has one of Kanye’s most unforgettable hooks, “Can we get much higher?” Songs like Power and All of the Lights can bring entire stadium crowds on their feet alongside the nonstop rhythmic drum assault that is Monster. Devil in a New Dress cannot go unmentioned, but I feel that it is a little overhyped yet still very good. But one track stands above them all and the rest of Kanye West’s discography as well to be honest: Runaway. I don’t know if there if is a single other piano note played by another man that could instantly invigorate a crowd. This track is the album’s most apparent moment of self-reflection as Kanye recognizes his own flaws in relationships and other parts of his life. This is his masterpiece song, from his and Pusha T’s verses to the iconic piano and beat, it cements itself as one of rap’s legendary moments. The other half of the album is awesome too, but at this point, just go listen to the album. It’s great. Rating: 10/10 Best Song: Runaway Other Highlights: Power, All of the Lights, Monster, Devil in a New Dress

An amazing folk rock album, although short. The lyrics are so vivid and animate and the melodies are brilliant. Great harmonies between Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel. There’s not a single track that stands out as a sore thumb. Rating: 9/10