1001 Albums Summary

This is a really groovy album. A classic of the 70s, in fact this album screams 70s. It's got that late teenage MJ charm to it, his young and ripe vocals ripping through Get On The Floor and him dropping to the ballad She's Out Of My Life, to the fast, finalising Burn This Disco Out. Overall, a solid project if you're looking for a disco pop album to play under the mirror ball.

A jazzy, soulful hiphop record, which is considered one of the best hip-hop records of 2015, arguably the 2010s. The fast paced Wesley's Theory to the chilled out yet meaningful 'Institutionalized', to the chaotic 'u' to the track more reminiscent of its gangsta rap roots 'Alright', to the darker sounding 'The Blacker The Berry', to the happy, motivational live song 'i' that slowly decends into a riot in the audience, ending with an inspirational speech by Lamar, to the 12 minute finalising 'Mortal Man' which also completes the poem said throughout the album. A solid listen at its finest. Even if you're not a fan of rap, anyone can at least have something to appreciate about this record, whether it be the detailed, complex production, the jazzy, acoustic instrumentals or simply some chilled beats to kick back to. A lot of Kendrick's lyrics throughout the album really make you sit there and think 'wow. he just said that?' and even if you didn't grow up in Section 8 housing in Compton, anyone, privileged or not, can relate to this album. Overall, it doesn't sound like much at first listen, but once you let it grow on you, it really sticks in your mind, at least for a while.

Bold, adventurous and VERY experimental, Kanye uses a multitude of abstract sounds and samples to create a concept album that shows the side of the rich and lavish lifestyle that's not so glamourous. Ranging from soulless sex to eccentric narcissism, to a more vulnerable, softer side of one of the world's most contriversial rapper, Yeezus is an experience unlike a lot of albums. It feels raw and barebones, even the album cover shows a blank jewel case with a slip of red tape and a CD. Tracks like New Slaves tackle issues like corporate america and the system's racism against black people, while Blood On The Leaves touches on the injustices in a failing relationship. Bound 2 closes the album on a low, calm, accepting note where Kanye finds real love and peace with himself. Coincidentally, it uses the same sample as A BOY IS A GUN*, on Tyler, The Creator's album IGOR releasing in 2019, 6 years after Bound 2. Overall, a must listen for any hip-hop fan or anyone willing to jump into a more abstract side of Kanye's discography.

This album is a classic 70s banger. Not What I Needed is such a classic. This album was ahead of its time. Kicks ass.