After seeing Kanye on 106 tonight and hearing the kids in the audience chant HIS name and not 50's, I decided to post the album review that I wrote last weekend.
Good Morning - By Any Jeans Necessary
A smooth drum line and soothing vocals play behind Ye as he delivers the introduction to his "dissertation." We soon learn the definition of
Graduation as Mr. West advocates and explains a concept that embraces one's determination to rise above obstacles, think for themselves, strive for success and look ahead to the future. By far, this joint is a solid way to set the vibe...
Champion - Tell Me What it Takes To Be #1
Kanye's celebratory sermon coincides perfectly with track #2's uplifting Steeley Dan sample. But before he can share back-to-school shopping memories from his not-so-wealthy childhood, Kanye boasts about his
subsequent enhanced ability to shop. Triumph in overcoming past shortcomings is then further emphasized as West again rejects the the idea of "giving up," conveniently referencing Lauryn Hill's relationship with hip hop. Using this fervor as an analogy, Kanye asserts that "kids" can now feel invincible instead of invisible.
Stronger - Since OJ Had Isotoners
With it's futuristic sound, this smart single was a good look for "Mr. Don't Act Like I Never Told Ya." Lyrically fending off haters with the anthemic hook, Kanye insists that we should be honored by his lateness since he took the time to "show up to this fake shit." Sporting one of the best beats on the album, the song will keep anyone moving, whether it's with a two-step or the robot.
Me Likey.I Wonder - What you about?
A slow and intoxicating staccato flow helps Kanye tell stories as he asks: "you ever wonder if you'll find you dreams?" By discussing topics like intuition and
being real over synthy magic, Ye encourages us to question life's idiosyncrasies, as he does. And since any deep song can use a little comic relief, Ye
goes in to lighten the mood with a delightfully hilarious rhyme scheme using house, spouse, blouse, and finally, arous'd (my favorite). All in all, I Wonder If You Know What It Means...
Good Life – I'm Good!
You're Kanye West, why do you have T-Pain on a track? Plies, Fab and DJ Khaled
need him, not YOU! Apparently Kanye thinks T-Pain is a genius, and that may be true... I just wish he would have used a less
tired vocal. Imagine instead a soulful Cee-lo or something equivalent that would accurately match the feel-good, overly positive sound of the beat. To me, the song is cliche,
unKnaye and my least favorite, reminding me of yet another "bottle poppin'" track. However, just as my disappointment reached it's peak, the amazing video swooped in and saved the day, making the song seem a little more bearable.
Can't Tell Me Nothing – It's So Hard Not To Act Reckless
This overwhelmingly optimistic theme from previous tracks isn't going away any time soon, so get used to it! On his "I Already Graduated" shit, Ye delivers a street anthem that forces listeners to chant "Wait Til I get My Money Right" right along with him. Putting some of his nameless peers on blast, he's now an all grown-up,
worldly Ye, leading listeners into life like an army of striving achievers, urging them not to
try, but to just BE.
Barry Bonds - They Want Something New, So Let's Get Reacquainted
What sounds like "Drive Slow" Part 2 was disappointing for such a big Wayne fan like myself. One would assume greatness from Kanye and Wayne would mix well, but instead our ears are hit with an
oil and water mess. I'm not a huge fan of either verse, but the song is decent enough. And besides sounding far too similar to a song I've already heard from Kanye, the beat and hook are pretty hot, allowing me to bop my head the whole way through.
Drunk and Hot Girls - You Only Live Once, Do Whatever You Like
This song is hilarious. My ears think the beat is reminiscent of music you'd hear at a scary circus or "freak show" of the past, but others have told me they hear "Arabian Nights" so much they "want to jump on a camel" (shout out to Bozworth!) Regardless, Kanye and Mos Def highlight the trials and tribulations that go along with dealing with, well, Drunk and Hot Girls. Kanye's flow rides the beat well, contributing to the already sublime sound presented by a seemingly Asian(?) accent, singing both in English and another language throughout the song. Mos' vocal is also both pleasant and funny at the same time. I love this track.
Flashing Lights - You More, Like, Love To Start Shit
As if the production on this album wasn't already incredible, Kanye brings his serious A-game to this track. Cinematic strings are coupled with up-beat synthy tones, creating a hybrid sound that is cool, calming and exciting
all at once. Dwele, the industry's best vocal secret, adds even more swag to the track with a soft, fierce hook. One of my top 3 songs on the album.
Everything I Am - I Know People Wouldn't Usually Rap This...
Once Ye starts addressing his distaste for fakeness in the industry, the beat that first sounded kind of
dumpy begins to sound like
Truth. Haters are everywhere, warns Kanye, but he insists that his ability to be himself has led to him to rise above them and achieve his own personal success. Since he has our attention, Ye's simplistic contentment turns contemplative by the third verse when he draws on Chi-Town death statistics, refers to killing as "wack shit," and points out that muder and violence are, unfortunately, still glamorized in hop hop.
The Glory - I Know, I Know, I Look Better In Real Life
More bragging about what he has and how much he's grown over the last two years, this track is the most joyful yet.
The Glory is why he's done it all so far, and he claims that the haters are all on his coat-tails, in search of it too. The beat is a little too cheery for my taste, but put some cocktails in me and I'm sure it would make me cheese largely.
Homecoming - Do You Think About Me Now And Then?
Chicago's new anthem,
Homecoming is Kanye's attempt at personifying his city into female form, much like Cormega's "American Beauty" and Common's "I Used To Love H.E.R." did to Hip Hop. Although he simultaneously describes her
and declares his love, he also makes it clear that this relationship is 100% mutual. After all, she's helped him to grow, and he's putting her on the
map.
Big Brother - People Never Get The Flowers While They Can Still Smell 'Em
How sweet, a dedication to Jigga! Nah, seriously though... I love this track. It's as if Kanye shares excerpts from his diary throughout the years, illustrating the struggles he endured while proving himself to his idol, Hova. We begin to understand his journey, walking with him through the verses: some going at Jay, others putting him on a pedestal. For all those who think this track is quote-un-quote homo, please spare me your opinion; men can love and respect each other without being gay. Get over it.
Overall, the album is a breath of fresh air for hip hop fans. I would have liked to see some
more tracks, and maybe some
versatility in concepts (don't you ever get sad, Kanye?!), but it's still a great body of work. The kids needs this too... positive energy and self-esteem never hurt anyone. I wish I still had my car too, because Lord knows I would be bumping this album!
I'm sure (by now) most people have heard Lupe's new single Superstar f. Matthew Santos, but if not, please enjoy it here. And while you're at it, watch his video for Dumb It Down. Both are great tracks from his upcoming album, The Cool.
