Kanye West- 808s and Heartbreak Album Review
24 Nov
This is how I was introduced to Kanye West. At the time, the rising star wowed America with this chill-inducing rendition of “Jesus Walks.†Kanye showed off his extreme passion, massive ambition, and theatrical flair. He was a fresh face in his genre, and he was something special.
Fast-forward three and a half years. West is the number one name in music. He is hailed as one of the best, if not the best rapper in the world. But when he premieres his new song, “Love Lockdown,†at the MTV Music Video awards, something strange happens about two minutes in. That’s when people realize that the self-proclaimed “voice of the generation†isn’t rapping, but singing. The entire song.
All artists shift styles at some point in their life. It’s part of the creative process! But as gutsy as Kanye’s move was, it still had many people wondering: “Where are you, Yeezy?â€
As more of 808s and Heartbreak leaked, however, people began to see what the legendary rapper/producer was doing- making original, catchy, and ultimately great music. While it still pains me that Kanye isn’t quite as good of a singer as he sounds on the tracks (due to the wonders of Auto-Tune), I’ve gotten over it and have come to respect his incredible ear for beats, hooks, and production value.
West impressed me from the start with “Love Lockdown,†the track he used to show the world that he could make whatever type of music he wanted to, and make it well. Its hard to avoid getting the tribal drums, piano chords, and surprisingly strong Kanye crooning stuck in your head.
Kanye’s inventive production of “Love Lockdown†had me hungry for more, and he delivers on Heartbreak, creating something new with each song in a different way. “Amazing†takes another wacky drum/piano beat and relies on some dark, brooding singing to strong effect. “Welcome To Heartbreak,†initially a pounding, synth-heavy track, has now been edited into a piano-led tune with Kanye’s emotional lyrics and hypnotic oo-ing showcased. “Tell Everybody That You Know†features a guest appearance by Young Money himself, as he and Kanye trade verses off each other to a gradually rising series of strings and synths. And best of all, “Paranoid†fuses the vibe of an 80s dance song with a modern pop-chart hit. When the group chorus responds to West’s “bay-bay, don’t worry ‘bout it†with a triumphant “anyway, they don’t know you like I do…they’ll never know you,†it sounds simply excellent.
Most original of all is “Robocop,†a stunning track with an excellent bridge (“Okay, okayâ€) and some phenomenal use of auto-tune (with the auto turned all the way up). The song has been changed since its initial leak, now featuring a full-blown string section on par with Ra Ra Riot and Vampire Weekend. West loves to incorporate strings into his songs (check out his live album, “Late Orchestrationâ€), and while the original “Robocop†had a loveable robotic sound, this newfound orchestration works extremely well, too.
The only song that doesn’t fall too far from the norm is “Heartless,†but it doesn’t matter. With its funny, trademark Kanye lyrics (“How could you be so Dr. Evil?â€), staccato strings, and singing/rapping, the song makes for a great single, and fits in well with the rest of the album.
West’s biggest accomplishment on Heartbreak is his ability to convey the same passion he does through rapping (see “Hey Mama,†“Heard ‘Em Say,†“Jesus Walksâ€) through singing. You don’t need to look further than this album for Kanye’s most emotional work. When the chorus chimes in behind him on “Streetlights,†it’s magical. And when West samples Tears For Fears on a tribute to his late mother, “Coldest Winter,†it works brilliantly. “Memories made in the coldest winter,†he sings, “goodbye my friend, will I ever love again?â€
And we just might have said goodbye to the old Kanye, my friend. 808s and Heartbreak contains barely any expletives, and no bragging about the “good life.†No, not this Kanye. This Kanye has been through a rough year. And the raw emotion he brings to every track proves that point.
But West proves more than one point on this record. He proves that he knows exactly what kind of record he wants to make, even if it’s an entirely new genre (he calls it “heartbreak.â€) He proves that sub-par singing can still bring out an emotion not found on your typical auto-tune album (think T-Pain). And he proves that you never quite know what to expect from Mr. West.
Just like the artist himself, Heartbreak has its flaws and imperfections. “Amazing†doesn’t quite reach its potential. Opener “Say You Will†plods on for way too long. And “Bad News†makes you a tad weary of Auto-Tune. But also just like the artist himself, Heartbreak is something original, experimental, and overall, special.
Recommended Tracks: “RoboCop,” “Street Lights,” and “Paranoid.“
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nice review!!! we’re so generous with our bulbs
haha
I have to say that although you started off the review on a rough note (“West is the number one name in music”), I was very satisfied after reading it, great in-depth review of each track.
Decent amount of tracks on the album that were a good listen, but when it comes down to a final rating I’d probably have given it somewhere between a 7.5 – 8, at most. This new genre, ‘Heartbreak’ as he calls it, obviously highly influenced by auto-tune is good while it lasts. However, auto-tune can only do so much when compared to true singing talent. It was a great first shot at taking a break from rapping, but as impressive as the album is, it somehow leaves you expecting/wanting more. :-S
dope review of the album bro..i heard that kanye’s already going to start working on a 5th album soon. does anyone know if this is true?
Dont doubt it Naeem — currently, the only way to make it in this industry (right now) is to release albums like CRAZY! You can’t wait 2 years between albums anymore. Not if each album only peeks at a couple million in sales, each. Especially rap records. It’s INSANE if a hip-hop record sells over 2 mill nowadays.
Anyway, GREAT review. I agree with about 95% of it. Lol, but really solid stuff.
808′s is definitely one of the best albums of 2008. The best “hip-hop” record of the year, without a doubt.
Since Kanye is really big on the GRAMMYs… I wonder where this album would fall under? The Pop Category? The R&B? Rap?!?! It would be weird if it’s nominated for rap awards. But would it be weirder to see Kanye win Pop/RnB awards? Hmmm…
Haha — I was actually wondering the same thing! I don’t think this is considered rap… like at all. But it would be fucking crazy to see Kanye West win a pop/rnb grammy… but this album deserves A GRAMMY!
9.5/10 for me.
Haven’t listened to the album yet, but I feel like I have. Awesome review, it makes me want to buy the album. But I’m saving my money for the Killers!
I’m deeply in love with this album, and I’m glad that after much commentary and debate, PMA feels the same way. Way to go guys!
One Love!
Is it really that good? I’ve been holding out on the new leaks, but I’ve heard the “Unmastered” version of a few songs (Heartless, Coldest Winter, Robocop) and I like it somewhat… but I guess this album can be a grower…?
What do you guys think?
It’s DEF a grower. Trust me. I didn’t like it at first. Now its like my #1 album lol
Best rapper? Hardly, there are far better than Kanye. But I admit the album is dope. I thought the album was going to suck when I heard all that leaked footage, but its hot in its own way.
My favorite tracks
Welcome To Heartbreak
Paranoid
Street Lights
I like what he’s trying to do t,
i wonder if he might have went a little over the top?
i’ve been really feeling this
remake of Good Life
by Brooklyn indietronica band nite club
even better
oh word!
http://www.myspace.com/niteclubmusic
Excellent review. This album is outstanding.
“He is hailed as one of the best, if not the best rapper in the world.”
I’m sorry, what?!
Your knowledge of rap and hip hop is quite evident with a ludicrous statement like that. Kanye West, whilst he is my favourite artist, he is not even in the top 10 list for best rappers in the world. Ask anyone that is passionate about hip-hop and rap. Damn, ask anyone that listens to music.. Don’t get me wrong, Kanye West is an amazing & talented guy, and this album is one of the best things I have heard but Kanye West’s writing ability (with the exception to ‘All Falls Down’ and some of his earlier material) has never been his strongest attribute.. it has always been his production skills.. He is pretty much the modern day Dr. Dre
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/columns-editorials/id.1261/title.parkbench-studies-is-808s-heartbreak-our-chronic
The fact of the matter is that the auto tuner has been “played out.”
And to say that this album is original because of the fact that he’s using an 808 and an auto tuner is like saying that Power Rangers season #37 is original because they added purple as one of the colors.
All he did was use a sound that has been used time and time and time again by other artists before him.
sorry John and Anon- the “best rapper” comment may have been misinterpreted.
I know music well enough to understand that “technically,” Kanye wouldn’t be considered in today’s “top tier” of rappers. However, I feel that due to his startling mainstream success, many people who DON’T dig deep into the rap world, and ONLY know the charts and the top 40 stuff, would consider him the best, or their favorite rapper that they are AWARE of.
However, I am not taking anything away from Kanye as a lyricist. As a matter of fact, in the very article you posted, the writer says that save for Jay-Z, “few artists keep me on the edge of my seat lyrically” the way Kanye does.
I am not saying you are wrong, just defending myself- have I cleared up what I meant?
Glad you agree with me that the album is sick though!
I also found this link- Ye’ made it into the quarterfinals of a “best rapper alive” contest run by Vibe.
http://www.vibe.com/bestrapper/bracket1.html
So while many people may not find Kanye to be even close to “one of the best rappers in the world,” I think enough do that it is a viable statement to make.
A really good, insightful and thorough review. A little generous with the bulbs (I think 8 would have been more appropriate) but its good to see Kanye experimenting and showing off his more emotional side.
All that said, I can’t wait for the rapping and old school hooks to come back! I’m looking forward to ‘Good Ass Job’!!
It just isnt the kanye i know and loved…
some of the songs are good but there is such a thing as too much, and on this album its his use of auto-tuner…
The music as with all kanye albums is well produced catchy and clever and i think that with other albums he had the clever lyrics to go with it, but with this album i just dont feel it as much, i love two or threee songs but apart from that it really isnt anything special.. who does he think he is cher?? its not what i want to hear and i got bored of the over use of auto-tuner very quickly. Lil’ Wayne, as much as i dislike him is smarter than kanye with his use of auto tuner combining it with his singing and rapping as well, and using it rather intermittently in his recent work as opposed to the constant relentless use from kanye. It’s too much to have an album full of it. i wont be buying it but i wouldn’t be supprised if i acquire it in some way….
also too generous with the rating for me its nothing over a 7.5
great review of this album. its so nice to actually see people appreciating this album instead of bashing it. Welcome to Heartbreak is in my opinon the best song on the cd but i honestly dont dislike one of them. And i hear kanye is planning on releasing a rap album in august 09
NICK thanks for the link
to NITE CLUB !
It’s the best version of Good Life
for sure!
indie meets hip hop and 2009 is born!
I dont know about the best rapper, but yeezy is up there. now if kanye dont win THE grammy for this. there will be problems. Call me crazy but this album, to me, is better than graduation. NO OTHER RAPPER would even dream of doing this, and kanye made it a top 5 album of the year. I’ve always liked his cockiness, bucuz when ur that good, u dont need to be humble. YEEZY, u the best