MY Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Kanye West
2nd Review
Ok I knew this was going to be a
hot album as soon as I heard POWER on
youtube for the first time. That song is just one of many greats on this album.
In fact I think not only is this Mr. West’s best album thus far, but its also
the most versatile rap album ever, bar none.
The beats on every song are
amazing. POWER reminds me a lot of Stronger from Graduation, but its better
lyrically. Sure the beat isn’t as good, but this song is incredible. In fact
after hearing this song its clear that Kanye is one of rap’s elite lyricists
now(in case you didn’t think so after Graduation or his auto-tuned 808’s &
Heart Break). The songs before that, are also incredible. Gorgeous has a rock tuned beat that keeps the album feeling well,
very dark. Especially with Kid Cudi’s chorus….The song features strong raps
from Kanye, and verse from Raekwon of the Wu-Tang Clan. Man that’s 2 new
artists I’ve only started liking since 2009 in one song!
The first song Dark Fantasy has an infectious beat, and Leona Louis on the chorus.
Kanye spits fire as well. This song kind of feels like the beginning of some
Twisted Tale….perfect right? “Can We Get Much Higher?” Well yes the album does
have some better songs on it, but this opener already sets the bar high.
All
of the Lights is in the argument for best song here. An interlude precedes
it. It took so many people to make the song, and it has so many elements that
it blows away anything the rapper has rapped on in the past. Kanye’s verses are
good but the Rihanna leaded chorus is something of a work of art. It also
features Kid Cudi, Fergie(who sounds a lot like M.I.A.) Alicia Keys, and even
Elton John. Simply put this is a victorious song.
Cleverly placed at number 6 is the
6 plus minute long song Monster.
Monster reminds me of T.I.’s Swagga Like Us
But its not as good. Kanye spits a tight verse as does Jay-z, and Nicki
Minaj seems to do her best to steal the show. Rick Ross’s verse is weak, so I’m
assuming its just an intro. This part is where the album gets really Dark. Bon
Iver does a nice job of closing out the track. Up next is So Appalled which features Swizz Beats, Pusha-T, The RZA, and
Prince Cy Hi. This album has a creepy and dangerous sounding beat. I love the
verses as they are pretty damn impressive.
The album continues to get rather
controversial with Devil in a New Dress. Kanye’s
lyrical showcase here is just great, but it’s the deep beat and the sample that
plays that makes this song so addictive. Rick Ross redeems himself with a long
verse at the end. Ah, Runaway is a
really effective auto-tuned track. It is a bit too long clocking in at just
over 9 minutes, but it has a great beat, and a nice verse from Pusha T.(man
he’s all over this album ain’t he?). The chorus is hot.
The album doesn’t get any crazier
than on Hell of a Life. I still don’t
fully understand the subject here but it’s got a really eerie beat that you
think you’d find in a video game. There is also muffled gunshots and a creepy
voice in the background that yells (MURRDA). Blame Game is an interesting song. Kanye gets John Legend on the
chorus. The beat is sad and reminds me of 808’s and Heartbreak…except this song
is better than most songs on that entire album. Kanye raps about a love he
lost, but the song is quite bitter. At the end you get a hilarious skit with
Chris Rock. (“Yeezy Taught Me”) says the woman. I didn’t like this song at
first but I love it now.
One of the
things that makes this such an amazing album is it’s creativity. The album’s
last song Lost in the World is simply
incredible. Its not really a rap song but it’s a fitting closer to the album…as
is Who Will Survive in America
Overall Rating: 10/10