Kanye West
808s & Heartbreak

Campus Correspondent Review By Hunter Embry,
Indiana University Southeast

On his latest release, 808s & Heartbreak, Kanye West transforms his already unique sound into something larger. He takes a step out of his egotistical world and successfully attempts an honest and sincere glance into his life, guiding the listener through a dark, depressing and lonely picture, while showcasing his newly-found smooth vocal style.
The title track is full of slow-tempoed native beats and orchestral arrangements, topped by a singing Kanye West. “Say You Will” is simple with bass-filled tribal drums backed by Gregorian chanting and alerted with two electronic notes that serve as a simple click-track.

“Welcome to Heartbreak” follows with what sounds like the dark cello riff from System of a Down’s “Aerials.” West questions the meaning of his accomplishments with lines like: “My friend shows me pictures of his kids and all I can show is pictures of my cribs.” The saddening lyrics mix well with the grand piano and washed out snare. The track culminates in West’s realization that his materialistic life isn’t what he wants. He sings: “Chased the good life my whole life long/Looked back on my life and my life gone/Where did I go wrong?”

West continues to do right with 808s & Heartbreak in the first single, “Love Lockdown,” which is based on a beautifully pitched vocal melody that shifts keys in a T-Pain style. Kanye has spent the last two years touring the biggest (traditionally rock) festivals and his music is gravitating toward that of his new peers. The African-styled beat and heart-thumping bass team with a frantic piano to create an eclectic electronic rock song.  

The album takes a more up-beat swing on “Paranoid,” in which West returns to the Daft Punk, dance vibe, captured by ‘80s synths, while “See You in My Nightmare,” marks the return of the two highest profiled creative forces in popular music. Lil Wayne graces the track with his always-amusing metaphors and wacky vocal styles, but this time the two don’t audibly caress over a hard-hitting rap beat, but over-top rhythmic synthesizers, orchestral strings and a single timpani.