My Dark Twisted Fantasy: West's comeback album
Hip-hop is about stories and the people who tell them. Kanye West is one hell of a storyteller, and his latest album, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, cements his place as one of the most important artists of our time. His most personal album so far, Kanye makes a great departure from his previous albums musically, lyrically and in content by telling the story of his comeback from the nadir of his career. Unlike his previous albums, Kanye is no longer appealing to every man; there is no "Good Life" to sing along to on this album. Instead, Kanye delivers a brilliantly crafted, occasionally dark and empowering story of redemption and triumph.This album's story really begins more than a year ago. Whether it was caused by the "Fishsticks" episode of South Park (that prompted an all-caps response on Kanye's infamous blog) or the MTV Video Music Awards snafu with Taylor Swift at the end of 2009, Kanye's public image had completely deteriorated. Kanye stayed under the radar, except for a little known short film released in October 2009, directed by Spike Jonze, that is essentially a metaphor for Kanye's public relations suicide - until he leaked the song "Power" in May. "Power" is an appropriately strong entrance back into the limelight. Cleverly using a King Crimson sample, Kanye simultaneously addresses his detractors for obsessing over him and proudly proclaims his influence on the music industry. Combined with his weekly music releases via his G.O.O.D. Fridays music program, the leak primed fans for the most exciting comeback album in recent memory.
The album opens with the incredible "Dark Fantasy." With a driving hook and string section leading to a choral conclusion that rivals a church hymnal, "Dark Fantasy" is the testament to Kanye's rebirth as an artist. This song documents Kanye's insecurity in the cultural establishment and his ultimate downfall. The beautifully simple introduction to "Runaway" prefaces some of the most revealing lyrics Kanye has ever laid down. Apologetic but proud, Kanye asks us to have a "toast for the douche bags" over his signature strings. Like he claims in his lyrics on "Gorgeous," his flawless, piano-heavy collaboration with Kid Cudi and Raekwon, this album is more than just his "road to redemption."
Kanye, in collaboration with Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj, Jay-Z and Bon Iver, absolutely kills it on "Monster." Rick Ross' rise to credibility still confuses me, but his appearance on this album confirms that he's more than a typical cocaine rapper. Minaj approaches "Monster" with the dexterity of a seasoned actress. Not to be undersold, this album is worth buying for Minaj's contributions alone. Strangely enough, Jay-Z slightly disappoints in some spots, but this is almost unnoticeable in a sea of excellent performances by Kanye and others, such as Pusha T, Raekwon, John Legend and MIA.
Forgoing the cultural references and themes of money and success of his previous material, this album focuses on Kanye's inner demons. The album plays like a film; in fact, you can watch Kanye's art film, Runaway, on his website. No song off this album works as a club banger on its own, but when the tracks are eventually mashed up and remixed, remember that you are dancing to an expression of self-awareness and introspection that Kanye has only flirted with before. Kanye West is back and more interesting than ever.
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