Graduation (Parental Advisory) [Digipak] [ECD] - Kanye West > Reviews > Harder Better Faster Stonger ? Kanye's Graduation

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics	Thought-provoking
Quality and consistency of tracks	A couple of weak links
Value for Money	Excellent

Advantages:	some amazing songs with excellent lyrics and great production .
Disadvantages:	some bad songs with rubbish lyrics and mediocre production

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

'Graduation' starts off well. 'Stronger', the album's first release, becomes more likeable with every listen. Kanye asks "does anyone make real shit anymore?" which is rather ironic when uttered by a rapper who endlessly recycles music himself. When was the last time he made "real shit"? And does this addiction to the sample not then necessitate some limit to the accolades he can be awarded as an artist? Still, on the 'Stronger' track, Kanye dabbles with a different direction. Instead of sampling old R&B and hip-hop classics, he opts for Daft Punk and produces an interesting and upbeat song that is Graduation's stand-out track.

Another noticeable track is 'Good Life', featuring the singer T-Pain and borrowing heavily from Michael Jackson's 'PYT' (see para's 1 & 2). An infectious, enjoyable song, the production is on point and, as the lyrics demand, you immediately want to "throw your hands in the sky" and break in to dance. So much so that Kanye is releasing this marketable and radio-friendly track as his second single. 'Everything I Am' is a deep and slow tempo song which reiterates "everything I'm at, made me everything I am", referring to how tough experiences create a stronger and better person. The song has a vibe to it, with a catchy but mellow tempo, and like 'Good Life' exemplifies the type of qualitie expected of a future single release.

The album concludes with 'Goodbye' which is another pleasant sounding tracks that ticks all the right boxes without ever taking off with the kind of bang expected when Kanye is closing an album. With a smooth vibe and reggae feel, the song predictably speaks of "loosing someone you never got to say goodbye to" and "not dwelling on the past but looking forward to the future."

As an artist, Kanye is difficult to assess. He has released two very good albums and established himself as a high flyer in the hip-hop industry. His new single 'Stronger' reached number one in the UK and has had a great deal of success. However, the tantrums he throws whenever he doesn't win some meaningless award or accolade are reason enough to compare him to an overgrown baby too willing to throw his dummy out of the pram.

'Graduation' is by no means amazing. There are some great songs that showcase Kanye's skills as a rapper and music producer. As a whole, however, it does not prove itself worthy of all the hype.