The fourth studio album by Mr. Kanye West.
1. "Say You Will"
A story of love that is only given by one side, leaving 'Ye heartbroken with a pen and a pad. The antagonist in this leaves him with broken promises and does not provide him with the love she says she will.
"Don't say you will, unless you will"
2. "Welcome to Heartbreak" ft. Kid Cudi
A change of pace for the Louis Vuitton Don. Worldly pride is left at the door when Kanye entered this song. Comparing his superstar status and all the money and fame and physical possessions he has with the people he loves and cares for. Comparing a friend's daughter's report card with his sports cards. Or the story of a wedding he was invited to..
"My God-sister getting married by the lake, but I couldn't figure out who I wanna take. Bad enough that I showed up, had to leave before they even cut the cake, welcome to heartbreak."
3. Heartless
This comes off sounding like a rap at first listen, but if you pay attention, his tone is different. There is no anger. There is pain and heartbreak. There is confusion. The antagonist breaks Kanye's heart, but he sings that she will never find anyone better than him.
"How could you be so Dr. evil, bringing outta side of me that I don't know. I decided we wasn't gonna speak so why we up 3AM on the phone."
4. Amazing ft. Young Jeezy
This is the Kanye I know. It's not the same ego-fest as "Swagga Like Us," but he let's you know that he knows he matters. He says that he is strong, he is proud of what he has accomplished and what he has been able to make out of what life puts him through. Just when you think the song is over.. ft. Young Jeezy... He speaks of the trials and troubles they had to go through, how even with the fame life is still not easy.
"It's amazing, I'm the reason everybody fired up this evening."
5. Love Lockdown
The bass in this will knock you unconsious if you're not ready. Kanye wants you to know that love has to be a sure thing. Love will keep you trapped. It's like a cage. No matter where you are, love will keep a close watch over you.
"I can't keep my cool, so I keep it true. I got something to lose, so I gotta move. I can't keep myself, and still keep you too."
6. Paranoid ft. Mr. Hudson
The synthesizers in this make you want to forget this is a song about worrying all the time. A song about a girl that worries too much. She worries about the wrong things, the wrong things. Kanye lets her know that he can take care of her, so long as she stops worrying so much.
"Why are you so paranoid? Don't be so paranoid."
7. Robocop
Kanye is not a robot. Do not mistake it. The demo of this song felt empty and was sounding like a straight rap, and did not fit the album at all. Kanye filled the less full spaces with some strings and the song is so good your grandma will want to borrow this when you're done. He will keep things fresh, he will make you excited to see him. This is the best reference to fire safety in modern music ever. You'll know what that means when you hear the song. The biggest surprise comes at the end of the song. The big beats and thumps are out. Strings only, and Kanye's voice. Nothing else is needed.
"You spoiled little L.A. girl. You're just an L.A. Girl."
8. Street Lights
Kanye's future reminiscent song. Does he still have time to make things right in life. Does he still have time to capture life, time to progress. Can he make himself the best person he can be? He knows where he will end up, but he is wondering how he will get there, and if he will be able to accomplish everything he needs to while he still has the time.
"Seems like, street lights, glowin, happened to be just like moments, passin in front of me. So I hopped in, the cab and, I paid my fare see I know my destination, but I'm just not there."
9. Bad News
Kanye wants to be able to skip over the pain. Pretend that it never happend. He knows that it has really happened, but he will do everything he can to avoid dealing with it, because he knows it will just cause him pain.
"My face turned to stone when I heard the news. What's on the news?"
10. See You in my Nightmares ft. Lil Wayne
Kanye has gone through the sadness of a break up and now wants to move on. He knows that what they used to have was true love and a fairy tale. He doesn't have the feelings for her anymore, but he doesn't know what will happen when he embarks in deep slumber. He'll lie awake, but when he falls asleep, all things change. The guest part of Lil Wayne fits in very well. He fills the void of emotions that Kanye wouldn't dare say out loud. The pain is too much.
"How did you get there? Cause we were once a fairy tale, but this is farewell."
11. Coldest Winter
The coldest season without the love of someone dear. A season alone, left to dwell on all things sad. He is forced to make up a new life, unable to grasp what he once shared with someone else that was special and dear to him. He is sorry for what has happened, but knows he has to move on, even if it's alone.
"If spring can take the snow away, can it melt away all our mistakes?"
Overall this album is a huge stepping stone for Kanye. He took his pride and for the most part, threw it away. This is purely a heartbreak album. No one saw this coming. He took the risk of his life by changing his sound entirely. He sings this album. In GQ last year he said he wanted to be the first hip hop artist to fill up a stadium. He wanted to have that status the Justin Timberlake had, someone that people from all background could be into. This is the biggest step he has taken in the direction. With his new sound, he will attract many new listeners, but will not lose his previous fans. This is progression at it's finest.
