Kanye West has shown his wide-ranging fans a never-before-seen side of the often boastful, yet incredibly talented hip-hop star on his newest album, 808s & Heartbreak. Kanye’s collection of songs is slower and sappier than those of the past but retains the originality characteristic of the trendsetting artist. While Kanye may struggle to prove his vocal accomplishments to many listeners, he will undoubtedly awe them with his abilities as a producer.
Stimulating an abnormal amount of excitement (and criticism), the implementation of electronic audio serves as a strong theme throughout the collection. Most notably, Kanye makes use of Auto-Tune, an electronic voice processer made famous by rapper T-Pain. His familiar voice possesses a robotic-sounding freshness, making the album’s simplest tracks seem intriguing and unique. In addition, synthesizers and artificial beats are commonplace in Kanye’s new sound.
His implementation of electronic instrumentation and voice manipulation should not be misinterpreted as a disguise of talent. Instead, fans must recognize that Kanye is paving the path that has and will continue to revolutionize music in the way that the 808 drum machine, an electronic beat maker made by Roland, did to music of the ‘80s. Kanye is opening himself and fellow music makers up to a larger realm of creativity than ever before.
Lyrically, the album portrays a newfound sensitivity. Kanye sings about love, loss and life — a strong contrast to diamonds, deity and drugs. The song “Coldest Winter” is a tribute to his manager and mother, Donda, who passed away because of complications from cosmetic surgery in November 2007. The bonus track, “Pinocchio Story,” is a metaphor for Kanye’s seemingly superficial life of fame. The album’s very first track, “Say You Will,” shows the playboy seeking commitment and expressing regret. As a whole, the album highlights a soft spot that few knew existed within Kanye West.
Unfortunately, Kanye makes an unsuccessful transition from rapper to singer. Thanks to a myriad of electronic manipulation, the album is not hampered because of his subpar vocals, but I doubt the album will be winning awards solely based on Kanye’s singing talent. While it would have been difficult to rap and effectively express his strong emotion, I wish we had seen more of Kanye showcasing himself as an MC and less as a songster.
Kanye’s beats, however, make up for anything his vocals leave behind. Showcasing his production skills, he creates extraordinary rhythmic patterns suitable for both partying and relaxing. My two favorite tracks are “Amazing” and “Paranoid,” both sure to become dance floor hits. “Amazing” is a bass-heavy syncopation of vocals and percussion, while “Paranoid” possesses an ‘80s electronica feel that is extraordinarily unique. “Bad News” and “Street Lights” provide tranquil, yet catchy beats that add to the overall flavor of the collection. The album is well-suited for future remixes.
With 808s and Heartbreak, Kanye West does an incredible job in advancing his talents as a producer of music. While his singing is slightly lacking, his modern beats and style are grade A. He has, once again, led the way of hip-hop — but this time, in a softer, more humane way sure to be embraced by fans and critics alike.
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