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.
“808s & Heartbreak” is full of slow-tempo native beats and orchestral arrangements topped by a singing West. The album opener, “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 with the use of Auto-Tune, much like singer T-Pain.
West has spent the last two years touring the biggest festivals, most of them traditionally rock-oriented, and his music is gravitating toward that of his new peers. The African-style 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 synthesizers, while “See You in My Nightmare” marks the return of the two highest profiled creative forces in hip-hop music.
Lil’ Wayne graces the track with his always-amusing metaphors and wacky vocal styles. This time the two don’t audibly caress over a hard-hitting rap beat, but over-the-top rhythmic synthesizers, orchestral strings and a single timpani.
Every generation is graced with a few creative geniuses that just happen to send popular music sailing into uncharted waters. The listener should understand Kanye West is one of those people – he understands that the music is bigger than a single genre or formula, area or ethnic group. West further proves his musical genius.
By HUNTER EMBRY
Staff Writer
ahembry@ius.edu
