“Graduation” is my favorite album by Kanye West. It offers a delightful listening experience, brimming with energy and showcasing some of his most exceptional bars and production. Below, I will provide my top 5 songs from the album and assign it a corresponding letter grade.
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TOP 5
5. BIG BROTHER
Wait a second, Kanye actually has feelings? That caught me off guard a bit.
In “Big Brother,” Kanye West openly expresses his feelings toward the man who played a pivotal role in his career, Jay-Z. However, to me, the song carries an air of insincerity. Deep down, I suspect that Kanye harbors some resentment towards Jay-Z, although I’m inclined to believe in their proclaimed friendship.
“Big Brother” builds up significantly as Kanye reflects on his initial approach to Jay-Z. Towards the end of his first verse, the beat fully reveals itself, transforming into an anthemic fusion of rockstar-like energy, incorporating elements of soul and hard-hitting basslines.
Kanye does some great storytelling in this song. He masterfully weaves descriptive narratives that leave no detail overlooked.
4. CAN’T TELL ME NOTHING
Kanye sounds as arrogant as it gets on this track. His raps are delivered slowly, aggressively, and nonchalantly, while his lyrics lean towards finger-pointing as he takes aim at his critics and those who aspire to be like him.
Jeezy’s adlibs on “Can’t Tell Me Nothing” contribute a stamp of street credibility. Lord knows Kanye isn’t the poster boy for gutter, but Jeezy might be, so an occasional “YEA” or “HAHA” lets the people know Ye has some certified hood support.
“Can’t Tell Me Nothing” should be played before you go to court for child support payments.
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3. EVERYTHING I AM
“Everything I Am” begins with nostalgic piano melodies that transport you back to the innocence of your childhood. The introduction is swiftly accompanied by skillful DJ scratches, evoking a strong sense of 80’s rap that will resonate deeply within your soul. Imagine Linus from Charlie Brown unexpectedly finding himself in a club with DJ Marley Marl.
One of the notable aspects of “Everything I Am” is its clever vibe switches within each verse. They start out sounding laidback, but gradually intensify. This dynamic shift keeps the listener’s ears engaged, which is particularly crucial for a track that embraces simplicity in its lyrics.
Crediting this song’s beat to Common sets the tone perfectly for it. It establishes the expectation that Kanye will effortlessly blend with the instrumental, proving any skeptics wrong.
“Everything I Am” serves as the anthem for the ultimate underdog story. It lacks a complete chorus or prominent vocals, but what it offers is unfiltered honesty. The essence of this track lies solely in listening to Kanye’s words as they convey a compelling narrative that resonates deeply.
2. GOOD LIFE
Following the captivating “Flashing Lights,” the subsequent standout song on the album becomes a matter of chance, and for me, it’s “Good Life.”
When considering “Good Life,” it’s crucial to take into account the time period in which it was created. At the time, T-Pain was at the height of his popularity, Kanye West was in a state of contentment, and the music landscape lacked quality. Fast forward to the present, where T-Pain’s career has shifted, new talented rap artists like Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole have emerged, and Soulja Boy’s relevance has waned.
The remarkable quality of “Good Life” lies in its radiance. It emanates exuberance and brims with infectious energy. Kanye effortlessly glides through his verses, embodying a carefree demeanor. This natural and refreshing approach adds to the song’s appeal.
The combination of T-Pain’s adlibs and his lyrics amplify the song’s impact, leaving a lasting impression.
1. FLASHING LIGHTS
Without a doubt, “Flashing Lights” stands as the pinnacle of Graduation and effortlessly outshines the rest. Kanye West possesses a remarkable ability to elevate a song when he allows other artists to shine alongside him, and on this track, he generously grants the spotlight to Dwele, the captivating beat, and the enchanting robot lady.
Interestingly, Kanye’s rap style doesn’t conform to the expected cinematic atmosphere of “Flashing Lights,” and that’s precisely what makes him so beloved. The unconventional alignment between Kanye’s delivery and the song’s grandeur is part of his artistic charm. To put it metaphorically, the song’s structure resembles a luxury restaurant where Kanye attempts to pay for his meal with food stamps—a delightful contrast.
Dwele’s contribution to the track stands in stark contrast to Kanye’s style. It exudes passion, and heartfelt emotion, and seamlessly complements the production. The blend of their distinct artistic approaches yields a harmonious fusion, resulting in the creation of breathtaking art.
SONG BY SONG BREAKDOWN
1. GOOD MORNING (4.5/5)
2. CHAMPION (5/5)
3. STRONGER (5/5)
4. I WONDER (5/5)
5. GOOD LIFE (5/5)
6. CAN’T TELL ME NOTHING (5/5)
7. BARRY BONDS (4.5/5)
8. DRUNK & HOT GIRLS (4/5)
9. FLASHING LIGHTS (5/5)
10. EVERYTHING I AM (5/5)
11. THE GLORY (4.5/5)
12. HOMECOMING (5/5)
13. BIG BROTHER (5/5)
14. GOOD NIGHT (4/5)
OVERALL RATING
(A) (95%)
Graduation indeed deserves more recognition than it receives, and its underrated status can be attributed, in part, to its inherent innocence. This innocence is particularly noteworthy considering the album’s creator, Kanye West, who has since gained a reputation similar to Satan’s. All jokes aside, on this album, Kanye explores various moods and emotions, allowing himself to open up in ways that he doesn’t in person or in his subsequent releases.
The bittersweet aspect of Graduation lies in its timing, as it was released a few months prior to Kanye’s mother’s tragic passing. Consequently, the album serves as a testament to a period in his life before experiencing such a profound loss. The problems he addresses on the album may seem trivial compared to the battles he faces today. I can personally relate to this struggle, having lost my mother around the same time. It is through this shared experience that I have developed a deep appreciation for Graduation, perhaps more so than others. If my admiration seems excessive, I apologize and seek your understanding.
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
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