Kanye West puts together a sneaky-good masterpiece in “Graduation.”
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TOP 5
5. Stronger
Technically, numbers-wise, “Stronger” is Kanye West’s best track ever.
I remember the first time I heard “Stronger,” I was confused as hell. Why is Kanye West rapping over this electronic, sweaty-white-people-in-a-mosh-pit type beat? But as time passed, I realized he was ahead of his time with this one.
“Stronger” elevated Kanye to stadium status and solidified his ability to master any genre he pleased. At the same time, his verse in the track is true to himself, as he talks about sipping on drinks, being every woman’s dream, and rocking Louie. S**t, as I think about it, this track helped revolutionize hip-hop.
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 “HA HA” 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.
3. Everything I Am
Common is punching the air right now.
“Everything I Am” begins with nostalgic piano melodies that transport you back to your childhood innocence. 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. Things 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.
“Everything I Am” serves as the anthem for the ultimate underdog story. It lacks a complete chorus or prominent vocals but offers unfiltered honesty. The essence of this track lies solely in listening to Kanye’s honest words.
2. Good Life (Ft. T-Pain)
I firmly believe you have an underlying disease if you don’t like “Good Life.”
When considering “Good Life,” it’s crucial to consider the 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 is dead.
The remarkable quality of “Good Life” lies in its radiance. The song is exuberant 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 gleeful lyrics amplify the song’s impact, leaving a lasting impression. All in all, “Good Life” is a very good song.
1. Flashing Lights (Ft. Dwele)
Undoubtedly, “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. To put it metaphorically, the song’s structure resembles a luxury restaurant where Kanye attempts to pay for his meal with food stamps.
Dwele’s contribution to the track starkly contrasts Kanye’s style. His performance exudes passion and heartfelt emotion, seamlessly complementing the production. The blend of their distinct artistic approaches creates a harmonious fusion, resulting in a piece of breathtaking art.
SONG BY SONG BREAKDOWN
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OVERALL RATING
(A) (96%)
Graduation deserves more recognition than it receives, and its underrated status can be attributed, in part, to its 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, Kanye explores various moods and emotions on this album, 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 before Kanye’s mother’s tragic passing. 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. Through this shared experience, I have developed a deep appreciation for Graduation. But, aside from that, the album is also really good.
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
