Kanye West is the self-proclaimed voice of this generation. Assuming this premise, our generation is Auto-Tuned and disheartened. How promising…
808s & Heartbreak: a bold and inquisitive work from the genre-shifting Chicago-getter Kanye West. A work that strays from conventional means in order to experiment with emotions and alternative vibes, which are portrayed through Auto-Tune filtered lyrics and drum patterns constructed using the TR-808. Kanye utilized the TR-808 drum machine in each track on this album for a tribal effect.
As far as singing quality goes, Kanye’s ability to hit a falsetto is not within proximity. However, despite no naturally brilliant singing ability, his heartfelt tonality and soulful delivery constitute for a successful album. Upon first listen, I wondered if a combination of rapping and singing could have harmonized to enhance the album. I later surmised that the “less is more” approach speaks volumes to his rhythmic proportionality.
Also, I realized that there is already a juxtaposition that occupies 808s & Heartbreak: contemporary pop and tribal culture. Kanye is going “Old Skool” in the literal sense in that he resounds the tribal drum, which had large significance in older civilizations, mainly African and Native American. My assumption is that the tribal effect is intended to provide shamanic properties and induce a state of spiritual release, acting as a catalyst to his profound views on love.
The production is the album’s best asset.
They’re a few tracks that jolted my temperament, some of which I enjoyed comprehensively, and others not as much.
“Say You Will” is the first track on the album and echoes retro video game console sound effects. The song revolves around desire, and the inhibiting factor that plays a role in lust and love. The sinews of the melody are warped appropriately, corresponding with the subject matter. Say You Will is one of the stronger tracks on the album, despite three minutes of instrumental. Although the instrumental may have been intentional, the idle beat leaves the listener wanting counterbalance.
“Amazing” features Young Jeezy, whose rap verse distinguishes the song from the rest on the album. Kanye intended this song to inform “haters” that no matter how hard they try to discourage him, he will prevail. He communicates this by recognizing his bestial disposition. Jeezy toots his own horn as well, only his expression is more symptomatic of “traditional rap”. The tribal ambiance is salient in the drum pattern of this song.
“Paranoid” is a bizarre track that sounds like an urbanized rendition of Kraftwerk. The song talks about letting worries subside and focusing on the moment. Although not fulfilling in substance, its catchy chorus and lingering melody fastens the listener.
Although each song has an agreeable sound in 808s & Heartbreak, my favorite tracks are Say You Will, Street Lights, RoboCop, and Paranoid.
The loss of Kanye’s mother, loneliness, and a longing for companionship and a sense of normalcy inspired the conception 808s & Heartbreak. Kanye stated, “This album was therapeutic — it’s lonely at the top.”
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