When Graduation leaked on the Internet about three weeks before its release date, there wasn’t as much praise and discussion surrounding it as there was concerning West’s previous album, Late Registration. Most of the buzz contiguous to Graduation had to do with the highly publicized “battle” between 50 Cent and West’s album sales, since their release date was to be on the same day.
However, it seems as if most of the public saw through this stint, and focused more on West’s substance on Graduation, which seemed to be much like his previous two albums; beautifully produced with soul driven synth leads, and MC skills that continue to have it’s doubters that aren’t afraid to blog about their feelings.
Still, upon listening to Graduation, I was extremely pleased with the majority of the album, both with the production, and MC skills. Tracks featuring such current big-timers as T-Pain, Lil Wayne, Mos Def, Dwele, and Chris Martin (of Coldplay) all belong in a 2007 time capsule.
There is a lot of subject variety on the album, featuring a track that deals with relationship issues between West and Jay-Z (big brother), a song dedicated to the beautiful city of Chicago (Homecoming), and plenty of other songs (Stronger, I Wonder, and Champion) that are sure to be party favorites just as Through The Wire was in 2004.
Still, it is very easy to sense West’s insecurity as an MC through his lyrics, frequently bringing up “haters” and clearly showing what seems to be an underdog complex. Alas, after Graduation’s success is shown, West will have no reason to be thought of as an “underdog” again.
release date: Tuesday, September 11, 2007
