Everybodys favourite jackass is back.
Since the infamous Swift-gate incident, Kanye West has been keeping a relatively low profile but he has finally returned with a brand new album, “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy”.
The first single from the album is the defiant 'power' where Kanye compares himself to a 'superhero' and sings his own theme music: “No one man should have all that power,” he raps with predictable immodesty.
While the album is a pretentious manifestation of Yeezy's ever expanding ego, the originality and innovation exerted on each of the 12 tracks almost justifies his egotism.
Never a conformist, Kanye takes the hip hop genre and moulds it to suit his own artistic creativity. He dips in and out of rock, soul, disco and hip hop. He often pushes the envelope so far that the musical fusions become a genre of their own.
The melodic 'blame game' featuring John Legend, soulfully explores the ups and downs of a dysfunctional relationship. A self-reflective track that offers more of an insight into Kanye the man as oppose to the persona that has made him so infamous.
As the album progresses you can't help but think that he might be a schizophrenic. You've got the egotistical 'power' that serves to enhance the already negative opinion the public have of him, and then comes the vulnerability of 'runaway' and the sensitivity of 'devil in a new dress'. There is obviously much more to Kanye than his ostentatious exterior would suggest.
The album boasts collaborations with some of the biggest names in music; Beyoncé, Rihanna, Jay Z and Bon Iver. There is even a piano solo from Elton John on the anthemic ' all the lights', as well as a comedy skit from Chris Rock on 'blame game'.
“My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy”offers an insight into the crazy mind of a man who defies all musical boundaries and conventions. They say theres a thin line between genius and insanity and i'd say this album demonstrates both beautifully.
Stand out tracks: So appalled, Devil in a New Dress, Hell of a Life
My Verdict: 9.5/10
