After the conceptual trilogy namely ‘The College Dropout’, ‘Late Registration’ and ‘Graduation’, the Kanye West ‘Dropout Bear’ has finished school. Back to be his own self, his new work ‘808s & Heartbreak’ is bringing the message of love and care, via not his previous external persona but a true self from within.
A farewell to the indulging and materialistic world, ‘808s & Heartbreak’ is the most heart-felt and emotional work of Kanye West to date. Responding to his affair with ex-lover Alexia Phifer, he stated that ‘Things are always sad towards the end, but we are still great friends.’ With his beloved mother passing away not long ago, it is no surprise that a gloomy and dark atmosphere echoes throughout the album.
Apart from ‘heart break’, there is ‘808’. This is not a pure hip hop and rap musical feast, nor a ‘sex, violence and swearing’ full frontal, therefore the ‘parental advisory’ label has retreated from the album cover. The theme of ‘the return of love’ can sound corny, but ‘808s & Heartbreak’ is moving and emotional. Using Roland TR-808 as its base and with the help of auto-tune, the sound is soulful and enchanted with layers of electronic sound, a perfect enhancement to Kanye’s vocal. The tender first single ‘Love Lockdown’ is in nostalgic Electro style; ‘Heartless’ is touching and spot on.
‘808s & Heartbreak’ is catchy and personal. It is simple and to the point. The cover for special edition is customized by KAWS. The crushed, ripped-apart heart-shape balloon on the cover is a blunt and graphic illustration.
Text: Bruno Moonbyrd | Translation: dilettante
Update: 30 Dec 2008
