808s & Heartbreak (feat. @lathephotographer)
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So this used to be an album that I never really went back to in Kanye’s discography. Besides a few tracks, I never had a reason to go back. However, last year I randomly gave this album another chance and it just clicked. This gets heavy spins and now I can see how it’s regarded today as a huge influence on the current sound of pop, hip hop, and r&b.
Kanye is known at times to take risks but up to that point, no one really thought he would do something drastic like this. His last album prior to 808s was Graduation, and the album celebrated Ye’s newfound fame and lifestyle. The album was light hearted and fun aesthetically because that’s what represented Kanye’s life at the time. It was Kanye at the top and savoring every moment. However, 808s took a turn with Kanye shown to struggle with his new found fame and all the controversy that followed him from it as well as having trouble in his personal life. This album makes it Kanye’s darkest and most vulnerable album to date with themes of regret, loss, and fame.
Kanye is singing throughout the album with auto tune and finds a way it his own style. It’s kinda hard for me to explain, but he sounds sorta like a heartless robot. Like his demeanor at times sound cold-blooded and it fits the whole vibe of the album. But it’s weird cause he also shows a lot of heart and vulnerability. Idk.
An album full of auto tune and 808s would later on lead a new wave of artists to embrace more of this style, from its minimalistic production to its melodies. Honestly, hip hop would not be how it is now with this album. At the time many people were divided, but its influence became apparent over time. And in MY OPINION, it’s one of his best albums. (Just some brief thoughts but sorry for the long caption, enjoy the pics.)