Introduction
808s and Heartbreak is a landmark album in Kanye West's discography, as well as in the history of hip-hop and popular music. Released in 2008, the album marked a radical departure from West's previous style of soulful, sample-based rap music, and instead embraced a minimalist, electronic sound that heavily relied on the use of the Roland TR-808 drum machine and the Auto-Tune vocal effect. The album was inspired by West's personal turmoil, following the death of his mother Donda West and the breakup of his engagement with Alexis Phifer. West channeled his grief, loneliness, and alienation into an introspective and emotional album that explored themes of loss, heartache, and fame.
The album's production is sparse and cold, creating a contrast with West's previous albums, which were lush and warm. The 808 drum machine provides the backbone of the album, creating a pulsating and hypnotic rhythm that reflects West's heartbeat. The Auto-Tune effect, which West learned from T-Pain, distorts and manipulates West's voice, creating a robotic and futuristic tone that conveys his emotional detachment and vulnerability. The album also features prominent use of minor keys and synthesizers, creating a dark and melancholic atmosphere that matches West's mood. The album's sound was influenced by 1980s synth-pop and electropop artists, such as Phil Collins, Gary Numan, and Kraftwerk, as well as contemporary artists, such as Kid Cudi, who was featured on the album and helped West with the songwriting.
The album's lyrics are personal and confessional, as West opens up about his struggles with fame, love, and loss.
Say You Will
The album opens with a haunting and minimalist track that sets the tone for the rest of the album. Kanye West sings in a distorted and robotic voice, using Auto-Tune to convey his emotional detachment and vulnerability. He repeats the same four lines throughout the song, expressing his loneliness and longing for a lover who has left him. He begs her to say that she will be there for him, even though he knows she won't. The song is accompanied by a simple and sparse beat, consisting of a kick drum, a snare, and a synth pad. The beat creates a hypnotic and pulsating rhythm that reflects West's heartbeat. The song also features a violin solo by Caroline Shaw, which adds a touch of melancholy and beauty to the song. The song ends with a long and eerie outro, lasting for over three minutes, in which the beat fades out and only the synth pad and the violin remain. The outro creates a sense of emptiness and isolation, as if West is left alone in the dark.
Welcome to Heartbreak
The second track is a contrast to the first one, as it features a more upbeat and energetic beat, with a prominent bass line and a catchy hook. The song also features a guest verse by Kid Cudi, who was one of West's protégés and collaborators at the time. The song is about the downside of fame and success, as West and Cudi reflect on how their wealth and fame have alienated them from their families and friends, and how they have sacrificed their happiness and love for their careers. They also express their envy and regret for the people who have normal and fulfilling lives, such as having kids, getting married, and celebrating holidays. The song is ironic and sarcastic, as West and Cudi mock themselves and their lifestyles, while also acknowledging their pain and dissatisfaction. The song also samples a children's choir singing "Keep Risin' to the Top" by Doug E. Fresh, which adds a contrast and a twist to the song's theme.
Heartless
The third track is the most successful and popular single from the album, reaching the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song is a bitter and sarcastic song, as West accuses his ex of being cold and cruel, and questions her motives for leaving him. He also expresses his anger and frustration, as he claims that he still loves her, but he also hates her. He calls her heartless, and compares her to a witch and a nightmare. The song is catchy and infectious, with a catchy chorus and a memorable melody. The song also features a simple and effective beat, with a synth riff and a drum machine. The song also showcases West's use of Auto-Tune, as he manipulates his voice to create different effects and emotions, such as anger, sadness, and sarcasm. The song also has a music video, which is animated in a rotoscope style, and depicts West's relationship with his ex in a stylized and surreal way.
Amazing
The fourth track is a defiant and triumphant song, as West celebrates his success and achievements, and declares himself as amazing. He also brags about his skills and talents, and compares himself to legendary figures, such as Michael Jordan, Martin Luther King Jr., and Muhammad Ali. He also challenges his critics and haters, and claims that they can't stop him or bring him down. The song features a guest verse by Young Jeezy, who also raps about his success and greatness, and adds a street and gangsta edge to the song. The song also features a sample of "21st Century Schizoid Man" by King Crimson, which adds a rock and progressive element to the song. The song also has a powerful and epic beat, with a heavy bass, a choir, and a guitar. The song also has a music video, which was filmed in Hawaii, and shows West and Jeezy in various scenic and exotic locations, such as a volcano, a waterfall, and a beach.
Love Lockdown
The fifth track is the lead single from the album, and one of the most influential and innovative songs of West's career. The song marked a radical departure from West's previous style of rap music, and instead embraced a minimalist and electronic sound, that heavily relied on the use of the Roland TR-808 drum machine and the Auto-Tune vocal effect. The song is a powerful anthem of heartbreak, as West declares his love for a woman who has betrayed him and locked him out of her life. He also expresses his confusion and desperation, as he doesn't know what to do or how to move on. He also admits his mistakes and flaws, and asks for forgiveness and a second chance. The song is accompanied by a simple and minimalist beat, consisting of a kick drum, a snare, a hand clap, and a piano. The beat creates a contrast and a tension between the low and high frequencies, and between the soft and hard sounds. The song also features a tribal and percussive outro, in which West is joined by a group of drummers, who create a rhythmic and explosive climax to the song. The song also has a music video, which is shot in black and white, and shows West in his apartment, as he sings and dances to the song, while also smashing things and breaking down.
Paranoid
The sixth track is the most upbeat and danceable song on the album, as it features a funky and groovy beat, with a disco and synth-pop influence. The song also features a guest appearance by Mr Hudson, who sings the chorus and adds a British and pop flair to the song. The song is about West's paranoia and insecurity, as he suspects that his lover is cheating on him, and that she is lying and hiding things from him. He also expresses his frustration and anger, as he accuses her of being paranoid and crazy, and of ruining their relationship. He also tries to convince himself and her that they are happy and that they should stay together. The song is ironic and contradictory, as West is both the accuser and the accused, and as he is both paranoid and in denial. The song also has a music video, which features Rihanna as West's lover, and shows them in various scenarios, such as in a hotel room, in a car, and in a club.
RoboCop
The seventh track is a humorous and playful song, as West compares his ex to a robot and a cop, and mocks her for being cold, rigid, and controlling. He also makes references to the 1987 sci-fi movie RoboCop, and uses metaphors and wordplay to describe their relationship. He also expresses his resentment and regret, as he wishes that he never met her, and that he could erase her from his memory. He also admits that he still misses her, and that he can't get over her. The song features a catchy and melodic beat, with a string section, a xylophone, and a drum machine. The beat creates a contrast and a balance between the organic and the synthetic sounds, and between the sweet and the sour tones. The song also has a music video, which is animated in a stop-motion style, and shows West and his ex as dolls, who act out scenes from their relationship, such as going to the movies, having dinner, and fighting.
Street Lights
The eighth track is a melancholic and introspective song, as West reflects on his life and his journey, and compares it to a ride in a car at night. He sings about how he feels lost and directionless, and how he doesn't know where he is going or what he is doing. He also sings about how he feels stuck and hopeless, and how he can't seem to change or improve his situation. He also sings about how he feels lonely and empty, and how he misses his loved ones and his home. He also sings about how he feels like time is passing him by, and how he can't catch up or keep up with it. He also sings about how he feels like he is wasting his life and his potential, and how he can't find his purpose or his meaning. The song features a simple and ambient beat, with a piano, a synth pad, and a drum machine. The beat creates a soothing and relaxing atmosphere, that contrasts with West's sad and restless lyrics. The song also features a sample of "Will You Love Me Tomorrow" by Smokey Robinson, which adds a soulful and nostalgic touch to the song.
Bad News
The ninth track is a dark and depressing song, as West sings about the bad news that he has received from his ex, and how it has affected him. He sings about how he feels betrayed and hurt, and how he can't believe or accept what she has done to him. He also sings about how he feels angry and bitter, and how he wants to get back at her and make her suffer. He also sings about how he feels depressed and suicidal, and how he wants to end his pain and his life. He also sings about how he feels addicted and dependent, and how he can't let go of her or of his drugs. The song features a gloomy and ominous beat, with a guitar, a bass, a piano, and a drum machine. The beat creates a tense and dramatic mood, that matches West's tragic and hopeless lyrics. The song also features a sample of "See-Line Woman" by Nina Simone, which adds a bluesy and soulful element to the song.
See You in My Nightmares
The tenth track is a hostile and aggressive song, as West sings about his ex, and how he hates her and wishes her the worst. He also expresses his resentment and regret, as he blames her for ruining his life and his happiness. He also admits that he can't forget her, and that he still sees her in his dreams. The song features a guest verse by Lil Wayne, who also raps about his ex, and adds a rap and rock edge to the song. The song also features a sample of "You Can't Stop Me Now" by RZA, which adds a soulful and cinematic element to the song. The song also features a loud and distorted beat, with a guitar, a bass, and a drum machine. The beat creates a chaotic and angry mood, that matches West's and Wayne's bitter and spiteful lyrics. The song also has a music video, which shows West and Wayne in a dark and surreal setting, as they rap and sing to the song, while also being haunted by their exes.
Coldest Winter
The eleventh track is a somber and emotional song, as West sings about his mother, who passed away in 2007. He sings about how he misses her and how he feels like he has lost a part of himself. He also sings about how he feels cold and numb, and how he can't cope with his grief. He also sings about how he hopes that she is in a better place, and how he wishes that he could see her again. The song features a sample of "Memories Fade" by Tears for Fears, which adds a nostalgic and melancholic touch to the song. The song also features a dramatic and orchestral beat, with a choir, a string section, and a drum machine. The beat creates a powerful and epic mood, that matches West's heartfelt and sorrowful lyrics. The song also has a music video, which shows West in a snowy and barren landscape, as he walks and runs towards a bright light, symbolizing his mother.
Sure, here is my review of the last song on Kanye West's 808s and Heartbreak:
Pinocchio Story
The twelfth and final track is a live and freestyle song, as West sings about his desire to be a real person, and not a puppet of fame and media. He sings about how he feels unhappy and unfulfilled, and how he can't find true love or joy. He also sings about how he feels misunderstood and judged, and how he can't express himself or be himself. He also sings about how he wishes he could go back to his childhood, and how he misses his mother and his innocence. The song features a sample of "Pinocchio" by Walt Disney, which adds a contrast and a irony to the song. The song also features a raw and spontaneous beat, with a piano, a guitar, and a drum machine. The beat creates a chaotic and emotional mood, that matches West's improvised and passionate lyrics. The song also features the sounds of the audience, who cheer, clap, and sing along with West, creating a sense of connection and empathy. The song also has a video, which shows West performing the song at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, as part of his Glow in the Dark Tour.
Influence Today and the Future
Kanye West's 808s and Heartbreak is widely regarded as one of the most influential albums of the past decade, as it reshaped the rap and R&B landscapes with its innovative and emotional blend of electronic, pop, and hip-hop elements. The album's use of the Roland TR-808 drum machine, the Auto-Tune vocal effect, and the themes of loss, heartache, and fame inspired a generation of artists who grew up in its wake, such as Drake, Kid Cudi, Young Thug, Future, The Weeknd, Frank Ocean, Post Malone, Juice WRLD, Travis Scott, and many more. These artists adopted and expanded on West's style of singing and rapping about their personal struggles, feelings, and aspirations, while also experimenting with different sounds, genres, and aesthetics. 808s and Heartbreak opened the door for more diversity, creativity, and vulnerability in hip-hop and popular music, and its impact and legacy can still be felt and heard today.