Jump to content

808s & Heartbreak: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
m Reverted edits by 66.177.28.250 to last version by Just64helpin (HG)
←Replaced content with 'KANYE WEST IS A DOUCHE'
Line 1: Line 1:
KANYE WEST IS A DOUCHE
{{Infobox Album <!--See Wikipedia:WikiProject Albums-->
|Name = 808s & Heartbreak
|Type = studio
|Artist = [[Kanye West]]
|Cover =‎ 808nheartbreakcover.jpg
|Released = November 24, 2008<br>December 16, 2008 <small>(KAWS re-release)</small>
|Recorded = 2008
|Genre = [[Pop music|Pop]], [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]], [[pop rap]]
|Length = 52:01
|Label = [[Roc-A-Fella Records|Roc-A-Fella]], [[The Island Def Jam Music Group|Island Def Jam]]
|Producers = Kanye West, [[No I.D.]], Jeff Bhasker, Plain Pat & Mr. Hudson
|Reviews = *[[Allmusic]] {{rating|2|5}} [http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:kcfixz9kldhe~T1 2008]
*''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' (favorable) [http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/reviews-album/808s-heartbreak-1003895511.story 2008]
*''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' (A–) [http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20242628,00.html 2008]
*''[[The Guardian]]'' {{Rating|4|5}} [http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2008/nov/09/kanye-west-hip-hop-808s-heartbreak 2008]
*''[[NME]]'' (7/10) [http://www.nme.com/reviews/kanye-west/10009 2008]
*''[[Newsday]]'' (A) [http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/music/ny-etdrops5939921nov25b,0,7310415.story 2008]
*''[[Pitchfork Media]]'' (7.6/10) [http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/record_review/147813-kanye-west-808s-and-heartbreak 2008]
*''[[Rolling Stone]]'' {{rating|3.5|5}} [http://www.rollingstone.com/reviews/album/24024301/review/24597774/808s__heartbreak 2008]
*''[[The Times]]'' {{rating|5|5}} [http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/cd_reviews/article5199113.ece 2008]
*''[[USA Today]]'' {{Rating|4|4}} [http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/reviews/2008-11-23-kanye-west-808s-heartbreak_N.htm?csp=34 2008]
*''[[Vibe (magazine)|Vibe]]'' (favorable) [http://www.vibe.com/music/revolutions/2008/11/kanye_west_808s_and_heartbreak/ 2008]
|Last album = ''[[Graduation (album)|Graduation]]'' <br />(2007)
|This album = '''''808s & Heartbreak'''''<br />(2008)''
|Next album =
| Misc = {{Extra album cover 2
| Upper caption = Alternate cover
| Lower caption = Special Christmas packaging/iTunes cover
| Type = [[Studio album]]
| Cover = KAWS 808s & Heartbreak.jpg
}}
{{Singles
|Name = 808s & Heartbreak
|Type = studio
|single 1 = [[Love Lockdown]]
|single 1 date = September 18, 2008
|single 2 = [[Heartless (Kanye West song)|Heartless]]
|single 2 date = November 4, 2008
}}
}}

'''''808s & Heartbreak''''' is the fourth [[studio album]] by American [[hip hop music|hip hop]] artist [[Kanye West]], released November 24, 2008 on [[Roc-A-Fella Records]]. The album was originally scheduled for a December 16 release, but was pushed forward to increase sales during the holiday season.

==Conception==
Following the release of his third studio album ''[[Graduation (album)|Graduation]]'', the remainder of 2007 and the following year featured events that emotionally affected Kanye West. On November 10, 2007, West's mother Donda West died due to complications arising from [[cosmetic surgery]] involving a tummy tuck and breast reduction procedure.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Glover |first=Scott |title= Doctor Talks About Donda West's Death |url=http://articles.latimes.com/2007/nov/20/local/me-west20 |publisher=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=2008-11-20|accessdate=2008-11-23}}</ref> Months later, West broke off his engagement and separated with his fiancée Alexis Phifer.<ref>{{Cite news |title= Kanye West's Fiancée 'Sad' Over Breakup |url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20193726,00.html?xid=rss-topheadlines |publisher=[[People (magazine)|People]] |accessdate=2008-11-23}}</ref> At the same time, West displayed struggle in adapting to his newfound pop star status he had once strived to achieve, often becoming the subject of media scrutiny. The loss, loneliness and longing for companionship and a sense of normalcy served to inspire the conception ''808s & Heartbreak''. West stated that "This album was therapeutic — it's lonely at the top."<ref>{{Cite news |title= Kanye West Opens Up His Hear |url=http://www.mtv.co.uk/channel/mtvuk/news/460118-kanye-west-opens-his-heart |publisher=[[MTV UK]] |accessdate=2008-11-24}}</ref>

West felt that the emotions he felt within his heart could not be fully expressed simply through rapping, saying that aside from the fact that rapping had limitations, there were "melodies that were in me — what was in me I couldn't stop."<ref>{{Cite news |title= Kanye West Inspires The Question: Should Rappers Sing? |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1599993/20081121/west_kanye.jhtml |publisher=[[MTV]] |accessdate=2008-11-24}}</ref> West went to classify ''808s & Heartbreak'' as a [[pop music|pop]] album, stating his disdain towards the contemporary backlash to the concept of pop music and expressed that some greatest musicians of all time, particularly [[Michael Jackson]] and [[Madonna (entertainer)|Madonna]], were pop artists.<ref>{{Cite news |title= MTV News RAW: Kanye West |url=http://www.mtv.com/videos/news/320023/i-think-pop-has-a-bad-name-right-now.jhtml#id=1599789 |publisher=[[MTV]] |accessdate=2008-11-24}}</ref> He later stated that he wishes to present the music as a new genre called "pop art", not to be confused with the visual art movement [[pop art|of the same name]].<ref>[http://www.kanyelive.com/talk/index.php?topic=78812.0 Kanye creating new genre called "Pop-Art"]. Simple Machines LLC. Accessed on October 12, 2008.</ref>

==Production==
The album was recorded in under two weeks in Hawaii. As implied by its title, ''808s & Heartbreak'' prominently features the [[Roland TR-808]] drum machine. West felt that the 808 is an important instrument that can be used to evoke emotion; the concept was introduced to him by [[Jon Brion]]. According to West, the fact that Hawaii's area code was "808" was incidental, as he had already developed the album's title before being informed.<ref>{{Cite news |title= Kanye West Visits Big Boy's Neighborhood |url=http://vimeo.com/2013751?pg=embed&sec=2013751 |publisher=Vimeo |accessdate=2008-11-23}}</ref> The realization inspired him to pursue his direction with the album, however.<ref>{{cite news | last = Macia | first = Peter | title = FADER 58: Kanye West Cover Story and Interview | publisher = ''[[The Fader]]'' | url = http://www.thefader.com/features/2008/11/25/fader-58-kanye-west-cover-story-and-interview | accessdate = 2008-11-25}}</ref> In terms of musical direction, West's intentions, according to [[Mike Dean (producer)|Mike Dean]], were to go against the typical sound of hip hop beat, instead evoking the presence of tribal drums.<ref name="Dean">{{Cite news |last=Shaheem |first=Reid |title= Kanye West's 808s & Heartbreak Album Preview: More Drums, More Singing, 'No Typical Hip-Hop Beats' |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1597139/20081015/west_kanye.jhtml |publisher=MTV |date=2008-10-15|accessdate=2008-11-02}}</ref> Overall, West maintained a "[[minimalism|minimal]] but functional" approach towards the album's studio production.<ref>{{Cite news |title= MTV News RAW: Kanye West |http://www.mtv.com/videos/news/320022/im-just-getting-more-polished.jhtml#id=1599789 |publisher=MTV |accessdate=2008-11-23}}</ref>

The album relies heavily on the voice audio processor technology of [[Auto-Tune]]. "We were working on the remixes for [[Lil Wayne]]'s "[[Lollipop (Lil Wayne song)|Lollipop]]" and [[Young Jeezy]]'s "[[Put On]]" and he fell in love with the Auto-Tune," Dean explained.<ref name="Dean"/> Towards this end, West enlisted [[T-Pain]] for coaching on how to properly utilize Auto-Tune.<ref name=1013mixtapemonday>{{Cite news |last=Shaheem |first=Reid |title= T-Pain Describes His Involvement On New Kanye West LP; Fat Joe Salutes Lil Wayne's Carter IV Rock Edge: Mixtape Monday |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1596829/20081010/t_pain.jhtml |publisher=[[MTV]] |date=2008-10-13 |accessdate=2008-11-02}}</ref> West himself openly stated that he loves using Auto-Tune and is dismayed that the term has been commonly associated with being "wack." He considers the technology "the funnest thing to use" and compared the situation to when he was a child and thought the color pink was cool until someone told him "it was gay." He went on to state how the views of society can rob people of their confidence and self-esteem.<ref name="RapUp">{{Cite news |title= Kanye West Bares All at Album Listening |url=http://www.rap-up.com/2008/10/15/kanye-west-bares-all-at-album-listening/ |publisher=Rap Up |accessdate=2008-11-02}}</ref> He later went on to state that he enjoyed the electronic feel produced by Auto-Tune and sought out to juxtapose the mechanical sounds with the traditional sounds of [[taiko drum]]s and [[choir monk]]s.<ref>{{Cite news |title= Video: Kanye West Visits Conan O’Brien |url=http://www.rap-up.com/2008/11/26/video-kanye-west-visits-conan-obrien/ |publisher=Rap Up |accessdate=2008-11-26}}</ref> It was revealed that the occasional exaggerated vocal effects produced by Auto-Tune are meant to represent the effect of being heartbroken.<ref name="Review"/>

Rap artist [[Kid Cudi]], who had recently signed onto West's [[G.O.O.D. Music]] label, revealed that he would be featured on two of the songs on the album.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Perkins |first=Brandon |title= Kid Cudi speaks on 808's & Heartbreak |url=http://www.urb.com/permalink/3685/Kid-Cudi-speaks-on-808%27s-&-Heartbreak.html |work=[[URB (magazine)|URB]] |date=2008-10-01 |accessdate=2008-11-02}}</ref> [[Young Jeezy]] contributed a rap verse on the track "Amazing" while "See You in<!--NOT 'TELL EVERYBODY THAT YOU KNOW'--> My Nightmares" is comprised of a duet with [[Lil Wayne]]. Singer-songwriter [[Esthero]] provided the few female vocals found the album.<ref>{{cite news |title=Kanye West examines real vs. fake, puppet vs. human on '808s and Heartbreak' |url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2008/11/kanye-west-exam.html |publisher="[[Los Angeles Times]]" |date=2008-11-21 |accessdate=2008-11-22}}</ref><!--Esthero's birth name is Jenny-Bea Englishman.--> When "RoboCop" appeared on the Internet, West denied responsibility and was upset that the leak had occurred as the track was an unfinished version.<ref>{{Cite news |title= Kanye West Swears He Didn't Leak 'Robocop' |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1597934/20081027/west_kanye.jhtml |publisher=[[MTV]] |accessdate=2008-11-23}}</ref> At an album preview event, West candidly expressed that the track "is maybe the biggest wreck on the album."<ref>[http://www.youth.sg/content/view/6436/54/ Youth.SG :: Singapore - Yes, Kanye West wants to be the best]. Youth.SG. Accessed September 24, 2008.</ref> Mike Dean had previously stated that the track was expected to receive additional treatment by [[Herbie Hancock]] before the album's release.<ref name="Dean"/>

==Release and promotion==
===Imagery===
On October 14, West, in collaboration with [[Italy|Italian]] artist [[Vanessa Beecroft]], hosted a promotional album listening event at the Ace Gallery in Los Angeles in which over 700 guests were invited to preview the entirety of ''808s & Heartbreak''. Under Beecroft's guidance, the event featured approximately forty nude women wearing nothing besides wool masks who silently stood in the center of the room. The women were illuminated by multicolored lights that would change as the music progressed. When it came time for him to speak, West stated that he'd been a fan of Beecroft's work and strong imagery, saying that he liked idea of nudity because "society told us to wear clothes at a certain point". Beecroft had been contacted a month prior and conceptualized and generated the installation in a week. Beecroft admitted that while he had caught her offguard, she had the opportunity to hear the album for herself and heard things that touched her own life.<ref>{{cite news |title=Kanye West’s Listening Party: Lights, Heartbreak, Nudity |url=http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2008/10/15/kanye-wests-listening-party-lights-heartbreak-nudity/ |publisher=''[[Rolling Stone]]'' |date=2008-10-15 |accessdate=2008-11-23}}</ref> The living art installation touched on West's primary objective with the album, emotional nakedness, the freedom to express oneself without heed of what others will inevitably think.<ref name="RapUp"/>

On October 19, promotional photos for the album by photographer Willy Vanderperre were released. The images portrayed West wearing a grey [[glen plaid]] suit, large browline glasses, and a heart-shaped pin.<ref>{{Cite news |title= http://www.theclones.fr/?en/1203-kanyes-808s-heartbreak-promo-shots |publisher=The Clones |accessdate=2008-11-23}}</ref> The heart-related theme is reflected in the artwork of the album, which features a deflated balloon resembling a heart shape.

===Releases===
The first single from the album was "[[Love Lockdown]]", which had been performed live and aired on the radio.<ref>[http://www.allaccess.com/ Top 40/M Future Releases] Accessed September 9, 2008</ref> The official version of the song was posted onto West's blog on September 16 and is being played by radio stations. The song was premiered at the 2008 [[MTV Video Music Awards]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kaufman |first=Gil |title= It's Britney Spears' Night At The VMAs, While Kanye West Ends The Show With A Bang |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1594283/20080908/spears_britney.jhtml |publisher=[[MTV]] |date=2008-09-08 |accessdate=2008-11-02}}</ref> The second single announced was "[[Heartless (Kanye West song)|Heartless]]".<ref name="blogspot">[http://amajanese.blogspot.com/2008/10/kanye-west-performs-heartless.html Kanye confirms Heartless as second single and November 25, 2008 release date]. The Amajanese Blog. Accessed November 17, 2008.</ref> Another song revealed was "Welcome to Heartbreak", which appeared on a poster for an ''808s & Heartbreak'' listening event that took place on October 14.<ref name=listeningevent>[http://www.kanyeuniversecity.com/blog/?em3106=209615_-1__0_~0_-1_10_2008_0_0&em3281=&em3161= 808s & Heartbreak listening event poster.] ''Kanye West's Blog.'' Accessed October 12, 2008.</ref>

On September 24, West announced that he had finished the album and would be releasing it sometime in November. In his blog, he wrote "I changed my album to November something cause I finished the album and I felt like it..I want yall to hear it as soon as possible".<ref name=blognovember>[http://www.kanyeuniversecity.com/blog/index.php?em3106=207365_-1__0_~0_-1_9_2008_0_0&em3281=&em3161 808s & Heartbreak coming soon....] ''www.kanyeuniversecity.com.'' Accessed September 24, 2008.</ref> West later stated that the album would be released on November 25, 2008.<ref name="blogspot"/> The album was originally announced for a December 16 release, but [[Island Def Jam]], the distributing label, brought the date forward three weeks to capitalize on [[Thanksgiving]] weekend.<ref name="Sales">[http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1598986/20081110/west_kanye.jhtml New Albums From Kanye West, Ludacris, Killers To Get Rare Monday Release On November 24.] MTV Networks. Accessed October 12, 2008.</ref> A limited edition in a digipak case was first released in Germany on November 21, 2008.<ref name="Discogs">[http://www.discogs.com/release/1543307 ''808s & Heartbreak'' at Discogs.com]. Discogs. Accessed November 16, 2008.</ref> A special Christmas packaging of the album will be released on December 16 and will feature album artwork redone by [[KAWS (artist)|KAWS]].<ref>[http://www.kanyeuniversecity.com/blog/?em3106=214025_-1__0_~0_-1_11_2008_0_0&em3281=&em3161=#ugcForm announcement of special Christmas edition]. ''www.kanyeuniversecity.com''. Accessed September 24, 2008.</ref> The artwork is also available with the album at the [[iTunes Store]]. ''808s & Heartbreak'' served as West's first release without a [[Parental Advisory]] label.

On October 16, West released an excerpt of "Coldest Winter" on the radio station [[KPWR|Power 106]] in Los Angeles. The track recreates elements of the song "Memories Fade" by the band [[Tears for Fears]].<ref>{{Cite news |author=Canwest News Service |title= Kanye West gives us more 808s and Heartbreak |url=http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/arts/story.html?id=108e7f2d-e871-4469-bad5-375bb97a4a5b |work=[[Vancouver Sun]] |date=2008-10-18 |accessdate=2008-11-02}}</ref> The song "Paranoid" later leaked onto the Internet and features [[Mr Hudson & The Library|Mr. Hudson]] in the chorus. Also appearing prior to the release date were "Amazing" featuring [[Young Jeezy]], "See You in My Nightmares" featuring [[Lil Wayne]], "Street Lights", "Say You Will", "Welcome to Heartbreak" and "Bad News". An additional track, "Pinocchio Story" is a freestyle recorded at a live concert in Singapore. It was included in the album at the request of [[Beyoncé Knowles]].<ref name="Review">[http://www.thehiphopchronicle.com/2008/11/12/kanye-west-808-hearbreak-album-review/ Kanye West - 808’s & Hearbreak (Album Review)]. The Hip Hop Chronicle UK. Accessed September 24, 2008.</ref>

==Reception==
===Initial reaction===
<!-- Please do not add Reception until album is physically released, thank you. -->
The reaction to ''808s & Heartbreak'' around the time of its conception was mixed, ranging from anticipation to bewilderment to indifference. Upon the unveiling of the lead single "Love Lockdown" at the 2008 [[Video Music Awards]], music audiences were taken aback by the uncharacteristic production style and the presence of Auto-Tune.<ref>{{Cite news |title= Urban review: Kanye West, 808s and Heartbreak |url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2008/nov/09/kanye-west-hip-hop-808s-heartbreak|work=''[[The Observer]]'' |accessdate=2008-11-24}}</ref> The negative feedback intensified when West eventually revealed that the entire album would be primarily sung with Auto-Tune rather than rapped and would focus heavily on themes of love and heartache.<ref>{{Cite news |title= Kanye West Inspires The Question: Should Rappers Sing? |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1599993/20081121/west_kanye.jhtml |publisher=[[MTV]] |accessdate=2008-11-24}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | |title= Kanye West - 808s & Heartbreak |url=http://www.clashmusic.com/reviews/kanye-west |work=''[[Clash]]'' |accessdate=2008-11-24}}</ref> Numerous hip hop fans and certain rappers mocked West for becoming "sappy" while others deemed the upcoming LP as a throwaway experimental album.<ref>{{Cite news |title= Kanye West Visits Big Boy's Neighborhood |url=http://vimeo.com/2013751?pg=embed&sec=2013751 |publisher=Vimeo |accessdate=2008-11-23}}</ref> Comparisons were drawn to ''[[Electric Circus (album)|Electric Circus]]'', an album made by West's labelmate and close friend [[Common (rapper)|Common]]. MTV eventually interviewed Common to share his thoughts and views on the artistic direction of the album. Common expressed both his understanding and his support for West's intentions, stating:

{{quote|I love it. Let me tell you, as an artist, you wanna be free. You gotta do what you feel. You can't just cater to the audience. You gotta say, 'Hey, y'all, this is where I'm at.' For him to do an album called ''808s and Heartbreak'', you know that's where he is at this moment. I heard some songs, and I think it's fresh. I think the people are ready for it.<ref>{{Cite news |title= Common Praises Kanye's Singing; Lupe Fiasco Plays CEO: Mixtape Monday |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1596254/20081003/common.jhtml |publisher=[[MTV]] |accessdate=2008-11-23}}</ref>}}

West received similar approval from [[Lil Wayne]] and [[Young Jeezy]], both of whom contribute to the album. During an interview, when asked what music today inspires him, Wayne replied:

{{quote|Everybody's doing their thing, but they're not exciting. Everybody is doing the same thing. That's terrible. Do I love the music that's out right now? I love it with a passion. Does it motivate me? Not one bit. That's because ''808s & Heartbreak'' isn't out yet.<ref>{{Cite news |title= Lil Wayne Isn't Inspired By Today's Music; Rick Ross Borrows Beats From Jay-Z, T.I., M.I.A. For New Tape: Mixtape Monday |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1598384/20081031/ross__rick__rap_.jhtml |publisher=[[MTV]] |accessdate=2008-11-23}}</ref>}}

Despite the approval from the rap superstars, as well as the record-breaking chart performances of the first two singles, hip hop audiences remained indifferent towards the album, predicting it would flop.<ref>{{Cite news |title= Urban review: Kanye West, 808s and Heartbreak |url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2008/nov/09/kanye-west-hip-hop-808s-heartbreak|work=''[[The Observer]]'' |accessdate=2008-11-24}}</ref> Responding to reviews, West stated that he didn't care about sales or getting good ratings, saying that it came from the heart and that's all that matters to him. When asked about the current state of hip hop, West compared it to a high school, stating that hip hop used to be all about being fearless and standing out, and that now it is about being afraid and fitting in.<ref>{{Cite news |title= MTV News RAW: Kanye West |url=http://www.mtv.com/videos/news/320021/hip-hop-is-like-a-big-high-school.jhtml#id=1599789 |publisher=MTV |accessdate=2008-11-02}}</ref>

===Critical response===
''808s & Heartbreak'' received generally positive reviews from critics. Reviews commented specifically on the change of style from previous West releases. ''[[USA Today]]'' gave the album a perfect 4 out of 4 stars saying, "West deftly uses the 808 drum machine and Auto-Tune vocal effect to channel his feelings of hurt, anger and doubt through his well-crafted lyrics."<ref>[http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/reviews/2008-11-23-kanye-west-808s-heartbreak_N.htm/ Kanye West - 808’s & Hearbreak]. ''USA Today''. Accessed November 10, 2008.</ref> ''[[The Times]]'' also gave the album a perfect rating claiming, "This so should not work...Yet 808s & Heartbreak is a triumph, recklessly departing from the commercially copper-bottomed script and venturing far beyond West’s comfort zone."<ref>[http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/cd_reviews/article5199113.ece Kanye West: 808s & Heartbreak - the Sunday Times review]. Times Newspapers Ltd. Accessed November 10, 2008.</ref> ''[[Vibe (magazine)|Vibe]]'' expressed that "Kanye has created his greatest album to date,"<ref>http://www.vibe.com/music/revolutions/2008/11/kanye_west_808s_and_heartbreak/</ref> while ''[[The Washington Post]]'' celebrated the album's cultural themes and emotional honesty, calling it "an information-age masterpiece about falling into the depths of loneliness while a nation of millions checks your blog for updates," and anointed it "the best album released this year." <ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/11/23/AR2008112302506.html/ Kanye West, in Perfect Auto-Tune]. ''Washington Post''. Accessed November 10, 2008.</ref>

''[[Newsday]]'' gave the album an A rating, calling the album "austere and disciplined",<ref>[http://www.newsday.com/services/newspaper/printedition/tuesday/partii/ny-etdrops5939921nov25,0,3044487.story/ Newsday - 808s & Heartbreak]. ''Newsday''. Accessed November 10, 2008.</ref> while ''[[The Los Angeles Times]]'' praised the album's oddities, saying, "But as strange and even tedious as "808s and Heartbreak" might strike some listeners, it's not just a puppet show. Or rather, it is, and all the more fascinating for that."<ref>[http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2008/11/kanye-west-exam.html/ Kanye West examines real vs. fake, puppet vs. human on '808s and Heartbreak']. ''LA Times''. Accessed November 10, 2008.</ref> ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' gave a favorable review, stating that "Sonically, West pushes the envelope by relying on the drum machine from which the album takes its title, as well as the ever-popular vocoder."<ref>[http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/content_display/reviews/albums/e3i3727898fb2739b046d7e84f65a5f5c6c Billboard.com - 808s & Heartbreak]. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. Accessed November 10, 2008.</ref> ''[[The Observer]]'' gave a 4 out of 5 star rating, finding that West's personal lows made for a good album, stating, "It might seem harsh but let's hope he doesn't find too much happiness in the meantime. Loneliness is proving quite the muse."<ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2008/nov/09/kanye-west-hip-hop-808s-heartbreak/ Urban review: Kanye West, 808s and Heartbreak]. Guardian News and Media Ltd. Accessed November 10, 2008.</ref>

''[[The Chicago Sun Times]]'' thought the album had more potential than was reached, but still gave a positive critique, "If West had interspersed the more mechanical tracks with some that were the exact opposite--say, simple piano interludes provided by his old collaborators John Legend or Jon Brion--he might have made a masterpiece. Instead, he's merely given us an extremely intriguing, sporadically gripping, undeniably fearless and altogether unexpected piece of his troubled soul."<ref>[http://blogs.suntimes.com/derogatis/2008/11/kanye_west_808s_heartbreak_roc.html Kanye West, "808s & Heartbreak" (Roc-a-Fella/Def Jam)]. Sun-Times News Group. Accessed November 25, 2008.</ref> The British publication ''[[NME]]'' gave a 7/10 rating, and concluded in its review, "The resounding verdict is that it’s a surprising, but bold and brave progression from last year’s confused ''<nowiki>‘</nowiki>Graduation<nowiki>’</nowiki>''."<ref>[http://www.nme.com/reviews/kanye-west/10009/ NME.com: Album Reviews - 808s And Heartbreak]. IPC Media. Accessed November 10, 2008.</ref>

Negative criticism of ''808s & Heartbreak'' came from Andy Kellman of [[Allmusic]], who gave the album a 2/5 stars rating, while stating in a review, "For anyone sifting through a broken relationship and self-letdown, this could all be therapeutic. Otherwise, no matter its commendable fearlessness, the album is a listless, bleary trudge along West's permafrost."<ref>[http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:kcfixz9kldhe/ allmusic: 808s & Heartbreak]. All Media Guide, LLC. Accessed November 26, 2008.</ref> ''[[The Boston Globe]]'' wrote a negative review of the album, writing that West "relies so heavily on Auto-Tune, the du jour studio trick that dominates Top 40 urban radio, that you don't get a real sense of his vocal chops," and describing the lyrics as "not strong enough to build into full-blown choruses."<ref>[http://www.boston.com/ae/music/cd_reviews/articles/2008/11/24/kanye_west_bursts_into_song____not_exactly_music_to_our_ears/ Kanye West bursts into song -- not exactly music to our ears]. NY Times Co. Accessed November 24, 2008.</ref> Wilson McBee of [[Slant Magazine]] criticized his singing voice, writing that "West would be unbearable without Auto-Tune, and even with the computer enhancement he sounds only a little better than the average drunk at a karaoke bar or halfway-serious ''American Idol'' reject."<ref>[http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/music_review.asp?ID=1596 Slant Magazine Music Review: Kanye West: 808s & Heartbreak]. Slant Magazine. Accessed November 10, 2008.</ref> The ''[[New York Times]]'' concurred with this sentiment in a largely negative review stating, "Mr. West can’t sing, and it is that weakness for which this album will ultimately be remembered, some solid songs notwithstanding. For him, using Auto-Tune, the pitch-correction software with the robotic vocal effect, is a true crutch."<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/25/arts/music/25kany.html?pagewanted=2&hp Kanye West’s ‘808s and Heartbreak’ Chills on the Frills - NYTimes.com]. The New York Times Company. Accessed November 10, 2008.</ref>

==Track listing==
{{tracklist
| extra_column = Producer
| title1 = Say You Will
| extra1 = <sup>Kanye West
| length1 = 6:18
| title2 = Welcome to Heartbreak
| extra2 = <sup>Kanye West, Jeff Bhasker*, Plain Pat*
| length2 = 4:23
| note2 = feat. [[Kid Cudi]]
| title3 = [[Heartless (Kanye West song)|Heartless]]
| extra3 = <sup>Kanye West, [[No I.D.]]*
| length3 = 3:31
| title4 = Amazing
| extra4 = <sup>Kanye West, Jeff Bhasker*
| length4 = 3:58
| note4 = feat. [[Young Jeezy]]
| title5 = [[Love Lockdown]]
| extra5 = <sup>Kanye West, Jeff Bhasker*
| length5 = 4:30
| title6 = Paranoid
| extra6 = <sup>Kanye West, Jeff Bhasker*, Plain Pat*
| length6 = 4:38
| note6 = feat. [[Mr Hudson & The Library|Mr Hudson]]
| title7 = RoboCop
| extra7 = <sup>Kanye West
| length7 = 4:34
| title8 = Street Lights
| extra8 = <sup>Kanye West, Mr. Hudson*
| length8 = 3:10
| title9 = Bad News
| extra9 = <sup>Kanye West
| length9 = 3:59
| title10 = See You in<!--NOT 'TELL EVERYBODY THAT YOU KNOW'--> My Nightmares
| extra10 = <sup>Kanye West, No I.D.*
| length10 = 4:18
| note10 = feat. [[Lil Wayne]]
| title11 = Coldest Winter
| extra11 = <sup>Kanye West, Jeff Bhasker*, No I.D.*
| length11 = 2:44
| title12 = Pinocchio Story
| note12 = freestyle live in [[Singapore]], [[hidden track]]
| extra12 = <sup>Kanye West
| length12 = 6:02
}}
<small>*Co-producer</small>

==Personnel==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!#
!Title
!Notes
|-
|1
|"Say You Will"
|
<small>Songwriters: Kanye West, Jeff Bhasker, [[Young Jeezy]], [[Consequence (rapper)|Consequence]]
<br>Additional vocals: Mr. Hudson, Tony Williams, The Kadockadee Kwire</small>
|-
|2
|"Welcome to Heartbreak"
|
<small>Songwriters: Kanye West, Jeff Bhasker, [[Kid Cudi]], Plain Pat
<br>Additional vocals: Jeff Bhasker</small>
|-
|3
|"Heartless"
|
<small>Songwriters: Kanye West, [[Kid Cudi]], Jones, [[No I.D.]]</small>
|-
|4
|"Amazing"
|
<small>Songwriters: Kanye West, Jeff Bhasker, [[Young Jeezy]]
<br>Additional vocals: Mr. Hudson, Tony Williams</small>
|-
|5
|"Love Lockdown"
|
<small>Songwriters: Kanye West, [[Esthero]], Jeff Bhasker, Jones, Menzies</small>
|-
|6
|"Paranoid"
|
<small>Songwriters: Kanye West, [[Consequence (rapper)|Consequence]], [[Kid Cudi]], Jeff Bhasker, Tony Williams, Plain Pat
<br>Additional vocals: [[Kid Cudi]]</small>
|-
|7
|"RoboCop"
|
<small>Songwriters: Kanye West, [[T-Pain]], [[Esthero]], [[Kid Cudi]], [[Consequence (rapper)|Consequence]], [[Young Jeezy]],<br>Jeff Bhasker, Tony Williams, Jones
<br>Additional vocals: Jeff Bhasker, Tony Williams
<br>Samples: "Kissing in the Rain" by [[Patrick Doyle]]</small>
|-
|8
|"Street Lights"
|
<small>Songwriters: Kanye West, [[Esthero]], Tony Williams, McIldowie
<br>Additional vocals: [[Esthero]], Tony Williams</small>
|-
|9
|"Bad News"
|
<small>Songwriters: Kanye West, Bass
<br>Samples: "See Line Woman" by [[Nina Simone]]</small>
|-
|10
|"See You in My Nightmares"
|
<small>Songwriters: Kanye West, [[Lil Wayne]], Jeff Bhasker, [[No I.D.]]</small>
|-
|11
|"Coldest Winter"
|
<small>Songwriters: Kanye West, [[Roland Orzabal]], [[No I.D.]]
<br><!--NOT A SAMPLE-->Recreates elements of "Memories Fade" by [[Tears for Fears]]</small>
|-
|12
|"Pinocchio Story"
|
<small>Songwriters: Kanye West</small>
|-
|}

==Chart positions==
{|class="wikitable"
!align="center"|Chart (2008)
!align="center"|Peak<br>position
|-
|align="left"|[[Australian Albums Chart]]<ref>[http://www.ariacharts.com.au/pages/charts_display_album.asp?chart=1G50 Australian ARIA Charts] Official Peak Posistion. Retrieved on [[November 30]], [[2008]]</ref>
|align="center"|12
|-
|align="left"|[[Irish Albums Chart]]
|align="center"|11
|-
|align="left"|[[New Zealand Albums Chart]]<ref>http://www.rianz.org.nz/rianz/chart.asp</ref>
|align="center"|15
|-
|align="left"|[[UK Albums Chart]]
|align="center"|11
|}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* {{metacritic album|id=westkanye/808sandheartbreak|title=808s & Heartbreak}}

{{Kanye West}}

[[Category:2008 albums]]
[[Category:Albums produced by Kanye West]]
[[Category:Kanye West albums]]
[[Category:Def Jam Recordings albums]]


[[cs:808s & Heartbreak]]
[[de:808s & Heartbreak]]
[[fr:808s and Heartbreak]]
[[lt:808's & Heartbreak]]
[[nl:808s & Heartbreak]]
[[pl:808s & Heartbreak]]
[[pt:808s & Heartbreak]]
[[simple:808s & Heartbreak]]
[[fi:808s & Heartbreak]]
[[tr:808s & Heartbreak]]

Revision as of 22:55, 2 December 2008

KANYE WEST IS A DOUCHE

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=808s_%26_Heartbreak&oldid=255515484"