According to Wikipedia, “The album has been characterized as West's most experimental and sonically abrasive work.” That’s a pretty good way to describe the first track, “On Sight,” which was about as off-putting of an album opener as I’ve heard. But then we get into the easier-to-appreciate songs where Kanye’s genius is much more apparent to this amateur listener. That being said, this is an aggressive and dark album lyrically, and the sound captures that essence exactly.

Kanye is another artist who’s taken on a caricature-like quality in my mind. But the image I have of him - as a conflicted, angry, brilliant lyricist and even more brilliant producer - matches this album perfectly. And after hearing the breadth of sounds on this album, I think Kanye could make a hit in any genre he chose.

Jams

“Black Skinhead”

Originally part of Objectivity In Rating Music, part 2.