The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. 

Album: Kanye West, 808s & Heartbreak, (Roc-A-Fella)

Reviewed
Sunday 23 November 2008 01:00 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Kanye West is both a large talent and a supersized ego, and any new recording is a battle for which of the two will come to the fore.

Against the odds, this time the face-off has gone the right way. '808s and Heartbreak' is a suite of electro-soul, constructed from bare elements of an echoing drum machine, West singing (rather than rapping) through a vocoder, and distant, dampened piano. It won't be pumping out of any car stereos, but will soundtrack many a long dark night of the soul.

Click here to purchase this album

Pick of the album: Bucking the trend: 'Paranoid' is anomalously upbeat

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in