Kanye West - Graduation
Roc-A-Fella
September 11th, 2007.
On the precipice of the pop rap sphere sits Kanye West's third studio album, Graduation; a sparkling endeavour which stylistically departed from the soul-centered sound in which Kanye was known for. A switch-up of sorts, Graduation hones in on the celebratory aspects of life - the perspective gained after the come-up. Rockstar status was on the horizon, Graduation being the sunrise which illuminated said sights.
Life on the road would change Kanye's approach to music. No longer were small venues being attended to - stadium tour life necessitates stadium tour living, and with it, stadium tour material. That's not to say that previous projects lacked that 'big time' feel, they just weren't engineered for said sole purpose. A wider net was therefore cast over the pop spectrum. The material on Graduation embodies nightlife's sheen; bright lights and bravado make themselves known. It's not without its downsides though. The bright lights of hedonistic living cast beams on the unseen corners. Like living with a rose-coloured tint, only for it to malfunction from time to time. Life cannot be avoided. Reminders of the world's weight are always within arms reach.
The completion of a moment in time can be as triumphant a moment as any. Put on the shades, drop the top on the convertible, pop the champagne, and indulge in the lavish side of life. Life is for living, once you've put in the work. However, as we would soon find out, too much pleasure and pain ensues - welcome to heartbreak. The other side of the mountain can be heaven or hell - what you do with it is what you get; every high has its equal low. The dynamic of life must, and will, maintain.
The trio of College dropout, Late Registration, and Graduation proved to be an inspirational undertaking - both thematically and musically. The progression of sound and style is one of sheer quality - Kanye set himself apart with the release of Graduation. It solidified him as an out and out giant of the music world - Flashing Lights and Can't Tell Me Nothing alone are enough to render a man invincible.
