Kanye West has succeeded again with his fourth album 808's & Heartbreak. Recorded in just three weeks, West did not miss a beat-literally. Words such as dark and controversial may be used to describe this album. Dark? Maybe, to those that just appreciate West's more hip-hop influenced tracks. Controversial? Maybe, to those those that do not get the natural process of life. We love and then there's "Heartbreak". West's emotions are felt throughout the album however and does not leave you sad but appreciative of West's' talents.

West fills the album with signature arrangements by utilizing strings, piano and horns. With the use of the 808 drum machine, as indicated in the title, West creates well manicured beats that include influences from tribal rhythms. Futuristic sounds are also found throughout. West outshines the over use of samples in many of today's songs by creating his own beats on the majority of the album. The first track "Amazing" is a surprise as West sings with the use of an auto tune device but has a familiar West vibe. The second track also features West singing- one begins to wonder if this is going to be another rapper turned singer, Nelly anyone? However, West is a decent singer. West displays his passion and it is felt in songs such as the first single "Love Lockdown" and "Bad News". Although most of the album is singing, West provides hip-hop fans with great tracks "Heartless" and "Paranoid" (Can you say five stars).

West collaborates with Young Jeezy, Mr. Hudson and Lil Wayne on this album. His insights to heartbreak are found on many of the tracks and West's personal life and pain are evident. Through a breakup and recently speaking publicly about the death of his mother, West's feelings are on his sleeve. With so much emotion and passion it proves to be one of the better albums of the year. True Kanye West fans will not be disappointed. Thank you to Kanye West for participating in changing the game but not himself. In the last track titled "Welcome Back to Heartbreak" he sings

"Can't stop having these visions, I gotta keep with it"

SonicAmp Rating: 8/10