Kayne West’s eighth album is one that was expected but could never be predicted. 7 diverse songs amalgamated into a short and sweet 23 minutes. The first album to strip back and portray the psychedelic nature of West’s behaviour since his hospitalization in 2016, and the reflection and development within himself that has happened since. These 7 songs are a snapshot into the rebirth of West; his own summer season post his rebirthing spring, making it an innovative and reflective summer album. The tracks alternate from contemplating murder in I Thought About Killing You, discussing his Bi-polar in Yikes, an apology to his wife Kim Kardashian in Wouldn’t Leave, and his daughter in Violent Crimes. Kanye used this summer album to strip back his self-righteous and pretentious façade and deliver an incredibly candid album that sheds light on his personal life, similar to the way that the sun heals all in summertime. This album from front to back is West’s journey from darkness into the new summer’s day dawning.
The simplicity of the album cover delves further than ever expected once researched. The serene landscape on the front cover that is scrawled over was shot on the day of the album’s launch party by West and labels the album with the message ‘I hate being Bi-polar it’s awesome’. This last-minute nature is again seen when 070 Shake admits that her iconic verse in Ghost Town was recorded on the day of release. This feeling of West completing the album in the nick of time may seem hasty and rushed, however if this is so, nothing is lost in the process. The all-bearing rock chorus sung by 070 Shake in Ghost Town perfectly captures what summer represents. As the 20-year-old sings with genuine heart ‘I feel kinda free’, every listener understands that this is the purpose of the album. Ye encapsulates the freedom that comes from self-reflection. This moment shines in the album, listeners are reminded of what summer is; the nostalgic thrill of feeling the sun on your face and the grass under your feet. Complete freedom
The Cozy Corner 