808s And Heartbreak
Here is something I posted earlier on gearslutz.
I love most of 808s.
Kanye may not have a great vocal technique or the best lyrics but then music has never been about just that. It’s a classic case of the sum being way bigger than the parts. (mediocre arrangement + ok lyrics) * X factor = great music sometimes. I’d go as far as saying any random throwaway R & B act that has been on the radio in last decade can out sing John, Paul, George and Ringo yet the Beatles will outlast them all.
Despite his very obvious handicaps, Kanye manages to connect on an emotional level. I reckon what grabs people is the seeming “honesty” in his music. If you are judging him from the perspective of a musician/lyricist, you’d probably be utterly disappointed but he sure sounds amazing to an accountant or a dentist.
Contrary to what a lot of people are saying on here, it is obvious that the guy is aware of his shortcomings as a singer. He has acknowledged so verbally in interviews and even said he kept his lyrics simple because he didn’t think he could manage to sing any complex melodies.
I may be stretching this a bit but i see parallels between Kanye & Obama. Must be something in the Chicago water. Both guys want to do it NOW!!!. Why should Kanye wait till he has the vocal prowess of a Marvin Gaye and why should Barack wait till he has 20 years in the senate? This is what they have to offer now and they have the audacity to go for it. I think it may irk a few musicians who have been waiting to be virtuosos before they are confident enough to release any of their material to see an artist like Kanye who is confident enough to grow in the public eye with warts, auto-tune, heartbreak and all.
It’s a lot like Chris Rock’s bit about Janet Jackson, Jermaine Dupree & $4 Bentleys.
I guess he also has a valid point with his art argument if you juxtapose his work to that of say Pablo Picasso. My point being that my 4 year old daughter can give Pablo a run for his money if you hand her some brushes and paint.