808s & Heartbreak
by Kanye West
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1156 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 966 out of 1156
  2. Mixed: 74 out of 1156
  3. Negative: 116 out of 1156

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  1. thatguynamed20r
    Jun 12, 2011
    10
    Perfect album, I feel like Kanye is going on a journey, that is relatable and compassionate, I feel like I am following in his footsteps through his albums, Street lights is basic, yet the way he sings with so much emotion, it makes it meaningful and important and seem so deep.
  2. GriffinDM
    Aug 10, 2011
    9
    Screw the haters. This album is epic. Sure, it's not "classic Kanye" but it doesn't matter. Kanye finds a way to make it flow through this synth-pop/auto-tune masterpiece. I love all of Kanye's work but this album stands out. 808s has a totally different feel to it but is still able to keep up with Kanye's existing legacy. I think that this album is the no. 1 or no. 2 Kanye albumScrew the haters. This album is epic. Sure, it's not "classic Kanye" but it doesn't matter. Kanye finds a way to make it flow through this synth-pop/auto-tune masterpiece. I love all of Kanye's work but this album stands out. 808s has a totally different feel to it but is still able to keep up with Kanye's existing legacy. I think that this album is the no. 1 or no. 2 Kanye album ever. The last thing that I love is that Kanye didn't try to repeat this style on My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy and continued to make a great album in a different style.

    FAV TRACKS: Welcome to Heartbreak (feat. Kid Cudi), Love Lockdown, RoboCop, Amazing (feat. Young Jeezy)    … Expand
  3. TwistedFantasy
    Aug 1, 2012
    10
    "808s & HB" is what happened when a temporarily-depressed Hip-hop artist made a pop album... and it worked.

    Kanye uses auto-tune in an artistic way rather than an excuse for lack of talent. The auto-tune mixes well with the cold, electronic-influenced production and lyrics, which revolve around different types of heartbreak.
  4. SamSpear
    Nov 28, 2008
    8
    While this album doesn't offer the diversity and catchy hooks that Graduation graced our ears with, 808s offers a refreshing perspective on urban music. Many will criticize his heavy use of synthesized voice, but the critics forget that West's vocals are not the entree he brings to the table.
  5. RuneLanghoff
    Nov 30, 2008
    10
    only second to college dropout which scores 11 in my book
  6. JeffRicottone
    Nov 30, 2008
    10
    Heart breaking honesty and breath taking production. This album will never lose social relevance, while simultaneously putting a chink in the armor of the song wrighter/performer model. Ok ok ok, I didn't laugh, but it did make me cry.
  7. FeipeLima
    Dec 5, 2008
    10
    Fantastic Album!!
  8. wishmasterownsmysoul
    Feb 15, 2009
    7
    To really prove ur worth as a musician (or an artist in general) you need to break out of your comfort zone. His comfort zone is being an awesome rapper. In this album he is singing thourhg 95% of the songs and the auto-tune in spite of being overused to some extent is definitely catchy. "heartless" & "love lockdown" are the highlights. It is an experiment that has worked well, kind of To really prove ur worth as a musician (or an artist in general) you need to break out of your comfort zone. His comfort zone is being an awesome rapper. In this album he is singing thourhg 95% of the songs and the auto-tune in spite of being overused to some extent is definitely catchy. "heartless" & "love lockdown" are the highlights. It is an experiment that has worked well, kind of reminds me of Outkast's speakerboxx/the love below. A break away from convention that is inspiring.… Expand
  9. GB
    Feb 21, 2009
    10
    Absolutely listen to it several times. I promise if you like your music real and not paint-by numbers this one will sneak up on you. I have to put it as one of the best albums this year. I will be listening to this one for years.
  10. TravisB
    Aug 4, 2009
    9
    It's not the West we're used to but it's still a very good disc. It always pleases me when artists are able to step out from the same cutout and explore their art. Kanye has produced a great album here, regardless of his previous work and what you guys think he should sound like.
  11. KevinWormley
    Nov 26, 2008
    9
    A brilliant album that is a refreshing change from the norm. I (like many others I'm sure) don't always like the way Kanye acts in the public eye but the man is a genius and this daring album proves it. I found myself satisfied with my purchase after the first two songs and it just got better from there. Track 12 entitled "Pinocchio Story" is quite possibly the best song on the A brilliant album that is a refreshing change from the norm. I (like many others I'm sure) don't always like the way Kanye acts in the public eye but the man is a genius and this daring album proves it. I found myself satisfied with my purchase after the first two songs and it just got better from there. Track 12 entitled "Pinocchio Story" is quite possibly the best song on the album and its supposedly a freestyle he did at a live show in Singapore. Pick this album up if you want a new, refreshing sound that just keeps getting better with each track.… Expand
  12. DeboA
    Nov 26, 2008
    10
    Surprisingly Brilliant! 808s and Heartbreak find Mr. West doing more soul-searching than ever before, a reflective well sequenced and still has enough beats to be a 'Kanye' album! Not many hip hop/rap artistes would even think to do what he's done with this album and those who would dare to maybe would not have succeeded like he has! Well done, again Kanye!
  13. JJBersch
    Dec 1, 2008
    10
    It's simple, what he needed to do, and beautiful. I can't ask for much more from my favorite artist, can I? We finally get to see Kanye more personally.
  14. B.D.Ham
    Dec 7, 2008
    9
    Kanye West is back with his 4th studio album, "808s & Heartbreak". The album is much different compared to previous releases, as West releases an album full of pop beats and the Auto Tune effect. However, if the people giving bad reviews would realize what has happened in his life as of late, they'll see why the album had to be made. His personal life has been a train wreck, and he Kanye West is back with his 4th studio album, "808s & Heartbreak". The album is much different compared to previous releases, as West releases an album full of pop beats and the Auto Tune effect. However, if the people giving bad reviews would realize what has happened in his life as of late, they'll see why the album had to be made. His personal life has been a train wreck, and he pours his heart and soul into the album. 1. Say You Will - One of my personal favorites on the album, West has the PERFECT intro for the album, I really couldn't imagine it being anything else. He creates a dark mood with the track that is perfect to start the CD. Many people have complained about half the song being just instrumental, but it really is a brilliant beat, so it is not a huge deal. 4/5 2. Welcome to Heartbreak - Powerful song, where Kanye implies that he wishes to be a father ("My friend show me pictures of his kids/And all I can show him is pictures of my cribs/"). Another clever beat, and an excellent chorus by Kid Cudi is just icing on the cake. 4/5 3. Heartless - The 2nd single, and an excellent choice. West's lyrics are directed toward his ex-fiance, Alexis Phifer. The beat is very addicting, especially the piano. Another very good chorus makes it one of the best songs on the album. 4.5/5 4. Amazing - Another excellent beat produced by West. Young Jeezy's voice was an excellent contrast to Kanye's robotic Auto Tune voice. Although the chorus can get repetitive, the track is enjoyable. 4/5 5. Love Lockdown - The somewhat controversial choice for 1st single. When the song was released, it was clear this album would be much different than previous Kanye albums, and it got a mixed response. I, personally, did not like the song when it was released, but it grew on me slightly, as it did for others. It is actually on the weaker half of the album, although the drums on the chorus may be the best instrument used on the CD. The lyrics aren't anything special and the outro is a bit long. But overall, it is a decent track. 3.5/5 6. Paranoid - A strange, 80's vibe to the track, and is a sharp contrast from the "heartbreak" concept of the album. The chorus is decent, but not great. West raps more than sings on the track, which is another interesting change. I don't think the track should have happened, not that it is horrible, but it doesn't fit at all with the purpose of the album. 3/5 7. RoboCop - Like Paranoid, the beat is very upbeat, something that hadn't been seen on the first 5 tracks; regardless, it is a very good production. The song is about a girl who tries to find out everything Kanye is doing ("I told her there's some things she don't need to know/ She never let it go"). Like Paranoid, it doesn't seem to fit in with the album, but the concept of the track and the epic chorus are enough to help it pass. 3.5/5 8. Street Lights - Back to heartbreak with this track, and it couldn't come back with a better track. The beat is simple, yet quite enjoyable. West's lyrics are excellent, discussing how moments of life are like street lights passing by. His vocal performance is also one of the best on the album, and it goes perfectly with the beat. What keeps this song from being a REALLY great one, in my mind, is the annoying static in the background of West's voice, which was also present in the last chorus in Love Lockdown. It doesn't mix well with the track. 4/5 9. Bad News - West has stated that this is his favorite track on the album, but it does not work for me. The voice effects are WAY overused on the track, and Kanye's vocals are irritable with them turned on. The beat is decent at best, and although the lyrics are well written and have meaning, it is 1 positive among several negatives. 2.5/5 10. See You In My Nightmares - Possible 3rd single? (It's been rising up on the iTunes Chart) The beat is very good and the screams of "That you know!" are awesome. Wayne's chorus is put together well and his verse has some great lines ("You think yo sh*t don't stank but you are Mrs. PU"). Overall, a very good track, and I wouldn't be surprised if this was the 3rd single. 4/5 11. Coldest Winter - This song is dedicated to Kanye's mother, Donda West, who passed away last year due to surgery complications. The beat and chorus are both excellent, and the emotion on the track is present on this track more strongly than any of the others, which makes it a truly wonderful piece of music. Definite highlight. 4.5/5 12. Pinocchio Story - A live freestyle by West, which is really like an extension to the CD, but in my mind the album wouldn't be complete without it. West tells a wonderful tale of how he wishes he wasn't the famous person he is and how he wishes to be a "real boy", or a normal, everyday person, and compares how he feels to Pinocchio. The lyrics are extremely clever, definetly the best on the album. The song really brings millions of thoughts into your mind, and while not the easiest track to really listen to (no real beat, 6 minutes long), when you are in the mood to hear it, there's nothing like it. And as ironic as it sounds, the best song on the album isn't even an official track. 5/5 Overall, 808s & Heartbreak may not be as good as Kanye's rap albums (and his upcoming 2009 CD will be a return to hip hop, believe me), but it is easily the most original, the most unique, and the most thought-provoking album of the year. From the emotional moodiness of Say You Will, to the Alexis Phifer references in Heartless, to the incredible vocals of Street Lights, and all the way to the unforgettable Pinocchio Story (without that song, the album would have received 8 stars), Kanye West reaches a new height never before discovered in music, and although we will probably never see another album of this subject, we can at least enjoy this for what it is, a masterpiece from the most amazing musician in the world today.… Expand
  15. JasonL.
    Nov 27, 2008
    9
    Great album. Even though I'm not always fond of his "me, me, me" attitude, I have to give credit where it is due. This album is a good hard shove in an artistic direction. I love all music but always had a special place for hiphop. This is the direction I would like to see hiphop head in. Not necessarily the synthesized sound, which I do like, but more the artistic nature. Don't Great album. Even though I'm not always fond of his "me, me, me" attitude, I have to give credit where it is due. This album is a good hard shove in an artistic direction. I love all music but always had a special place for hiphop. This is the direction I would like to see hiphop head in. Not necessarily the synthesized sound, which I do like, but more the artistic nature. Don't get me wrong, it's still not quite where I want hiphop to be, but Kanye is opening up a little more than usual on this album, and I'm appreciating it. My favorite track...so far... is no. 2, "Welcome to Heartbreak"!… Expand
  16. SteveHeredia
    Nov 27, 2008
    8
    i wasn't sure what to expect from this album after hearing the first single, love lockdown. a definite departure from his previous work. a bold and risky move. i doubt any rapper would or could do something like this, and actually pull it off. it's clear kanye wears his heart on his sleeve and apparently, his music. while i'm sure this album was therapeutic for him and one i wasn't sure what to expect from this album after hearing the first single, love lockdown. a definite departure from his previous work. a bold and risky move. i doubt any rapper would or could do something like this, and actually pull it off. it's clear kanye wears his heart on his sleeve and apparently, his music. while i'm sure this album was therapeutic for him and one he personally needed to make, he managed to make a great album none the less...… Expand
  17. Vampire25
    Oct 28, 2013
    9
    808's & Heartbreaks is one of the biggest stylistic changes I've ever heard an artist do. Three incredibly ambitious hip hop albums, then a soulful heartbreak record that pushes every one of my pleasure buttons. The way Kanye auto-tune's his voice go perfectly with the tribal drums thudding right behind him. It's a bold move and Ye pulls it off perfectly. His lyrics are his most heartfelt808's & Heartbreaks is one of the biggest stylistic changes I've ever heard an artist do. Three incredibly ambitious hip hop albums, then a soulful heartbreak record that pushes every one of my pleasure buttons. The way Kanye auto-tune's his voice go perfectly with the tribal drums thudding right behind him. It's a bold move and Ye pulls it off perfectly. His lyrics are his most heartfelt he's ever done, ranging from the main topic: Heartbreak, to hypocrisy to consumerism and to feeling as if this fame and fortune has consumed his day to day life and how he just wants to live a normal average American life. It's his soul under his swagger that proves he is more than capable than just great beats and witty flows.

    808's & Heartbreaks is a record that will age greatly and solidify Kanye as one of America's best hip hop artists. A-    … Expand
  18. marki-t_39
    Aug 17, 2011
    9
    KanYe's 4th studio album takes us in a different direction to his previous work, and it is fantastic. This is why Kanye is top of the game, each album has a different style, each experimenting with new ideas. It keeps him fresh and varied in his style. Some great songs on this album.
  19. InTheAM
    Nov 30, 2010
    9
    I've been listening to this album for two years now and i still love it. The sound is unfamiliar and cold compared to Kanye's earlier work and through his auto-tune adjusted vocals he manages to paint raw emotion in thick layers. The production is incredibly on point. This is the album i put on to feed my inner emo on cold winter nights.
  20. d_nasty
    May 13, 2011
    8
    Kanye is doing what only a few rappers are trying with this album and that's making an "album". Here is a consistent sound and thematic tone that is somewhat engaging and brave. I love that he uses autotune and creates a world of isolation and still lets emoton leak through. I also love that he's letting the songs breathe too.
  21. AD421
    Aug 23, 2011
    10
    808s is a musical risk and a musical masterpiece. it's ahead of it's time and I feel it's greatness will be recognized as time passes. Kanye encapsulates his sorrow into one of the most somber records I've ever heard. I feel it has more relevance to post-punk and goth than it does to hip hop. Auto-tune was used to give Kanye a dead emotionless tone to his voice as if he was trying to808s is a musical risk and a musical masterpiece. it's ahead of it's time and I feel it's greatness will be recognized as time passes. Kanye encapsulates his sorrow into one of the most somber records I've ever heard. I feel it has more relevance to post-punk and goth than it does to hip hop. Auto-tune was used to give Kanye a dead emotionless tone to his voice as if he was trying to revive Ian Curtis from Joy Division and the "drum" sound on "Welcome to Heartbreak" and "Coldest Winter" are reminiscent of early Cure records. While sounding emotionless he still manages to make you feel his pain throughout the record. I can't see how people were disappointed or let down because this goes beyond hip-hop and genres. Its a mans musical exploration and it definitely paid off.… Expand
  22. PenellParis
    Sep 29, 2011
    10
    I feel like this is one of Kanye's strongest albums and in it he really lets you know what his life is going through or what position he was in at the time but not only that, i felt like i got to know him or understand him more by listening to those powerful songs. I actually think he should do another vocal album and strengthen his self in that area.
  23. marcybabey
    Oct 23, 2011
    9
    one of kanyes strongest performances, although weaker than graduation this is still a great listen. there are dark and depressing vibes throughout this album but still doesnt ruin it for me.
  24. CalR
    Feb 20, 2012
    8
    Initial skeptics would be wise to listen to the album in its entirety because its minimalist and stark compositions actually work better on the album than in the majority of the singles from this album. 'Paranoid' remains Kanye's best pop single by far, while 'Coldest Winter' and 'Robocop' provide further evidence of the electronic genius bubbling under what has become an unfairly maligned album.
  25. kidwithopinions
    Mar 8, 2012
    10
    Its simple science. He was clear with the title of what the mood was. He created multiple ways of making us feel what the theme was. Regardless if you enjoy Kanye or not, its hard to dispute that.
  26. markoreos
    Apr 20, 2012
    9
    Terrific album, unlike any other of Kanyes releases. The album is unique in that it's beats are much more 'electronic' and 'depressive', yet oh so catchy.
    As usual, Kanyes emotions and feelings are portrayed in song, and it was during a difficult time that the album was made, so it's simple to understand it's depressive stance. Really good album.
  27. MajesticUterus
    Jan 12, 2013
    9
    808s and Heartbreak is the Kid A of hip-hop. Fans didn't expect this coming. Maybe nobody did. But its sparse beats and minimalist production have a stunning effect. Nobody has used Autotune this well; maybe nobody ever will. This album is packed with emotion, honesty ("Welcome to Heartbreak", "Bad News") and idiosyncratic styles ("Street Lights"), but is balanced with more mainstream808s and Heartbreak is the Kid A of hip-hop. Fans didn't expect this coming. Maybe nobody did. But its sparse beats and minimalist production have a stunning effect. Nobody has used Autotune this well; maybe nobody ever will. This album is packed with emotion, honesty ("Welcome to Heartbreak", "Bad News") and idiosyncratic styles ("Street Lights"), but is balanced with more mainstream appeal ("Heartless", "Love Lockdown"). This album has paved the way for more emotional rappers like Drake. It's an underrated classic.… Expand
  28. ben_zo77
    Feb 3, 2014
    8
    You can hear the pain and sorrow that Kanye was experiencing as you listen to the album. 808s & Heartbreak is heavily underrated, as it is probably the greatest Auto-Tuned album of all time. It felt impossible for this album to be as good as it ended up being. This may be widely considered Kanye's worst studio album, but it's still pretty damn good.
  29. chidime
    Apr 1, 2016
    8
    Just absolutely terrific. Kanye shows us his creative side once again. Such an absolutely cohesive effort. On this album, we see Kanye showing us his emotional side like never before. By singing, not rapping, he adds a different angle to the pain we have witnessed in previous albums. The production is top-notch and the lyrics/melodies fitting. Bravo Kanye! The only drag-down for me is thatJust absolutely terrific. Kanye shows us his creative side once again. Such an absolutely cohesive effort. On this album, we see Kanye showing us his emotional side like never before. By singing, not rapping, he adds a different angle to the pain we have witnessed in previous albums. The production is top-notch and the lyrics/melodies fitting. Bravo Kanye! The only drag-down for me is that some songs just linger on without much going on. Cut this down to 9 songs and nothing essential will be missing.

    BEST- Say You Will, Love Lockdown, RoboCop
    WORST- None really.    … Expand
  30. Smellis
    Jun 21, 2013
    10
    Kanye's most underrated album. Period. Yeezus might possibly challenge it in years to come but right now, this is it. The songwriting, sample choices and subject matter are on point for me. I know that this album gets a lot of hate, but it's for the wrong reasons. I think that people hate it not because it was a bad album, but because it was a lane change and the fact that it wasKanye's most underrated album. Period. Yeezus might possibly challenge it in years to come but right now, this is it. The songwriting, sample choices and subject matter are on point for me. I know that this album gets a lot of hate, but it's for the wrong reasons. I think that people hate it not because it was a bad album, but because it was a lane change and the fact that it was inconsistent with his previous 3 efforts and the beast of an album that followed. But that does not take away from the brilliance of it. However, that's a small portion of why this album deserves a 10.

    This album has had such a profound effect on Hip-Hop and R'n'B, it's unreal. It's because of 808s that rappers have become more emotional with their lyrics. Some artists this album influenced includes but is not restricted to:
    Frank Ocean
    The Weeknd
    B.o.B
    Kid Cudi
    DRAKE. BIG TIME. So Far Gone and Take Care are oozing with 808s influence!
    Another small portion of why this album deserves a 10.

    The biggest reason this album ranks so high for me is because it's a huge turning point in Kanye's career. He made an album as to how he FELT at the time and alienated a large portion of his audience in a potential career killing move and made it out alive. Not many artists can not only come back after such an experiment, but produce such a magnificent Opus in it's wake.

    This album will get the praise and recognition it truly deserves in due time.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

6
#6 Most Discussed Album of 2008
2
#2 Most Shared Album of 2008

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 36 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 36
  3. Negative: 0 out of 36
  1. Sputnikmusic
    70
    Kanye West’s fourth album 808s and Heartbreak follows the crowd rather than leads it. Where he steps, the footprints of T-Pain are readily visible. His use of auto-tune throughout the album is heavy, and in songs like Heartless and Love Lockdown its use is appealing.
    Read full review
  2. New Musical Express (NME)
    70
    The resounding verdict is that it’s a surprising, but bold and brave progression from last year’s confused "Graduation."
    Read full review
  3. Observer Music Monthly
    80
    It might seem harsh but let's hope he doesn't find too much happiness in the meantime. Loneliness is proving quite the muse.
    Read full review
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