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

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. ww@ww.ww
    Nov 26, 2008
    10
    w
  2. EvK
    Nov 26, 2008
    9
    Best album he has yet made.
  3. SeanSmith
    Nov 27, 2008
    10
    With his 4th album Kanye manages to deliver a piece of music that will be able to stand the test of time. Kanye perfectly captures the feeling of "Heartbreak". The cold emptiness that is inside of everyone when a person that you love leaves you. Through the use of 808 drums in combination with auto-tune and distortion effects he creates exactly this atmosphere. The album is perfect from With his 4th album Kanye manages to deliver a piece of music that will be able to stand the test of time. Kanye perfectly captures the feeling of "Heartbreak". The cold emptiness that is inside of everyone when a person that you love leaves you. Through the use of 808 drums in combination with auto-tune and distortion effects he creates exactly this atmosphere. The album is perfect from beginning to end. It just sucks you in and doesn't let you out until it's over. This is Kanye's Thriller, Joshua Tree or Nevermind. He's now in one league with the greatest artists in the world. Maybe he's even one step ahead of them.… Expand
  4. JosephA
    Nov 28, 2008
    8
    I think it sounds great, to me very much one of the most interesting and bold releases of 2008; very original & unique. I like it a lot.
  5. JoeyJohnson
    Nov 29, 2008
    9
    This is depper than most people believe. Give it time and it will grow on you.
  6. danielw
    Dec 11, 2008
    10
    Album of the year, IMHO. In time, this will come to be seen as hip hop's Sargent Pepper, an album that extends the range of an entire musical idiom. This is a hip hop album, to be sure, but one that seems to have breathed in elements of myriad other musical styles and integrated them into its DNA. I can't stop listening to it.
  7. CCooombs
    Sep 27, 2015
    8
    Personally, this one of my favourite albums by Kanye West. The raw, cold, vacant emotion that comes across in this collection of songs is breathtaking at times. The opener, "Say You Will", mixes auto-tuned vocals, drums, piano and heart monitor sounds to create a chilling and lonely introduction. Following on is the equally powerful "Welcome To Heartbreak", where West voices how, despitePersonally, this one of my favourite albums by Kanye West. The raw, cold, vacant emotion that comes across in this collection of songs is breathtaking at times. The opener, "Say You Will", mixes auto-tuned vocals, drums, piano and heart monitor sounds to create a chilling and lonely introduction. Following on is the equally powerful "Welcome To Heartbreak", where West voices how, despite all of his wealth and material possessions, he is trapped within his own depression.

    The album does have some weaker moments, particularly in "RoboCop", but overall this album is one of Kanye's most moving works. He is vulnerable, on a global stage, and holds nothing back. 808's and Heartbreak is fascinating, absorbing and engaging album that many artists today point toward when crediting their influences.    … Expand
  8. jacromwell
    Oct 16, 2015
    10
    I truly just realized that Kanye's 2008 808s and Heartbreak album is my whole current life wrapped up in 12 beautiful songs. I love Kanye's 808s and Heartbreak album with everything in me. 2008 was a hard year for Kanye, he dropped this album right after his World/Mom died, and right around the break-up of his first true love/girlfriend. 2014/2015 were the hardest years on record for me, II truly just realized that Kanye's 2008 808s and Heartbreak album is my whole current life wrapped up in 12 beautiful songs. I love Kanye's 808s and Heartbreak album with everything in me. 2008 was a hard year for Kanye, he dropped this album right after his World/Mom died, and right around the break-up of his first true love/girlfriend. 2014/2015 were the hardest years on record for me, I too lost my World/Mom, and then I separated from the only man I truly ever loved. My ex was my World too. SMH! In less than a year my mom died, and then my marriage died just months after. Two low blows to the gut! The pain is inevitable! I play this album from beginning to end. Kanye is a genius, and I love him for making 808s and Heartbreaks. 808s is my issssshhhh!!!! xoxoxoxoxoxo! All of this pain will bring blessings! God BLESSED Me! Look what she's been through she deserves an applause, in my Jeezy voice! lol!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 808s is so underrated! This album is pure GOLD and it is all ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    I will find my way without YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    Tell everybody that you know, that I don't LOVE you no more...SMH??????
    That you KNOW!!!!!!!!! HA!!!!!!!!!!    … Expand
  9. NimrodAneta
    Jun 15, 2016
    1
    One of the worst albums I ever heard, I honestly can't think of a reason for anyone to like it. Kanye can't really sing and the whole album is full with his bad singing mixed with atotune and can't really covers it.
    The subject matter could have been great if he would have done it will. But instead his did it with a bunch of corny lines that sounds like a 12 years old that thinks he will    One of the worst albums I ever heard, I honestly can't think of a reason for anyone to like it. Kanye can't really sing and the whole album is full with his bad singing mixed with atotune and can't really covers it.
    The subject matter could have been great if he would have done it will. But instead his did it with a bunch of corny lines that sounds like a 12 years old that thinks he will never love again after a break up.
    Even the production, something I thought I would never have to complain about in a Kanye album, was very simple and the electronic sound was not done well.    … Expand
  10. fifi3
    Jul 28, 2019
    7
    It's a flawed album with some of Kanye's worst tracks (Bad News, RoboCop), but it was still massively impactful in the landscape of hip hop. It changed the sound and subject matter of the genre forever as Kanye created a new lane. An innovative and experimental project at its core, it is a very important piece of it's genre, and does establish it's mood very well, with terrific productionIt's a flawed album with some of Kanye's worst tracks (Bad News, RoboCop), but it was still massively impactful in the landscape of hip hop. It changed the sound and subject matter of the genre forever as Kanye created a new lane. An innovative and experimental project at its core, it is a very important piece of it's genre, and does establish it's mood very well, with terrific production and vulnerable themes.… Expand
  11. mado2times
    Nov 14, 2017
    10
    Mr. West once again redefines mainstream music with this stellar, now classic project, 808s and Heartbreak. This album has had a major impact on production, and the use of the classic TR-Roland 808.
  12. FruitJuice
    Jul 18, 2017
    8
    great album............................................................................................................................................................
  13. MalcolmE
    Nov 2, 2018
    8
    It got it’s flaws but it’s overall a great album. Kanye succeeds in creating a gloomy atmosphere on 808s and Heartbreak. Although some tracks can become a bit tiresome and dull (Robocop (except for that incredible L.a girl part), See You In My Nightmares and the 6 minute live freestyle in Singapore) the album makes up for that with absoluetely fantastic tracks like Welcome To HeartbreakIt got it’s flaws but it’s overall a great album. Kanye succeeds in creating a gloomy atmosphere on 808s and Heartbreak. Although some tracks can become a bit tiresome and dull (Robocop (except for that incredible L.a girl part), See You In My Nightmares and the 6 minute live freestyle in Singapore) the album makes up for that with absoluetely fantastic tracks like Welcome To Heartbreak and the somewhat atmoshpere breaking (but its ok cause its a fantastic track) Paranoid. Other great cuts includes the amazing opener Say You Will, the gloomy Bad News and the perfect use of autotune on Amazing. Man this surely is a great album.

    Favorite Tracks: Welcome To Heartbreak, Paranoid

    Least Favorite: Pinochio’s Story, See You In My Nightmares

    My Rating: 8/10    … Expand
  14. Recon97
    Oct 4, 2017
    6
    I honestly like this album more than dislike, but some of the songs on it are AWFUL. With only half-decent production, really hit-or-miss autotuned singing, and really lackluster lyrics, this is one of Kanyes worst. Still not as bad as Yeezus, tho! 6/10
  15. ToiletBoy
    Dec 25, 2017
    9
    Someone online said this album was just a dude being sad over bleeps and bloops. As hilarious as that is, it's not totally wrong. That's what made 808s so great for me. The sprawling string sections, electronic synths, wild tribal drums, and melodic 808s really make this album something truly amazing (No pun intended) Over this beautiful instrumentation is Kanye West, crooning in his coldSomeone online said this album was just a dude being sad over bleeps and bloops. As hilarious as that is, it's not totally wrong. That's what made 808s so great for me. The sprawling string sections, electronic synths, wild tribal drums, and melodic 808s really make this album something truly amazing (No pun intended) Over this beautiful instrumentation is Kanye West, crooning in his cold auto-tune voice about lost love, dealing with fame, and his lost mother, This album is sad, but so expansive and pretty at the same time. IT makes perfect sense this album would shape the future of artists like Drake, The Weeknd, and Bryson Tiller. One could definitely argue this is the most important album of our modern age. Or maybe it's just a dude being sad over bleeps and bloops. Up to you to decide.… Expand
  16. AKthaBeast
    Mar 25, 2018
    10
    At the time of release I felt so confused with this album as it was an entirely different direction than the Kanye West that we knew. Over time, this album grew on not just me but everyone in the hip-hop community and is now considered one of his best albums to date.

    1. Say You Will - A- 2. Welcome To Heartbreak feat. Kid Cudi - A+ 3. Heartless - A+ 4. Amazing feat. Young Jeezy - A    At the time of release I felt so confused with this album as it was an entirely different direction than the Kanye West that we knew. Over time, this album grew on not just me but everyone in the hip-hop community and is now considered one of his best albums to date.

    1. Say You Will - A-
    2. Welcome To Heartbreak feat. Kid Cudi - A+
    3. Heartless - A+
    4. Amazing feat. Young Jeezy - A
    5. Love Lockdown - A
    6. Paranoid feat. Mr. Hudson - A-
    7. RoboCop - A-
    8. Street Lights - A
    9. Bad News - B+
    10. See You In My Nightmares feat. Lil Wayne - A-
    11. Coldest Winter - A
    12. Pinocchio Story - A    … Expand
  17. C_dot
    Feb 14, 2019
    9
    Kanye's pain from the passing of his mother and break up with his fiance are clearly shown on this album. The influences are apparent, and they drive Kanye to try a new style of sound that was not preceded, bringing auto-tune and electronic sound to the lime light.
  18. SKSK
    Aug 9, 2018
    9
    Inspiring and catchy is the best way to describe this wonderful project by Kanye West.
  19. Atum_
    Jun 8, 2020
    4
    I don't care. I don't like this album. The autotune is just annoying and some of the beats are just bad. I get that he was in a very dark place while recording this, but it doesn't mean that the music is any good. What's even worse is how influencial this record is. It spawned a generation of immitarors, doing an even worse jon than Kanye on this moody auotuney sub-genre. I wish this albumI don't care. I don't like this album. The autotune is just annoying and some of the beats are just bad. I get that he was in a very dark place while recording this, but it doesn't mean that the music is any good. What's even worse is how influencial this record is. It spawned a generation of immitarors, doing an even worse jon than Kanye on this moody auotuney sub-genre. I wish this album never was. That being said, favorite track: Heartless and Amazing… Expand
  20. Kenrick
    Nov 13, 2018
    9
    While it is undeniable that this album changed the landscape of hip-hop and music in general, the album by itself if it was released when the foundations of 808s production is used would still be Amazing. The blatant use of autotune not to cover one's deficits in voice but amplifying an emotion of sadness through massive distortion and electronic sounds that are not humanlike. StreetWhile it is undeniable that this album changed the landscape of hip-hop and music in general, the album by itself if it was released when the foundations of 808s production is used would still be Amazing. The blatant use of autotune not to cover one's deficits in voice but amplifying an emotion of sadness through massive distortion and electronic sounds that are not humanlike. Street Lights is one example of this where the repetitive chorus and verses adds to the descent towards loneliness when a listener goes on his or her musical journey of heartbreak of any kind. It does not "bump in the whip" but definitely is a more emo-like experience that's unique from the airwaves today.… Expand
  21. jakemoss2011
    Dec 12, 2018
    10
    most influential album of last 10 years. all hip hops most popular "rappers" are poorly replicating the principles 808s brought to public attention. harmony beuty and pain. i love you kanye
    street lights
  22. Sermanson2002
    Jan 23, 2020
    0
    Parece ser que ahora se vota con poca puntuacion los albumes que creemos que nos lo merercen.
    Gracias fans de Kanye
  23. clem666
    Mar 30, 2021
    6
    Only a year after the great 'Graduation' Kanye goes back to work to produce '808s Heartbreak' which totally varies by its style, the themes adressed and its structure. No doubt that the overly famous 'My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy' already was in gestation as it was meant to come out two years later.

    As its title suggests this project significantly gravitate around the concepts of    Only a year after the great 'Graduation' Kanye goes back to work to produce '808s Heartbreak' which totally varies by its style, the themes adressed and its structure. No doubt that the overly famous 'My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy' already was in gestation as it was meant to come out two years later.

    As its title suggests this project significantly gravitate around the concepts of love, rupture and loss. Anyway Kanye surprisingly made the choice to rap and sing less in order to let even more place to the music itself. This choice make the production appear to the fore. And this one is particular as it often sounds repetitive, overly simple and sometimes looking effortless. The first track 'Say You Will' is a perfect example as it simply consists in 6 minutes of the same repetitive monotone beat. And it goes the same way for the second half on 'Bad News'. If it can contribute to the charm of the project it surely also makes it seem more shallow and superficial than it is as it underlines Kanye's lack of artistic and content ideas. It reduces this album replayability. The track 'Robocop' is really weird as I find its production both deep and original and dull with its robotic useless repetitve sounds. 'Pinocchio Story' also made me cring a bit. What idea is this to put a 6 minute-long live track as outro of such an album ?

    The presence of Kid Cudi is a miracle since him and Kanye are meant to work in duo in order to craft some of the most powerful songs and albums (like 'Kids See Ghosts' to only cite one). Their symbiosis is truly impressive. Excepted him the other guests also bring more versatility to the whole content and deliver some interesting verses.    … Expand
  24. Nickogo
    Jul 13, 2019
    7
    Problemy osobiste, śmierć matki i rozstanie z kobietą doprowadziły Kanye Westa do wniosku, że tym razem nazbierało się w nim tyle emocji, pomysłów i melodii, że sam hip hop to medium niewystarczające i postanowił trochę poeksperymentować.

    Jakiegokolwiek rapera nie uznano by za najlepszego pewne jest jedno - gdyby dać mu Rolanda TR-808 i kazać tylko śpiewać efekt byłby raczej mierny.    Problemy osobiste, śmierć matki i rozstanie z kobietą doprowadziły Kanye Westa do wniosku, że tym razem nazbierało się w nim tyle emocji, pomysłów i melodii, że sam hip hop to medium niewystarczające i postanowił trochę poeksperymentować.

    Jakiegokolwiek rapera nie uznano by za najlepszego pewne jest jedno - gdyby dać mu Rolanda TR-808 i kazać tylko śpiewać efekt byłby raczej mierny. Kanye natomiast tworzy kolejny wielki projekt, który od dnia swego wydania zainspirował masę ludzi. Znalazło się wielu hejterów, którzy uważali, że jest to niepotrzebny eksperyment, ale dziś patrząc wstecz trudno przecenić wpływ tego albumu na rozwój Westa jak i całej branży.

    Już Graduation było znaczącą zmianą stylistyki w kierunku muzyki pop, ale 808s to skok na główkę. Aranżacje tworzone za pomocą Rolanda TR-808 nie tylko przywołują na myśl lata 80 i takich artystów jak Newman (duh), ale są po prostu niezwykle estetyczne, ładne i wpadają w ucho. Melodia w "Welcome to Heartbreak" czy "Amazing" to S klasa, Robocop zaraża swoją beztroską i nastrojem, Love Lockdown i plemienne bębny to już legenda. Coldest Winter? Ok, może 80% tego utworu Tears fo Fears, ale w wykonaniu Kanye to wersja 2.0.

    Zawsze uważałem, że używanie auto-tune to swego rodzaju faux pas. Spodobało mi się to co powiedział na ten temat Kanye, a mianowicie, że kiedyś lubił kolor różowy, aż nie dowiedział się, że jest "gejowski". Auto-tune to dobra zabawa i zakładanie z góry, że używanie go to nietakt psuje pewną wolność twórczą i chęć wyrażania siebie. Ok, zgoda. Gdyby wszyscy muzycy używali auto-tune tak jak Kanye West, czyli aby dodać jakąś wartość, zamiast po to, by zakrywać swoje niedoskonałości przyznam - byłem w błędzie.

    Czy album ma wady? "See you in my Nightmares" to chyba najgorsza piosenka jaką słyszałem w całej dyskografii KW. Lil Wayne po prostu ją zmasakrował, jego flow i głos są odpychające, a po przepuszczeniu przez auto-tune nie da się tego słuchać. "Pinocchio story" to też bardzo słaby pomysł. Sześciominutowe nagranie z koncertu w słabej jakości gdzie Kanye opowiada o Gepetto i pragnie być "Real Boy"? Just no.    … Expand
  25. Shaymooose
    Sep 7, 2019
    7
    Very influential no deny, but his voice ain't the greatest let's be real.

    Best Tracks: Welcome to Heartbreak, Paranoid, Love Lockdown, Pinocchio Story, Coldest Winter, Heartless, Say You Will.
    Worst Tracks: Robocop, Bad News, See You in My Nightmares
  26. Lleay
    Nov 24, 2020
    8
    This is a very interesting and a cool effort of Kanye into pop. But due to the repetitive nature of the album, it felt like it went on and on. You can see this in the opening track. The album is great production wise but I prefer Kanye's albums that are closer to the hip-hop side.
  27. Xellophone
    Oct 25, 2019
    8
    One of the best Kanye's album, heavily underappreciated, deserves more love
  28. Kyle_Peake
    Apr 18, 2020
    10
    The emotion from Kanye West is really strong and as for the production, now that s**t is deep. All of those giving the album negative ratings, Kanye is obviously going to change the style in his albums otherwise it would become repetitive so him singing isn't a bad thing.
  29. theapple
    Jan 22, 2020
    0
    The whole album is a joke. Autotune, no talent. I call that album trash, that's it
  30. A_Normal_Bush
    Sep 22, 2021
    10
    My favorite album of Kanye's and one of my favorite albums of all time.
    It's just brilliant; there's nothing else to say... but I'll try.
    A few months ago, I decided to give this album another shot. it was previously one of my least favorite albums of all time, but I always thought I should give it another shot. Well, I did and I was completely immersed into the world of the album,    My favorite album of Kanye's and one of my favorite albums of all time.
    It's just brilliant; there's nothing else to say... but I'll try.

    A few months ago, I decided to give this album another shot. it was previously one of my least favorite albums of all time, but I always thought I should give it another shot. Well, I did and I was completely immersed into the world of the album, listening to it practically every moment I was awake. There's not one skip on it; even the worst songs on the album are truly amazing.

    Not only is it a brilliant dive into Kanye's mind at the time, but it's one of the most influential albums of modern times, if not ever, influencing hip hop to this day.

    I previously gave this album a 1, before listening to it again and discovering its greatness. I decided to leave the review here to remind me how drastically tastes and opinions can change in the span of just a year.
    Here's the review:

    This album is one Kanye's worst albums. I love Heartless. I was once addicted to the song and listened to it several times a day. Even now, I go back to Heartless at least a few times a week. Again, I love Heartless, but Heartless is the only song on this album that I like, and the only reason why I didn't give this album a 0. I hate every other song on the album.
    Maybe I have to give this album another chance, but at least for now, this album's a 1.    … Expand
Page:

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
See all critic reviews »