College Dropout
by Kanye West
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 1443 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,285 out of 1443
  2. Mixed: 23 out of 1443
  3. Negative: 135 out of 1443

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  1. JoshE
    Sep 21, 2004
    10
    This album was the BOMB!
  2. ThomasD
    Dec 25, 2005
    9
    Whether you agree with Kanye's political views or not, you have to agree that he can articulate his points very well and sell them to the targeted audience even better. His lyrics along with his new spin on hip hop have brought him to the top of the industry for a good reason. He is uniquely fantastic.
  3. SteveG
    Feb 15, 2005
    10
    simply amazing. covers an amazing variety of subjects with fresh beats and rhymes. worth listening to simply to justify dropping out of college. one of the only albums i've listened to lately with an actual thesis that is proven.
  4. Mikkel
    Feb 19, 2005
    9
    genious!!!
  5. jamesb
    May 1, 2005
    10
    i think it was the coldest cd of the year
  6. matta
    May 27, 2005
    8
    There is alot of filler but even with it there are still 14 or so legitimate(and mostly good)hip-hop tracks. Hands down, one of the best rap albums of the year.
  7. J.M.Sarabia
    May 28, 2005
    9
    Kanye West gives you something different from ordinary rap/ hip hop. He has a perfect balance of songs. From songs Spaceship to Jesus Walks to Slow Jamz, he gives different flavors of music. There were times when I thought there was room for improvement, lyrically on a few songs. Kaywe West gives incredible production as well. Technically I'm giving the album 9.5. This album leaves Kanye West gives you something different from ordinary rap/ hip hop. He has a perfect balance of songs. From songs Spaceship to Jesus Walks to Slow Jamz, he gives different flavors of music. There were times when I thought there was room for improvement, lyrically on a few songs. Kaywe West gives incredible production as well. Technically I'm giving the album 9.5. This album leaves you urging for more Kanye. 2.We Don't Care 8/10 4.All Falls Down 9.5/10 6.Spaceship 10/10 7.Jesus Walks 10/10 8.Never Let Me Down 9.5/10 9.Get Em High 7.5/10 11.The New Workout Plan 10/10 12.Slow Jamz 10/10 13.Breathe in Breathe Out 7/10 15.School Spirit 9.5/10 18.Two Words 10/10 19.Through the Wire 9.5/10 20.Family Business 10/10 21.Last Call 10/10… Expand
  8. aliciac
    Aug 19, 2005
    9
    very good!! only b chance i got the album
  9. AaronCo
    Jan 17, 2006
    10
    One of the best albums ever made! Kanye is sick!
  10. DanA
    Dec 5, 2006
    10
    Amazing. When I first heard Kanye I thought it was just another solid rapper coming up. But the production on this album is far above great and the lyrics are more than solid. Kanye is the best well-rounded rapper, or maybe even music artist in general, of today.
  11. LeanneS
    Apr 26, 2006
    10
    this was an amazing cd, it expressed itself with a lot of humor!!! it made me feel very excited wen i listened to it.Thankyoun kanye u rok my world!!! luv ya xx
  12. MichaelW
    Apr 6, 2006
    10
    Excelent songs
  13. THOMAST
    Jun 16, 2006
    10
    It's the best album what i heard in my life, i love this album, the song are various, the featurings are terrible!!! (Sorry for the fault i'm French )
  14. WaelH
    Aug 15, 2006
    10
    This is the best album in the freaking world .. and the best artist also !!!! kanye west .. a true singer not like all the other bitches who dnt even write there songs..
  15. BarbarannetteM.
    Aug 27, 2007
    9
    I like this very hot.
  16. tonyb
    Oct 13, 2004
    10
    wow
  17. manchisehmmmm
    Nov 8, 2004
    7
    no doubt pipz... tha album iz dope.. kanye got crazy drumz.. but his not as an mc.. his creatz crazyass jamz fo other artist.. lik jigga.. but his not tha best mc out there... HIZ A GUY WHO TALKZ IN HIS Jamz creatively..
  18. steveyup
    Oct 26, 2004
    10
    this cd is ridiculous.
  19. HarrisonT
    Feb 14, 2004
    10
    best album so far of 2004. this album is PERFECT. the lyrics r great. go get his album now. if you dont like kanye west college dropout. then u are not fan of hip hop or dont know what the definition of hip hop is. go get it now and support him
  20. mikeq
    Feb 21, 2004
    10
    PERFECT!!!
  21. GigiJ
    Feb 21, 2004
    9
    Great Album...Kanye West should be consider one of the best thing in hip hop now.
  22. karlv
    Feb 24, 2004
    10
    future classic
  23. JP
    Mar 11, 2004
    10
    my faith in music has been wavering lately. it is now restored.
  24. Jimmy
    Mar 18, 2004
    7
    A refreshing change, but vocals are off point sometimes and production couldve been better. Definitely something for the future but he could easily go really mainstream, blurg :(
  25. DexterD
    Apr 13, 2004
    10
    album is sick from beginning to end
  26. bigmanbearmountain
    Apr 24, 2004
    10
    ThiS CD is hot The best CD this year. I love it. Its addictive listening to Kanye's CD.
  27. DavidC
    May 25, 2004
    10
    The best album for a first beginner, almost one of the best to me, i love through the wire, get em high, family business, Jesus walks, we don't care, and all falls down. That is a pimpin' cd...
  28. msizzlefoshizzle
    Jul 17, 2004
    10
    Is there anything you can really say. Just sick(in a good way)
  29. RileyN
    Aug 19, 2004
    10
    Its the best album ever made every song is a hit!!!
  30. LateishaS
    Aug 31, 2004
    10
    Name one rapper that talks about god in a postive way while swearing. He has had the best cd I have ever listend to
  31. QuanishaW
    Sep 26, 2004
    10
    This CD College DropOut is Hot. I Love this Cd. This is one of my favorite Cd's. Kanye I wish you good luck and make some more hot CD's. Love Ya, Quanisha Williams
  32. DankyM
    Nov 21, 2005
    6
    lame lame lame............................it is good to see some kind of diversity in mainstream hip hop but come on when you put it against the other rap album released that year Madvillainy. Boy in da corner Grey Album it aint nothing
  33. RandyG
    Dec 31, 2005
    9
    College Dropout is the best rao CD of all time. Kanye west is a legend!
  34. MaxD
    Feb 22, 2005
    10
    kanye is awesome. definitally the best album i've bought. this isthe only CD i own that i can listen 2 the whole thing without skipping a single track
  35. marcellw
    Mar 29, 2005
    10
    Best hip-hop album I've ever bought.
  36. nikkib
    Apr 17, 2005
    10
    Over a year later and this album is still tight!!!
  37. RobY
    Aug 19, 2005
    10
    Seriously, aint no betta album, i love this guy
  38. emilyw
    Feb 28, 2006
    10
    collage dropout is the best album i have (and late registration lol) it was realeased on my birthday to im a really big fan of kanye and its a definate ten hands down he's so insperational i LOVE him his albums the best !!!!!!!!!! thnx 4 letting me share
  39. JeremyE
    Apr 27, 2006
    10
    This cd is an incredible debut. College dropout is incredible. best of 2004 hands down
  40. HaroldJ.
    Jul 17, 2007
    10
    one of the hottest albums of all time lyrics are undeniable and the beats are amazing long live G.O.O.D. music
  41. mikec
    Jul 14, 2009
    9
    awesome
  42. PatrickS
    Dec 11, 2004
    10
    Man, this CD was off the hook. Kanya rocks...his lyrics really shows the struggles in life, dat ppl face. He got skillz, both as rapper and produce. Best rapper ever after 2pac. Cant wait for his next album....
  43. angela
    Dec 28, 2004
    10
    the cd is just so wakeing dude you know what mean by wakeing it radical
  44. brycet
    Nov 17, 2005
    10
    Kayne is the greatest!!!!
  45. mattnog11
    Nov 9, 2010
    9
    not surprised that he amazed me with this album but i wouldn't feel right giving it a 10 but it is worth buying and listening too it is amazing nothing but good things but some songs i wouldnt keep on my on the go playlist
  46. Vampire25
    Jan 20, 2014
    8
    Way before Kanye West received international fame and millions upon millions of dollars because of his music and record sales, he was in College struggling and working graveyard shifts at terrible jobs where he'd get pushed around by his manager whom which he really wanted to hurt. Before he became self-indulgent and exploited his fame and money, he made a record with some of the best soulWay before Kanye West received international fame and millions upon millions of dollars because of his music and record sales, he was in College struggling and working graveyard shifts at terrible jobs where he'd get pushed around by his manager whom which he really wanted to hurt. Before he became self-indulgent and exploited his fame and money, he made a record with some of the best soul samples ever put into a record. Not to mention his knack for wordplay, which he seems exceptionally clever at on this record.

    All I All, Kanye West will never make an album quite like this ever again. B+    … Expand
  47. cztassie
    Apr 21, 2011
    10
    The best debut rap album of all time. get rich or die tryin is the only other one that comes close. a must have classic and my favorite rap album of all time 5.All eyez on Me
    4.The Chronic 2001
    3.Get Rich or Die Tryin
    2.The Eminem Show
    1.The College Dropout
  48. lovemusic
    May 8, 2011
    9
    this had some good songs i love kanye for his production not for his rapping ability. but this album was pretty good i liked it. but its not my personal favorite kanye album. but yes this album is very listenable.
  49. j30
    Sep 28, 2011
    8
    A strong debut from the producer who brought us Jay-Z's (excellent) The Blueprint record. His rhymes are sometimes funny and poignant. He's one of Hip-Hop's best right now.
  50. Peebags
    Aug 6, 2011
    9
    Probably one of the realest hip hop albums of all time.
  51. LetzTalkMoveez
    Nov 15, 2012
    8
    West's debut head-bopper is just that: a head-bopper. "Dropout" tries to accomplish a tough juggling act - paying equal attention to subverting braggadocious hip-hop cliches and embracing them (if a bit sarcastically) to make a more lively, enjoyable album. Unfortunately, this juggling comes across as hypocrisy rather than compromise for the sake of art. Because of this, even inWest's debut head-bopper is just that: a head-bopper. "Dropout" tries to accomplish a tough juggling act - paying equal attention to subverting braggadocious hip-hop cliches and embracing them (if a bit sarcastically) to make a more lively, enjoyable album. Unfortunately, this juggling comes across as hypocrisy rather than compromise for the sake of art. Because of this, even in "Dropout"'s most magnificent moments - of which there are many - it largely doesn't work contextually. Regardless, terrific production, awesome vocals and some hilarious, even poignant story interludes make this worth plenty of attention even with its faults.… Expand
  52. Illmatic-NY
    Oct 7, 2011
    10
    absolutely a great album whoever says that this wasnt good should go commit suicide . this is kanyes most personal album and it showed. Pure genius one of the best rap albums ever
  53. CalR
    Feb 20, 2012
    8
    It has quite a legacy in redefining modern hip-hop which was in desperate need of changing as its mainstream popularity began to dip. The College Dropout, whilst filled with an annoying quantity of skits is also reasonably consistent and inventive.
  54. TeamRHi
    Jun 18, 2013
    10
    I have this album on vinyl, oh my oh my is it amazing. The soul samples sound great on warm vinyl and Kanye's lyrics were absent of bragging unlike his newer albums. The production on this album destroys everything else released during the 2000s and alone deserves the high praise this album has. The rapping is great too, Yeezy may not be the best rapper but he sure does have enough talentI have this album on vinyl, oh my oh my is it amazing. The soul samples sound great on warm vinyl and Kanye's lyrics were absent of bragging unlike his newer albums. The production on this album destroys everything else released during the 2000s and alone deserves the high praise this album has. The rapping is great too, Yeezy may not be the best rapper but he sure does have enough talent to carry the album with guests.… Expand
  55. TheWalrus2000
    Mar 11, 2013
    10
    Kanye West's first album is above one of the most strongest albums ever, creating meaningful and awesome rap songs that will never get old. Ever.
  56. blogfirstlast
    Apr 9, 2013
    8
    Lyrically great and production wise top 10. A great start into the game as Kanye started out great. One of the best hip-hop releases in the past 20 years.
  57. ben_zo77
    Feb 4, 2014
    10
    College Dropout is, and always will be, a classic. It's perhaps the most industry-changing hip-hop album of all time. The entire album flows effortlessly, with fun, intelligent, and uplifting beats. This is the debut of a legend. ~ 9.6/10

    Best track: "Family Business"
    Other notable tracks: "Jesus Walks", "Through The Wire", "Last Call", "Never Let Me Down" & "All Falls Down"
  58. brockcheese
    Jun 22, 2015
    9
    This is one of the best debut albums I've ever heard. Kanye makes great points against education and shows how the world is stacked up against bLACK PEOPLE.
  59. Osiir
    Jun 18, 2013
    10
    Sensational debut. From the classic street-life opener, "We Don't Care", to the social/self critique of "All Falls Down", the soulful r&b bump'n'grind of "Slow Jams", the charging church choir-surged "Jesus Walks", or the near-death experience/hip-hop rebirth revelation that is "Through The Wire", this was a record that kept me not only in love, but returning time and time again. ThisSensational debut. From the classic street-life opener, "We Don't Care", to the social/self critique of "All Falls Down", the soulful r&b bump'n'grind of "Slow Jams", the charging church choir-surged "Jesus Walks", or the near-death experience/hip-hop rebirth revelation that is "Through The Wire", this was a record that kept me not only in love, but returning time and time again. This demonstrated purely what followed, the introduction and eventual blooming of one of rap's/pop's/art's biggest egos and biggest icons. 8.5/10… Expand
  60. Andremax
    Feb 11, 2019
    9
    West has some interesting rhymes although his biggest recognition being about selective choice of beats and different textures which, not only sophisticated for Hip-hop standard's but music's.
  61. keve16
    Mar 22, 2015
    8
    7.7/10................................................................................................................................................
  62. imdajudgem8
    Jun 4, 2015
    10
    First album i am reviewing on metacritic, mainly because this album is truly a special album in hip-hop. With it's heartfelt samples and some great lyricism, Kanye West presents a masterpiece debut of an album. Only second to his raved about album, MBDTF, the College Dropout focuses on issues in contemporary life such as drugs, religion, consumerism and normal life. With some notableFirst album i am reviewing on metacritic, mainly because this album is truly a special album in hip-hop. With it's heartfelt samples and some great lyricism, Kanye West presents a masterpiece debut of an album. Only second to his raved about album, MBDTF, the College Dropout focuses on issues in contemporary life such as drugs, religion, consumerism and normal life. With some notable features, this is a must own for EVERYONE!… Expand
  63. Urbanlistener
    Apr 28, 2015
    10
    Arguably West's best album, but not arguably one of the best debut album of all time, College dropout is awesome in its uniqueness and delivers a sound that assured Kanye's future to be bright.
  64. OyvindOH
    Apr 26, 2015
    10
    Kanye’s production on this album was something new and amazing. It stands out, like the other early-2000’s hip hop albums failed to do. His lyrics were also unique. The only thing that I could say something negative about was the skits. However, these skits helped getting the feel of the album across, so I do not think this drags the album down to much.
  65. lisiak
    Jan 8, 2016
    8
    'College Dropout' is great debut album by Kanye West. My favourite tracks: 'We don't care', 'Jesus Walks', 'Never Let Me Down' and 'The New Workout Plan'.
  66. Bringman
    Jan 5, 2016
    8
    this album it's good, really good, some songs can make you reflect and other songs can make you laugh. The best songs are "Jesus Walks", simply one of the greatest rap songs ever, "Slow Jamz", a smooth soul/R&B/rap song, an other masterpiece, one of the greatest R&B song of all time, "All Falls Down", a rap song with a flow that can destroy everything. Some other tracks blight the album,this album it's good, really good, some songs can make you reflect and other songs can make you laugh. The best songs are "Jesus Walks", simply one of the greatest rap songs ever, "Slow Jamz", a smooth soul/R&B/rap song, an other masterpiece, one of the greatest R&B song of all time, "All Falls Down", a rap song with a flow that can destroy everything. Some other tracks blight the album, but generally a really good hip-hop album… Expand
  67. SergioV
    May 30, 2016
    8
    77/100. Amazing soul feel to this whole album, some tracks bring it down, but there are plenty more that bring it way, way up. The best tracks are "Through the Wire", "All Falls Down", "Family Business", "Spaceship" and "Jesus Walks".
  68. victorcarter
    Nov 29, 2016
    10
    The album that started it all. The pitched-up soul samples are iconic to this day and brought about many imitators, but no-one can match what Kanye did here.

    Best Songs: We Don't Care, All Falls Down, Jesus Walks, The New Workout Plan, Slow Jamz, Through The Wire, Two Words.
  69. thehypebeast97
    Jan 27, 2017
    9
    Great introduction to Kanye West! This album is a game changer. Amazing production, originality, has it's funny moments but the moving, mind blowing lyrics showcase the soulfulness of Kanye West at it's fullest. Straight up classic
  70. fifi3
    Jul 28, 2019
    9
    An innovative and soulful introduction to arguably one of the greatest artists to ever live. A breath of fresh air in hip hop, stepping away from the genre's stereotypes in both subject matter and sonic palette, The College Dropout changed the hip hop genre forever and is one of the best debut albums of all time.
  71. Fib3r
    Jul 14, 2017
    10
    One of, if not the greatest debut albums in all of hip hop, Every track delivers and it is my third favourite Kanye Album. My favourite of his three first school themed albums.
  72. FruitJuice
    Jul 17, 2017
    8
    classic............................................................................................................................................................
  73. JoeBennet14
    Nov 28, 2017
    9
    Brilliantly funny and so, so clever. Simply a joy to listen to. Completely changed the game, Kanye isn't a gangster, he didn't grow up in project housing, he's just a regular guy trying throw his 2 cents in on everyday topics like religion, education and drug abuse. A brilliant album by a brilliant artist. (And the production isn't half bad either)
  74. Cpillow
    Dec 19, 2017
    10
    One of the greatest hip-hop albums of all-time. Kanye sounds fantastic over soul-based production, and no album emphasizes that more than "The College Droupout". With elegant production and fantastic rapping there isn't a low moment. "Slow Jamz", "All Falls Down", "Jesus Walks", "We Don't Care", and "Through the Wire" are just a few of the many stand-out tracks on this project. The subjectOne of the greatest hip-hop albums of all-time. Kanye sounds fantastic over soul-based production, and no album emphasizes that more than "The College Droupout". With elegant production and fantastic rapping there isn't a low moment. "Slow Jamz", "All Falls Down", "Jesus Walks", "We Don't Care", and "Through the Wire" are just a few of the many stand-out tracks on this project. The subject matter is incredible to, whether it be about consumerism on "All Falls Down", the impact of Jesus on "Jesus Walks", or how one lives their everyday life after a car collision like on "Through the Wire". Kanye put out a few other great records after this one, but this is definitely a shining moment in Ye's career.… Expand
  75. AKthaBeast
    Mar 24, 2018
    9
    Kanye's debut album at the time was an instant classic. After reviewing it 14 years later I can say that it still holds up as a great album however it is not even his best work to date.

    1. Intro 2. We Don't Care - A- 3. Graduation Day 4. All Falls Down feat. Syleena Johnson - A- 5. I'll Fly Away 6. Spaceship feat. GLC & Consequence - A+ 7. Jesus Walks - A 8. Never Let Me Down    Kanye's debut album at the time was an instant classic. After reviewing it 14 years later I can say that it still holds up as a great album however it is not even his best work to date.

    1. Intro
    2. We Don't Care - A-
    3. Graduation Day
    4. All Falls Down feat. Syleena Johnson - A-
    5. I'll Fly Away
    6. Spaceship feat. GLC & Consequence - A+
    7. Jesus Walks - A
    8. Never Let Me Down feat. Jay-Z & J. Ivy - A+
    9. Get Em High feat. Talib Kweli & Common - A+
    10. Workout Plan (Skit)
    11. The New Workout Plan - A-
    12. Slow Jamz feat. Twista & Jamie Foxx - B
    13. Breathe In Breathe Out feat. Ludacris - B+
    14. School Spirit (Skit 1)
    15. School Spirit - B+
    16. School Spirit (Skit 2)
    17. Lil Jimmy (Skit)
    18. Two Words feat. Mos Def, Freeway and The Boys Choir of Harlem - A
    19. Through The Wire - A
    20. Family Business - B
    21. Last Call - B+    … Expand
  76. C_dot
    Feb 14, 2019
    10
    Kanye West delivers a masterfully crafted debut album, presenting a new style of hip hop before unheard. He shows why his sampling skills are so revered, layering all tracks fantastically.
  77. M64
    Jul 23, 2018
    9
    A great debut for Mr. West. It has great lyrics, production, and has a unique feel.
  78. Atum_
    Jun 8, 2020
    10
    This is the greatest thing Kanye West ever did. The production on this is just amazing. Every track sounds so different yet similar. Kanye's lyrics are funny, yet serious. He is ambitious, yet humble. I just truly love this album. He put a religious track on his debut album, an album people already was sceptic about. Not only did he put it on the album, he made it one of its singles. KanyeThis is the greatest thing Kanye West ever did. The production on this is just amazing. Every track sounds so different yet similar. Kanye's lyrics are funny, yet serious. He is ambitious, yet humble. I just truly love this album. He put a religious track on his debut album, an album people already was sceptic about. Not only did he put it on the album, he made it one of its singles. Kanye really paved a new wave for hip hop with this album, which I forever will be grateful for, as if not, crunk music would probably still have a big influence on new hip hop. I don't like crunk at all. Favorite tracks: We don't care, Jesus Walks, Never Let Me Down.… Expand
  79. DanielRodrigues
    Oct 16, 2018
    10
    classic, top 3 from Ye Discography

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  80. raffid
    Dec 8, 2018
    10
    The College Dropout is the illustrious debut of none other than Kanye West - and despite being nearly 15 years old it's certainly aged very well, better than other albums of the era, and for a number of reasons. On this album, Kanye shows off his talent as a producer with his trademark 'chipmunk soul' production style (with songs based upon sped up soul samples), while its lyrics on racialThe College Dropout is the illustrious debut of none other than Kanye West - and despite being nearly 15 years old it's certainly aged very well, better than other albums of the era, and for a number of reasons. On this album, Kanye shows off his talent as a producer with his trademark 'chipmunk soul' production style (with songs based upon sped up soul samples), while its lyrics on racial injustice, the education system (and those who mindlessly go to college) and the remarkably amusing skits were a breath of fresh air from the gangsta rap status quo of the day. Kanye sounds likable and down to earth on this album, two things he wouldn't pull off again for many years after. There isn't a sample on this album that isn't tasteful and creative, nor a hook that isn't catchy, nor a bar that isn't fire. Absolutely essential; a modern classic if ever there was one.… Expand
  81. jakemoss2011
    Dec 12, 2018
    8
    theres a reaon i think kanye is the best modern artist, and its not because of this album. to be clear i love this album, its excellent and elevated the hip hop scene, its just not as deep or innovative as some he would release later. the impliicit critiques of culture and the course rich white men lay out for the less fortunate is pretty damn genius, i love the theme of higher educationtheres a reaon i think kanye is the best modern artist, and its not because of this album. to be clear i love this album, its excellent and elevated the hip hop scene, its just not as deep or innovative as some he would release later. the impliicit critiques of culture and the course rich white men lay out for the less fortunate is pretty damn genius, i love the theme of higher education and the joyless liffe it leads to in the form of an office or a slightly bigger office. good job kanye… Expand
  82. Trunestor
    Jun 16, 2022
    9
    This is one of Ye's best work. What a great start for a career. All favourable ratings are logical and don't need explanations
    1. We Don't Care 8/10
    2. All Falls Down 10/10 3. Spaceship 10/10 4. Jesus Walks 3/10 Feels really repetitive to me. Maybe because I'm also not christian. 5. Never Let Me Down 7/10 6. Get Em High 2/10 Worst on the album. Boring beat. 7. New Workout Plan 6/10    This is one of Ye's best work. What a great start for a career. All favourable ratings are logical and don't need explanations
    1. We Don't Care 8/10
    2. All Falls Down 10/10
    3. Spaceship 10/10
    4. Jesus Walks 3/10 Feels really repetitive to me. Maybe because I'm also not christian.
    5. Never Let Me Down 7/10
    6. Get Em High 2/10 Worst on the album. Boring beat.
    7. New Workout Plan 6/10
    8. Slow Jamz 8/10
    9. Breathe In Breathe Out 7/10
    10. School Spirit 7/10
    11. Two Words 10/10
    12. Through The Wire 9/10
    13. Family Business 8/10
    14. Last call 4/10 when listening fully, 8/10 when cut ( I always listen to the songs fully)
    The average of the songs is 7.35, but with the skits and mixing I would rate higher.
    A few speed-bumps here and there but overall great. 9.1/10    … Expand
  83. clem666
    Sep 19, 2021
    7
    Groovy tracklist, iconic songs and quotable lines pave this notable album. It's a true delight to witness Kanye balance between the many roles he manages to endorse; he rarely is unnuanced. During this long LP he declines many flaws of school and its consequences with funny, memorable and colourful bars. If the length feels too much for the standards of today (2021) we still can saluteGroovy tracklist, iconic songs and quotable lines pave this notable album. It's a true delight to witness Kanye balance between the many roles he manages to endorse; he rarely is unnuanced. During this long LP he declines many flaws of school and its consequences with funny, memorable and colourful bars. If the length feels too much for the standards of today (2021) we still can salute Kanye for inviting many meaningful artists to his party, as Jay-Z, Common and Mos Def. They all bring a bit more depth and versatility in the process of the album. Skits are funny but unfortunately let few room for replayability and soon become skippable and untasty. Some songs also appear to be dull fillers but however contribute to these unmissable 2000's feels. The last track 'Last Call' has a very specific energy I love: a long story-telling, great beat, amazing instrumentals (and especially the trumpet from the middle of it). Interesting production all along.… Expand
  84. CyXato
    Jun 22, 2019
    10
    Kanye's debut album is simply genius. Not his best album in his discography but still amazing. In my opinion Late Registration is the more polished version of this. Either way, the soul samples Kanye uses is simply fantastic. Here is my rundown of the songs. No skits

    We Don't Care- Childrens choir make it sound peachy and keen but the theme is somewhat dark. All Falls Down- god this    Kanye's debut album is simply genius. Not his best album in his discography but still amazing. In my opinion Late Registration is the more polished version of this. Either way, the soul samples Kanye uses is simply fantastic. Here is my rundown of the songs. No skits

    We Don't Care- Childrens choir make it sound peachy and keen but the theme is somewhat dark.

    All Falls Down- god this song is so uplifting sounding even though the lyrics really aren't. Syleena Johnson does so well on this track as well.

    Spaceship- I feel this song is simply underrated. It is one of my favorite songs from the album. I just want to listen to this driving through the city.

    Jesus Walks- Classic. Listen to it. So good.;

    Never let me down- Need to listen to again as I just started to like it.

    Get em high- Talib and common did really good on this as well. Beat is sick.

    The New Workout Plan- one of Ye's funniest songs. ending beat is used in J cole's Work Out.

    Slow Jamz- this song is SO DAMN GOOD. Just started liking it after not the first time and literally can't stop. never skipped on my playlist.

    Breathe in breathe out- meh.

    School spirit- Love it. So positive sounding and soul samples and everything about it. It is edited though which is odd.

    Two Words- gotta relisten

    Through the WIRE- SO GOOD YOU WILL ENJOY

    Family Business- sad and happy. so good.

    Last Call - gotta listen again.    … Expand
  85. Nickogo
    Jul 13, 2019
    8
    Debiutancki album Kanye'go Westa na którym ukazuje się jako młody, ambitny i zabawny Amerykanin, który podchodzi do tego co robi bez żadnych kompleksów. I chociaż nie jest wyjątkowo uzdolnionym raperem, to pod względem produkcji i charakteru ten album wynosi gatunek na zupełnie nowe tory. "The College Dropout" to album hip hopowy z soulową duszą, który nie zwalnia, nie zakopuje się wDebiutancki album Kanye'go Westa na którym ukazuje się jako młody, ambitny i zabawny Amerykanin, który podchodzi do tego co robi bez żadnych kompleksów. I chociaż nie jest wyjątkowo uzdolnionym raperem, to pod względem produkcji i charakteru ten album wynosi gatunek na zupełnie nowe tory. "The College Dropout" to album hip hopowy z soulową duszą, który nie zwalnia, nie zakopuje się w formułach, ale ciągle zaskakuje. Zabawne skity, dziecięce chórki, **** na temat edukacji, palenie i kobiety, a obok religia i rasizm, piosenka-skecz w stylu eminema itd. Cały album ma 76 minut i nie pozwala się nudzić. To spore osiągnięcie przy takiej ilości materiału.

    Trudno nie wspomnieć o sprawie najbardziej istotnej kiedy mówimy o "College Dropout", a mianowicie gigantycznym wpływie jaki miał on na cały gatunek. Tak jak pojawienie się Beatlesów dla rock'n'rolla czy Nirvany dla alternative rocka, tak pojawienie się Kanye Westa przeobraziło hip hop. W 2004 roku hip hop zdominowany był przez przerysowanego Eminema i 50 centa, ulicznych gangsta oraz alternatywę, którzy nie za bardzo wiedzieli jak zrobić z hip hopu muzykę, która będzie mogła bez kompleksów konkurować w mainstreamowym kotle i wciąż zachować swoją odrębność i korzenie. W tym momencie pojawia się Kanye West, który miesza uliczne kredo z soulowymi samplami, masą specyficznego humoru i rozbrajającą szczerością. Na mieszance jaką jest College Dropout nikomu nie wydaje się dziwne, że obok piosenki o dilerce narkotykami pojawia się utwór o rodzinnych spotkaniach. Spojenie masy motywów poprzez szczerość i humor to największy sukces tego albumu. Coś co było ówcześnie nie do pomyślenia i zmieniło sposób w jaki 'się to robi'.    … Expand
  86. Xellophone
    Oct 25, 2019
    5
    Great first album, nothing else to say lalallalalalalalalalalaalalalallalalala
  87. LukieB
    Oct 8, 2020
    10
    Amazing album with good flow, lyrics, beats, everything you could want from an album. My favorite debut album and is very well put together with countless skits that aren’t amazing, but entertaining to listen to. Kanye provides a good listening experience.
  88. kermie_the_frog
    Dec 28, 2019
    9
    So fun and free! One of Kanye's best projects! It feels so raw and smart all the way through.
  89. Fabian_7
    Jan 22, 2020
    10
    A young and driven Kanye West had something to say, which resulted in one of the strongest debuts in hip-hop. During a time where hip-hop was dominated by gangsta rap, Kanye breaks into the scene with lyrical themes that explore the depths of love, family and religion. Just to show how much of a breath of fresh air this 21 track album was, when Kanye showed multiple masterpieces on this,A young and driven Kanye West had something to say, which resulted in one of the strongest debuts in hip-hop. During a time where hip-hop was dominated by gangsta rap, Kanye breaks into the scene with lyrical themes that explore the depths of love, family and religion. Just to show how much of a breath of fresh air this 21 track album was, when Kanye showed multiple masterpieces on this, Jesus Walks being a prime example, to his colleagues, they straight up laughed at him. The multiple grammy's and love from both critics and fans, quickly proved them wrong. You can feel mr. West's constant persistence on here to make a piece of art, and it shows off. Most songs have managed to remain just as fresh and catchy 16 years after it's release. The cheerful and mind-blowing incorporation of soul samples isn't the last contributor to that. 10/10… Expand
  90. Codeling
    Aug 7, 2021
    9
    This album is incredibly good. Many great songs, amazing production.
    Best songs: Jesus Walks
    Worst songs: -
  91. drepoo
    Feb 23, 2020
    8
    Incredible debut, good production with awesome lyrics. Despite the workout songs and the boring tracks like Slow Jamz and Breathe in Breathe out, still my favorite album by Kanye
  92. dropoutgolf
    Mar 12, 2020
    9
    Wonderful Album, the skits are funny, the songs are great, what more could you ask for. Although I do think it peaks halfway through the album at "Slow Jamz" there are plenty of great songs after that.
    Favorite Tracks:
    All Falls Down
    I'll Fly Away
    Slow Jamz
    Family Business
  93. andyn823
    Jun 28, 2020
    6
    Kanye's great debut album. This album defines who Kanye should be and the personality Kanye should have.
  94. thepes
    Nov 29, 2020
    7
    7/10

    /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
  95. Fra101
    Aug 30, 2021
    0
    It's such a boring album! That's all, just boring, nothing special. Sorry...
  96. anapopescu
    Sep 13, 2020
    0
    If there is any artist in the music industry that is too hyped that is Kanye West and this album is an example of just that.
  97. JohnSnow41188
    Oct 2, 2020
    0
    Unoriginal work, it feels like Kanye was trying to hard but the results did not pay out.
  98. bushyforest
    Oct 23, 2020
    0
    The album brings nothing special, just another attempt to say something original without the power to follow through with it.
  99. MikeMulaney
    Nov 19, 2020
    1
    Generic music, nothing special, typical Kanye egomania top to bottom, not worth the time.
  100. magic_jam13
    Nov 25, 2020
    9
    Old Kanye is lit asf. The college dropout is the ultimate party album it's just so fun and catchy. That's really all i have to say but the standout tracks gotta be jesus walks, through the wire, get'em high. But get'em high is actually my favorite please don't kill me.
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Awards & Rankings

14
#14 Best Album of 2004
5
#5 Most Discussed Album of 2004
1
#1 Most Shared Album of 2004

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
87

Universal acclaim - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 25
  3. Negative: 0 out of 25
  1. Slant Magazine
    Feb 17, 2011
    70
    Like every hip-hop album (even the great ones), Kanye West's The College Dropout is marred by too many guest artists, too many interludes, and just too many songs period. (I challenge every hip-hop artist working today to record just one album with 12 tracks or less-no skits, no guests, no filler.)
    Read full review
  2. Spin
    Feb 17, 2011
    70
    Most producers who approach the mic do so at their peril, but on Dropout, West turns out to be a full-service hip-hop artiste.
    Read full review
  3. Vibe
    80
    Delivers both ass-shakers and contemplative cuts.
    Read full review
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