Graduation
by Kanye West
User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 1249 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,109 out of 1249
  2. Mixed: 42 out of 1249
  3. Negative: 98 out of 1249

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  1. SteveO
    Sep 12, 2007
    8
    What makes people hesistant to glorify this album is incredibly high standard that Kanye has set for his releases. Put this next to 'Curtis' and there is no comparison. Clearly, Kanye holds both musical and lyrical supremacy over the hobbling 50. Big Brother is a great tribute to JayZ, Stronger pumps up Daft's song even more, and Good Morning is as good an Intro to a hip What makes people hesistant to glorify this album is incredibly high standard that Kanye has set for his releases. Put this next to 'Curtis' and there is no comparison. Clearly, Kanye holds both musical and lyrical supremacy over the hobbling 50. Big Brother is a great tribute to JayZ, Stronger pumps up Daft's song even more, and Good Morning is as good an Intro to a hip hop album as you'll find.… Expand
  2. JavierT.
    Sep 12, 2007
    10
    Awesome!! Finally real hip hop with true lyrics...Can't beat that!
  3. JosephA
    Sep 12, 2007
    8
    Excellent, few other artists have managed to creatively alter their signature sound so successfully as Kanye. Everytrack is a keeper. Only thing that comes to my attention is the less substantial lyrics this time around. But Kanye's character, charm, and humor are still present leaving him, despite all his self gratification, human @ heart and that counts for alot.
  4. MarcusH.
    Sep 12, 2007
    10
    i personally love the album kanye is great wayyyy better than 50
  5. WesT.
    Sep 12, 2007
    10
    Artful, soulful, contemplative, funny, and real. The pure sonic craftmanship displayed is sometimes boggling. Best of '07 thus far.
  6. seanm.
    Sep 13, 2007
    8
    Consistent is the word I've definitely heard the most, upon my first listen I can see hear is for a reason. It's a more mature album but lacking some passion and politics that Late Registration embraced... note this may have not been an accident.
  7. HynekH.
    Sep 15, 2007
    9
    Great album. Cool sound, good guests.
  8. WilliamT.
    Sep 17, 2007
    8
    Really this album gets a 7.8 as in C+. Heres the break down throughout Kanye's career (It's all in the numbers): College Dropout - Is a hip-hop classic. Out of 14 tracks (w/out skits) 13 were good with some of those great. The skits for the most part were great compliments, listenable, some useless, some really funny. = A (.92) Late Registration - A great, strong follow-up. The Really this album gets a 7.8 as in C+. Heres the break down throughout Kanye's career (It's all in the numbers): College Dropout - Is a hip-hop classic. Out of 14 tracks (w/out skits) 13 were good with some of those great. The skits for the most part were great compliments, listenable, some useless, some really funny. = A (.92) Late Registration - A great, strong follow-up. The biggest problem with this album was probably the skits, which didn't really blend well with the songs. They still added character to the album though. About 12 (or 13) of the 15 tracks (not skits or interludes) are nice. Plus the Common interlude adds some depth. B+ (.86) Graduation - 10 or 11 of the 13 (not counting the hidden #14) songs are good. Some are more just okay, while others are really good. This gives the album a C+ or B. Its actually missing some catchy skits that could tie this album more to the "School" theme like his previous offerings. C+ (.78)… Expand
  9. MikeC.
    Sep 22, 2007
    8
    The production is amazing in this album, to bad the raps are self-concieded and lame. Also the overall prodject never feels like an album, just a bunch of songs, this had all the makings in terms of production to be a classic, unfortunatly, Kanye misserably fails at the mic on this attempt.
  10. GeneG.
    Sep 22, 2007
    9
    Easily his most musically satisfying and consistent album. Not as wide in scope as his last two, but that only serves to accentuate the qualitiy of the fewer tracks.
  11. ToddS.
    Sep 22, 2007
    7
    Reminds me of Kanye's first two albums. Some classic stuff with a lot of filler. K. West still has a long way to go when it comes to blessing the mic, but he's a better rhymesayer than most producers (ie. Pete Rock, J-Dilla, and Madlib). Somewhat disappointed with the cameos. There's a wasted opportunity with Mos Def and Lil' Wayne sounds tired on "Barry Bonds." Reminds me of Kanye's first two albums. Some classic stuff with a lot of filler. K. West still has a long way to go when it comes to blessing the mic, but he's a better rhymesayer than most producers (ie. Pete Rock, J-Dilla, and Madlib). Somewhat disappointed with the cameos. There's a wasted opportunity with Mos Def and Lil' Wayne sounds tired on "Barry Bonds." Nonetheless, Kanye still put out decent album, but he's still capable of making better music.… Expand
  12. DawoodA
    Apr 15, 2008
    9
    Not his very best this album did not top late registration or the college dropout but was still worthy of praise.
  13. NielsT.
    Nov 18, 2007
    10
    it's only good that Kanye West is the best, and on the other hand then he's also the only real good in rap biz. Everything i am, best son in 2000-2007
  14. Vampire25
    Nov 9, 2013
    8
    This might be Kanye's weakest album, but even his weakest is still a damn fine hip hop record. He seems to discuss & be very in-tune with his success in this record, whereas his previous records seem to tackle larger topics and controversies, but that doesn't deter Kanye from making fantastic, clean productions. "Champion" is a slick, catchy track ranks among his best songs. As a whole,This might be Kanye's weakest album, but even his weakest is still a damn fine hip hop record. He seems to discuss & be very in-tune with his success in this record, whereas his previous records seem to tackle larger topics and controversies, but that doesn't deter Kanye from making fantastic, clean productions. "Champion" is a slick, catchy track ranks among his best songs. As a whole, some tracks seem a little scattered and rushed, making the whole experienced seem a tad jumbled, but each track holds it's own and Kanye has some of his best rhymes in this album.

    All In All, Graduation ends his "College" trilogy very electro, very catchy, and very memorable. He's yet to make a bad record. B+    … Expand
  15. LoudnObnoxious
    Jun 24, 2011
    8
    Graduation takes Mr. West in a bit more of a commercial direction than his past two albums, but that is by no means a bad thing. While not as hard hitting as both Late Registration and College Dropout, Graduation is still a great album because it show Kanye's more goofy and fun side while still staying grounded with tracks like Everything I Am and Big Brother. Graduation is a foray awayGraduation takes Mr. West in a bit more of a commercial direction than his past two albums, but that is by no means a bad thing. While not as hard hitting as both Late Registration and College Dropout, Graduation is still a great album because it show Kanye's more goofy and fun side while still staying grounded with tracks like Everything I Am and Big Brother. Graduation is a foray away from Kanye's usual style, but don't crucify him for it, instead embrace it.… Expand
  16. j30
    Sep 28, 2011
    8
    A clunky album, but some of his best songs belong to this album. To say it's a complete failure, is not true. He's one of Hip-Hop's greatest talents.
  17. Ricko
    Dec 4, 2017
    9
    This is one of those albums that even if your not into Kanye West or his hybrid take on Pop/Hip Hop, it's still difficult not to like. I'm certainly not a big fan of the genre and found Wests' "College Dropout" album to be just above average. "Graduation" however is excellently produced and the songwriting on show is outstanding. Like him or loathe him you have to hand it to him with thisThis is one of those albums that even if your not into Kanye West or his hybrid take on Pop/Hip Hop, it's still difficult not to like. I'm certainly not a big fan of the genre and found Wests' "College Dropout" album to be just above average. "Graduation" however is excellently produced and the songwriting on show is outstanding. Like him or loathe him you have to hand it to him with this record, he ticks all the boxes woth some really good stuff. You'll probably know half this record before you get a hold of it there are so many singles on it. I tip my hat to the man on this one.… Expand
  18. LeftyRightyGuy
    Oct 21, 2011
    8
    A step down from "Late Registration," but that's pretty hard not to top that album. He gives a more mainstream direction that broadens his legacy.
    Best Track's
    "Champion"
    "Stronger"
    "Can't Tell Me Nothing"
    "Good Life"
    "Homecoming"
  19. BrandonHamm
    Apr 3, 2012
    8
    As he always does, Kanye completely switched his style up for this album, going for a more electro-tinged sound, although this is often over-emphasized with this album; there are plenty of throwback Kanye joints on here (the soulful "Everything I Am" and "The Glory", the Chris Martin-assisted "Homecoming" and the well-produced but lyrically-lacking "Barry Bonds" are prime examples). KanyeAs he always does, Kanye completely switched his style up for this album, going for a more electro-tinged sound, although this is often over-emphasized with this album; there are plenty of throwback Kanye joints on here (the soulful "Everything I Am" and "The Glory", the Chris Martin-assisted "Homecoming" and the well-produced but lyrically-lacking "Barry Bonds" are prime examples). Kanye went for a more stadium-ready sound on this album, and as is, songs like the brilliant "I Wonder" and his biggest hit to date, "Stronger", are as granidose and epic as you will ever hear from 'Ye. The only area where this album is lacking is in lyricism, which was weaker as compared to his previous 2 albums (it doesn't help that Kanye wasn't already an elite MC). Overall, a very good album, but not to the caliber of his first 2 albums.… Expand
  20. tonto
    Jun 17, 2021
    9
    Maybe his best album, if not one of his best albums. This one was a classic. Kanye is a good rapper and a brilliant producer. The sample of P.Y.T. by Michael Jackson was fantastic on Good Life. There’s almost no filler on this album although there are some standout tracks like the aforementioned Good Life, Flashing Lights, Stronger, Can’t Tell Me Nothing, and Barry Bonds featuring Lil Wayne.
  21. TimW001
    Feb 14, 2016
    9
    I still frequently listen to this album. A complete classic that I would recommend for any hip-hop fan. The album is the sound of success. 'Life is good' put through speakers.
  22. Swishalicious29
    Jun 11, 2013
    8
    My 3rd favorite Kanye West album. It has some of this best songs ever, (Can't Tell Me Nothin, Big Brother, Flashing Lights). The production is classic Kanye. Barry Bonds and Drunk and Hot Girls I didn't really like, as they feel like filler material. With that being said, if you are a Kanye West fan, you have no reason to not listen to this album.
  23. Aoi
    Oct 12, 2013
    7
    Average lyrics and i don't really like all of the songs on here. Still a great album none the less but my least favourite album by Kanye West. Caters too much to the mainstream and sounds dumbed down.
  24. Mcgillacuddy
    Aug 15, 2016
    10
    It's the first album from Kanye I've listened to and it remains my favorite. Here's why: the freaking production in the songs is right up my alley, and the way Kanye uses samples is flawless.
  25. keve16
    Mar 22, 2015
    7
    7.4/10................................................................................................................................................
  26. MoneyMaker101
    Mar 8, 2016
    10
    This is probably my favorite Kanye album.I don't know is there an average song on this project because I can't find one.I can't pick my favorite track because I love them all.Production is 5/5,lyrics are great.Best album of 2007 for sure.
  27. RapGameWillyWon
    Apr 12, 2015
    10
    This is an infectious, fun and soulful pop-rap album. Taking more of a light tone than the last 2 Kanye albums, we see our artist reflect on his life before and his current fame in a more happy, relieved and nostalgic tone. Taking queues from electronic music and anime he gives us an album energetic even in it's slower moments. Gloriously over-the-top, he tackles specific subjects withThis is an infectious, fun and soulful pop-rap album. Taking more of a light tone than the last 2 Kanye albums, we see our artist reflect on his life before and his current fame in a more happy, relieved and nostalgic tone. Taking queues from electronic music and anime he gives us an album energetic even in it's slower moments. Gloriously over-the-top, he tackles specific subjects with ease and memorability. Kanye's energy creates classic "stadium status" (as he puts it in Big Brother) hip-hop anthems that everyone can have fun with, such as "Stronger, "Good Life" and "Can't Tell Me Nothing." In it's more quiet, introspective moments we see a strange sort of wisdom that's relatable without being depressing, this includes a reflection on a break up; "I Wonder", a look at the people who hate you for who you are ; "Everything I Am", being homesick on "Homecoming" and getting rejected by your mentor on "Big Brother." Overall a joyful and sonically infectious album almost designed for summer nights.… Expand
  28. emlugo123
    Mar 10, 2015
    9
    You have to appreciate the production quality of this album. This album just sounds like quality. A couple of tracks are OK but Glory, Flashing Lights, Wonder, and Homecoming is some of the best hip-hip I've heard in a long time.
  29. emlugo007
    Mar 10, 2015
    9
    Best Kanye album without a doubt.

    I wasn't a huge fan of Kanye when he came out, but I was pleasantly surprised at how great this album was. One of the few albums where I can listen to every track.
  30. homer4president
    Mar 10, 2015
    9
    This is an incredible album. It really exemplifies Kanye's style. He may not be some extremely skilled and devoted lyricist like classics such as Nas and KRS-ONE, but he has a very individual sound that has gotten him extremely far.
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Awards & Rankings

91
#91 Best Album of 2007
8
#8 Most Discussed Album of 2007
6
#6 Most Shared Album of 2007

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 32 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 32
  3. Negative: 0 out of 32
  1. The New York Times
    Feb 9, 2011
    70
    Nearly every song on Graduation is memorable for both its hooks and its overall sound.
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  2. AllMusic
    80
    Graduation is neither as bold nor as scattered as "The College Dropout," and it's neither as extroverted nor as sonically rich as "Late Registration." Kanye still makes up for his shortcomings as an MC and lyricist by remaining charmingly clumsy, frequently dealing nonsense through suspect rhyme schemes.
    Read full review
  3. Billboard
    80
    An impressively creative hip-hop album that will hopefully inspire West's peers to try new sonic avenues.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »