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

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. JaleelW.
    Sep 11, 2007
    10
    Kanye's best and a shoe-in for Album of the Year at the Grammys. R.I.P. 50 Cent. His retirement will spawn a new revolution in rap.
  2. CesarC.
    Sep 10, 2007
    10
    There is clear progression between CD, LR, and Graduation. All of them are very different.
  3. PeterM.
    Sep 13, 2007
    10
    I must say that this is really an upgrade from Kanye West.. Great songs, great flows and most of all.. GREAT effects.. Fx the piano on Homecoming (Ft. Chris Martin of Coldplay).. Kanye has definitely graduated in my eyes, and he has graduated with the highest grade possible! So, I think 50 Cent should just make an end to his career 'cause Kanye beats him big time.. My Top 5 on I must say that this is really an upgrade from Kanye West.. Great songs, great flows and most of all.. GREAT effects.. Fx the piano on Homecoming (Ft. Chris Martin of Coldplay).. Kanye has definitely graduated in my eyes, and he has graduated with the highest grade possible! So, I think 50 Cent should just make an end to his career 'cause Kanye beats him big time.. My Top 5 on Graduation: 1. Homecoming (Ft. Chris Martin) 2. Big Brother 3. Stronger 4. The Glory 5. Everything I Am The intro Good Morning is also great.... I like it all, so people, buy this CD.. You are going to love it!!… Expand
  4. LeonA
    Sep 17, 2007
    10
    Can someone please check the NME review! If you read it carefully, its quite obvious the reviewer is listening to a leaked copy of the album. He even talks about Good Night ft. Mos Def for crying out loud! Just terrible. This album is hot stuff though! only bad track is Drunk and Hot girls the rest is CLASSIC!
  5. RashonW.
    Sep 22, 2007
    10
    Not just the greatest rapper of all time but the greatest artist living today. Like Kanye said, if there was a modern day Bible written today he would be the lead character, the narrator and all the acknowledgements would be reserved for Kanye himself. Can anyone stop this man?
  6. AlexS.
    Nov 7, 2007
    10
    The Classic...
  7. otisc.
    Oct 3, 2007
    10
    Great album, its inspirational and moving. Different from everything out right now. A leap forward for Real authentic Hip-Hop Music especially people who don't carry 40 Caliber pistol.....lol
  8. RoyalC.
    Sep 11, 2007
    10
    It's Kanye...exactly what the doctor ordered.
  9. D.F.
    Sep 10, 2007
    10
    Shows a much more mature lyricist and producer in Kanye West. Graduation is his tightest and most consistent album yet. It shows how he can stand alone without much outside help, unlike many artists making music today.
  10. JubileeW.
    Sep 11, 2007
    10
    Kanye doesnt dissapoint. Once more he has produced and written an amazing album. From the in depth lyrics of Big Brother to the ever imaginative and eye opening Flashing Lights, or to the old skool soul of The Glory. Another masterpiece.
  11. JakeS.
    Sep 11, 2007
    10
    Consistent is one thing Kanye's albums have been. He doesn't break the mold with "Graduation". I can't recall many artists who's first 3 records were considered "album of the year" candidates each time one was released. Amazing.
  12. GeraldH.
    Sep 12, 2007
    10
    Kanye is everything hip hop and rap should be all about. He is inventive, creative and breaks new ground. He makes exciting new and interesting material and should be a blueprint for what other rap artists should strive for, as opposed to the ring tone rappers who follow the same tired and over used formulas that went out of style in the late 1990's.
  13. JesseG.
    Sep 10, 2007
    10
    an instant classic
  14. justina
    Sep 16, 2007
    10
    way better then the first album!!! i guess 50 aint supportin his next album, since u wooped his ass!!!
  15. AnissaB.
    Sep 21, 2007
    10
    Kanye is a lyrical genius! I love the way he skillfully plays on words. My fav tracks on Graduation are Big Brother, I Wonder, Bittersweet and Can't Tell Me Nothing. But basically all the tracks are bangers, with the exception of Drunk & Hot Girls, [what were you thinkin Ye & Mos Def??]
  16. luciam
    Oct 10, 2007
    10
    Just great and different .His music is in a high level.
  17. jupioi.
    Nov 15, 2007
    10
    Incredible
  18. LucaA.
    Sep 11, 2007
    10
    fantastic
  19. AlexV.
    Sep 11, 2007
    10
    this album is ridiculous every song is at least 4 stars out of 5 flashing lights, stronger, good morning, big brother shit the whole album is straight FIRE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BUY OR DIE
  20. MarioV.
    Sep 11, 2007
    10
    Two Rappers: One represents the Status Quo of hip hop, guns, bitches and bling, and the other represents hip hop in all its glory: what it was at its creative peak and what it hopefully will revert to in the future. Today, both their CD
  21. ClassicBoyyyeee
    Sep 11, 2007
    10
    this album is classic kanye is at the top of his game and he made a great decision cutting back on all the damn skits. the intro, homecoming, big brother, and the glory are all standout tracks.good life is destined to become a smash hit. this is easily the best hip-hop album of the year
  22. Ling
    Sep 11, 2007
    10
    Great Album, both musically and lyriclly
  23. [Anonymous]
    Sep 10, 2007
    10
    flashing lights is the track of the year!!! if you thought that the singles on this album were good, just wait until you hear the other sutff. this album has absolutely no filler!
  24. LarryC.
    Sep 11, 2007
    10
    It
  25. SamS.
    Sep 10, 2007
    10
    this album is amazing
  26. ScottS.
    Sep 10, 2007
    10
    wow
  27. Blank
    Sep 10, 2007
    10
    This is Kanye's best album yet.
  28. JoshN.
    Sep 11, 2007
    10
    Easily Ye's most personal album. Definitely as good, if not better than college dropout or late registration. Shows musical prowess, and shows his intimate sides. Big brother is an amazing track, as is the good life. Check it out
  29. NateL.
    Sep 12, 2007
    10
    Spec-tac-u-laaaaaar
  30. MatthewS.
    Sep 10, 2007
    10
    Another outstanding accomplishment from Kanye! "I Wonder" is my absolute favorite, but I've grown pretty fond of the entire album! If you can get your hands on the bonus track "Good Night" .. well, do so! It's phenomenal, too!
  31. ScottS.
    Sep 10, 2007
    10
    wow
  32. KyleM.
    Sep 13, 2007
    10
    classic if you don't like it you're lying to yourself
  33. johno.
    Sep 14, 2007
    10
    AMAZING.
  34. ChrisK
    Sep 16, 2007
    10
    Possibly the best album of the year!
  35. Brad
    Sep 17, 2007
    10
    Not a huge fan of Kanye West, but come on. This isn't even fair how unbelievably produced it is.
  36. FaiselS
    Feb 13, 2008
    10
    Is one of the best. Attracts many people even those who don't listen to rap.
  37. SachinD.
    Apr 29, 2008
    10
    This was an amazing achievement for Kanye. The sheer variety in the songs makes it one of the most colorful and intriguing albums I've ever had the pleasure of listening to.
  38. AdamE.
    Sep 11, 2007
    10
    This album is amzing and I am not even a big rap fan a must buy for 2007! My favorite songs are Good Morning,Stronger,Good Life,Champion and Can't Tell Me Nothing! Go Get It!
  39. ThatMusicGuy
    Sep 11, 2007
    10
    50 vs. Graduation? hahahaha the real argument is Graduation vs. Neon Bible and Boxer for Album of the Year
  40. JavierT.
    Sep 12, 2007
    10
    Awesome!! Finally real hip hop with true lyrics...Can't beat that!
  41. MarcusH.
    Sep 12, 2007
    10
    i personally love the album kanye is great wayyyy better than 50
  42. WesT.
    Sep 12, 2007
    10
    Artful, soulful, contemplative, funny, and real. The pure sonic craftmanship displayed is sometimes boggling. Best of '07 thus far.
  43. 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
  44. Justinavery7074
    Feb 22, 2012
    10
    If I were to listen to only five albums for the rest of my life, Kanye West's Graduation would definitely be among the other four. It's just superb. Maybe Barry Bonds isn't as great as the rest, but it's just a small scratch on a maasterfully crafted album. I **** lover this album
  45. MichaelD
    May 8, 2011
    10
    By far one of Kanye's best albums. And definetely one of my favourites too.
  46. T1A7NAN
    Apr 25, 2011
    10
    This is Kanye's best album. I love My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy but in all honesty, I think that the tracks on this album somehow are more consistent. Flashing Lights is AMAZING! Can't Tell Me Nothing is AMAZING! Ever since it's release date, I have listened to every track non-stop. After listening to one track you just have to listen to every other one on the album. Some may say thatThis is Kanye's best album. I love My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy but in all honesty, I think that the tracks on this album somehow are more consistent. Flashing Lights is AMAZING! Can't Tell Me Nothing is AMAZING! Ever since it's release date, I have listened to every track non-stop. After listening to one track you just have to listen to every other one on the album. Some may say that College Dropout was his best due to him being more "real". Or that MBDTF was his best because it is artistic and has a new sound. Although I probably agree with this to some degree, Graduation just does it for me. BDW i'm 16 and white and Kanye is obviously my favourite rapper.… Expand
  47. marcybabey
    Oct 23, 2011
    10
    filled with happy vibes, this is kanye's best work by far. and easily my most favourite album in the industry. theres just one problem, 'stronger' shouldnt of been released as a single.
  48. dfjaljfdal
    Mar 15, 2012
    10
    His best album to date; unlike Watch the Throne or MBDTF, Kanye simply does what he does best, without sounding overly pompous (and thus, annoying). Still, there is enough **** in here to make a very good Kanye album, but also enough realism that you know he is a real person, not just a stuck-up fool.
  49. 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.
  50. 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.
  51. 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
  52. AKthaBeast
    Mar 24, 2018
    10
    One of if not my favorite Kanye West album. This album has so many cuts and samples from all different types of genres and he even got to sample the legendary duo Daft Punk.

    1, Good Morning - A 2. Champion - A+ 3. Stronger - A+ 4. I Wonder - A- 5. Good Life feat. T-Pain - A- 6. Can't Tell Me Nothing - A+ 7. Barry Bonds feat. Lil Wayne - A 8. Drunk & Hot Girls feat. Mos Def - B+    One of if not my favorite Kanye West album. This album has so many cuts and samples from all different types of genres and he even got to sample the legendary duo Daft Punk.

    1, Good Morning - A
    2. Champion - A+
    3. Stronger - A+
    4. I Wonder - A-
    5. Good Life feat. T-Pain - A-
    6. Can't Tell Me Nothing - A+
    7. Barry Bonds feat. Lil Wayne - A
    8. Drunk & Hot Girls feat. Mos Def - B+
    9. Flashing Lights feat. Dwele - A+
    10. Everything I Am feat. DJ Premier - B+
    11. The Glory - B+
    12. Homecoming feat. Chris Martin - A
    13. Big Brother - A    … Expand
  53. AndreaGamerYT
    Jan 25, 2021
    10
    If you're a Kanye fan or rap fan, YOU MUST listen to Graduation. Storic album that changed the entire rap game.
    Also it aged very well.
    10/10
  54. jakemoss2011
    Dec 12, 2018
    10
    i think this is the best of the old kanye trilogy. good morning is a vibe. champion is a beutifully produced track with some of the deepest lyrics in old kanye. this is where i think kanye got hte confidence to innovate, changing the hip hop landscape landscape in the process. stronger is an unmatched hype track and showcases kanyes technical genius on the level of power. electronic musici think this is the best of the old kanye trilogy. good morning is a vibe. champion is a beutifully produced track with some of the deepest lyrics in old kanye. this is where i think kanye got hte confidence to innovate, changing the hip hop landscape landscape in the process. stronger is an unmatched hype track and showcases kanyes technical genius on the level of power. electronic music had never been so harmonious with another genre. truly genius and i think kanyes inovation here is often overllooked, there was never an album similar before or after although if he didnt go through the life changing tragedy which birthed 808s we may have many similar upbeat mastrepieces.
    extras;
    i wonder gives that unique feel only a few artists can bless a listener with. the instrumental seems to bring our attenion on our conscioussness and passing time while kanye talks of life passing while bieng lost in confusion as to what it all means. wow    … Expand
  55. CyXato
    Sep 5, 2019
    10
    The greatest artist of all time released another masterpiece. He continues to release 5 more solo projects that are also masterpieces. Jesus is King will most likely achieve the same. This is simply beautiful. Pop rap started to come up and Kanye helped revolutionize it. So many good songs on here. The weakest point is Barry Bonds but it is still a great song. Champion, I Wonder, GoodThe greatest artist of all time released another masterpiece. He continues to release 5 more solo projects that are also masterpieces. Jesus is King will most likely achieve the same. This is simply beautiful. Pop rap started to come up and Kanye helped revolutionize it. So many good songs on here. The weakest point is Barry Bonds but it is still a great song. Champion, I Wonder, Good Life, such a great album.… Expand
  56. CarlJrCmr
    Aug 15, 2020
    10
    I really like how he used all these sample. I really it's beautiful. That's where I see beauty in rap music. You can mix so many styles in one and make it look good. However a few people are capable to do that, Kanye is one of them. Go Kanye!!!!
  57. Skeledon
    May 22, 2023
    10
    Not as great as late registration but a fitting end for the trilogy. Favorite song: Good Night
  58. narolo
    Mar 30, 2022
    10
    awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome
  59. Joffnatic
    Jun 26, 2022
    10
    This album was my introduction to Kanye West when I was little. Although this is probably the album that has aged the worst out of his albums, it still holds up, and it's an almost all-banger project (Drunk and Hot Girls is the only one I don't enjoy) and is consistently a blast from start to finish. My favorite tracks are Good Morning, Stronger, I Wonder, Good Life, Can't Tell Me Nothing,This album was my introduction to Kanye West when I was little. Although this is probably the album that has aged the worst out of his albums, it still holds up, and it's an almost all-banger project (Drunk and Hot Girls is the only one I don't enjoy) and is consistently a blast from start to finish. My favorite tracks are Good Morning, Stronger, I Wonder, Good Life, Can't Tell Me Nothing, Flashing Lights, Everything I Am, Homecoming and Good Night.… Expand
  60. jonnhyblaze
    Sep 25, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. El mejor álbum que en toda carrera de kayne west desde track 1 hasta 9 son las mejores canciones, su edición física está bien elaborado, los ilustrados de álbum, también con sus videos musicales están cool la verdad se adelantó mucho a su época desde 2007, para mí es mejor álbum en toda su carrera artística le doy un 10/10.… Expand
  61. hydrekill
    Nov 6, 2022
    10
    perfect album to listen when bored or just chill out 10 /10 also my favourite album from kanye west
  62. saraysamuel
    Aug 27, 2023
    10
    realmente un clasico , sonidos que hasta el dia de hoy parecen nuevos y no es raro viniendo de kanye
  63. ****
    Sep 11, 2007
    9
    KanYe on the inside, Murakami on the outside. Who wouldn't like this album?
  64. DanA
    Sep 11, 2007
    9
    Graduation seems to be very risky. An electronic sound, almost no guest appearances, and no skits. Kanye should be out of his element. But aside from Drunk and Hot Girls, the album is amazing. As good as it is, it's not better than his first two.
  65. Spree
    Sep 11, 2007
    9
    Not as great as his last album, but that's like saying a porsche is not as nice as a ferrarri.
  66. MusicalJ
    Sep 14, 2007
    9
    Next to perfect, some of the people here are just hatin. Kanye's a genius; every track is great, nothing to skip. The production and beats are absolute perfection, listen with headphones and you'll catch some nice suprises and nuance's. The lyrics this time around are less substantial in terms of cultural references than the past two efforts, but they're ALL positve Next to perfect, some of the people here are just hatin. Kanye's a genius; every track is great, nothing to skip. The production and beats are absolute perfection, listen with headphones and you'll catch some nice suprises and nuance's. The lyrics this time around are less substantial in terms of cultural references than the past two efforts, but they're ALL positve (which I think is great) and they still reflect Kanye's character, charm, and sense of humor, and that comes out worth a lot. This record is about the individual, the graduate, and what he percieves himself to have accomplished. It's brilliantly conceptualized and the album works best as a whole from "Good Morning" to the story's beginning "Champion", to kickin' back "The Good Life" through why he did it "The Glory", to the home coming "Homecoming" to family business @ home "Big Brother". However, the indivisdual tracks work really well individually as well and these 2 concepts make for one hell of a classic record.… Expand
  67. IsaacL.
    Feb 19, 2008
    9
    I can't compare it to his other albums since I don't have them, but I enjoyed it lots and almost all of the tracks - especially Good Morning, Stronger, Can't Tell Me Nothing, Barry Bonds and Big Brother - were great. It doesn't get a 10 because of the inclusion of crap such as Everything I Am and I Wonder - both average tracks which let Graduation down.
  68. Dez
    Dec 19, 2007
    9
    To ask for him to record an album to top Late Registration is simply not going to happen. With that said, this is a very good album, not his best, however easily on of the best hip hop has had to offer this year.
  69. RahatS.
    Sep 11, 2007
    9
    reinventing music one album at a time
  70. EmilS.
    Sep 11, 2007
    9
    Production solid all the way through. Sometimes the lyrics and delivery of same is clumsy but mostly pretty decent.
  71. MattS.
    Sep 12, 2007
    9
    Nobody pays more attention to production Musically this is by far the best hip hop album out there
  72. RickyQ
    Sep 14, 2007
    9
    The whole album still feels like classic Kanye yet most of it sounds nothing like his older stuff. Graduation's beats seem to be more electronic and popish rather than what is usually considered rap/hip-hop. Kanye fans might be turned off by this, but I find it to be rather refreshing. I was disappointed at first with this new sound, but after hearing it quite a few times, it really The whole album still feels like classic Kanye yet most of it sounds nothing like his older stuff. Graduation's beats seem to be more electronic and popish rather than what is usually considered rap/hip-hop. Kanye fans might be turned off by this, but I find it to be rather refreshing. I was disappointed at first with this new sound, but after hearing it quite a few times, it really grew on me. It's a shame that the skits got dropped though, as dumb as they were they were still rather funny. There is still one thing that hasn't changed, Kanye is a lyrical genius. For example, the Back to the Future reference in "Good Morning" is a great as is the Adam and Eve line in "Can't Tell Me Nothing". Even when he rhymes the same word three times in a row, it just works. He has always been different from the norm (especially compared to 50 Cent). Few people can do it like Kanye and this album is proof of that. If you just want to get the top titles off of Graduation make sure you download these: "Good Morning" (it is amazing, the first track which really sets the mood of the album), "Stronger" (the best song on the album), "Can't Tell Me Nothing" (this reminds me of "Diamonds from Sierra Leone"), "Flashing Lights" (a very cool beat), "Homecoming" (very catchy song with some great lyrics), and "Big Brother" (a very nice song to end the album). "Champion" and "Everything I Am" are also pretty good. The only two really sore spots on the album are "Barry Bonds" and "Drunk n Hot Girls" (it's a really annoying song). So in the end Graduation is just as good as his previous efforts. Kanye always releases quality and this album is no exception. Is it his best album? It's hard to say if it is, but it comes really close. All of Kanye's albums are so great that it's hard to pick a favourite especially as this one is so different. But it is safe to say that this is my favourite album of the year. Keep up the good work Kanye!… Expand
  73. SamC.
    Sep 14, 2007
    9
    Another brilliant album from the master of hip-hop. Everyone knows his skills as a producer, but I think he's underapreciated as a lyricist.
  74. DreM.
    Sep 18, 2007
    9
    Kanye doesn't disappoint on this album.
  75. MikeD.
    Sep 23, 2007
    9
    Kanye proves he is able to make actual music and not just repetitive commercialized rap-pop, with lyrics that are actually saying something new, rather than the standard cookie cutter hip-hop verbiage, Graduation is full of originality and intelligence musically and lyrically - Thank you Mr. West, the Stevie Wonder of hip hop!!
  76. EvanT.
    Aug 31, 2008
    9
    I am and always will be a rock guy. I listened to West's song 'Homecoming' at a party, and became obsessed with it. I bought the album, and will never look at rap the same way again. Thank you Kanye for revitalizing the genre.
  77. NickS.
    Nov 27, 2007
    9
    One of my favorite albums in a long time really fresh stuff.
  78. JoshM.
    Dec 6, 2007
    9
    Nice...he still has a big mouth though.
  79. PatD.
    Sep 10, 2007
    9
    Sputnikmusic reviews are always a joke. This is easily one of the better albums of the year.
  80. BrianM.
    Sep 11, 2007
    9
    Kanye continues to push the envelope with this album. This is a departure from his usual style, but it's good the first time around and more importantly for an album, you'll find yourself humming the songs for weeks afterwards. Maybe not terribly dance-able but as music it's a triumph. Hopefully some other artists (Lupe Fiasco?) start heading in different directions like Kanye continues to push the envelope with this album. This is a departure from his usual style, but it's good the first time around and more importantly for an album, you'll find yourself humming the songs for weeks afterwards. Maybe not terribly dance-able but as music it's a triumph. Hopefully some other artists (Lupe Fiasco?) start heading in different directions like Kanye has done. Much better than Curtis.… Expand
  81. EdM.
    Sep 12, 2007
    9
    Consistant. The beat for flashing lights is up there with 'what you know' as far as catchiness. Throughout this album it also seems like he's putting forth an aura of personal growth and presence. I enjoyed it a lot.
  82. KevinM.
    Sep 12, 2007
    9
    Kanye shows that he is at the top of his production game. On tracks where he slacks lyrically he makes up for it with beats and vice versa. The feel and the sound of the album is 100% 80's synth with hip hop and I loved every second of it. An amazing album to end the trilogy. My only complaint is he didnt use skits to make it feel more like part of the trilogy.
  83. AlexL.
    Sep 13, 2007
    9
    This album is definately what I expected from Kanye. Though there are a few songs that could have been better (think "Drunk and Hot Girls), it's an overall solid effort. Kanye has always been a visionary and I think that all three of his albums have showcased his unparalleled artistic talent. I actually quite liked the bonus tracks (Good Night, Bittersweet Poetry), but do agree that This album is definately what I expected from Kanye. Though there are a few songs that could have been better (think "Drunk and Hot Girls), it's an overall solid effort. Kanye has always been a visionary and I think that all three of his albums have showcased his unparalleled artistic talent. I actually quite liked the bonus tracks (Good Night, Bittersweet Poetry), but do agree that Bittersweet Poetry would have been somewhat out of place had it been included on the US release as a main track. All in all, Graduation is a solid album with only minor weak points.… Expand
  84. EvinA.
    Sep 13, 2007
    9
    Kanye West is the savior of Hip-Hop. Three Times a Charm
  85. AlexG.
    Sep 13, 2007
    9
    I think the new record's good. A lot of good stuff. Wish it had officially included Bittersweet Poetry which is fantastic. But I'd like to respond to Brendan D. that ABBA's pretty perfect, finely crafted pop music. Even great music curmudgeon (and personal hero) Lester Bangs saw that.
  86. AlexS
    Sep 14, 2007
    9
    Aight. Now I wouldn't say this album is as good as Late Registration (Except the removal of the skits, thank God.) or the triumph that The College Dropout was. But...hell...Kanye proves he is definintely the best producer in the hip-hop game with this album. With such a broad palette of sounds being used....and all of the beats he creates with them being forceful and catchy as hell, Aight. Now I wouldn't say this album is as good as Late Registration (Except the removal of the skits, thank God.) or the triumph that The College Dropout was. But...hell...Kanye proves he is definintely the best producer in the hip-hop game with this album. With such a broad palette of sounds being used....and all of the beats he creates with them being forceful and catchy as hell, he proves it. And I know Kanye may be a little dull lyrically sometimes...but the beats usually compensate...but at other times his lyrics are very clever and humorous. In a lot of songs it's his references to pop culture that keep the lyrics fresh. This album is definitely a welcome addition to Kanye's winning streak and I give it a 9 straight up.… Expand
  87. RajeshS
    Sep 16, 2007
    9
    Nice use of diverse samples.
  88. KevinH.
    Sep 17, 2007
    9
    This album is amazing the only drawback that i had was that it is only 13 tracks. I don't understand what some of these critics are talking about when they bash this album. They must have been Kanye haters from the start. Favorite Song: Flashing Lights
  89. emilyw
    Sep 17, 2007
    9
    This album is getting majorly slighted just because it's Kanye West and there were serious expectations. If an album of this quality were released by any other rapper, the reviews would be much more positive. For example, this album is much better, both lyrically and musically, than Lupe Fiasco's debut, yet that album has an 82 or 83 on here. Different but just as good as his This album is getting majorly slighted just because it's Kanye West and there were serious expectations. If an album of this quality were released by any other rapper, the reviews would be much more positive. For example, this album is much better, both lyrically and musically, than Lupe Fiasco's debut, yet that album has an 82 or 83 on here. Different but just as good as his last two albums.… Expand
  90. Lbooige
    Oct 11, 2007
    9
    Great music all the way through.....to all the people out there that rated this cd 1-5 you don't know hip-hop...just stick to your ringtone raps.
  91. Lamont
    Nov 17, 2007
    9
    This album isn't a bad one. What sets this set apart is the simplified structure of the songs. While I preferred the ornate production of Late Registration, the production here on Graduation could very well be more focused and cohesive here.
  92. SaadG.
    Sep 12, 2007
    9
    This album is tight. The beats are top notch. And sampling Daft Punk? pure genius
  93. HynekH.
    Sep 15, 2007
    9
    Great album. Cool sound, good guests.
  94. 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.
  95. 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.
  96. marki-t_39
    Aug 17, 2011
    9
    This album brings back so many good memories. It's a feel good, memorable rap album unlike any other. KanYe is definently top of the game, and this proves it. classic.
  97. Rosco
    Mar 22, 2011
    9
    Kanye's best album by far! A progression from Late Registration that see's Mr West hit new heights. He certainly graduates, top of the class. Stronger remains to date one of his finest songs, but it was the risks he took on the album which made each achievement so much more spectacular, Kanye and Chris Martin shouldn't work, yet it does and in some style! The piano is genius on Homecoming.Kanye's best album by far! A progression from Late Registration that see's Mr West hit new heights. He certainly graduates, top of the class. Stronger remains to date one of his finest songs, but it was the risks he took on the album which made each achievement so much more spectacular, Kanye and Chris Martin shouldn't work, yet it does and in some style! The piano is genius on Homecoming. Good Life, Can't Tell Me Nothing and Flashing Lights are simply magical. Only side note is Drunk and Hot Girls which isn't the high point but when you have an album filled with 12/13 genius tracks you must be doing something right, because this remains one of the best rap albums to date.… Expand
  98. 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
  99. Michaelkirkpat
    Dec 3, 2011
    9
    Technically, Kanye's best album. It fails to take the listener new places however, and without "Can't Tell Me Nothing" the album lacks both his soul-beat style and new found intensity. Overall though, pretty phenomenal album.
  100. 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.
prev
Page:

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.
    Read full review
  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 »