Late Registration
by Kanye West
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 1302 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,153 out of 1302
  2. Mixed: 39 out of 1302
  3. Negative: 110 out of 1302

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  1. Mcritic19
    Aug 22, 2011
    10
    With this album Kanye made it known that he'll be around for a while. Great album my favorite from mr. West. Kanye West showed his lyricall greatness, his **** expressed his feelings all on one album.
  2. Ricko
    Nov 23, 2012
    8
    Another top album from Mr West, one of the few hip hop/rap artists where I can listen to an entire album. This has got some great singles and has the fantastic "Gold digger". Production is flawless, only thing that I don't like are the "skit" tracks which ruin the flow of the record for me. If your not a fan of the genre (and in general, I'm not) this guy is still worth checking out.Another top album from Mr West, one of the few hip hop/rap artists where I can listen to an entire album. This has got some great singles and has the fantastic "Gold digger". Production is flawless, only thing that I don't like are the "skit" tracks which ruin the flow of the record for me. If your not a fan of the genre (and in general, I'm not) this guy is still worth checking out. Really find myself enjoying his records.… Expand
  3. cr1995
    Nov 14, 2012
    9
    Kanye established his skill in College Dropout, but Late Registration is when he truly shines. The beats are expanded to new horizons and his lyrics are just as good. He does a great job of sampling songs and there's several guest appearances that amplify his own ability as well. Great album, I really do believe it's an instant classic. I think about it this way: Kanye always has thatKanye established his skill in College Dropout, but Late Registration is when he truly shines. The beats are expanded to new horizons and his lyrics are just as good. He does a great job of sampling songs and there's several guest appearances that amplify his own ability as well. Great album, I really do believe it's an instant classic. I think about it this way: Kanye always has that arrogant "I'm one of the greatest ever" kind of attitute, but after I listened to all of Late Registration, I caught myself starting to think that he may not be completely wrong. Favorites: Heard Em' Say, Gold Digger, Gone. Least Favorite: Bring Me Down.… Expand
  4. ben_zo77
    Feb 4, 2014
    9
    This album is a near-perfect mix of braggadocio, raw emotion, and socially conscious lyrics. Also, the features work beautifully and contribute to the impact of this album. There's 2 or 3 songs that could have been left out, but Late Registration is without a doubt an elite LP. ~ 8.5/10

    Best track: "Touch The Sky" Other notable tracks: "Gold Digger", "Crack Music", "Roses", "We Major",    This album is a near-perfect mix of braggadocio, raw emotion, and socially conscious lyrics. Also, the features work beautifully and contribute to the impact of this album. There's 2 or 3 songs that could have been left out, but Late Registration is without a doubt an elite LP. ~ 8.5/10

    Best track: "Touch The Sky"
    Other notable tracks: "Gold Digger", "Crack Music", "Roses", "We Major", "Hey Mama", & "Diamonds From Sierra Leone" (remix and original)    … Expand
  5. keve16
    Mar 22, 2015
    8
    8.5/10................................................................................................................................................
  6. His-Dudeness
    Mar 2, 2015
    10
    Ten years on Late Registration has aged brilliantly compared to Kanye West's other critically acclaimed work. The production is still the best Kanye contribution to date, and is arguably one of the finest to ever in it's genre. The guest verses are unconventional, especially at the time, yet they work in perfect harmony with Mr West. Such crisp production and light on the ear rhymes areTen years on Late Registration has aged brilliantly compared to Kanye West's other critically acclaimed work. The production is still the best Kanye contribution to date, and is arguably one of the finest to ever in it's genre. The guest verses are unconventional, especially at the time, yet they work in perfect harmony with Mr West. Such crisp production and light on the ear rhymes are what continue to make Late Registration a timeless classic.… Expand
  7. RapGameWillyWon
    Apr 12, 2015
    10
    WAKE UP MR. WEST!! The second album of Kanye's career proves to be another masterpiece. Never one to overuse a style, West noticed almost instantly after College Dropout that his sped-up soul sample was starting to become an industry cliche, so he shook it up a little. This resulting album's instrumentation is still pretty ahead of it's time. West cleverly uses the other side of theWAKE UP MR. WEST!! The second album of Kanye's career proves to be another masterpiece. Never one to overuse a style, West noticed almost instantly after College Dropout that his sped-up soul sample was starting to become an industry cliche, so he shook it up a little. This resulting album's instrumentation is still pretty ahead of it's time. West cleverly uses the other side of the 60s/70s songs he so loves to give them pop appeal. For example, the blaring horns on "Touch the Sky", the daunting keys on "Drive Slow" and Jamie Foxx's humorous interpretation of a random Ray Charles line on "Gold Digger." He also mixes the type of dramatic orchestral instrumentation usually found in movie soundtracks, courtesy of Jon Brion. Lyrically, the album doesn't showcase West's ability any more than "College Dropout" he can still tell a good story and has plenty of clever, if not a little immature, punchlines ("If you're a stripper named Porsche and you get tips from many men, then your fat friend her nickname is Mini-Van.") That type of self-aware ego is common on this album, with several skits featuring Kanye in a penniless fraternity called "Phi-broke." There's still time for serious messages however, creating goosebumps worthy songs in "My Way Home", where Common laments over a Gil Scott-Heron sample, "Crack Music", a stark look at hip-hop's place in white America, "Roses", which looks at his grandmother's hospital stay and the medical industry as a whole and a "Diamonds from Sierra Leone" Remix that more directly tackles the title. This is the album that showcases Kanye's star quality and it's a hard one to dislike, no matter how obnoxious he can get.… Expand
  8. Urbanlistener
    Apr 28, 2015
    10
    A really great second album from Kanye who shows he can be consistent in his work, staying true to his ambitions while refreshing a bit his style. Like the previous one, a sharp production from the guy who brought you most of the beats on Jay-Z's Blueprint and a Chicago sound sure to please any fan of Chicago's hip-hop.
  9. Revlewer
    Oct 28, 2016
    9
    This album embodies Ye's incredible ability to fuse hip-hop ballads with foot-tappers and head-nodders. Tracks like "Gone" and "Touch the Sky" make you want to learn all the words and forget where you are. They are nicely contrasted by "Addiction" and "Roses", which still have engrossing beats but lyrics that reflect his side that contradicts the impression of an egotistic pseudo-manic.This album embodies Ye's incredible ability to fuse hip-hop ballads with foot-tappers and head-nodders. Tracks like "Gone" and "Touch the Sky" make you want to learn all the words and forget where you are. They are nicely contrasted by "Addiction" and "Roses", which still have engrossing beats but lyrics that reflect his side that contradicts the impression of an egotistic pseudo-manic. Overlaid by skits that show the hardship of living in poverty, partially due to the color of one's skin, the album flows nicely, cementing Ye's career as a producer and an intense lyricist. This is an album that will be remembered for decades to come.… Expand
  10. victorcarter
    Nov 29, 2016
    9
    what an album... the variation on this project was just perfect. there were heartfelt songs like roses and hey mama, but there were also more upbeat songs like touch the sky and we major. the jazzy production was very fitting to the theme and vocals of this LP. my only complaint is that the skits were a little unnecessary. i liked the input of them, but they didn't seem to fit what waswhat an album... the variation on this project was just perfect. there were heartfelt songs like roses and hey mama, but there were also more upbeat songs like touch the sky and we major. the jazzy production was very fitting to the theme and vocals of this LP. my only complaint is that the skits were a little unnecessary. i liked the input of them, but they didn't seem to fit what was being said in the tracks before and after them. a really really enjoyable listen.
    fav tracks: touch the sky, gold digger, crack music, roses, bring me down, diamonds from sierra leone[remix w jay z], we major, gone    … Expand
  11. thehypebeast97
    Jan 27, 2017
    9
    An excellent follow-up to College Dropout and it pretty much follows the same concept of his debut. Solid album, another classic from Mr. West, best album of 2005
  12. fifi3
    Jul 28, 2019
    8
    An album that is great in just about everything. The production is outstanding, with jazz and soul thoughtfully implemented, is consistent from start to finish, displays the charisma and confidence that was so prevalent on TCD, and has potent themes throughout. A classic album.
  13. Fib3r
    Jul 14, 2017
    10
    A great follow up to one of the greatest debuts albums ever, which is pretty impressive. With this album Kanye proved that he was not just a one hit wonder and that he was in fact here to stay.
  14. FruitJuice
    Jul 17, 2017
    7
    good album............................................................................................................................................................
  15. Recon97
    Oct 4, 2017
    10
    I didn't like Kanye West. The first album I ever heard from him was Yeezus, and that album was awful. But then a friend convinced me to listen to Late Registration. This is incredible. With so much soulful production, some of the most honest lyrics I've ever heard, Mr. West has scored my 15th favorite album of all time. 10/10
  16. AKthaBeast
    Mar 24, 2018
    9
    This album when it first came out was better than the debut album. This album has two of my favorite Kanye tracks in "Touch the Sky" and "Diamonds". The remix to "Diamonds" when it released was so impactful to what was going on during hip-hop and the Roc that it literally gave me the feels when Jay's verse came on.

    1. Wake Up Mr. West 2. Heard 'Em Say feat. Adam Levine - B+ 3. Touch    This album when it first came out was better than the debut album. This album has two of my favorite Kanye tracks in "Touch the Sky" and "Diamonds". The remix to "Diamonds" when it released was so impactful to what was going on during hip-hop and the Roc that it literally gave me the feels when Jay's verse came on.

    1. Wake Up Mr. West
    2. Heard 'Em Say feat. Adam Levine - B+
    3. Touch the Sky feat. Lupe Fiasco - A+
    4. Gold Digger feat. Jamie Foxx - B
    5. Skit #1
    6. Drive Slow feat. Paul Wall & GLC - A-
    7. My Way Home feat. Common - B+
    8. Crack Music feat. The Game - B+
    9. Roses - A-
    10. Bring Me Down feat. Brandy - A
    11. Addiction - A-
    12. Skit #2
    13. Diamonds from Sierra Leone feat. Jay-Z (Remix) - A+
    14. We Major feat. Nas & Really Doe - A
    15. Skit #3
    16. Hey Mama - A
    17. Celebration - A
    18. Skit #4
    19. Gone feat. Consequence & Cam'ron - A
    20. Diamonds from Sierra Leone - A+
    21. Late - B+    … Expand
  17. C_dot
    May 22, 2019
    9
    Still to this day, Kanye's best lyrically written album. However, he plays it a bit safer than he has with all of his other albums, not experimenting as much with his production. That being sad, his production is still great (just not as great as his other projects), but his rapping skill and song writing keep this a excellent album.
  18. Atum_
    Jun 11, 2020
    8
    Only a 1,5 years after his debut, Kanye was back with a brand new album featuring one of his most popular tracks of all time: Gold Digger. This album is great, though not as good as his first one. This is very different from his first one, more orchestral and with more sting instruments. He still talks about what he usually does, however he is no longer the humble underdog that took theOnly a 1,5 years after his debut, Kanye was back with a brand new album featuring one of his most popular tracks of all time: Gold Digger. This album is great, though not as good as his first one. This is very different from his first one, more orchestral and with more sting instruments. He still talks about what he usually does, however he is no longer the humble underdog that took the world by storm the year prior. The standout tracks on this album is great, I love both the beginning and the end, however the middle part (My Way Home to Skit #2) feels kinda boring at times, and the beats are a bit boring, but the good really outshine the bad on this one.… Expand
  19. Aplucity
    Apr 16, 2019
    10
    Kanye West is a top name for rap and every one of these songs stands out on there on terms. It may not be dropout, but it's amazing in its own right.
  20. jakemoss2011
    Dec 12, 2018
    10
    amazing. heard em say is maybe the deepest rap song until kanye came to top it on later albums. touch the sky feels like cocaine and the production is unmatched. this is where we start to see a unique and profound artist
  21. CyXato
    Sep 5, 2019
    10
    This is one of the best albums of all time, along with the majority of Kanye's work. The production is phenomenal as always, I just don't know how he is the most talented artist of all time but he is. Heard em say is such a relaxing nice song. Gold digger was a radio hit. Hey mama is beautiful. Drive Slow is head bobbing. Crack music is personally my least favorite but still an awesomeThis is one of the best albums of all time, along with the majority of Kanye's work. The production is phenomenal as always, I just don't know how he is the most talented artist of all time but he is. Heard em say is such a relaxing nice song. Gold digger was a radio hit. Hey mama is beautiful. Drive Slow is head bobbing. Crack music is personally my least favorite but still an awesome song. my way home and the skits were nice. I just simply love this album. Diamonds from Sierra Leonne and the remix. so much in this album is perfect.… Expand
  22. GLang
    Jan 22, 2020
    10
    This is my second favorite Kanye album, and for good reason. This project takes a lot of what Ye does so well on College Dropout and improves on it. He continues to create melodic, ear pleasing hip hop music that can be enjoyed by the average listener or a hardcore rap/hip hop fan.
  23. A_Normal_Bush
    Mar 10, 2020
    9
    Late Registration is my favorite Kanye album. I listened to College Dropout, Graduation, and My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy before this album and absolutely loved all three of them. I was expecting to like this album as much as those 3, not less or more. Then, I listened to the album.
    It's a near perfect album, and while MBDTF may be more popular, I personally think this is his best    Late Registration is my favorite Kanye album. I listened to College Dropout, Graduation, and My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy before this album and absolutely loved all three of them. I was expecting to like this album as much as those 3, not less or more. Then, I listened to the album.
    It's a near perfect album, and while MBDTF may be more popular, I personally think this is his best album, even if just barely. It's near perfect.    … Expand
  24. dropoutgolf
    Mar 13, 2020
    10
    I love this album. Ye' managed to perfectly follow up the College Dropout, and make an even better album. The production is great, the skits are just as funny if not even funnier than The College Dropout. Although the lows tend to be pretty dull, the high's are amazing, and unmatched by anything else Kanye's ever done. Classic!
    Favorite Tracks:
    Diamonds From Sierra Leone Roses Heard    I love this album. Ye' managed to perfectly follow up the College Dropout, and make an even better album. The production is great, the skits are just as funny if not even funnier than The College Dropout. Although the lows tend to be pretty dull, the high's are amazing, and unmatched by anything else Kanye's ever done. Classic!
    Favorite Tracks:
    Diamonds From Sierra Leone
    Roses
    Heard Em' Say
    Hey Mama
    We Major
    Addiction

    Least Favorite:
    Crack Music    … Expand
  25. Zixon
    Dec 11, 2020
    10
    Some of the best production in Kanye's discography. I guess this is why people miss the old Kanye.
  26. andyn823
    Jul 21, 2020
    7
    I like the production of this album, this proves that Kanye was (or is) a talented producer. The problem of this album that it's too long, some of the tracks seem out of place, some parts are not needed. His rap is okay. "Hey Mama", "Celebration" and "Heard Em Say" are beautiful songs. And this album is cohesive, it can be the most enjoyable album for me, of all of Kanye's discography.
  27. DABBINGBOI
    Aug 16, 2021
    7
    As i've slowly been getting into rap, I thought i should check out Kanye West and i started with this project.
    I must say, it's a good first impression, my favourite tracks are; Touch the Sky (Great celebratory instrumental and lupe fiasco's great lyrical talent shine), Drive slow, Diamonds from Sierra Leone and gone.
    Everything else is good, with the exception of some tracks being a    As i've slowly been getting into rap, I thought i should check out Kanye West and i started with this project.
    I must say, it's a good first impression, my favourite tracks are; Touch the Sky (Great celebratory instrumental and lupe fiasco's great lyrical talent shine), Drive slow, Diamonds from Sierra Leone and gone.
    Everything else is good, with the exception of some tracks being a bit boring.    … Expand
  28. cdgui
    Aug 31, 2021
    10
    The best album of all time, all tracks are goat material, great flow, great hooks, great production, great beats, everything about this album is absolutely perfect
  29. Wrong_Opinions
    Dec 21, 2020
    9
    Fantastic album that makes me miss the Old Kanye. 9/10. Would definitely recommend.
  30. Anke51
    Jan 6, 2021
    10
    Not even coming close to a good album. To think that Kanye's biggest song Gold Digger is actually built on the back of Ray Charles' classic...
Page:

Awards & Rankings

18
#18 Best Album of 2005
4
#4 Most Discussed Album of 2005
6
#6 Most Shared Album of 2005

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
85

Universal acclaim - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 31
  3. Negative: 0 out of 31
  1. Slant Magazine
    Feb 17, 2011
    70
    Late Registration's salvation (and, undoubtedly, Kanye's own) are when it basks in the sunshine after the rain.
    Read full review
  2. Village Voice
    Jan 3, 2011
    90
    Each of these songs offers more exquisite details than I could earmark in twice this space, many of them literary, which the English prof's dropout son rightly claims as his calling. But secret brilliance is more likely to emerge from the sops to his hip-hop base.
    Read full review
  3. Amazon.com
    90
    Late Registration can't replicate the novelty of last year's College Dropout, but otherwise, this is an impressively more mature and labored-over album.
    Read full review
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