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. ByronM
    Aug 28, 2005
    9
    Well if 10=100. Well I have to give this album a 9 which is a 90 on metacritic which is still AMAZING for an hip-hop album out now. This album is AMAZING. I think its slightly better than The College Dropout. His lyrical content has gotten a lot better and I think he uses his samples better with this album. I do agree though by next week...the album will probably drop to like an 88 but Well if 10=100. Well I have to give this album a 9 which is a 90 on metacritic which is still AMAZING for an hip-hop album out now. This album is AMAZING. I think its slightly better than The College Dropout. His lyrical content has gotten a lot better and I think he uses his samples better with this album. I do agree though by next week...the album will probably drop to like an 88 but like I said...still AMAZING for an hip-hop album. Kanye is a legend in the making.… Expand
  2. whb
    Aug 29, 2005
    7
    This generation's Bob Dylan? Is someone smoking Crack Music? Jon Brion's production is great, but Kanye's is all over the place. One minute he's socially conscious in "Diamonds" and the next minute he lets Jay-Z come on to rap about how great he is. Kanye is way to pretentious and arrogant. But he makes a good record.
  3. bobd
    Aug 29, 2005
    10
    this is the best album of this year ! the man is amazing and i cant wait til the next 1 !
  4. MikeB
    Aug 29, 2005
    10
    Kanye West is a brilliant new talent and with this album proves that he is not only evolving hip-hop but also giving it class and sophistication that is sadly missing from other rap acts. A pioneer in every respect and a powerful album that has fantastic music, every track is great. Standouts include the funky 'Gold Digger', the emotional 'Hey Mama', the epic 'We Kanye West is a brilliant new talent and with this album proves that he is not only evolving hip-hop but also giving it class and sophistication that is sadly missing from other rap acts. A pioneer in every respect and a powerful album that has fantastic music, every track is great. Standouts include the funky 'Gold Digger', the emotional 'Hey Mama', the epic 'We Major' and the beautiful 'Gone'. Something here for everyone and by far and away this years best album that'll mark as a highlight of this decade. This generations Bob Dylan has arrived.… Expand
  5. TripleL
    Aug 31, 2005
    10
    WOW, I can't stop listening to this album. I don't know how anyone can give this less than a 10. It's an 11!!! All tracks are potential singles, incredible!
  6. JoshN
    Aug 31, 2005
    10
    kanye is a musical genius. he uses other artists and different types of sound to create an album for the ages. this album is the epitamy of brilliance and kanye is just beginning to show that he is "pop." If you dont believe me, just listen to the cd and its brilliance.
  7. drep
    Aug 30, 2005
    10
    best hip hop cd of the year!
  8. APB
    Aug 31, 2005
    10
    18 songs. just about everyone is great. how could you not like this album?
  9. Kingcosmos
    Aug 30, 2005
    10
    with the quality of rap nowadays slowly reducing( g-unit being its main garbage contributors)..here comes a man with more than good lyrics and beats, Kanye west.... a Musical Genious. You can hear the class and quality(jon brion) in this one. If you are not a big rap fan( and I cat blame you) i wud strongly advice you to pick up this kanye album! not because its good rap! because it is with the quality of rap nowadays slowly reducing( g-unit being its main garbage contributors)..here comes a man with more than good lyrics and beats, Kanye west.... a Musical Genious. You can hear the class and quality(jon brion) in this one. If you are not a big rap fan( and I cat blame you) i wud strongly advice you to pick up this kanye album! not because its good rap! because it is good music!… Expand
  10. edfromtoronto
    Aug 30, 2005
    10
    kanye has just dropped the album of the year. amazing
  11. CoreyC
    Aug 30, 2005
    10
    "Heard Em' Say" is one of the best hip-hop tracks i've ever heard.
  12. JimmyH
    Aug 31, 2005
    10
    Everytime an album is applauded, people gotta say, "It's not the great." This is commonly know as "hatin."' Late Registration is worth every single dollar you spend on it. Most artists can't produce one entire album of good songs - Kanye has done it twice.
  13. Lavaluca
    Aug 30, 2005
    10
    you probably have heard this already, but this album is definatly worth a 10. Rap is not just about cussing and sex, and this album shows that there is more. its somthin that most albums fail in greatly. this album like he said in Diamonds From Sierra Leone, "You got to love somebody still speaks from his soul"
  14. mikeb
    Aug 31, 2005
    10
    best rapper out right now! and also exceptional album!
  15. yuyuiy
    Aug 31, 2005
    10
    everythin in this album is perfect except for the beat of hey mamma but little defect is over shined by everything else
  16. JohnW
    Aug 30, 2005
    9
    To start, "Heard 'Em Say" is the hip-hop track of the year. This CD is almost perfect, with the exclusion of the tracks "Drive Slow" and "Crack Music" being slightly mediocre because they're just not Kanye. Everything else is gold. Highlights are Heard 'Em Say, Diamonds, Roses, Bring Me Down and Hey Mama. Buy this album.
  17. Reignstorm_UK
    Sep 1, 2005
    10
    Best Hip Hop Album out right now>>>>>Scratch that best album for 2005. Talk your noise Kanye, you are a genius. This is not just an album, it's a soundscape....better yet a soundtrack for life......Thanks for making great music Ye!
  18. EricE
    Sep 10, 2005
    10
    This is the best rap album I've heard in a few years. Doing something hip hop dosen't do anymore, experiment. Kanye takes rap to another level on this album. And anyone who thinks otherwise must be hip hop impared. Heard'em Say wakes not only Mr. West but also all the ne-sayers who said that he couldn't do it again. With the help of Jon Brion, who backs Kanye with live This is the best rap album I've heard in a few years. Doing something hip hop dosen't do anymore, experiment. Kanye takes rap to another level on this album. And anyone who thinks otherwise must be hip hop impared. Heard'em Say wakes not only Mr. West but also all the ne-sayers who said that he couldn't do it again. With the help of Jon Brion, who backs Kanye with live instruments, Kanye has become that legend in the making. It's the Roc.… Expand
  19. AlexC
    Sep 11, 2005
    9
    KW has redefined rap music with this killer album. I don't appreciate much rap music, especially modern rap, but for some reason this album just hits me like a freight train. His lyrics are self-reflective rather than self-assured, and the music is simply magnificent (particularly his use of brass instruments).
  20. Al.
    Sep 11, 2005
    9
    I really have no idea why anyone wouldn't like this album honestly,unless they are having problems with their hearing.its way better than 95 percent of the major release this year or i could say these few years.Someone just can't bear to witness good things happening to others so they just have to induced some negativity,Yeah like those who gave this album less than an 8.
  21. RyanF
    Sep 1, 2005
    9
    This is a great album! So many rap and hip-hop albums are full of filler. Not this one. Every track is an excellent tune (except the skits, but even those are hilarious). I can't get that "Gold Digger" song out of my head! "We Major" is also great, with super cool brassy horn samples, and Nas (who would have guessed it?) dropping some great lyrics. Get this album!
  22. carlt
    Sep 1, 2005
    10
    mas-ter-piece. don't bother with those indie reviewers who know nothing about hip hop, or those silly enough to complain about kanye's rapping. this isn't rap, it's pop. brilliant pop.
  23. SlaqishaB
    Sep 1, 2005
    10
    Yo yo yo yo, this record is slammin know what I'm sayin? I axed my sista if she buyed this record yet and she said no and I said giiiiiiiiiiiirl you best be goin to WallMart to get this right quick, know what I'm sayin? And whoever this "Gnarles" is he don't know jack about music. Who is "Gnarles" anyway? Is he some Nebraska white boy, know what I'm saying? When my Yo yo yo yo, this record is slammin know what I'm sayin? I axed my sista if she buyed this record yet and she said no and I said giiiiiiiiiiiirl you best be goin to WallMart to get this right quick, know what I'm sayin? And whoever this "Gnarles" is he don't know jack about music. Who is "Gnarles" anyway? Is he some Nebraska white boy, know what I'm saying? When my babys daddy comes home I can't wait for him to listen with me, straight up. PEACE… Expand
  24. chris`V.
    Sep 10, 2005
    9
    it is a good cd
  25. Mattc
    Sep 12, 2005
    9
    This cd works because its not like his first. He changes it up and makes a completely different record which is essential to great hip-hop and music.
  26. BryanM
    Sep 12, 2005
    9
    This is one of the best cds this year. I love just about every song on this cd. No doubt, some may say it didn't pass up the orginal (College Dropout) But know this, it's not very far behind at all. A great cd overall.
  27. Kayla
    Sep 1, 2005
    9
    I absolutly love this CD i just got it today and i cant keep the music out of my headphones!! I havent bout an album as good as this in years because i havent found any oustanding artist as Kanye! The instrumentals are like no other. He goes where many..if not ALL rapper choose not to go. he wears and presents himself in ways that many people feel is out of the ordinary.That is what I absolutly love this CD i just got it today and i cant keep the music out of my headphones!! I havent bout an album as good as this in years because i havent found any oustanding artist as Kanye! The instrumentals are like no other. He goes where many..if not ALL rapper choose not to go. he wears and presents himself in ways that many people feel is out of the ordinary.That is what attracts me to him as a person as well as an artist. I respect all his work.… Expand
  28. ColageEdukatid
    Sep 1, 2005
    9
    Hip-hop album of the year? I'm not quite ready to say yes - since MF Doom and DangerMouse's collaboration drops in October, and let
  29. JamieA
    Sep 14, 2005
    10
    No immediate sellers like Dropout has but balanced quality through tracks, hit again Kanye!
  30. jono
    Sep 18, 2005
    10
    This cd is his best work ever since it shows his own on the cd
  31. AlbertP
    Sep 21, 2005
    10
    Finally I can hear hip hop with style. Yeah for 'Ye
  32. KatieP.
    Sep 2, 2005
    10
    To Rick: Kanye has made beats that are classics (Izzo, Heart of the City, Takeover), so he doesn't "kind of" know how to make beats. No one's comparing him to 50 Cent... most of the people that like him put him up there with Nas, Jay-Z, Eminem, and other greats in the rap industry. They aren't comparing him to 50 cent. Anyways, the CD is great. I like College Dropout To Rick: Kanye has made beats that are classics (Izzo, Heart of the City, Takeover), so he doesn't "kind of" know how to make beats. No one's comparing him to 50 Cent... most of the people that like him put him up there with Nas, Jay-Z, Eminem, and other greats in the rap industry. They aren't comparing him to 50 cent. Anyways, the CD is great. I like College Dropout better, but this CD is still pure genius.… Expand
  33. vivay
    Sep 2, 2005
    10
    just classic fire music
  34. craigh
    Sep 22, 2005
    10
    A album, full of top 5 hits. The only problem is the stupid skits but for example the 1st skit extends onto the song with heard em'say, the way Kanye brought them together sounds perfect with the bass and drums just starting while the the skit is finishing. There are different aspect songs, such as "roses" talking about his grandmother being ill while pointing out some flaws in life A album, full of top 5 hits. The only problem is the stupid skits but for example the 1st skit extends onto the song with heard em'say, the way Kanye brought them together sounds perfect with the bass and drums just starting while the the skit is finishing. There are different aspect songs, such as "roses" talking about his grandmother being ill while pointing out some flaws in life saying about "magic johnson having a cure for aids, so all the broke muthaf***rs past away". West also has some fast tempo stuff in touch the sky as well as "Gone" which just continues to grow on me. The diamonds remix with Jay Z is also amazing, maybe should of been brought out instead of the orginal as it hits home the problems tith trade etc as long as having one of the best rappers ever apperaing on the track. Drive Slow is another example of Common's solid album. The hit which is gonna propel the album is of course "Goldigger" the problem with this song is people don't understand the concept, west is saying not that women are goldiggers just that if you look at sum1's history it could show you what type of the person she is, i would of guessed this was wrote with Kanye speaking about his problems he now has with teh vast fortune he has gained. Celebration and Late are tracks which I don't find that good, but this still doesnt deter from giving this album full marks, just for the fact Kanye west can rap and makes beats about songs that can hit home and effect you.… Expand
  35. antonioc
    Sep 24, 2005
    10
    Undeniably the best album in stores right now. tme late registration tops the college dropout with tracks like Addiction, Hey Mama, and Crack Music Kanye's in a class by himself
  36. GeorgeBushJr.
    Sep 27, 2005
    9
    I'm GW Bush and I approve this album! --
  37. AdamC
    Sep 3, 2005
    10
    This album is absolutely an amazing sophomore album. Its beats and vibe are awesome and Kanye West can talk his shit again.
  38. Zach
    Sep 3, 2005
    10
    I'm not a fan of most rap, but this C.D. is amazing. Kanye West is by far the best rapper out there these days
  39. TimS
    Sep 4, 2005
    10
    The first time i listened to this cd, i thought it was good, but not as good as College Dropout, but after the 2nd, 3rd, and 20th time listening to it, i realized that this album is much better, Kanye found a way to better himself from his already great first album, which is rare today. And i happen to like all those skits.
  40. NavdeepA
    Sep 4, 2005
    9
    Yeah, Kanye West is wicked!!
  41. JonD
    Sep 6, 2005
    10
    Kanye does it again. Masterpiece of an album. No one does it better that kon the louis vuitton don
  42. BobR
    Sep 6, 2005
    9
    The album is a musical masterpiece. Celebration and Late are probably the only average tracks. The rest are supurb. And surprisingly, the skits are more entertaining than cumbersome this time around. Overall a fantastic album.
  43. JaredB
    Sep 8, 2005
    9
    OutKast tried, but this is Rap's Sgt. Pepper. Experiments and breaks barriers while still sounding polished
  44. johna
    Jan 11, 2006
    10
    its fuckin awsume
  45. marqusn
    Jan 11, 2006
    10
    This album has the edge of Eminem, the hugeness of U2, and the soul of Ray Charles. The best track is either Roses, or Celebration, or Hey Mama. They're out of this world. It's cool to note how he has moved from being an inferior to the big-guns like Jay-z and 50 cent, to now; where he should become the driving force in the industry. No matter what people say, you can't This album has the edge of Eminem, the hugeness of U2, and the soul of Ray Charles. The best track is either Roses, or Celebration, or Hey Mama. They're out of this world. It's cool to note how he has moved from being an inferior to the big-guns like Jay-z and 50 cent, to now; where he should become the driving force in the industry. No matter what people say, you can't deny that rap is promoting gun culture. My evidence being that pretty much every 50 cent song has a gunshot in it. Kanye speaks with positivity, even his arrogance is purely forward thinking. Noel Gallagher said that "every figure in the current hip-hop scene is an idiot, bar none." I agreed with him, until West came along. This CD takes me back to the days of Public Enemy and Run DMC, where rap actually meant something- but it's superior to that. He's as radical, but he has the talent to outshine any of his peers. His comments about Bush on NBC will be remembered fondly in the future, whether the corperations like it or not. College Dropout was a breath of fresh air, in the same way Oasis' Definately Maybe was. Late registration is, in essence, his Morning glory.… Expand
  46. TylerH
    Jan 22, 2006
    9
    Nice now that you showed us you can rap you can go back to producing and bring hip hop out of this "southern era" before i kill myself.
  47. DanA
    Dec 5, 2006
    10
    Musically this album has far better production than The College Dropout. But some of the lyrics are hardly passable on some tracks. But this is still a near perfect album. Kanye is easily the best artist of the hip hop genre today.
  48. LeifS
    Jan 8, 2006
    9
    I am not a big fan of rap music, but i do like this album. I have a lot of respect for Kanye West. This album does not beat college dropout, but it is very close.
  49. KyleighH
    Feb 11, 2006
    10
    This is a very good album. Kanye West does absolutely excellent with this album. I love the songs "Gold Digger" and "Heard 'Em Say". They are both really, really, extremely good songs. Congrats to Kanye West at the Grammys. You go, Kanye! Keep on making the music that we all love!
  50. RaymondU
    Feb 13, 2006
    10
    Another classic by kanye west. All his songs always have a meaning deep inside. I couldn't give it less than a 10.
  51. LucaA
    Apr 2, 2006
    10
    Kanye West is my life.Late Registration is the best album of the hystory.From Italy
  52. irvinc
    Jul 26, 2007
    10
    late registration is brilliant, a superb triumph of hard labor of 'Ye and Jon Brion's behalf
  53. jaym
    Sep 4, 2009
    10
    C L A S S I C
  54. staciew.
    Nov 25, 2005
    10
    Amazing album, great beats, outstanding lyrics, go see him live too if you get a chance!
  55. kizza
    Dec 11, 2005
    10
    This album just makes you feel good. The originality is inspiring and his rap's just flow.This is my new IT album, and will always be a classic.
  56. alexandertthegreat
    Oct 21, 2005
    10
    perfect
  57. bobbobson
    Dec 16, 2005
    9
    This album is excellent. Definitely one of the very best albums of the year. Every song is excellent (except for the bonus track you get in the UK version WE CAN MAKE IT BETTER. that track has such an awful chorus it just totally ruins the song). The best track on the album is ROSES. I have listened to it about 30 times and counting. It also fixes some of the flaws of The College Dropout This album is excellent. Definitely one of the very best albums of the year. Every song is excellent (except for the bonus track you get in the UK version WE CAN MAKE IT BETTER. that track has such an awful chorus it just totally ruins the song). The best track on the album is ROSES. I have listened to it about 30 times and counting. It also fixes some of the flaws of The College Dropout because he cuts the skits. TCD had far too many skits. you couldn't go a few tracks without a skit. But in this album the skits suck but there are only 4 of them. This album is really well produced and the lyrics are excellent. This album is a bit more matured and darker than TCD. THis is one of the few albums I actually continue to listen to over and over again. An essential. One of the very best of 2005.… Expand
  58. Hervin........
    Dec 27, 2005
    10
    I think that Kanye West is one of the few artists that puts her all into albums.Heis rhymes is so amazing and it is the truth .
  59. DanielC
    Dec 29, 2005
    10
    Great Album. Much better than "College Droput."
  60. JustinD
    Dec 4, 2005
    9
    All of the tracks on this album are good. he should of gotten 5 mics.
  61. EdgarM
    Aug 26, 2005
    10
    I don't care what anyody else says, this cd is the best album i have ever heard. which just goes to prove rap is still alive!
  62. daveg
    Aug 26, 2005
    8
    not quite up to par with college dropout, but a very solid sophmore album.
  63. douglasm
    Aug 26, 2005
    8
    it's better than almost every hip-hop release this year, even though it's not mind-blowing. more of the same from kanye. and ross, don't worry about it getting a higher score than sufjan. i'm sure there will be more sites to review it and bring down the average. don't be so naive.
  64. Vasco
    Aug 26, 2005
    10
    melhor disco de sempre
  65. TimT
    Aug 26, 2005
    9
    It is better than College Dropout. More cohesive, skits suck, but all of the tracks are above average. BE is better, but this is almost as good, would be deserving of the 5 star Rolling Stone review if it was 5-6 tracks shorter.
  66. J.M.Sarabia
    Aug 27, 2005
    10
    Kanye West outdoes himself lyrcialy from his freshman debut. A much better rounded album. A new CLASSIC for the world of hip-hop. 01. Wake Up Mr. West (ft.Bernie Mac) 02. Heard 'Em Say (ft.Adam Levine Of Maroon 5) 9.5/10 03. Touch The Sky (ft.Lupe Fiasco) 9.5/10 04. Gold Digger (ft.Jamie Foxx) 10/10 05. Skit #1 06. Drive Slow (ft.Paul Wall & Glc) 10/10 07. My Way Home (ft.Common) Kanye West outdoes himself lyrcialy from his freshman debut. A much better rounded album. A new CLASSIC for the world of hip-hop. 01. Wake Up Mr. West (ft.Bernie Mac) 02. Heard 'Em Say (ft.Adam Levine Of Maroon 5) 9.5/10 03. Touch The Sky (ft.Lupe Fiasco) 9.5/10 04. Gold Digger (ft.Jamie Foxx) 10/10 05. Skit #1 06. Drive Slow (ft.Paul Wall & Glc) 10/10 07. My Way Home (ft.Common) 10/10 08. Crack Music (ft.The Game) 8.5/10 09. Roses 10/10 10. Bring Me Down (ft.Brandy) 8/10 11. Addiction 10/10 12. Skit #2 13. Diamonds (Remix) (ft.Jay-Z) 10/10 14. We Major (ft.Nas & Really Doe) 10/10 15. Skit $3 16. Hey Mama 10/10 17. Celebration 10/10 18. Skit #4 19. Gone (ft.Consequence & Cam'Ron) 10/10 20. Diamonds From Sierra Leone (Bonus Track) 10/10 21. Late (Hidden Track) 10/10… Expand
  67. JayN
    Aug 27, 2005
    10
    Heard 'Em Say, Touch the Sky, Roses, Bring Me Down, Hey Mama, Celebration, and Gone could be their own album, and I'd give that 10 as well. And for the review that said this album wasn't as "lively" as College Dropout quite OBVIOUSLY hasn't even listened to Late Registration.
  68. Ben
    Aug 27, 2005
    9
    Yeah, this won't stay at 9.5 Quasimoto was at 9.5 after like 7 reviews and look at it now 7.8 :(
  69. salmonpc
    Aug 27, 2005
    8
    everyone who has ever picked up a musical instument(or not in the case of most modern "musicians", is superior to Sufjan Stevens. Seriously.
  70. ChristopherK
    Aug 28, 2005
    9
    What if Kanye West and Sufjan Stevens did an album? Oh my God, that would be beautiful. I think this is one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time and well deserving of many many great scores. Crack Music!!! listen and purchase this milestone in rap/music history! But don't forget Sufjan.
  71. davet
    Aug 28, 2005
    10
    Best hip-hop album of the year, right next to Common's BE. Chicago is on FIRE!! Best songs are Hey Mama and Heard 'em Say.
  72. SlimJin.
    Aug 28, 2005
    10
    Gets better with every listen and a vast improvement on College Dropout as far as the depth of the album. Kanye has come back stronger than anybody could have expected. No sophomore slump for the college dropout.
  73. BigAL
    Aug 28, 2005
    10
    Unbelievable production. So imaginative, just plain ... good. Some may overlook this wondering where the club bangers and gangsta vibe are ... but, to those true *music* lovers, this is a masterpiece.
  74. petes
    Aug 29, 2005
    9
    Kanye has certainly transcended the label of being purely a "hip-hop" artist. This album is certainly more poetical and mature than The College Dropout; however, I'm not sure that, for everyone, this album is as original sounding as it could have been. Overall, it's great album, and alot of work went into its production.
  75. jonr
    Aug 29, 2005
    10
    wow.....crack music. dont worry all, sufjen and kanye can exist in the same universe.
  76. tony
    Aug 29, 2005
    10
    incredible!
  77. AaronS
    Aug 29, 2005
    10
    The best rap album of the year. In fact, one of the best records of the year period.
  78. BrandonC
    Aug 29, 2005
    10
    Maybe the lyrics aren't a ten but this has to be one of the well-produced, most listenable, complete albums in modern hip-hop. There's little filler, if any, and repeat listens are rewarding.
  79. KanyeEast
    Aug 31, 2005
    10
    read the rolling stone review, it basiclaly sums up how genius this album really is
  80. RobE
    Aug 31, 2005
    9
    I'm so sick of the claims of Kanye's arrogance and poor MC skills. He is so arrogant that he devotes songs to his family in the hospital, his mother and his struggles with addictions. Few of the best MCs in the game could keep our ears glued and our guts bustin with this type of material. Kanye does it with ease. Ye has made an album that does not contain the so-called "fun I'm so sick of the claims of Kanye's arrogance and poor MC skills. He is so arrogant that he devotes songs to his family in the hospital, his mother and his struggles with addictions. Few of the best MCs in the game could keep our ears glued and our guts bustin with this type of material. Kanye does it with ease. Ye has made an album that does not contain the so-called "fun tracks" that we heard on Dropout, but one that's possibly even more entertaining to listen to. The only reason that I would not give the album a 10 is because I honestly don't think we've seen the best of West yet.… Expand
  81. JimW
    Aug 31, 2005
    8
    This CD is not as great as COLLEGE DROPOUT, but Kanye still delivers with humor and wit. His lines are fresher, but he has lost some from his first CD. As for Gnarles, Kanye is not at all overrated. Late Regis. might have been a bit overhyped, but College Dropout was a legend, one of the few quality Hip-hop cd's to come out in the pas 3 or 4 years.
  82. Tricky
    Aug 31, 2005
    10
    the best
  83. JimmieP
    Aug 31, 2005
    9
    A brilliant follow up to he College Dropout, it shows growth and unparalled originality. Once again, a breath of fresh air for hip hop!
  84. DwayneW
    Sep 11, 2005
    9
    Kanye is definately 1 of the most ambitious& talented artistes to have emerged in recent memory, and Late Registration cements that fact! Jon Brion brings texture & depth to an otherwise overlong (can you honestly name 1 rap album except for Common's BE, that isn't overlong & self-indulgent?), though interesting album. The album also showcases West's growth as an MC in Kanye is definately 1 of the most ambitious& talented artistes to have emerged in recent memory, and Late Registration cements that fact! Jon Brion brings texture & depth to an otherwise overlong (can you honestly name 1 rap album except for Common's BE, that isn't overlong & self-indulgent?), though interesting album. The album also showcases West's growth as an MC in songs like Diamonds Are Forever & We Major. A very memorable album, though even I must admit that it has nothing on the instant classicism of last year's College Dropout (the album, in my opinion, that should have won the Album of the Year Grammy!). I'm very disappointed in popmatters w/a rating of 7, & very surprised w/Rolling Stone & pitchfork w/ratings of 5stars & 9.5 respectively! M.I.A.'s Arular aside, Late Registration may very well be the album of the year ( though i'm yet to hear Sleater-Kinney's The Woods, Sufjan Stevens Illinoise &The New Pornographers' Twin Cinema)! The string instrumentations are lush & vivid! Touch the Sky is definately the opus' highlight (how ironic, the song was produced by Just Blaze!). Other great tracks- Heard 'Em Say, Gold Digger, Drive Slow, Crack Music, Roses, Celebration & Gone! Kudos for Kanye for again raising the bar on what rap and MUSIC should sound like!… Expand
  85. RicardoL
    Sep 11, 2005
    10
    The only albums this album doesn't compare 2 are Only Built 4 Cuban Linx,De La Soul is Dead,and The Low End Theory,otherwise its 1 of the greatest albums made.don't hate
  86. DaveB
    Sep 22, 2005
    9
    Not as good as the College Dropout, but only because Kanye set the bar so high with his debut. A solid album. Interestingly, it seems all the people who gave it bad scores are people who don't really like rap and only bought it because of the hype. Obviously if you don't appreciate the genre, you won't like the album, no matter how good it is, bitches.
  87. JC
    Sep 26, 2005
    8
    First I'd like to say that I'd give this an 8.5 if I could, but I can't... Secondly...you must realize that this album takes some listening to get used to. You probably won't like it the first time you play it through. All of you that give this album less than a 7 either need to stop hating or give the album a few more chances. I'll admit it, my first go-around, I First I'd like to say that I'd give this an 8.5 if I could, but I can't... Secondly...you must realize that this album takes some listening to get used to. You probably won't like it the first time you play it through. All of you that give this album less than a 7 either need to stop hating or give the album a few more chances. I'll admit it, my first go-around, I was very disappointed. I only liked "Gold Digger" and "Diamonds from Sierra Leone (Remix)". But after a few more listens, a few more songs grew on me..."Heard 'Em Say" is probably my favorite song on the album. "Touch the Sky", "Hey Mama", "Roses", "Bring Me Down", "Gone", "Addiction", and "Crack Music" also grew on me. "We Major" is a major letdown, its really two songs rolled into one...I mean come on, it has 2 choruses, he's not fooling anyone. "My Way Home" is half a song and I really wish Kanye dropped a verse on that. I'm starting to like "Drive Slow" too. The only songs I skip are "Late" and "Celebration". Be patient people...give the album a second, third, fourth chance if you need to...it really is a great album.… Expand
  88. TyeN.
    Aug 13, 2006
    10
    This album is my second favorite of 2005. Who would have thought that getting Jon Brion to produce would turn out to be such a great move? I love Jon Brion and Kanye, but it just didn't seem like a good match. That is, until I heard it. The production is amazing, and the album is filled with wonderful songs. My favorites are "Gone", "Diamonds (From Sierra Leone)", "Hey Mama", "Crack This album is my second favorite of 2005. Who would have thought that getting Jon Brion to produce would turn out to be such a great move? I love Jon Brion and Kanye, but it just didn't seem like a good match. That is, until I heard it. The production is amazing, and the album is filled with wonderful songs. My favorites are "Gone", "Diamonds (From Sierra Leone)", "Hey Mama", "Crack Music", "Addiction", "Heard 'Em Say", "Roses", and "Touch The Sky". The entire album is amazing though. Kanye West has become one of the few artist who's albums I always look forward to. I hope the rumors are true that he and Chris Martin did a song together for his third album...that would be amazing.… Expand
  89. JimbrowskiI.
    Nov 20, 2007
    9
    What is the purpose of skits on rap albums again? Illmatic doesn't have single skit, which is probably why it's so short, but it's also why I love it so much (I've noticed that also with many rap artists in the Eighties, I like them to). Anyways, minus the skits, fantastic rap album. I was glad Graduation didn't have any skits.
  90. hiphoplover
    Mar 26, 2008
    9
    Until i heard "stronger", i never really liked Kanye West's music,but i herd stronger and i loved it. Plus my mate recommended Late Registration to me so i asked for it for my birthday. i got it and listened to it, and i thought it was brilliant! Not exactly what id call proper Hip-Hop, but still a pretty good album! I can listen to every track all the way through without getting Until i heard "stronger", i never really liked Kanye West's music,but i herd stronger and i loved it. Plus my mate recommended Late Registration to me so i asked for it for my birthday. i got it and listened to it, and i thought it was brilliant! Not exactly what id call proper Hip-Hop, but still a pretty good album! I can listen to every track all the way through without getting bored of it (except for "late," which is why the album gets a 9) and every track is on my ipod! (which is rare coz normally no more than 5 songs on average from an album make it onto your ipod, and most of the time its the albums singles...) Definitely fits into the top 10 albums i own. Shame some people still don't like it, but i suppose everyone has a different taste in music. anyways still a decent album in my opinion which i recommend to anyone...… Expand
  91. AndyW
    Nov 15, 2005
    10
    "I think I died in an accident cuz this must be heaven!!" As well as a good line that fits perfectly well in a great song, it also states what this album is like. Kanye has soul in his music, and he knows it. He tries to show it through every song he makes. Whether it's his past releases such as "Jesus Walks", or some of the new songs he's written, including the mini monologue "I think I died in an accident cuz this must be heaven!!" As well as a good line that fits perfectly well in a great song, it also states what this album is like. Kanye has soul in his music, and he knows it. He tries to show it through every song he makes. Whether it's his past releases such as "Jesus Walks", or some of the new songs he's written, including the mini monologue at the end of "Crack Music", this guy just keeps on hammering away one perfect song after the next. If you tried to put West in the middle of the field with sheep, in matter of seconds, you'd probably see them wooless, because he's made a pimp jacket out of all of the wool. He'd probably have em dancing too! The point I'm trying to get at, is that Kanye West is a master of his domain, and he should stay that way for a while, until it comes to a time where he needs to change. Even then, he'll bust out some rhymes that are so amazing, YOU'D think you died and went to heaven (hence the topic sentence!) Late Registration is the greatest rap album ever. Period!… Expand
  92. MattB
    Nov 17, 2005
    8
    There's only one thing more entertaining than listening to a bunch of "true heads" write off Kanye while playing up mediocre stuff like Blackalicious or Sage Francis, and that's listening to his work. Maybe not the unabashed genius of his debut, but there's a ton to like here, and with "Gone," he turns in his most accompished verse to date. Hate on him all you want: this is There's only one thing more entertaining than listening to a bunch of "true heads" write off Kanye while playing up mediocre stuff like Blackalicious or Sage Francis, and that's listening to his work. Maybe not the unabashed genius of his debut, but there's a ton to like here, and with "Gone," he turns in his most accompished verse to date. Hate on him all you want: this is the best Sophomore Slump in years.… Expand
  93. LINDAG
    Nov 28, 2005
    10
    I'm 56 and a mother of a 21/31 daughters who luv rap. They played this for me and I stole the CD from them. Takes me back in the day. Luv this generation, however, you can't make music like we did back when--so sweeties just embrace as Kanye has--let it flow. CD is Awesome--HipHop for the older folks--Can he do it again?
  94. KEvinA
    Dec 16, 2005
    10
    This CD is spectacular... from every track to every verse, Kanye did it again.
  95. thatguynamed20r
    Jun 12, 2011
    9
    Terrific album, not perfect, but geniunely enjoyable, some tracks need work, but the rest works. BEST SONG ON THIS TRACK IS: TOUCH THE SKY FT. LUPE FIASCO. Kanye knows how to please, and does with this album.
  96. mattnog11
    Nov 9, 2010
    10
    absolutely amazing its in my top fave albums i love it to death. not my favorite kanye album but it is amazing Diamonds From Sierra Leon is one of my favorite songs i could listen to that for years and years doesnt get old. very amazing one of the best raps ever
  97. Vampire25
    Nov 11, 2013
    9
    Late Registration is nothing short of ambitious, self-assured, and an instant mile-stone. Mr. West was no victim to the sophomore slump, pushing himself even further to stardom with each hit. Every track holds something distinct and worthwhile, while also showing off Kanye as the great MC he is. The production is bombastic in this record, sometimes going very minimal as well, like he doesLate Registration is nothing short of ambitious, self-assured, and an instant mile-stone. Mr. West was no victim to the sophomore slump, pushing himself even further to stardom with each hit. Every track holds something distinct and worthwhile, while also showing off Kanye as the great MC he is. The production is bombastic in this record, sometimes going very minimal as well, like he does in "Drive Slow".

    All In All, Late Registration is a brilliant follow up to "College Dropout" A-    … Expand
  98. lovemusic
    May 8, 2011
    10
    THIS IS THE BEST ALBUM OF THE DECADE. This album was amazing i loved every song on this album. its my favorite kanye west album. its perfect. it deserves 5 stars. this album shows people how talented kanye west is. great album!!!!!!!! 10/10 pure genius
  99. Chrislake94
    Jul 19, 2011
    10
    This Album is brilliant, influential and has to be one of the best Albums of 2005 and also of all time. I thought it would be impossible for him to do an Album which is either better than College Dropout or on same level.
  100. j30
    Sep 28, 2011
    9
    Really an excellent album. It gives me hope in Hip-Hop again. This album builds off it's predecessor, like the rest of his albums that follows (with an exception of 808's and Heartbreak).
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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.
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  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.
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  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.
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