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

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. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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).
  4. 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.
  5. Hendo250
    Mar 29, 2021
    9
    this album is a 9 this album is a 9 this album is a 9 this album is a 9 this album is a 9
  6. FruitJuice
    Jul 17, 2017
    7
    good album............................................................................................................................................................
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. keve16
    Mar 22, 2015
    8
    8.5/10................................................................................................................................................
  12. 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.
  13. Fra101
    Aug 30, 2021
    0
    It's such a boring album! That's all, just boring, nothing special. Sorry...
  14. CalR
    Feb 20, 2012
    6
    Meh...I never quite connected with this album, sure the singles from this were great stompers but overall it all feels like an extension of the first album and without the impact due to the massive influx of stars invading his work.
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. lisiak
    Jan 8, 2016
    8
    'Late Registration' by Kanye West is great album. My favourite tracks: 'Drive Slow', 'Gold Digger', and absolutely amazing 'Diamonds From Sierra Leone'.
  18. garfield7081
    Mar 26, 2022
    8
    one of kanye's best albums, builds off of the strengths of The College Dropout with new orchestral themes

    best song: roses

    worst song: celebration
  19. JamesJennings
    May 2, 2022
    10
    My favorite album of all time. Every track on this album is a hit. No skips, fantastic intro track, Emotional all throughout. Sequencing is fantastic. Instrumentals and orchestration are immaculate. Lyrics are on point. Features are iconic. Just perfect. PLEASE listen to this. You owe it to yourself.
  20. anapopescu
    Sep 13, 2020
    0
    This album is carried by a lot of collaborations, borrowing from the greats (see Ray Charles) but in the end still fails to deliver.
  21. KeithG
    Apr 25, 2012
    3
    West attempted to polish his style in the follow-up to College Dropout and lost all of the charm that made his debut interesting in the first place. Outside of the introduction of Lupe Fiasco on "Touch the Sky", there isn't much on this album worth listening to.
  22. Wrong_Opinions
    Dec 21, 2020
    9
    Fantastic album that makes me miss the Old Kanye. 9/10. Would definitely recommend.
  23. Bringman
    Jan 5, 2016
    6
    The album isn't bad, it has the power of a real rap album, but not all the songs are good. The best songs are surely "Heard 'Em Say", a perfect example of melodic rap, and "Gold Digger", maybe one of the best rap songs ever, the flow and the vocal performance of Jamie Foxx are unique. but songs like "Diamonds from Sierra Leone" and "Crack Music" are not too much good, and a little boring.The album isn't bad, it has the power of a real rap album, but not all the songs are good. The best songs are surely "Heard 'Em Say", a perfect example of melodic rap, and "Gold Digger", maybe one of the best rap songs ever, the flow and the vocal performance of Jamie Foxx are unique. but songs like "Diamonds from Sierra Leone" and "Crack Music" are not too much good, and a little boring. The album has a few of masterpieces and a lot of boring rap songs, but generally it's a medium/good album… Expand
  24. 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
  25. bushyforest
    Oct 23, 2020
    0
    The album brings nothing special, just another attempt to say something original without the power to follow through with it.
  26. The-X-Territory
    Jan 24, 2021
    9
    Somehow surpassing it's predecessor, this album is awesome. Songs like Touch the Sky, Gold Digger, Roses, and the Diamonds from Sierra Leone Remix are more than enough to push album above The College Dropout.
  27. hiphopplatinum
    Oct 2, 2022
    9
    the album is a great successor to The College Dropout and shows a massive improvement in his sampling he brings more rapping to the album and really succeeds in his skills
  28. JohnSnow41188
    Oct 2, 2020
    0
    Unoriginal work, it feels like Kanye was trying to hard but the results did not pay out.
  29. 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.
  30. ArkodeepSen
    Jan 23, 2020
    0
    Insant flop. This is the worst album of all time. Nothing can be worst than this. This is the **** piece of music
  31. 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...
  32. narolo
    Mar 30, 2022
    9
    goodgoodgoodgoodgoodgoodgoodgoodgoodgoodgoodgoodgoodgoodgoodgoodgoodgoodgood
  33. Blonisco
    Jan 26, 2023
    8
    极为优秀的一张专辑，可以评为kanye前三的专辑，下面凑字数xnsjdbuebsjsnsjjsbshzuusbsbajaiwnsnsjussjjsjsjs
  34. 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.
  35. 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
  36. Xellophone
    Oct 25, 2019
    6
    Feels like it's a continuation of the previous album, and it's honestly better, with more memorable tracks
  37. Sermanson2002
    Jan 23, 2020
    0
    Parece ser que ahora se vota con poca puntuacion los albumes que creemos que nos lo merercen.
    Gracias fans de Kanye
  38. Skeledon
    May 22, 2023
    10
    Even better than college dropout, an absolute classic, and a chill vibe album. Favorite song: Hey Mama
  39. 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
  40. 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.
  41. LeftyRightyGuy
    Oct 17, 2011
    10
    Wake up Mr. West cause you gave a an incredible album to enjoy for days to come. The amount of effort that was put into this album shines in the best tracks of the LP.
    Best Tracks:
    Heard 'Em Say (Feat. Adam Levine)
    Gold Digger (Feat. Jamie Foxx)
    Hey Mama
    Drive Slow (Feat. Paul Wall & GLC)
    We Major (Feat Nas & Really Doe)
    Diamonds From Sierra Leone (Feat Jay-Z)
    And all the Skits.
  42. 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.
  43. Wowisawow
    Apr 16, 2021
    8
    Pretty good. Includes some very High highs, but also some forgettable tracks personally. But it's a perfect sequel to The College Dropout
  44. somaontv
    Jul 18, 2023
    9
    One of my favorite Kanye albums to date i absolutely am in love with this album favorite track has to be roses
  45. Nickogo
    Jul 13, 2019
    6
    Gdyby tylko wyciągnąć z tego albumu 10-12 najlepszych piosenek spokojnie mógłby to być jeden z najlepszych albumów dekady. Niestety, Kanye postanowił wypchać album po brzegi nie bacząc na ogólne flow całości. Heard 'em Say, Touch the Sky i gold digger to piosenki, które już od początku nadają "Late Registration" dynamiki i rumieńców, niestety zaraz po nich pojawia się utwór Drive Slow,Gdyby tylko wyciągnąć z tego albumu 10-12 najlepszych piosenek spokojnie mógłby to być jeden z najlepszych albumów dekady. Niestety, Kanye postanowił wypchać album po brzegi nie bacząc na ogólne flow całości. Heard 'em Say, Touch the Sky i gold digger to piosenki, które już od początku nadają "Late Registration" dynamiki i rumieńców, niestety zaraz po nich pojawia się utwór Drive Slow, który w teorii być może brzmiał dobrze, ale na dłuższą metę jest męczący. Takich utworów, które postawione w newralgicznych punktach psuja odbiór albumu jest niestety więcej, "Celebration", "Bring me Down" nudzą, a "We Major" przez 7 minut zmierza donikąd i daje do zrozumienia, że tacy raperzy jak Nas do mikroświata Kanye Westa po prostu nie pasują. W brzmieniu albumu można wyczuć delikatnie poważniejsze, bardziej melancholijne podejście tak do spraw prywatnych (Roses) jak i społecznych (Diamonds from Sierra Leone) chociaż nie braknie też typowe humoru z poprzedniej płyty w postaci skitów czy utworu Gold Digger. Ogólnie "Late Registration" to album udany na którym można znaleźć sporo dobrych utworów, jednak z powodu nadmiaru i nierównej jakości materiału jest trochę ciężki do przełknięcia jako całość.… Expand
  46. 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
  47. DelkoChateau
    Aug 28, 2023
    10
    An underrated follow up to the College Dropout that serves as a better project than its older brother. I was always one of those people that said that College Dropout was much better and that Kanye had a sophomore slump. Well, I said that until I listened to it, there is not a single miss and I cannot believe how people don't talk about this more.
  48. 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.
  49. 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
  50. 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.
  51. The3AcademySins
    Nov 8, 2019
    10
    Late Registration is a masterful followup to College Dropout, and much like The Empire Strike Back, is the dramatic second act of a brilliant trilogy. Heartfelt songs like "Hey Mama" really fill out the depth of who Kanye West is as a person and artist, and he absolutely bares his soul for all to see.
  52. TheRealZoko
    Jan 23, 2020
    0
    Warning: Kanye fans must stop giving low ratings to Music To Be Murdered By just to stop it surpassing My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
  53. SaulBadman
    May 5, 2022
    10
    Late Registration is Kanye's victory lap after his incredible debut 'The College Dropout'. Kanye managed to release two of the best hip-hop albums of all time in just two years. The track 'We Major' perfectly summarises the triumphant attitude put into this project.
  54. 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
  55. theapple
    Jan 22, 2020
    0
    Average MC. Average production. Really an average album plain and simple...
  56. Zixon
    Dec 11, 2020
    10
    Some of the best production in Kanye's discography. I guess this is why people miss the old Kanye.
  57. Lucky_the1
    Nov 15, 2021
    9
    Another Kanye classic.
    After his critically acclaimed debut album Kanye surprises his public with an orchestral sounding opus with great production and great songs. Ironically, he neglect the lyrics in favor of a better sound.
    In this masterpiece he speaks about racial issues, how it feels to have made it and he talks about his past. The sound is better treated than the college dropout    Another Kanye classic.
    After his critically acclaimed debut album Kanye surprises his public with an orchestral sounding opus with great production and great songs. Ironically, he neglect the lyrics in favor of a better sound.

    In this masterpiece he speaks about racial issues, how it feels to have made it and he talks about his past. The sound is better treated than the college dropout one with an amazing orchestral production. Every song has it purpose and the whole sounds magnificient. He improves his sample ability giivng to the public a really hear plesaure. The skits are funny and fit perfectly with the school theme portrayted from the preveus album. Unfurtunatly he worked a little bit less on the lyrics despite having some of the great verse here. Overall it has higher highs and lower lows. Very enjoiable.    … Expand
  58. 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
  59. 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
  60. 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
  61. 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
  62. Kenny
    Sep 3, 2005
    7
    Kanye's back! When listening, I thought a lot of the beats were really great: new and not overdone. But, compared to his first album, The College Dropout, Kanye West fails to deliver the same lyrical impact and the 'all-star cast' that make appearances on Late Registration only lowers the album. Still it's a great album... and Rolling Stone is really messed up. Kanye's back! When listening, I thought a lot of the beats were really great: new and not overdone. But, compared to his first album, The College Dropout, Kanye West fails to deliver the same lyrical impact and the 'all-star cast' that make appearances on Late Registration only lowers the album. Still it's a great album... and Rolling Stone is really messed up. (College Dropout 3 1/2 stars; Late Registration 5 stars!!) They can't recognize true talent and rely completely on hype.… Expand
  63. mikes
    Aug 30, 2005
    10
    this is incredible!!
  64. CMac
    Sep 8, 2005
    1
    A "1" for effort. Kayne is OVER-HYPED... and overrated. This album has some cool music, but his rapping is annoying... like Method Man with a bunch of orange peels in his mouth.
  65. JakobH
    Oct 5, 2005
    10
    Theres not a single track on this cd that you just skip by... All tracks are superb!
  66. JoeBlowJob
    Aug 30, 2005
    10
    HOW CAN YOU ANYONE GIVE THIS LOWER THAN A NINE!!!!!! this is sure to be a classic album like his first album college dropout!!!! Can't wait for the next one
  67. BradyD
    Aug 31, 2005
    0
    weak corny rap. the fact that this trendy crap is considered rap album of the year makes me sick. ya'll ain't lookin in the right place. peep edan, one be lo, or dangerdoom for best album. peace
  68. GregM
    Aug 31, 2005
    10
    Unbelievable Hip Hop Album. A new standard in Hip Hop excellence.
  69. JJTeda
    Aug 30, 2005
    10
    "Kanye is killing the game very bad" Excellence, brilliance and genius are some words that come to mind when listening to Late Registration. Production, top class and lyrics shaped perfectly to the tracks with meaning to spar. Whether you want to "Touch The Sky" or just call you mom and say "Hey Mama" Late Registration has it all, and does it well.
  70. antonl
    Aug 30, 2005
    10
    amazing. musical genious
  71. FHarris
    Aug 30, 2005
    8
    Kanye gives a solid approach at greatness but falls short. Many of the tracks are great, but a few too many are just blah.
  72. pepef
    Aug 30, 2005
    10
    a classic!
  73. MaanB
    Sep 1, 2005
    6
    I excepted more of this album, better beats and lyrics. I think 'The College Dropout' was better.
  74. CNarcissus
    Sep 12, 2005
    5
    Not bad, but definetly not good enough to entertain me, lyricly or musicly, long enough to keep it rotating in my CD player. This one might not even make it into my 60G iPod. Kayne is typical.
  75. GLENDAM
    Sep 20, 2005
    10
    In a class by himself!
  76. daniels
    Sep 4, 2005
    10
    listen to this now, because once it hits the radio it will be played so much you might get tired of it.
  77. seanb
    Sep 4, 2005
    10
    almost better than the first wich is about a 15 on my scale but sitl no one can touch him.
  78. s&b
    Sep 6, 2005
    9
    this album surpasses what rap is to most people, and for that he deserves the high score
  79. PepaS
    Jan 10, 2006
    6
    Not nearly as good as the college dropout
  80. JustinW
    Apr 8, 2006
    8
    Kanye is back with a bang. This is a satisfying album, and a good follow-up to College Dropout. Most of the songs are written well. The only down point I can think of is that West's giant ego is evident in a few songs.
  81. TP
    Nov 10, 2005
    4
    What the heck is all the fuss about? Seriously? Yes, Kanye West is one of the greatest producers in hip hop (see: Common's "Be") but really, is that enough of a reason to heap so much praise on a mediocre album??? Just because Kanye knows how to make some nice beats doesn't mean his album is automatically "fantastic!". His verses are, frankly, just garbage, and everyone knows What the heck is all the fuss about? Seriously? Yes, Kanye West is one of the greatest producers in hip hop (see: Common's "Be") but really, is that enough of a reason to heap so much praise on a mediocre album??? Just because Kanye knows how to make some nice beats doesn't mean his album is automatically "fantastic!". His verses are, frankly, just garbage, and everyone knows it. Yet people just pretend like nothing's wrong and call it "album of the year!", because he's a musical genius right?. Come on, be realistic.… Expand
  82. onelove
    Nov 2, 2005
    10
    Is Kanye West arrogant?--Yes. But, it Late Registration a classic?---Hell, emphatically yes! Although, he is arrogant Ii applaud and respect him as a musician because Kanye is extremely creative and fearless--when it comes to expressing his thoughts in his music. Jesus Walks!!!! Come on, how many rappers would have the courage and aptitude to express themselves about such a sensitive Is Kanye West arrogant?--Yes. But, it Late Registration a classic?---Hell, emphatically yes! Although, he is arrogant Ii applaud and respect him as a musician because Kanye is extremely creative and fearless--when it comes to expressing his thoughts in his music. Jesus Walks!!!! Come on, how many rappers would have the courage and aptitude to express themselves about such a sensitive topic. We Major (featuring Nas) is absolutely flawless! H… Expand
  83. M.Adames
    Oct 4, 2005
    10
    This is hottness at it's best! Kay Dub is on FIRE!!!!
  84. jaym
    Aug 26, 2005
    10
    C L A S S I C
  85. ElliottM
    Aug 27, 2005
    5
    I dunno, but I find it to be pretty bland. And his ego really does get in the way of, well, everything else. And no hip-hop album this year even TOUCHES Edan's Beauty and the Beat. You want a 2005 rap classic? Look there, not here.
  86. JohnK
    Aug 27, 2005
    10
    Sufjan = good, but rehashed, purposely trendy, and obviously gimmicky (50 states, 50 albums, my ass! At the current rate, it'll take him 80 years) Kanye = relevant, different, possibly the most important mainstream rapper yet Don't let genre influence you. Free your mind; this album's better.
  87. obiokpo
    Aug 28, 2005
    10
    most musically advanced cd to come out in a while..blows any other Cd that came out in the past 5 years out the water..including common's be! can i say album of the year!!
  88. Kev
    Aug 28, 2005
    9
    College Dropout was probably better, but this is more listenable in the long run. Selected tracks: Heard Em Say, Touch The Sky, Drive Slow, Addiction, Diamonds (remix and bonus), and Gone.
  89. kurte
    Aug 28, 2005
    6
    I'm not buying any of this hype and will not buy this lame cd. Come on..have you actually read the lyrics to 'jesus walks.' Nuff said.
  90. KanyeFan
    Aug 28, 2005
    10
    This amount of effort deserves as much praise as possible. This is a perfect album.
  91. kmoney
    Aug 28, 2005
    10
    kanye delivers with this album.
  92. TheLove
    Aug 29, 2005
    10
    great album...so more sublime and mature then the first one and well thats what hip-hop needs instead of club bangers and talking about beefs between artist and drugs.
  93. DannyV
    Aug 29, 2005
    10
    This album is so much more then I expected it to be. It was so literally life-affirming listening to the first couple of tracks on my headphones walking home from the CD store I took a detour so I could take it all in while I strolled around my town. Holland may have had a terrible summer but damn did the sunshine that Friday afternoon...
  94. Gnarles
    Aug 30, 2005
    3
    It may actually be impossible for an artist to be as overrated as Kayne West. Even the Strokes would stand in awe of him.
  95. stephenl
    Aug 30, 2005
    10
    simply amazing
  96. ryant
    Aug 30, 2005
    10
    Pure genous. I dont get why people dont like his lyrics, they are still so much better than a lot of other rappers. Not to mention the production,which is amazing.Great album
  97. JayB
    Aug 30, 2005
    10
    WOW, Simply Amazing !
  98. bundyb
    Sep 11, 2005
    9
    old school instrumentals are glorious. the mc tries to imitate 2pac, but it's definitely a good album.
  99. AshleyP
    Sep 10, 2005
    10
    I LoVe KanYE's new CD its just as good as College Drop out and the instumentals are even better and if u dont think so then u nuthin but a true hatter !! halla
  100. CaitM
    Sep 1, 2005
    10
    This album continues to revolutionize the hip-hop world. the instrumental aspect is amazing and includes instruments that have never been found on a hip-hop album. and with kanye's lyrics... easily the best hip-hop album of this year and probably for a real long time. multiple grammy winner? i believe so
prev
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
See all critic reviews »