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. LucaA
    Apr 2, 2006
    10
    Kanye West is my life.Late Registration is the best album of the hystory.From Italy
  2. irvinc
    Jul 26, 2007
    10
    late registration is brilliant, a superb triumph of hard labor of 'Ye and Jon Brion's behalf
  3. jaym
    Sep 4, 2009
    10
    C L A S S I C
  4. staciew.
    Nov 25, 2005
    10
    Amazing album, great beats, outstanding lyrics, go see him live too if you get a chance!
  5. 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.
  6. alexandertthegreat
    Oct 21, 2005
    10
    perfect
  7. 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 .
  8. DanielC
    Dec 29, 2005
    10
    Great Album. Much better than "College Droput."
  9. 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!
  10. Vasco
    Aug 26, 2005
    10
    melhor disco de sempre
  11. 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
  12. 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.
  13. dave
    Aug 28, 2005
    10
    HADDOOOOOOOOGET
  14. 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.
  15. 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.
  16. 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.
  17. jonr
    Aug 29, 2005
    10
    wow.....crack music. dont worry all, sufjen and kanye can exist in the same universe.
  18. tony
    Aug 29, 2005
    10
    incredible!
  19. AaronS
    Aug 29, 2005
    10
    The best rap album of the year. In fact, one of the best records of the year period.
  20. 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.
  21. KanyeEast
    Aug 31, 2005
    10
    read the rolling stone review, it basiclaly sums up how genius this album really is
  22. Tricky
    Aug 31, 2005
    10
    the best
  23. 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
  24. 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
  25. 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
  26. 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?
  27. KEvinA
    Dec 16, 2005
    10
    This CD is spectacular... from every track to every verse, Kanye did it again.
  28. 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
  29. 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
  30. 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.
  31. 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.
  32. 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.
  33. Osiir
    Jun 18, 2013
    10
    From one of rap's best debuts to one of it's greatest follow-ups, not to mention, one of the best albums to ever spawn from the genre. Stylistically and sonically a step-up from it's predecessor, undoubtedly from the help of "Jon Brion on the keys". "Touch The Sky", "Celebration", "We Major", "Gone", an album all about showing off and livin' it up, in all it's glory and in all it's folly,From one of rap's best debuts to one of it's greatest follow-ups, not to mention, one of the best albums to ever spawn from the genre. Stylistically and sonically a step-up from it's predecessor, undoubtedly from the help of "Jon Brion on the keys". "Touch The Sky", "Celebration", "We Major", "Gone", an album all about showing off and livin' it up, in all it's glory and in all it's folly, it's jealously and it's unintended victims, "Gold Digger", "Addiction", "Bring Me Down", "Diamonds From Sierra Leone". From "putting those hazard lights on" picking up girls with "Drive Slow", to realizing and understanding that "Nothing lasts forever" and even though "it hurts", that "it may be the only way" on the street-poet-spilling-his-heart "Heard Em Say", to the soft, sweet, love-filled ode to his Mom "Hey Mama", this album found me really appreciating all the tracks not just for them in themselves, but what they added to the whole. Classic Album. 9.5/10… Expand
  34. sammanning1
    Oct 11, 2013
    10
    Late Reg is Kanye's greatest work.
    Best songs:
    Heard Em Say
    Touch the Sky
    Drive Slow
    Roses
    Addiction
    We Major
    Hey Mama
    GONE
    Diamonds from Sierra Leone
    But the whole album is incredible.
  35. 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
  36. 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
  37. 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.
  38. 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.
  39. 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.
  40. 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
  41. 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.
  42. 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
  43. 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
  44. 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.
  45. 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
  46. Zixon
    Dec 11, 2020
    10
    Some of the best production in Kanye's discography. I guess this is why people miss the old Kanye.
  47. 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
  48. 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...
  49. Skeledon
    May 22, 2023
    10
    Even better than college dropout, an absolute classic, and a chill vibe album. Favorite song: Hey Mama
  50. Aimaki
    Feb 13, 2022
    10
    Late Registration is Ye's magnum opus. Weird to say that right? But it's true. No other work he's done has front to back amazingly produced, well written, and structured tracks. From beginning to the end of the album, we're shown Ye in rare form.
    Favorite Tracks: All (except one)
    Least Favorite: Celebration (not even bad, it's just not something I ALWAYS put on)
    I'm feeling a 10.
  51. Guts_147
    Mar 17, 2022
    10
    Every aspect of this album is so good, I've heard this album 20 times now and i started hearing kanye's songs like a month ago, if you like rap this is a MUST BE in your discography, one of kanye's best albums.
    and it has one of my personal favourite's songs of kanye: "We Major".
  52. 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.
  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. jamesgraef
    Jun 27, 2023
    10
    My favorite kanye album that he has published so far heard em say is such a great opener, then touch the sky and gold digger right after is just perfect. We major is probably top 1 kanye and so many great songs on this record i love it.
  55. 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.
  56. s&b
    Sep 6, 2005
    9
    this album surpasses what rap is to most people, and for that he deserves the high score
  57. 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.
  58. bundyb
    Sep 11, 2005
    9
    old school instrumentals are glorious. the mc tries to imitate 2pac, but it's definitely a good album.
  59. delond
    Sep 12, 2005
    9
    I like this album for the different beats and lyrics. Kanyes delivery in roses and celebration show that he has gotten better as an artist. I love the beats for there uniqueness and originality. The instruments in heard em say and touch the sky are great and slow down and we major are two of the best songs ive heard this year...Kanye may have got passed the sophmore jinx and made a better I like this album for the different beats and lyrics. Kanyes delivery in roses and celebration show that he has gotten better as an artist. I love the beats for there uniqueness and originality. The instruments in heard em say and touch the sky are great and slow down and we major are two of the best songs ive heard this year...Kanye may have got passed the sophmore jinx and made a better album then his first… Expand
  60. Stan
    Sep 15, 2005
    9
    The first album for 2005 that I can't take out of my car CD player. Different songs grab me each play...another sign of a rock-solid work. This is very close to The College Dropout and that's more than anyone could ask.
  61. VictorB
    Sep 6, 2005
    9
    Hip Hop has been the embarrasment of the radio waves for the better part of the last decade, this is saying alot when Lindsay Lohan has a platnum CD. This record though is the first hip hop CD that I can honestly say has been worth the money since...well ever! I gave a 9 because the skits are irritating (who's arent?) and his lrycism isn't quite on par with his brilliant Hip Hop has been the embarrasment of the radio waves for the better part of the last decade, this is saying alot when Lindsay Lohan has a platnum CD. This record though is the first hip hop CD that I can honestly say has been worth the money since...well ever! I gave a 9 because the skits are irritating (who's arent?) and his lrycism isn't quite on par with his brilliant production, but all in all get this one folks!!!… Expand
  62. AddyD
    Sep 6, 2005
    9
    This album is REAL music, good music!!! Unlike the artist who made "Candy Shop" and "Just A Little Bit." I mean Mr. West had a whole ochestra through-out the album. lol Im soo glad we still have positive artist within Hip -Hop who are not afraid to discuss ANY topic. Kanye did not only skillfully rap, but he poetically pursued to grab the attention of his fans. In my opinon he is a This album is REAL music, good music!!! Unlike the artist who made "Candy Shop" and "Just A Little Bit." I mean Mr. West had a whole ochestra through-out the album. lol Im soo glad we still have positive artist within Hip -Hop who are not afraid to discuss ANY topic. Kanye did not only skillfully rap, but he poetically pursued to grab the attention of his fans. In my opinon he is a ledgend in the Hip-Hop Renaissance. P.S Rick F, "Did you listen to the album at all? Maybe you should change the battery in your hearing aid."… Expand
  63. jerzyd
    Sep 6, 2005
    9
    Grrrrrrrrrreat Cd!!!!
  64. HeyManManManMan
    Jun 24, 2007
    9
    I do agree this album is musically superior to The College Dropout. But there are still too many filler skits taking up time, and some lyrics (like on Roses) are lacking. Still top notch though. Such a creative force.
  65. ReyP
    Nov 4, 2005
    9
    Best rap album in years. Kanye West seemingly could care less about doing what everyone else is doing. On Late Registration, he does his own thing and it is a masterpiece.
  66. phill
    Aug 27, 2005
    9
    I don't understand how anyone can say this album is not as good as his debut. The production is crisper and the samples are better. In the first album, the guest stars often seemed out of place (i.e. Never let me Down, Breathe In, Breathe Out), where as now Kanye can even take the bland vocals of Levine and make them fit into his style. Kanye is doing things with rap music that have I don't understand how anyone can say this album is not as good as his debut. The production is crisper and the samples are better. In the first album, the guest stars often seemed out of place (i.e. Never let me Down, Breathe In, Breathe Out), where as now Kanye can even take the bland vocals of Levine and make them fit into his style. Kanye is doing things with rap music that have never been done before. Listen to the piano and strings breakdown around 3:30 in Gone (when was the last time a rap song had a piano and string breakdown). All in all, this is one of the best albums of the year, up there with Arular and yes, Sufjan Stevens' Illinois.… Expand
  67. NickH
    Aug 27, 2005
    9
    Brilliant. It could have done without all those skits, however... maybe one, but not five.
  68. ColinT
    Aug 28, 2005
    9
    Considering all the buzz about this album, there would be much to be disappointed from. But like any reasonably good album, you just need to hear it for what it is, which is a rather good follow up to an excellent (if not flawed) album. Its clear that Kanye has noticed the criticism about his rapping ability and anyone that has heard one of his freestyles as of late knows this cat can Considering all the buzz about this album, there would be much to be disappointed from. But like any reasonably good album, you just need to hear it for what it is, which is a rather good follow up to an excellent (if not flawed) album. Its clear that Kanye has noticed the criticism about his rapping ability and anyone that has heard one of his freestyles as of late knows this cat can rap. As for production its refreshing to see sampling on such a mainstream record. Perhaps its the confidence he justifiable has after Collage Dropout, but Kanye's beats have become much more simplified then the often overly produced songs on the previous (See: We Don't Care). Also refreshing is the absence of boring Rims and Ice rap, though it has been replaced with a more Pop attitude. The only truly disappointing tracks are Bring Me Down, where the washed up diva Brandy sings over 2/3rds of the song, and the orginal Diamonds which is easily surpassed by the remix. Overall this might just be the best billboard rap cd of the year, and yes thats an empty compliment, but with acts like Dangerdoom coming up its one worth accepting.… Expand
  69. johnniem
    Aug 28, 2005
    9
    This cd is hot but it's not better than his first cd
  70. 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
  71. 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.
  72. 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).
  73. 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.
  74. 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!
  75. chris`V.
    Sep 10, 2005
    9
    it is a good cd
  76. 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.
  77. 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.
  78. 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
  79. 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
  80. GeorgeBushJr.
    Sep 27, 2005
    9
    I'm GW Bush and I approve this album! --
  81. NavdeepA
    Sep 4, 2005
    9
    Yeah, Kanye West is wicked!!
  82. 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.
  83. JaredB
    Sep 8, 2005
    9
    OutKast tried, but this is Rap's Sgt. Pepper. Experiments and breaks barriers while still sounding polished
  84. 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.
  85. 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.
  86. lewanl
    Nov 16, 2005
    9
    these songs were really god maybe because im a big fan lol so yeh its pretty good hope you get it its good
  87. 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
  88. JustinD
    Dec 4, 2005
    9
    All of the tracks on this album are good. he should of gotten 5 mics.
  89. 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.
  90. 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 :(
  91. 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.
  92. 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.
  93. 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
  94. 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!
  95. 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
  96. 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.
  97. 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.
  98. 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
  99. 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.
  100. 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
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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.
    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.
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