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. 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).
  2. cr1995
    Nov 14, 2012
    9
    Kanye established his skill in College Dropout, but Late Registration is when he truly shines. The beats are expanded to new horizons and his lyrics are just as good. He does a great job of sampling songs and there's several guest appearances that amplify his own ability as well. Great album, I really do believe it's an instant classic. I think about it this way: Kanye always has thatKanye established his skill in College Dropout, but Late Registration is when he truly shines. The beats are expanded to new horizons and his lyrics are just as good. He does a great job of sampling songs and there's several guest appearances that amplify his own ability as well. Great album, I really do believe it's an instant classic. I think about it this way: Kanye always has that arrogant "I'm one of the greatest ever" kind of attitute, but after I listened to all of Late Registration, I caught myself starting to think that he may not be completely wrong. Favorites: Heard Em' Say, Gold Digger, Gone. Least Favorite: Bring Me Down.… Expand
  3. 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
  4. Revlewer
    Oct 28, 2016
    9
    This album embodies Ye's incredible ability to fuse hip-hop ballads with foot-tappers and head-nodders. Tracks like "Gone" and "Touch the Sky" make you want to learn all the words and forget where you are. They are nicely contrasted by "Addiction" and "Roses", which still have engrossing beats but lyrics that reflect his side that contradicts the impression of an egotistic pseudo-manic.This album embodies Ye's incredible ability to fuse hip-hop ballads with foot-tappers and head-nodders. Tracks like "Gone" and "Touch the Sky" make you want to learn all the words and forget where you are. They are nicely contrasted by "Addiction" and "Roses", which still have engrossing beats but lyrics that reflect his side that contradicts the impression of an egotistic pseudo-manic. Overlaid by skits that show the hardship of living in poverty, partially due to the color of one's skin, the album flows nicely, cementing Ye's career as a producer and an intense lyricist. This is an album that will be remembered for decades to come.… Expand
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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.
  9. 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
  10. Wrong_Opinions
    Dec 21, 2020
    9
    Fantastic album that makes me miss the Old Kanye. 9/10. Would definitely recommend.
  11. 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.
  12. 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
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. narolo
    Mar 30, 2022
    9
    goodgoodgoodgoodgoodgoodgoodgoodgoodgoodgoodgoodgoodgoodgoodgoodgoodgoodgood
  16. maplegotchi
    Mar 19, 2022
    9
    After Kanye's debut album The College Dropout I think most figured he would never top it, a one time wonder if you will. However after listening to Late Registration it was clear that not only was he not a one time wonder, but he was still improving. Late Registration is everything I loved about The College Dropout 10x.
  17. 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
  18. Hockster
    Aug 14, 2023
    9
    Kayne's follow-up 2nd studio album to TCD hit's really hard. Once again, the lyricism and instrumentals live up to (and sometimes exceed) my expectations. I feel as if the interludes are a tad bit harder to listen through with this project, along with some of the songs feeling a little more bland. But Kanye does evolve his music with this record, having incredible flows, after incredibleKayne's follow-up 2nd studio album to TCD hit's really hard. Once again, the lyricism and instrumentals live up to (and sometimes exceed) my expectations. I feel as if the interludes are a tad bit harder to listen through with this project, along with some of the songs feeling a little more bland. But Kanye does evolve his music with this record, having incredible flows, after incredible flows. This album still holds up strong and is amazing.

    Favorite Track - Gold Digger
    Least Favorite Track - Skit #3
    Favorite Track - Gold Digger
    Least Favorite Track - Skit #3    … Expand
  19. 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.
  20. 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.
  21. CarlyQ
    Apr 2, 2007
    8
    Not worthy of Rolling stones extremely rare 5 star rating but a very good album with great production. His rhymes are not worthy of a classic rating.
  22. MarshallM
    Oct 22, 2005
    8
    some reallly good songs, but not better then his other album. " bush doesn't care about black people!" pshh, idiot.
  23. adriano
    Oct 5, 2005
    8
    Top Stuff, so laid back and what real hip hop is about. Rather than hearing about artists continously blabbering on about cars, bitches, and money Kanye adreeses some real issues Even with a mainstream tune like Golddigger man still gets his word across. 'My way home' could have been such a better tune if common and kanye himself had done another 2 verses, such a tease!
  24. RossA
    Aug 26, 2005
    8
    Kanye doesn't belong above Sufjan Stevens. Seriously.
  25. [Anonymous]
    Aug 26, 2005
    8
    not as good as the college dropout, but still sits above most hip-hop records, a slower record than the colege dropout, not as fun or as gripping, but very thoughtful, I hope the next one is more lively and fun
  26. daveg
    Aug 26, 2005
    8
    not quite up to par with college dropout, but a very solid sophmore album.
  27. 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.
  28. 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.
  29. 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.
  30. 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
  31. 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
  32. 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
  33. keve16
    Mar 22, 2015
    8
    8.5/10................................................................................................................................................
  34. 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'.
  35. 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.
  36. 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
  37. 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
  38. 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
  39. 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
  40. 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
  41. RyanM
    Oct 1, 2005
    7
    Late registration is a fairly good album. Not quite as well put together as college dropout. I think this album lacks the same sence of urgency that college dropout had, however it is still pretty good and worth the purchase.
  42. Matt
    Oct 23, 2005
    7
    Overall it's good, but disappointing and somewhat boring. It's the best mainstream hip-hop you can get.
  43. SamL
    Aug 27, 2005
    7
    Solid album, but nowhere near being a classic.
  44. 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.
  45. CabeM
    Jan 20, 2006
    7
    For the most part it's a good album until you get to Crack Music. What the hell is that it's the worst song i've ever heard in my life. This should not be a Universal Acclaim.
  46. FruitJuice
    Jul 17, 2017
    7
    good album............................................................................................................................................................
  47. 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.
  48. 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
  49. MaanB
    Sep 1, 2005
    6
    I excepted more of this album, better beats and lyrics. I think 'The College Dropout' was better.
  50. PepaS
    Jan 10, 2006
    6
    Not nearly as good as the college dropout
  51. 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.
  52. mizzod
    Aug 26, 2005
    6
    ok, a little dissapointed considering college dropout was so good and common's BE was so sonically sublime, an overated rapper kanye is! enough with the sampling already!
  53. RODNEYS
    Sep 1, 2005
    6
    Ok, so we have the following hot songs: #1 Golddigger #2 Diamonds Remix w/Jay Z #3 Um... #4 Hmmm...? #5 I guess track #2 is ok... you know, what's it called? Well, the point is that other than the tracks featuring help from Jamie Foxx and Jay Z, this album IS overrated and forgettable.
  54. richardk
    Sep 9, 2005
    6
    the beats were hot but the album lacked integrity and the personal drive the other album had. it feels more hollywood than hood
  55. 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.
  56. 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
  57. 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
  58. Xellophone
    Oct 25, 2019
    6
    Feels like it's a continuation of the previous album, and it's honestly better, with more memorable tracks
  59. 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.
  60. 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.
  61. LadyofLeisure
    Oct 17, 2005
    5
    I expected more. He created a masterpiece for Common with "Be". I don't understand why he couldn't do that same for himself. he should take a cue from Common.......step up his rhymes......ALOT. Maybe he just didn't feel he needed to try as hard for his own album. I was dissapointed. The only track I can stand to listen to entirely is "Gold Digger". Everything else is I expected more. He created a masterpiece for Common with "Be". I don't understand why he couldn't do that same for himself. he should take a cue from Common.......step up his rhymes......ALOT. Maybe he just didn't feel he needed to try as hard for his own album. I was dissapointed. The only track I can stand to listen to entirely is "Gold Digger". Everything else is ultra-high quality beat-wise but severly lagging in the lyrics department. Kanye should stick to producing. I do commend him for his honesty.… Expand
  62. MikeR
    Aug 27, 2005
    5
    How anyone can say this approaches dropout is beyond me. There are a few great tracks, but most of this is glorified filler. The Adam Levine song is a complete misstep, and touch the sky is a retread of Jay Zs Encore. One of the most compelling tracks 'My Way Home' ends isnt even 2 minutes long...its a half song. His lyrical ability is average at best. For all the talking and How anyone can say this approaches dropout is beyond me. There are a few great tracks, but most of this is glorified filler. The Adam Levine song is a complete misstep, and touch the sky is a retread of Jay Zs Encore. One of the most compelling tracks 'My Way Home' ends isnt even 2 minutes long...its a half song. His lyrical ability is average at best. For all the talking and attention he has drawn to this album, and comparing it to his dabut, it is a sophomore dud.… Expand
  63. zggee
    Sep 16, 2005
    5
    Suprised more mainstream press didn't smell the cheese in this.There are a couple good tracks, but really only because of the samples used. Bought it cuzza the hype, gave it away cuz it's so slight. Whereas tracks like "Hey Ya" by Oukast or "Shanghai Masai" by Shinjuku Zulu work in a rap-for-the-masses way, but still push hip hop forward, this CD doesn't at all.
  64. DaneC
    Sep 3, 2005
    5
    Kanye can produce beats better than any other commercial artist right now, but his flow is pathetic and while his lyrics may have topics which are widespread, they are poorly written and big headed.
  65. 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
  66. PilotJ
    Mar 7, 2006
    4
    Bad poetry and beats that couldn't be any less interesting if they had been produced by a high school kid playing with a copy of fruityloops. Over-rated to the point that I find myself questiong my own sanity every time I read a good review of it. 2 points for the marketing department that continues to fool kids into thinking such boring ryhmes are profound biblical listening and 2 Bad poetry and beats that couldn't be any less interesting if they had been produced by a high school kid playing with a copy of fruityloops. Over-rated to the point that I find myself questiong my own sanity every time I read a good review of it. 2 points for the marketing department that continues to fool kids into thinking such boring ryhmes are profound biblical listening and 2 points because for such an over-hyped, bubble-gum-in-disguise waste of plastic - it sure does get the ladies dancing.… Expand
  67. MichaelS
    Aug 31, 2005
    4
    I have no words for the star-cuddling that is going on with this album. After his first album, which was an absolute classic, and one of the most important and maybe best hip hop albums ever made, he has made one of the biggest collections of garbage from an exceptional artist that I have ever heard. By my count there are 8 songs that are absolutely terrible and 7 songs that are range I have no words for the star-cuddling that is going on with this album. After his first album, which was an absolute classic, and one of the most important and maybe best hip hop albums ever made, he has made one of the biggest collections of garbage from an exceptional artist that I have ever heard. By my count there are 8 songs that are absolutely terrible and 7 songs that are range from good to passable. But I have no idea how so many of these songs actually made it to an album and why critics are pretending to like them so much. I don't understand how critics can rate this so high when they just heard what he is capable of with his production on Common's new album "Be". Which of course for some idiotic reason is rated lower then this heap of refuse.… Expand
  68. DonH
    Aug 31, 2005
    4
    Man this dude THINKS he's better than he really is. This is a OK pop joint, and a subpar hiphop cd. Why people listen to this overrated kiddy rapper is beyond me. STOP IT WITH THE SAMPLES.
  69. Mack
    Sep 17, 2005
    4
    Really a dissapointment. Like some others here, I purchased the album off of critical hype (bad idea). You really get about 3 to 4 decent tracks, with the other 17 tracks sitting there like useless filler. I will never understand the need for 6 skits on an album. Is this stand-up comedy or rap? Does anyone really purposefully listen to the skits thinking "wow, that's funny - and Really a dissapointment. Like some others here, I purchased the album off of critical hype (bad idea). You really get about 3 to 4 decent tracks, with the other 17 tracks sitting there like useless filler. I will never understand the need for 6 skits on an album. Is this stand-up comedy or rap? Does anyone really purposefully listen to the skits thinking "wow, that's funny - and important to the album!"? And is Bernie Mac stuttering about really that hilarious? Please, anyone, feel free to create a rap album completely void of the all-too-cliche skits! Nowhere near the genre-bending and forward thinking virtuosity displayed by OutKast. Kanye is obviously far to impressed with every word he emits, and nearly all of the lyrics are trite and superficial. A 100 rating from Rolling Stone? Please, could there be a more obvious attempt to be "cool"? And Adam Levine's inclusion - maybe Backstreet Boys could appear on the next album. If this album even receives further listening, I'll be sure to use the skip button liberally. Much of this music represents the mediocrity that prevents me from listening to much rap, and it might be one of the most overhyped for overhyping's-sake albums this year. How about attempting to break out of the genre-crippling shell (of rap itself) and making a real statement. Or just give Jon Brion the reins a little more to bring in a creative sound once and a while. Trimmed down to 5-6 songs, it could have been a wonderful stop-gap EP. Terribly dissapointing as it is.… Expand
  70. 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.
  71. rickf
    Sep 2, 2005
    3
    kanye west known how to make beats, kind of, but cannot rap to save his life. Anybody who thinks he can is only comparing him to fitty cent and the other garbage on the radio. This is not hip-hop.
  72. 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.
  73. JohnM
    Sep 9, 2005
    2
    Wow..... apparently anyone who has claimed that this - or Common's album - are the best hip-hop/rap albums of the year obviously haven't heard Cyne's Evolution Flight. It's currently available on iTunes and is coming out stateside at the end of the month. Listen to that, and hopefully - unless you're a hopelessly insane individual - you'll have to rethink Wow..... apparently anyone who has claimed that this - or Common's album - are the best hip-hop/rap albums of the year obviously haven't heard Cyne's Evolution Flight. It's currently available on iTunes and is coming out stateside at the end of the month. Listen to that, and hopefully - unless you're a hopelessly insane individual - you'll have to rethink your claims....... And yeah, what Kanye did for hip-hop with The College Dropout was nice, but Late Registration is garbage. Pretty much disposable stuff.… Expand
  74. jyotirmayad
    Aug 31, 2005
    2
    Contrived and boring -- can't seem to decided if he wants to do rap music or other kinds of music.
  75. BenV.
    Sep 4, 2005
    2
    An undeniable failure of an album. The only redeeming factor I can find is that Kanye's arrogance hasn't matched other so-called rappers of this decade, but it's getting close.
  76. SloopyDrew
    Sep 13, 2005
    2
    Bloated and overly confident, this album, as a whole, is a disaster. Kayne is a horrible MC and the music sounds more pop than it does hip-hop. There are a few good songs, but this is no College Dropout. Hugely disappointing. Easily the most overrated album of 2005.
  77. 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.
  78. Finfrosk
    Sep 24, 2005
    1
    Kanye West is the most overrated artist in the world, this album is sh** and so was the college dropout.. Kanye can't rap, and his beats are about as boring as they come! The only highlight on this album is Gone. Ain't that ironic, cuz when Kanye is gone from music, I will be glad!
  79. pica19
    Sep 4, 2005
    1
    He deserves a zero, but I'm too kind for that. What an over-hyped piece of crap. The marketing God's will continue to hype this guy all the way to the bank. Congrats, Kanye, the industry has given you a silver spoon without just deserve. You shouldn't have 'registered' this disc, but I'm sure you'll be smiling all the way to bank in your Bentley.
  80. Coniseuer
    Sep 3, 2005
    1
    In a word...boring. In two words...highly overated. In three words...don't bother buying.
  81. XavierB
    Sep 6, 2005
    1
    Not worth it if you like music.
  82. 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
  83. JasonB
    Sep 12, 2005
    0
    This is one of the most disappointing albums in recent history. Rather than delivering a truly stellar piece of work, Kanye West turns in a trendy, melody-less, over-produced piece of crap. There might be people who don't know real hip-hop that might claim to "love it". I truly doubt they do. No real fan of real hip-hop would like this sanitized crap. If you're a trendy type of This is one of the most disappointing albums in recent history. Rather than delivering a truly stellar piece of work, Kanye West turns in a trendy, melody-less, over-produced piece of crap. There might be people who don't know real hip-hop that might claim to "love it". I truly doubt they do. No real fan of real hip-hop would like this sanitized crap. If you're a trendy type of person that likes anything that's popular, then this is the CD for you. If you like real music and real hip-hop, then I suggest you spend your money elsewhere.… Expand
  84. shandram
    Dec 8, 2005
    0
    Kanye is a talented artist depending on what type of music you're into.I wouldn
  85. Billy
    Sep 4, 2005
    0
    just garbage. rascist mother ****er
  86. JosephS
    Nov 26, 2005
    0
    People say this is better than the first album because they're out of touch and they need to pretend to like at least one rap artist to compensate.
  87. 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
  88. 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
  89. NewJeruse
    Oct 19, 2019
    0
    Independent Artist/Producer from Prince George's County Maryland. This Album is a classic.
  90. 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
  91. theapple
    Jan 22, 2020
    0
    Average MC. Average production. Really an average album plain and simple...
  92. Fra101
    Aug 30, 2021
    0
    It's such a boring album! That's all, just boring, nothing special. Sorry...
  93. 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.
  94. JohnSnow41188
    Oct 2, 2020
    0
    Unoriginal work, it feels like Kanye was trying to hard but the results did not pay out.
  95. 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.
next
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 »