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. ThomasFromCompton
    Jan 8, 2006
    10
    Like what S Latrelle said, don't bother to vote if you aren't givin it 10 because that is the only score it deserves. Marvelous, Brilliant, Fabulous, 10/10
  2. aa
    Jan 7, 2006
    10
    Its simply the best
  3. RichardJ
    Dec 31, 2005
    10
    First up I'm old school. But my kids are big hip hop fans. And when something is good it does get my attention too. I try to relate to them to have a good ear and develop good tastes in every aspect of their lives. I remind them of the disco age and how some of that music is so ignorable now, (they wonder how could you have listened to THAT) but the same the is true for so much of First up I'm old school. But my kids are big hip hop fans. And when something is good it does get my attention too. I try to relate to them to have a good ear and develop good tastes in every aspect of their lives. I remind them of the disco age and how some of that music is so ignorable now, (they wonder how could you have listened to THAT) but the same the is true for so much of the music that's rammed down their throats today. Toxic waste ain't good for the body or the mind. Industies have profitted off people for generations by dumping pure trash on people. And such is the state of the entertainment industry also. As long as I'm getting paid, is the motto, I guess. Sooner or later, in time I knew a great musician would come along for thier generation and have something to offer them, that wasn't destrucion of them (body & soul) for profit. Upon first listening of first John Legend's first CD, then later Kanye's own Late Registration, over and over..... and over. I just got around to listening to the College Dropout CD, so I'm definitely not comparing one to the other.I think that the musician and the next wave of conscious and creative thought provoking and concerned musicians may have arrived. I think sometimes music critics, like movie critics have subjected themselves to far too much of inferior product to know the real thing when they see it sometime. Yeah, I been waiting for "THE ONE".… Collapse
  4. DanielC
    Dec 29, 2005
    10
    Great Album. Much better than "College Droput."
  5. James>>>
    Dec 27, 2005
    10
    It is just great
  6. 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 .
  7. SLatrelle
    Dec 18, 2005
    10
    Man you've got to be either stupid or the un-informed percentage of people who don't understand hip hop. Man I've strived my entire life to write, record, and perform music; and I am very good. This guy, Kanye West, is a genius and a living legend in our midst and all people can say is that he's ARROGANT!!!!!! Ever heard of Mozart; I'm sure you have...and by the Man you've got to be either stupid or the un-informed percentage of people who don't understand hip hop. Man I've strived my entire life to write, record, and perform music; and I am very good. This guy, Kanye West, is a genius and a living legend in our midst and all people can say is that he's ARROGANT!!!!!! Ever heard of Mozart; I'm sure you have...and by the way....he was stubborn and arrogant. But guess what....it doesn't negate the fact that he was a d_mn genius. If you want to know what hip hop really is BUY THIS ALBUM!!!!! This gentleman, West, has lyrics that are street and conscious but hip and still clever--Amazing! And Honestly, I don't know if his beats are better than his lyrics....and you KNOW he's a hip hop beat guru. I'll say this and put every thing on it......Right now this man represents the highest level of evolution for Rap Music. He single handedly changed the SOUND of Hip Hop. He managed to muscle in that so so familiar college-boy dress code. Dude got a mascot. Again, lyrics are premium. Plus he's got persiverence like no other....remember THROUGH THE WIRE. People......if you ain't gon' give this album a 10, don't bother to vote. Go review some plain Rap like Baby a.k.a. Birdman, or Master P, or some other shallow-content music. Finally, let me say this. I'm growing as a Christian day after day. So, I don't agree with everything West says in his music. But I believe that his music is shaping and foreshadowing music to come; and not just Rap. Music will become more positive and conscious and and at the same time it'll be hip. Or at least I'm hoping. God Bless everyone. P.S. If you're reviewing an album DON'T say that a song is not good b/c of a chorus or a particular melody; that's being presumptuous. These songs are works of art so you just have to listen an learn to enjoy them for what they are. That's like looking at a van Gogh and saying...."Huh, its a pity that he didn't use more green in this picture." An artist can do what he wants to do its his art, you just have to appreciate his artistic expression. Artists aren't interested in making songs the way you like to hear them, they're expressing THEIR gifts not yours. Peace!!! For real this time.… Expand
  8. LDot
    Dec 17, 2005
    10
    Brilliant.
  9. KEvinA
    Dec 16, 2005
    10
    This CD is spectacular... from every track to every verse, Kanye did it again.
  10. 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
  11. 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.
  12. shandram
    Dec 8, 2005
    0
    Kanye is a talented artist depending on what type of music you're into.I wouldn
  13. TomYeC
    Dec 6, 2005
    10
    Yes..."what more could you ask for?...the international a**hole..."....Kanye West backed up College Dropout with a BANG!!!! 10.5/10 A must in any CD collection....Definitely a classic....Kanye the best thing that ever happened to Soul/Hip Hop since Baby Face...
  14. JustinD
    Dec 4, 2005
    9
    All of the tracks on this album are good. he should of gotten 5 mics.
  15. 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?
  16. 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.
  17. staciew.
    Nov 25, 2005
    10
    Amazing album, great beats, outstanding lyrics, go see him live too if you get a chance!
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. 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
  21. 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
  22. 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.
  23. 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
  24. ChristopherA
    Oct 27, 2005
    10
    Great. Fantastic beats, and brilliant production/string arrangements from Jon Brion. Kanye deserves all the acclaim he receives. "Gone" shines as a daring accomplishment.
  25. Matt
    Oct 23, 2005
    7
    Overall it's good, but disappointing and somewhat boring. It's the best mainstream hip-hop you can get.
  26. 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.
  27. Mrs.West
    Oct 21, 2005
    10
    I give Late Registration a 10!!! There is not a single bad song on this CD, it includes original beats, ill rhymes, and creative concepts, what more is needed? He is the only hip hop artist who is not talking about how many ho's he f**ked, and how many brothas he killed, Kan' deserves many props for such a album. He even talks about stuff that people need to hear and stuff that I give Late Registration a 10!!! There is not a single bad song on this CD, it includes original beats, ill rhymes, and creative concepts, what more is needed? He is the only hip hop artist who is not talking about how many ho's he f**ked, and how many brothas he killed, Kan' deserves many props for such a album. He even talks about stuff that people need to hear and stuff that other artists are to afraid to approach, scared for their reputation, such as in the song "Roses", Kan' says " You know the best medicine go to people thats paid, If Magic Johnson got a cure for A.I.D.'s And all the broke muthafu**as past away You tellin me if my grandma was in the N.B.A. Right now she'd be ok? But since she was just a secretary Working for the church For thirty five years Things sposed to stop right here." Do you know of any other artists who would sing about that? I think not.....Kanye gets a well deserved 10!… Expand
  28. alexandertthegreat
    Oct 21, 2005
    10
    perfect
  29. 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
  30. mikejoe
    Oct 11, 2005
    10
    Yeah this off the heeeezeeey!
  31. XV
    Oct 11, 2005
    10
    The ROC is still alive!
  32. AndreW
    Oct 9, 2005
    10
    I have a masters in music (majoring in popular music) and I have listening to hip-hop for over 15 years, so I am more than qualified to review this album. To say it is the best album this year is an understatment.
  33. JakobH
    Oct 5, 2005
    10
    Theres not a single track on this cd that you just skip by... All tracks are superb!
  34. 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!
  35. M.Adames
    Oct 4, 2005
    10
    This is hottness at it's best! Kay Dub is on FIRE!!!!
  36. 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.
  37. GeorgeBushJr.
    Sep 27, 2005
    9
    I'm GW Bush and I approve this album! --
  38. 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
  39. antonioc
    Sep 24, 2005
    10
    Undeniably the best album in stores right now. tme late registration tops the college dropout with tracks like Addiction, Hey Mama, and Crack Music Kanye's in a class by himself
  40. 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!
  41. 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.
  42. craigh
    Sep 22, 2005
    10
    A album, full of top 5 hits. The only problem is the stupid skits but for example the 1st skit extends onto the song with heard em'say, the way Kanye brought them together sounds perfect with the bass and drums just starting while the the skit is finishing. There are different aspect songs, such as "roses" talking about his grandmother being ill while pointing out some flaws in life A album, full of top 5 hits. The only problem is the stupid skits but for example the 1st skit extends onto the song with heard em'say, the way Kanye brought them together sounds perfect with the bass and drums just starting while the the skit is finishing. There are different aspect songs, such as "roses" talking about his grandmother being ill while pointing out some flaws in life saying about "magic johnson having a cure for aids, so all the broke muthaf***rs past away". West also has some fast tempo stuff in touch the sky as well as "Gone" which just continues to grow on me. The diamonds remix with Jay Z is also amazing, maybe should of been brought out instead of the orginal as it hits home the problems tith trade etc as long as having one of the best rappers ever apperaing on the track. Drive Slow is another example of Common's solid album. The hit which is gonna propel the album is of course "Goldigger" the problem with this song is people don't understand the concept, west is saying not that women are goldiggers just that if you look at sum1's history it could show you what type of the person she is, i would of guessed this was wrote with Kanye speaking about his problems he now has with teh vast fortune he has gained. Celebration and Late are tracks which I don't find that good, but this still doesnt deter from giving this album full marks, just for the fact Kanye west can rap and makes beats about songs that can hit home and effect you.… Expand
  43. AlbertP
    Sep 21, 2005
    10
    Finally I can hear hip hop with style. Yeah for 'Ye
  44. GLENDAM
    Sep 20, 2005
    10
    In a class by himself!
  45. jono
    Sep 18, 2005
    10
    This cd is his best work ever since it shows his own on the cd
  46. 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
  47. 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.
  48. 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.
  49. JamieA
    Sep 14, 2005
    10
    No immediate sellers like Dropout has but balanced quality through tracks, hit again Kanye!
  50. 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.
  51. alice
    Sep 13, 2005
    10
    amazin album
  52. 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.
  53. 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.
  54. 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.
  55. 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
  56. 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
  57. 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.
  58. 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).
  59. 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
  60. 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
  61. bundyb
    Sep 11, 2005
    9
    old school instrumentals are glorious. the mc tries to imitate 2pac, but it's definitely a good album.
  62. chris`V.
    Sep 10, 2005
    9
    it is a good cd
  63. 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
  64. EricE
    Sep 10, 2005
    10
    This is the best rap album I've heard in a few years. Doing something hip hop dosen't do anymore, experiment. Kanye takes rap to another level on this album. And anyone who thinks otherwise must be hip hop impared. Heard'em Say wakes not only Mr. West but also all the ne-sayers who said that he couldn't do it again. With the help of Jon Brion, who backs Kanye with live This is the best rap album I've heard in a few years. Doing something hip hop dosen't do anymore, experiment. Kanye takes rap to another level on this album. And anyone who thinks otherwise must be hip hop impared. Heard'em Say wakes not only Mr. West but also all the ne-sayers who said that he couldn't do it again. With the help of Jon Brion, who backs Kanye with live instruments, Kanye has become that legend in the making. It's the Roc.… Expand
  65. 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
  66. 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
  67. SeanC
    Sep 8, 2005
    10
    Lets be realistic here. Kanye West is RIGHT when he says he is carrying all of hip hop. He is RIGHT when he says that he is the best thing rap has right now. You can tell how his sophistication quintuples that of the guests on his album (Paul Wall). Who cares if he's cocky? How many times has he threatened to kill someone? Sufjan Stevens's mindless droning doesn't even compare.
  68. JaredB
    Sep 8, 2005
    9
    OutKast tried, but this is Rap's Sgt. Pepper. Experiments and breaks barriers while still sounding polished
  69. kennyp
    Sep 8, 2005
    10
    this Cd is off tha hooK!!! i LikE tha messages he sends out to tha listnerz his is tha SiKest Rapper.
  70. 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.
  71. jesuso
    Sep 7, 2005
    10
    it is the best rap album in years
  72. jerzyd
    Sep 6, 2005
    9
    Grrrrrrrrrreat Cd!!!!
  73. 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
  74. ChrisW
    Sep 6, 2005
    10
    What can be said other than...excellent album. Best rap/hip hop/album of the year by far. Definate must listen.
  75. 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.
  76. JonD
    Sep 6, 2005
    10
    Kanye does it again. Masterpiece of an album. No one does it better that kon the louis vuitton don
  77. s&b
    Sep 6, 2005
    9
    this album surpasses what rap is to most people, and for that he deserves the high score
  78. XavierB
    Sep 6, 2005
    1
    Not worth it if you like music.
  79. 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
  80. GSJ
    Sep 5, 2005
    10
    Kanye west is what hip hop needs on both and MC and producer
  81. TomM
    Sep 5, 2005
    10
    Brilliant Brilliant Brilliant other great album from kanye west. Every song is different but great
  82. BrianD
    Sep 5, 2005
    10
    This is probably one of the best albums of 2005. It expands West's ear for socially concious hip-hop and powerful instrumentals. "Gone," "Heard 'Em Say" and "Roses" are three of the most powerful songs I've ever heard and the rest of the album holds true to West's excessive bravado. Again, if you haven't heard Late Registration yet, you're missing out on This is probably one of the best albums of 2005. It expands West's ear for socially concious hip-hop and powerful instrumentals. "Gone," "Heard 'Em Say" and "Roses" are three of the most powerful songs I've ever heard and the rest of the album holds true to West's excessive bravado. Again, if you haven't heard Late Registration yet, you're missing out on something huge.… Expand
  83. 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.
  84. 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.
  85. 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.
  86. NavdeepA
    Sep 4, 2005
    9
    Yeah, Kanye West is wicked!!
  87. 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.
  88. TimS
    Sep 4, 2005
    10
    The first time i listened to this cd, i thought it was good, but not as good as College Dropout, but after the 2nd, 3rd, and 20th time listening to it, i realized that this album is much better, Kanye found a way to better himself from his already great first album, which is rare today. And i happen to like all those skits.
  89. Billy
    Sep 4, 2005
    0
    just garbage. rascist mother ****er
  90. Coniseuer
    Sep 3, 2005
    1
    In a word...boring. In two words...highly overated. In three words...don't bother buying.
  91. 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.
  92. Zach
    Sep 3, 2005
    10
    I'm not a fan of most rap, but this C.D. is amazing. Kanye West is by far the best rapper out there these days
  93. AdamC
    Sep 3, 2005
    10
    This album is absolutely an amazing sophomore album. Its beats and vibe are awesome and Kanye West can talk his shit again.
  94. adamd
    Sep 3, 2005
    10
    Outstanding!
  95. 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
  96. vivay
    Sep 2, 2005
    10
    just classic fire music
  97. KatieP.
    Sep 2, 2005
    10
    To Rick: Kanye has made beats that are classics (Izzo, Heart of the City, Takeover), so he doesn't "kind of" know how to make beats. No one's comparing him to 50 Cent... most of the people that like him put him up there with Nas, Jay-Z, Eminem, and other greats in the rap industry. They aren't comparing him to 50 cent. Anyways, the CD is great. I like College Dropout To Rick: Kanye has made beats that are classics (Izzo, Heart of the City, Takeover), so he doesn't "kind of" know how to make beats. No one's comparing him to 50 Cent... most of the people that like him put him up there with Nas, Jay-Z, Eminem, and other greats in the rap industry. They aren't comparing him to 50 cent. Anyways, the CD is great. I like College Dropout better, but this CD is still pure genius.… Expand
  98. DJWhoa
    Sep 2, 2005
    10
    Kanye is the scarily cool.
  99. Martin
    Sep 2, 2005
    10
    Kanye West joins Common as one of the best hip hop cds of the year. whoever gives it lower than a 10 doesn't know what they are talking about. this isn't just good rap, this is good music.
  100. CaptainRob
    Sep 2, 2005
    10
    Another classic? Hell yes.
Page:

Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
85

Universal acclaim - based on 31 Critic Reviews

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