• Record Label: Def Jam
  • Release Date: Nov 22, 2010
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 3765 Ratings

User score distribution:
Buy Now
Buy on

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
  1. Nov 22, 2010
    9
    I'm gonna let you finish but kanye west just came out with one of the best rap albums of all time. Look I love the fact that their are people on here still dissing Kanye as a Person. (what a joke) Look at Kanye as a musician. The man is a genius, and he just proved his talent AGAIN with this album.
  2. Nov 23, 2010
    9
    Excerpt from http://green--typewriters.blogspot.com/ .........................................................I personally relate the excellence of My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy to the fact that this album could, and probably should, have been awful. There was so much pressure stacked against this album and it is jaw dropping that this is what was produced out of all that hate. KanyeExcerpt from http://green--typewriters.blogspot.com/ .........................................................I personally relate the excellence of My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy to the fact that this album could, and probably should, have been awful. There was so much pressure stacked against this album and it is jaw dropping that this is what was produced out of all that hate. Kanye is the epitomist of pop culture and the most self-righteous voice that it has created in a while. He reinsures this fact by producing his best piece of work that is not confined by traditional pop culture models placed on mainstream music. He wonderfully attacks and withholds the glorified level that he is, in all rights, living on. Kanye contextualizes his life into a lived fantasy and he accepts that this life is obviously not defined as normal. More importantly, he is self-aware enough to view it from an outside source, thus purposely naming it his Fantasy. It is his masterpiece as far as we're concerned. It is beautiful. It is utterly personal.. sometimes tragic.. but refreshingly honest. Expand
  3. Nov 22, 2010
    9
    I signed up to Metacritic purely to point out the following pattern in the negative reviews of Kanye West's brilliant masterpiece, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.

    At this writing, five of the six "1" and "0" scores that were accompanied by written reviews were written by first time reviewers; they have not entered another review on Metacritic, calling their credibility into question.
    I signed up to Metacritic purely to point out the following pattern in the negative reviews of Kanye West's brilliant masterpiece, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.

    At this writing, five of the six "1" and "0" scores that were accompanied by written reviews were written by first time reviewers; they have not entered another review on Metacritic, calling their credibility into question. And the one reviewer who wrote more than one review, "Drag," is a fan of -- surprise, surprise -- Taylor Swift's album, as evidenced by the "9" score given to her album, Speak Now.

    Draw your own conclusions and, for the sincere users among you, enjoy listening to the most inventive, creative and downright entertaining album of the year. I know I did.
    Expand
  4. Nov 23, 2010
    10
    Whether you love him or hate him, there is no denying that Kanye is a musical genius. If you don't agree, then you have not listened to this album yet, or been keeping up with his G.O.O.D. Fridays' free track releases over the last 3 months. 2010 has been the year of Kanye, and this final album release not only meets all high expectations, but surpasses them. This is quite simply, the bestWhether you love him or hate him, there is no denying that Kanye is a musical genius. If you don't agree, then you have not listened to this album yet, or been keeping up with his G.O.O.D. Fridays' free track releases over the last 3 months. 2010 has been the year of Kanye, and this final album release not only meets all high expectations, but surpasses them. This is quite simply, the best album Kanye has released to this date in his career. And there is no denying the simple fact, that this is clearly the album of the year. Expand
  5. Nov 23, 2010
    10
    I think there's enough reviews out there to cover my thoughts.

    All I'm going to say is this album is just a masterpiece in all sense of the word...

    The album itself is a extension of who he is....its too long....too many guest stars...w/e it is....there is a reason for it...

    Hes always been a over the top guy...it only makes sense songs run long and the guest list is filled.

    Brilliant album.
  6. Nov 23, 2010
    10
    The mixing and production are great. It's what he cut his teeth doing. The guest list is star-studded and generally does not disappoint, but all rap guests far outshine Kanye when they're at the mic (save for Jay-Z's lazy verse in "Monster"). Kanye's delivery is generally flat and saps the power of lyrics when he does have his moments (see "Blame Game"). When he doesn't have his lyricalThe mixing and production are great. It's what he cut his teeth doing. The guest list is star-studded and generally does not disappoint, but all rap guests far outshine Kanye when they're at the mic (save for Jay-Z's lazy verse in "Monster"). Kanye's delivery is generally flat and saps the power of lyrics when he does have his moments (see "Blame Game"). When he doesn't have his lyrical moments, he's doing the standard disses, recitation of haute-couture brands and freeze-frames of lady trouble. The samples are great and so are the aforementioned extra hands, but they really can't prop this album up much. I almost feel like people are desperate to make a pop star a new godhead in the wake of Michael Jackson's death. So Kanye has willingly donned that mantle with this album. Even Christgau has said as much before. I think this is part of a disturbing trend; as long as stars demonstrate that they have a modicum of self-awareness we give them free passes in criticism. The fact that the reviews focus so much more on the man than the music demonstrates a willing commitment to this attitude. If anyone else made the exact same album, it would have been as passed-by as N.A.S.A.'s album. Expand
  7. Nov 23, 2010
    10
    His best album!! loving it. Album of the year in my opinion. Truly amazing. I just might listen to hip hop some more. I though i would quit listening to rap music.
  8. Nov 23, 2010
    10
    My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is an instant classic, for the second i put my headphones on and started to listen to the 1st track on the album, i was assured that this album will be Kanyes best album to date.
    The guy is a genius, a living legend. And he was able to accept the events that happened at the VMAs and the backlash he had after it, and put out one of the best albums OF ALL
    My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is an instant classic, for the second i put my headphones on and started to listen to the 1st track on the album, i was assured that this album will be Kanyes best album to date.
    The guy is a genius, a living legend. And he was able to accept the events that happened at the VMAs and the backlash he had after it, and put out one of the best albums OF ALL TIME.....OF ALL TIME!
    Expand
  9. Nov 23, 2010
    10
    Few artists could get away with this level of genre-bending, norm-shattering composition and hip-hop artistry. West does it completely, convincing audiences to listen closely to his stories and their deep atmospheres. If you are looking for any other Kanye album to compare, you're mistaken. This is a reborn rapper, and with him comes a new era of Kanye-ness. He's smooth-talking, nasty,Few artists could get away with this level of genre-bending, norm-shattering composition and hip-hop artistry. West does it completely, convincing audiences to listen closely to his stories and their deep atmospheres. If you are looking for any other Kanye album to compare, you're mistaken. This is a reborn rapper, and with him comes a new era of Kanye-ness. He's smooth-talking, nasty, and the flows comes much more naturally on this album. He's stopped thinking so much about his listeners, and the result is raw, good raw. Forget cutesy, this album is mean; the kind of beats that make you grimace they're so hard. True hip hop fans finally get something to chew on here, and while I don't know where it stands in the holy 10 of hip hop classics, I can truly say that it is the best hip hop album of this year and perhaps the past 5. It's ambitious, deliberate, and complete. November 22nd is Kanye Day forever. Expand
  10. Nov 23, 2010
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Since his debut album, Kanye West has strived to bring the soul and music side back to the forefront of mainstream hip-hop, and with every release Mr. West has claimed that he's going to evolve the music by himself whether the genre likes it or not.The real brilliance of this album comes from how well it truly improves upon his previous work. With every album that has come out his celebrity has encompased his artistry a little more and a little more. The boiling point being 808's where the artist finally had enough and created what could've been career suicide had any other hip-hop artist tried it. With this album the artist and the celebrity have come to a beautiful compromise. The celebrity is more self-consious and critical of himself and the world around him (the "Kanye-isms" are humbled), and the artist is more determined and inspired (The production challenges all pop music to be better than it is in epic fashion). Colledge Dropout USED to be his most honest album. Late Registration USED to be his most well rounded. Graduation USED to be his most celebratorial. 808's USED to be his most vulnerable. They all play like peices to a puzzle now. Fantasy compliments the strength of the previous albums so well, and mixes what he's learned from each album so well, that it could act as a direct follow up to any one of them. The guests and samples he brings in show Kanye's reach knows no boundaries. This album plays like an art showing of a tormented artist and as you walk through the gallery you run into the likes of Bon Iver, Kid Cudi, King Crimson, Nicki Minaj, Elton John, Rick Ross, Chris Rock, Smokey Robinson, Rhianna, and the Backyard Heavies. With this album Kanye has grown beyond just a hip-hop artist he's officially achieved the legend status he's been bragging about for the past 4 albums. Simply put, the music invades your mind. When I finally took the CD out of my laptop, the album had already played through 5 times. Expand
  11. Nov 23, 2010
    10
    An absolutely triumphant album. In many ways, this is his Exile On Main Street. These are albums where everything musically, from the artists past, comes together in a darker, louder, more decadent sound. Add in the fact that like EoTM, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy contains lyrics of regret, excess, ego, drugs, religion and hints at psychological despair. And simply put they bothAn absolutely triumphant album. In many ways, this is his Exile On Main Street. These are albums where everything musically, from the artists past, comes together in a darker, louder, more decadent sound. Add in the fact that like EoTM, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy contains lyrics of regret, excess, ego, drugs, religion and hints at psychological despair. And simply put they both rock. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, while probably not the better record, is definitely more personal than EoMS though. Furthermore, when has any rapper, of Kanye's magnitude, been as personal as this on record; putting everything out there on the line for both his many fans and critics to observe? It's a special record, one that will be enjoyed more and more upon repeated listens. The best album of the year, and an immediate early candidate for album of the decade. Expand
  12. Nov 23, 2010
    10
    An instant classic. Kanye has always delivered very solid albums, (excluding 808's and heartbreaks, IMO), but My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy takes genius to the next level. Every track is unique and stays fresh for what seems like thousands of listens. The featured artists are numerous and among the most talented in hip-hop. For a while, it seemed like Kanye's career was in a slowAn instant classic. Kanye has always delivered very solid albums, (excluding 808's and heartbreaks, IMO), but My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy takes genius to the next level. Every track is unique and stays fresh for what seems like thousands of listens. The featured artists are numerous and among the most talented in hip-hop. For a while, it seemed like Kanye's career was in a slow descent, but MBDTF along with his spectacular "G.O.O.D Friday" releases will no doubt rejuvenate and reinstate Yeezy as a king of the music industry. Favorite tracks: "Monster", "Dark Fantasy", "Hell of a life", "Gorgeous", "Blame Game". Expand
  13. Nov 23, 2010
    10
    This album has to be the greatest thing I've ever listened to. Every song contains a different story just waiting to be read. Kanye put a lot of work into this album and it shows. It's pretty sad how some people have been reviewing this album based on their personal feelings about Kanye, or about the Taylor Swift incident. If you actually listen to the album you can see the true geniusThis album has to be the greatest thing I've ever listened to. Every song contains a different story just waiting to be read. Kanye put a lot of work into this album and it shows. It's pretty sad how some people have been reviewing this album based on their personal feelings about Kanye, or about the Taylor Swift incident. If you actually listen to the album you can see the true genius that Mr. West is. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy will be album of the year. Expand
  14. Nov 23, 2010
    10
    Haters gon' hate. I think the ratio of negative to positive user reviews tells the whole story. This album is amazing and it isn't cool that people are attempting to maliciously bring down the average score. Metacritic should review scores of 0 for validity.
  15. Nov 23, 2010
    10
    Beautiful. Dark. Twisted.....and an Amazing Reality. Not many albums like this one come across in one's lifetime. A superb blend of genres along with the deeply personal lyrical content delivered bi-polarly from start to finish. This is the most definitive progressive rap album to hit the mainstream pop world. Kanye continually redefines the rules of the rap/pop genre while making aBeautiful. Dark. Twisted.....and an Amazing Reality. Not many albums like this one come across in one's lifetime. A superb blend of genres along with the deeply personal lyrical content delivered bi-polarly from start to finish. This is the most definitive progressive rap album to hit the mainstream pop world. Kanye continually redefines the rules of the rap/pop genre while making a classic that ranks up there with Illmatic and 36 Chambers. Kanye's ability to express the travels and emotions that have occurred through his Hell Of A Life(the highlight of the album for me) is the reason that combined with extravagant yet sublime production ....that this is one Hell Of An Album. Expand
  16. Nov 23, 2010
    10
    Everybody's favorite a--hole is back and better than ever. "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy" without a doubt will stand as his masterpiece. I don't want to reveal too much as this album is better to be experienced first hand. His lyricism is masterful and his beats are immaculate. Somehow he is able to carry the theme of his album so effortlessly throughout each song. The album standsEverybody's favorite a--hole is back and better than ever. "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy" without a doubt will stand as his masterpiece. I don't want to reveal too much as this album is better to be experienced first hand. His lyricism is masterful and his beats are immaculate. Somehow he is able to carry the theme of his album so effortlessly throughout each song. The album stands alone as a work of art, rather than the usual single driven albums we are all too used to hearing. Maybe now we can see the real Kanye when he finally gets the recognition he's been craving. Even the Kanye haters will find this album hard to ignore. Expand
  17. Nov 23, 2010
    10
    Likely the best album of the year, and arguably the best hip hop album since The Blueprint, if not of all time. Not only is this further proof that Kanye is one of the most creative people (not to mention the best producer) working in music today, but he's finally come into his own as an MC, which is just icing on the cake. This is his masterpiece, and only time will tell if he can topLikely the best album of the year, and arguably the best hip hop album since The Blueprint, if not of all time. Not only is this further proof that Kanye is one of the most creative people (not to mention the best producer) working in music today, but he's finally come into his own as an MC, which is just icing on the cake. This is his masterpiece, and only time will tell if he can top it... but at this point, I wouldn't bet against him.

    Also, to those who appear to be giving negative reviews solely based on their dislike for Kanye as a person, consider that whether or not someone is a jerk has no bearing on the quality of his or her work. And to those who appear to be giving negative reviews based solely on the frequency of bad language in the lyrics, consider that you're probably not in any position to be reviewing the quality of a hip hop album.
    Expand
  18. Nov 23, 2010
    10
    Flawless. Absolutely flawless. I never thought I could gain such inspiration and feel so drained from any rap album.
    Kanye defies genre and even music in the goal of being an artist, instead of a musician, and he nails it at a level that...there are no words. The flow is incredible and the songs complement each other, feeding off and referencing to make it clear that they're a true
    Flawless. Absolutely flawless. I never thought I could gain such inspiration and feel so drained from any rap album.
    Kanye defies genre and even music in the goal of being an artist, instead of a musician, and he nails it at a level that...there are no words. The flow is incredible and the songs complement each other, feeding off and referencing to make it clear that they're a true album...and yet, you can still listen to them as individuals and not know that you're missing anything.
    Every single song would earn a 10/10 from me - Monster was a close call, but Minaj killed her part (of all the people...)
    There is no greater hope for our ears than this remarkable Schizoid Man. We may survive in America after all.
    Thank you, Kanye West.
    Thank you.
    Expand
  19. Nov 24, 2010
    10
    ALBUM OF THE YEAR! this is pure "Ye" brilliance here yo! pure genius! the rhymes are pure and flowing, and funny as hell! all the hype that basically built this album really pulled through and has given us something soo amazing i would like to thank yeezy for this 10/10 album... i love it!
  20. Nov 24, 2010
    10
    When you check the user-reviews, either you find extremely high-ratings or extremely low-rating. That's the way it is with Kanye. It started with the 808's and heartbreak, either you absolutely loved it or you just really thought it was crap. That's what happened between the critics too. But in this album they're unanimously saying that it's a classic and I agree. It's just phenomenal, theWhen you check the user-reviews, either you find extremely high-ratings or extremely low-rating. That's the way it is with Kanye. It started with the 808's and heartbreak, either you absolutely loved it or you just really thought it was crap. That's what happened between the critics too. But in this album they're unanimously saying that it's a classic and I agree. It's just phenomenal, the production and the raps. They might be rude and seem very vulgar but hey, check the album title. It's supposed to be that way, it's just that kanye is one of the very few daring enough to speak his mind and the whole theme of the album was to explore his mind. Either you hate Kanye and therefore hate his music or you just hate him. Or you absolutely love him or hate him and love his music. What sets out kanye from the rest is the emotional reactions he gets everywhere from critics and just plain listeners. All in all, you either hate kanyes album or you love it, just like 808's and Heartbreak. I for one love them both. Just like most music lovers do.

    10/10 for it's brilliant production and possibly one of the very few classic albums of the 2000's so far.
    Expand
  21. Nov 24, 2010
    10
    Welcome the new king of pop! A completely different breed from 808. Tracks such as power and lost in the world show that kanye is back in career best jesus walks territory. This really is an artist who is willing to take risks and evolve. hate him or love him but lets be honest the man is a genius.
  22. Nov 24, 2010
    3
    This album is a blatant ripoff of Moby's sound and production techniques, most notably from Play and 18.
    Kanye does a competent job of copying that style, and then proceeds to ruin it by putting aggressive, angry, insanely self-obsessed rapping over it. We're not talking Eminem-style intensity or originality in rapping style either. West can conjure interesting lyrics, but his rhythmic
    This album is a blatant ripoff of Moby's sound and production techniques, most notably from Play and 18.
    Kanye does a competent job of copying that style, and then proceeds to ruin it by putting aggressive, angry, insanely self-obsessed rapping over it. We're not talking Eminem-style intensity or originality in rapping style either. West can conjure interesting lyrics, but his rhythmic delivery is quite average. I must admit I'm a fan of the video, and supposedly he directed it, but it's clear much of the credit needs to go to the director of photography. Kanye employs a bunch of strange imagery regarding some model that falls to earth, and is physically perfect, but she's a bird, and his friends won't accept her. Seriously? Get real and get a plot and a clue. Dark Fantasy's package is very appealing, but ultimately it's too much of a ripoff of someone else's musical style for my taste, and more importantly, the sentiment expressed is the same old poor-liittle-me-I'm-so-put-upon public persona that we've all gotten really tired of.
    Expand
  23. Nov 25, 2010
    0
    I got this album thinking hey it might be good. Power was a pretty good song, but then I heard the album. All the beats besides Power sound like they were produced by some crappy amateur which I know Kanye isn't after hearing some of his other beats. The singing get's annoying most of the time, and I wish he would stop. How many rap songs have to rap about porn stars, and all theI got this album thinking hey it might be good. Power was a pretty good song, but then I heard the album. All the beats besides Power sound like they were produced by some crappy amateur which I know Kanye isn't after hearing some of his other beats. The singing get's annoying most of the time, and I wish he would stop. How many rap songs have to rap about porn stars, and all the other typical rap stuff. A couple of the songs are okay, but then you read the lyrics and then you give up on Kanye completely. You can try and read these lyrics off this paper before I lay them, but you can't take the sting out these words before I say them.

    This isn't Kanye's case, because besides the beats there's nothing new, and it's the same **** At least in Eminem's case he changes it up a little. In Jay-Z's case he at least does it with a cool style. Overall some of the beats are okay, but Kanye doesn't execute it correctly and it's the same lyrical **** as before and he hasn't matured at all since his first two releases (the ones I can actually listen to). He tries to be original but he fails. I give this album a 1/10 for me, but for some people's taste in music a 3/10. I hope that Eminem or Andre 3000 come out with some new material soon. Rap needs it.
    Expand
  24. Nov 25, 2010
    10
    Heat for the street! This cd has the arrogance of LL's Bigger and Deffer, the with of Slick Ricks Adventure of....,the boldness of Ice Cubes Amerikkka's most and the conscienceness of PE's It takes of million..
    Definitely a masterpiece!!!!!!!!!!
  25. Nov 26, 2010
    9
    All in all this album is great to say the least. Kanye deserves a lot of respect for taking a chance on something so unfamiliar and unique. It seems as though the more I listen to it the more it grows on me and the more I become acclaimed to this new sound. The only concerns I have deal with the overly done music solos and the speaking sections of some songs. Besides those 5 minutes of theAll in all this album is great to say the least. Kanye deserves a lot of respect for taking a chance on something so unfamiliar and unique. It seems as though the more I listen to it the more it grows on me and the more I become acclaimed to this new sound. The only concerns I have deal with the overly done music solos and the speaking sections of some songs. Besides those 5 minutes of the 70 minute long album, Kanye's work is gold. Expand
  26. Nov 28, 2010
    0
    I was very disappointed in this album. I read from reviews that it was a good album so I bought it. well after listening to it a few times, I can safely say that the money I spent for it was wasted. There really is not that much entertainment value in this album and I'm a huge fan of music as well as rap. Mr. West's ego is just too much. Nobody should have an ego as large as his, not evenI was very disappointed in this album. I read from reviews that it was a good album so I bought it. well after listening to it a few times, I can safely say that the money I spent for it was wasted. There really is not that much entertainment value in this album and I'm a huge fan of music as well as rap. Mr. West's ego is just too much. Nobody should have an ego as large as his, not even people with the greatest contributions to the world (i.e. great scientists like Stephen Hawking, Albert Einstein, Charles Darwin, etc. Those men have changed the world in so many good ways, and even from them I would not understand having this large of an ego). What have been Mr. West's accomplishments? Well he has put out a few albums. And while many may have liked them, they surely have not changed anything for the better. All this album is is some average rhymes/lines with him bragging about how great and what a "genius" he is. and while, granted, that's what most rap is, Mr. West takes it to an unnecessary level. DO NOT BUY THIS ALBUM UNLESS YOU WANT TO LISTEN TO SOME WHINY RAPPER TALK ABOUT HOW GOOD HE IS. Expand
  27. Nov 28, 2010
    10
    This is a Genius What a great Album. Comes from Kanye's heart. This album is to everyone who has questioned Kanye West's artistic abilities. Very deep, and a new approach to hip-hop. Is this album going to change Hip Hop for good?
  28. Nov 28, 2010
    10
    Beautiful, the perfect mix of Kanye's rapping and his exquisite taste in music. Absolutely the best album he's made to date, the perfect recovery from 808s and his recent history. Kanye's back, and he's rewritten the rules of rap once again!
  29. Dec 11, 2010
    8
    Some of the songs in here weren't as great, but the whole album overall really satifies fans of Kayne West. Runaway, Power, and a lot others received great ratings and are very rock and roll songs. Kayne is one of the artist of the year, even with the Taylor Swift episode.
  30. Dec 1, 2010
    10
    Kanye West even with his high ignorance showed everyone that bad attitude has nothing to do with making good music.
  31. Dec 1, 2010
    10
    Makes every album this year feel lightweight
  32. Nov 29, 2010
    10
    Talyor Swift fans out in full force.Kanye Snatches mics and still gets 90+ metacritic scores
  33. Nov 30, 2010
    8
    I will say right off the bat that I am not a big fan Mr. West. He's arrogant, needlessly **** self-absorbed and the definition of a douche bag. But this album (production wise), is simply amazing. 9/10ths of the album are songs that you are going to rewind and listen to over and over again. Only a few select tracks are less than memorable. Lyrically...almost every track is nothing butI will say right off the bat that I am not a big fan Mr. West. He's arrogant, needlessly **** self-absorbed and the definition of a douche bag. But this album (production wise), is simply amazing. 9/10ths of the album are songs that you are going to rewind and listen to over and over again. Only a few select tracks are less than memorable. Lyrically...almost every track is nothing but nonsense. It's purely expletives and an extreme lack of effort (yes even from Jay-Z). Don't Expect any soul searching, in-depth knowledge/insight or even catchy punchlines. It's is literally just an album that sounds good but doesn't say anything. If your looking for something that literally just sounds good to listen to on the ride home from work, or if you need to just veg out on a Sunday afternoon, this album should be at the top of your list. Expand
  34. Dec 2, 2010
    10
    Simply put, in 2010, no one did pop music better than Kanye West. This record, along with the Gorillaz "Plastic Beach", pushed collaborative and pop music as a whole forward. which is really what you want. Nothing is more boring and off-putting than complacency. Justin Vernon's contributions, while subtle on tracks not named "Lost in the World", are great. Nicki Minaj murders tracks, andSimply put, in 2010, no one did pop music better than Kanye West. This record, along with the Gorillaz "Plastic Beach", pushed collaborative and pop music as a whole forward. which is really what you want. Nothing is more boring and off-putting than complacency. Justin Vernon's contributions, while subtle on tracks not named "Lost in the World", are great. Nicki Minaj murders tracks, and does exactly that on "Monster". The album is fantastic front to back. Kanye goes for it all on this album, and it works in the best way possible. Expand
  35. Dec 3, 2010
    9
    I was surprised by the universal praise for a new Kanye West album, haven't picked up any of his music since his debut . This genre has been dead for quite a while now, at least commercially, and I'd completely written him off along with the rest of it.

    It's not instantly appealing, like all the best things and builds with each listen, rather than deteriorating into a spiral of radio
    I was surprised by the universal praise for a new Kanye West album, haven't picked up any of his music since his debut . This genre has been dead for quite a while now, at least commercially, and I'd completely written him off along with the rest of it.

    It's not instantly appealing, like all the best things and builds with each listen, rather than deteriorating into a spiral of radio punching hatred. The lyrics are clever, but he's not trying to be too clever with them, he seems to have been influenced by song writing from sources outside of rap (unusual in hip-hop), and the music has benefited.

    It's amazing how something can sound or look when the creator has talent and really cares about the product, and not only the profit (although it's unlikely he worries about finances now; Surprisingly, he does seem to refrain from reminding the listener of this fact. Again, unusual in hip-hop.) He's made actual music here, one of the best albums of the year. Maybe the genre can all get together in a room and call it a day now, most of the rest seem incapable of creating anything anywhere near this level.
    Expand
  36. Dec 6, 2010
    10
    I would give this album lower than a 10 if it weren't worth the grade. The impressive production and the ability Kanye uses is uncanny and almost too real to not receive the grade. The people who fret on the vulgar language and the ego should not judge the album based on those things as they are. Judge the album based on what those words are used with to create the album. This album looksI would give this album lower than a 10 if it weren't worth the grade. The impressive production and the ability Kanye uses is uncanny and almost too real to not receive the grade. The people who fret on the vulgar language and the ego should not judge the album based on those things as they are. Judge the album based on what those words are used with to create the album. This album looks into the psyche that comprises the most egotistical and bizarre pop culture figures in years. Kanye pushes boundaries with his proper use of autotune and his impressive list of back up vocalists and guest stars. He uses everything perfectly, granted a little too much, but that's Kanye, he is exuberant to another level. He defines a generation on his own with this material. If you don't believe me, just give the album a listen; it might not seem like much, but after its over you'll want more. Expand
  37. Dec 8, 2010
    9
    After an artist goes through a rough time in his or her career, it usually takes that artist a fairly long amount of time to redeem himself or herself, and also takes the artist a while to regain his or her fans, for example, after Eminem released Encore, he took a five year hiatus, then released Relapse, which was generally a poor attempt for Eminem to redeem himself, but the year afterAfter an artist goes through a rough time in his or her career, it usually takes that artist a fairly long amount of time to redeem himself or herself, and also takes the artist a while to regain his or her fans, for example, after Eminem released Encore, he took a five year hiatus, then released Relapse, which was generally a poor attempt for Eminem to redeem himself, but the year after that, Eminem managed to redeem himself, and get more fans with Recovery, a second example is 50 Cent, who after released Curtis, managed to redeem his skills, but not his fanbase with 'Before I Self Destruct', and the third, and most obvious example is Kanye West, who made a living joke out of himself with '808s and Heartbreak', and now trying to redeem himself with the release of 'My Beautiful Twisted Dark Fantasy'. 'My Beautiful Twisted Dark Fantasy' has a generally good background, mainly because it indicates Kanye's return to the rap world, meaning that with this album, Kanye plans to redeem himself by rapping again, and returning to his old musical style. This Kanye album starts with 'Dark Fantasy' which starts slow for the first minutes and a half, but after that amount of time, Kanye brings in one of his best beats, smoothest rhythm, and some of his best lyrics in Kanye's career, the second track 'Gorgeous' was a strongly lyrical song, with a rock-style beat, and a strongly written chorus by Kid Cudi, so it was how I expected it, which was extremely entertaining, the third track, 'Power', which was the first single of the album, and was the best track of the album, because it has symbolic lyrics, and a very complex and powerful rhythm. Other than those three tracks, other great tracks include 'All The Lights' which has a great chorus by Rihanna, and some great rhymes be Kanye, 'Monster' was a track where Rick Ross, Jay-Z, and Nicki Minaj all delivered great flows and rhymes as guest stars, and Kanye does an as good or even a better job as the lead artist, and the track 'Hell of a Life' was strongly energies, due to its fast paced beat and rhythm, and Kanye's strong rhyming skills. The album does have some negative tracks, like 'Runaway' which lasted too long, had a very poor and corny chorus, and had a rhythm which was generally just plain boring, another bad track was 'Blame Game', due to its length, slow rhythm, and poorly written chorus, it barely sounds like a Kanye West song, and the third bad track is 'Lost in the World' which is mostly repetitive, and takes a really long time for Kanye to actually rap. 'My Beautiful Twisted Dark Fantasy' was generally a strongly redeeming album, it has strong lyrics, many great beats, and mostly energizing and entertaining rhythms, which was honestly what I wanted from a Kanye West album, however, there were some errors in the album, such as some tracks' long length, and weak rhythm, but other than that, I think that this album generally states and proves that Kanye West if finally back. Expand
  38. Dec 13, 2010
    10
    Magnum Opus. I've been following Kanye West before he released his first album. Every one of his last four albums has been phenomenal but this album has taken things to the next level. Gonna be difficult to top this one. ALBUM OF THE YEAR
  39. Dec 10, 2010
    8
    i just finished listening to the majority of it a few minutes ago. it literally made me want to find a review site so i can say this: amazing. i'm seriously not into rap or hip-hop, or whatever you want to call it. and i'm not a fan of Kanye as a person, but i can not deny that he is an amazing artist.
  40. Dec 13, 2010
    10
    superbe album de kanye west .really a great work and it gives a new version of hip-hop c'est comme tout une revolucion dans le genre we needed it something new. c'est incontestablement The Best Album Of The Year & one of The GREATEST hip-hop album ever.thank you Kanye
  41. Dec 14, 2010
    9
    This is Kanye's "Purple Rain". A true statement from a true artist. Plus it's "LOL" funny and you can dance to it. The fact that Kanye tempers his anger with humor and backs up his bravado with absolute killer hooks makes him the real deal.
  42. Dec 17, 2010
    8
    This album is great and can only be described as a brand new and original approach to hip hop. Although some songs are quite boring, the mostly brilliant tracks - to name a few examples: Gorgeous, All Of The Lights, Devil In A New Dress and Monster. Power was a great first single from the album which had me hooked for a long time and runaway was great.
  43. Dec 29, 2010
    10
    This is really the best album that exists. It has incredible songs, like: Dark Fantasy, Power, So Apalled, Runaway, Blame Game and Lost in the World. The lyrics are awesome. They are funny and emotional. I have only compliments for "My beautiful dark twisted fantasy"!!!. Kanye West is the best Raper in the world!
  44. Jan 9, 2011
    5
    Over-hyped is definitely the word I'd use for this album. Admittedly, I've never been a fan of Kanye's music (or hip hop in general) and more so never been a fan of him but I decided I'd give his newest album a go. I was very disappointed, especially based on the extremely good reviews. The vast majority of songs are distinctly lack lustre and have only a few good parts to them. TheOver-hyped is definitely the word I'd use for this album. Admittedly, I've never been a fan of Kanye's music (or hip hop in general) and more so never been a fan of him but I decided I'd give his newest album a go. I was very disappointed, especially based on the extremely good reviews. The vast majority of songs are distinctly lack lustre and have only a few good parts to them. The sampling of songs like 21st Century Schizoid Man by King Crimson seems a desperate a gimmicky way to attract new fans. In spite of this there are some high points to the album - for example All Of The Lights - but in general I found the album distinctly average. Expand
  45. Jan 15, 2011
    10
    Kanye Wests new album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is one of the greatest albums ever. Especially for the hip-hop genre this album is important. 14 fantastic songs, i dont know which is best, impossible to say. Kanye really shows hes a fantastic artist. If you miss this album, youre missing the 00s best one!
  46. Jan 18, 2011
    10
    A revolutionary Album, maybe his 808s & Heartbreak Album wasn't great but it only shows that it was practice for "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy."

    -This will be an album to remember.
  47. Jan 31, 2011
    3
    Whenever I hear a new Kanye song on the radio the first thing I think is, wow, this is some surprisingly bad rapping for the radio. Then I think, oh it's Kanye, that's why. His flow is really weak, his rhythm is flabby and his rhymes are boring but for some reason people really like him. Another thing that hits me is how overcrowded the beats and production are. I'm in awe of producersWhenever I hear a new Kanye song on the radio the first thing I think is, wow, this is some surprisingly bad rapping for the radio. Then I think, oh it's Kanye, that's why. His flow is really weak, his rhythm is flabby and his rhymes are boring but for some reason people really like him. Another thing that hits me is how overcrowded the beats and production are. I'm in awe of producers that can make a beat swing hard with only a few elements. Kanye's heavy layering of samples without regard to whether or not they're doing something exciting rhythmically has an amateurish sound to me. Finally, the samples themselves bug. I think that if you're going to sample, i.e. borrow someone else's idea, you've got to either make it better than the original or put it into a new context that gives it an entirely new identity. "Stronger" is a good example of his failure there. The song is really more a cover than a sample of the Daft Punk original because it's a direct lift of the chorus, but Daft Punk's version is much more thrilling and danceable. Kanye just made it worse. Kanye is obviously a great music listener because he draws samples from a very broad array of genres. But generally when I hear the original song the sample came from I think it was better off without him. Saying all that MBDTF is probably the best yet from Kanye. If I heard it as a mixtape from some unknown guy on the street I'd probably think, this guy's got something. If he keeps working at it, starts paring down that production, sharpens up his rhythm he might have something interesting. But this isn't some unknown amateur. It's Kanye West, king of the charts and supreme darling of the critics. I just don't get it. Expand
  48. Apr 25, 2011
    10
    My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is the greatest album ever, no joke, this is a work of pure genius, except for a couple songs this is a great album. truly genius
  49. Feb 7, 2011
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Mr. West is surely taking his music to the next level. He is clearly developing as an artist and after his latest album ( that confused a lot of his fans I admit) he has stepped up og grew a pair of balls! MASTERPIECE Expand
  50. Feb 10, 2011
    0
    Ouch, my ears! Since when did stealing others' music and shouting at people qualify as creating? This is just another example of meglomania unchecked, a man surrounded by yes-men, the critics falling into that category as a whole. Give me some great Wyclef any day over this.
  51. Feb 23, 2011
    10
    Kanye shows is true genius here -- more than just displaying a mastery of a genre, this album is full of innovation and surprises. He's absolutely at the peak of his game, and I hope he can continue to produce at this level for years to come.
  52. Mar 19, 2011
    10
    What can I say... my masterpiece. I worked hard and gave you this classic. Thanks for the respect... I deserve it!!! HATERS: RUNAWAY FAST AS YOUUU CANNN
  53. Apr 7, 2011
    9
    I did a blog entry on this album on tv.com in December; no one read it/ perhaps that was the wrong venue. I'm glad to talk about it again, particularly after five months of listening. Let me start with, it's a great album. I am a big fan of Yeezy; none of his albums have been completely disappointing. But I was blown away by Fantasy when it was released; I thought Mr. West had a misstepI did a blog entry on this album on tv.com in December; no one read it/ perhaps that was the wrong venue. I'm glad to talk about it again, particularly after five months of listening. Let me start with, it's a great album. I am a big fan of Yeezy; none of his albums have been completely disappointing. But I was blown away by Fantasy when it was released; I thought Mr. West had a misstep or two on the releases following The College Dropout. I liked all the songs on Fantasy, but of course, there wer those I liked better than others. My favorites are "Gorgeous", "So Appalled", and "Hell of a Life" - not the ones chosen by most critics. As stated earlier, there's not a really bad song in the bunch, with the exception of the ending to "The Blame Game", featuring the comedian, Chris Rock. I will end by saying, Kanye's back. But he still hasn't topped, The College Dropout, which in my opinion will become a classic, and is already, in my book. But that's a different review, isn't it. Expand
  54. May 1, 2011
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. In a world where celebrities hide from the paparazzi to disguise their "pop" lives in order to gain "relateability", Kanye West is really doing the opposite: His beautiful dark twisted fantasy about marrying a pornstar and divorcing her by the end of the night (Hell of a Life) doesn't really seem like a fantasy because for West it might easily happen - yet he manages to create a story that says otherwise, because his Id, his feelings as a sexual/normal individual are always stronger than his boastfull self that knows fame and fortune. That is what makes My Beautiful Dark Twisted..."Fan"tasty": Kanye West is able to portray his life as a public superstar figure (honestly) and still be a character that everybody can relate to. Expand
  55. May 2, 2011
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. In a world where celebrities hide from the paparazzi and disguise their "pop" lifestyles in order to relate with their fans, Kanye West is really doing the opposite: His beautiful dark twisted fantasy about marrying a pornstar and divorcing her by the end of the night (Hell of a Life) doesn't really seem like a fantasy because for West it could very well happen - yet he manages to create a vibe that says otherwise, because his feelings as a sexual/normal individual (his Id) are always stronger than his boastfull self that knows of fame and fortune. That is what makes My Beautiful Dark Twisted..."Fan"tasty": Kanye West is able to portray his life as a public superstar figure honestly whilst still being a character that everybody can relate to. This is a skill Mr. West has had since the time he sang "wait til i get my money right" on Can't Tell Me Nothing although he already had enough of it: He walked in the shoes of a fan that might not, although he didn't step out of his own because wanting more money is a feeling that goes beyond numbers. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is a sonic collage of juxtapositions that aren't really juxtaposed because they interact with each other so well: West has the gift of making genre-less music that still holds some level of credibility in all of the genres it stems from: Having said that, this album (like most Kanye West albums with the exception of 808s & Heartbreak) is no less a hip hop album, in fact it's really as close if not closer to oldschool hiphop as it is to pop and rock. Not buying it? go listen to the hard hitting drums on Dark Fantasy which is a quarter of the album title. Twisted Fantasy is more hiphop than The College Dropout, yet it's so much more: The samples reach you in a way that rap usually can't even dream of, which is a surprise in that he uses samples that are quite unknown as opposed to the grandiose songs he would use on previous works (e.g. Diamonds are Forever - Shirley Bassey ). West's musical repertoire has definetly gotten bigger since then and now consists of much more than just adding drums and a baseline on his Akai Mpc 2000, although he at that exact time proved this by having score composer and multi instrumentalist Jon Brion co-produce the entire Late Registration. Common for both, but much more so on this album are the details that are small yet so significant. From Nicki Minaj giving her english accent over Mozart's Lacrimosa to Bon Iver's "at the mall there was a seance" over semi-dramatic violins, this is an album filled with layers that leave goose bumps on woman that have been lasered. Expand
  56. May 11, 2011
    10
    As a fan of mainly punk, hardcore, and modern rock, I am always open minded to listen to all types of music and see the creativity that is unique to each artist. The past decade I have been unhappy with most rap/hip-hop releases, and I have never found a rap album before this one that could equal the excellence of LL Cool J's "Mama Said Knock You Out". I am not even a real big fan ofAs a fan of mainly punk, hardcore, and modern rock, I am always open minded to listen to all types of music and see the creativity that is unique to each artist. The past decade I have been unhappy with most rap/hip-hop releases, and I have never found a rap album before this one that could equal the excellence of LL Cool J's "Mama Said Knock You Out". I am not even a real big fan of Kanye, but I am mesmerized by the beauty and excellence he has created on this album. The various styles that make each song unique, and the collection of guest artists were planned perfectly, and fit well with the messages he conveys in each song. The first time I listened to this I could just feel how much of his heart he put into this collection of songs, and I was not really even paying close attention to the lyrics. Some people may find much of the language graphic, but I feel that it actually enhances the feel and character, and is necessary to get his emotions released to the listeners. I personally think "Hell Of a Life" is my favorite song, followed by "Runaway"; however, the most passionate song that demonstrates the hurt Kanye has felt at one time or another in his life as well as many listeners is "Blame Game" - by far one of the most powerful ballads of any music genre released in the last decade. Chris Rock is excellent in his end-of-the-song diatribe phone call, and even with that humor added, it is blended well enough to not tarnish the best song Kanye has probably ever written. I feel this should be one of the 10 albums every music fan needs to hear before they die - even if you are not a fan of Kanye, this album deserves to be listened to because it will be a long time before another album with this type of perfection will be produced by anyone in the music industry. Thank you so much, Kanye - you have definitely won me over into being one of your fans. Expand
  57. May 29, 2011
    10
    People need to really carry out a lot of research before sharing their opinion especially in a review about this album. You need to keep in mind the meaning in his music, even though less emotional than his previous songs such as Roses or Hey Mama his music is a fine balance of intellectual and fun hip hop. He is oh so creative, and because he is a producer he know how to make his musicPeople need to really carry out a lot of research before sharing their opinion especially in a review about this album. You need to keep in mind the meaning in his music, even though less emotional than his previous songs such as Roses or Hey Mama his music is a fine balance of intellectual and fun hip hop. He is oh so creative, and because he is a producer he know how to make his music real. He uses real instruments in his beats and doesn't use phony electro beats. He really knows how to make something of good quality, and in this case he has shown quality over quantity. He really made this album shine with his fun lyrically witty punch lines to his realism, and his message. He leaves his music up for interpretation, which makes it better because he is great with puns and one can only find more and more multiple meaning of the words he plays with. He is truly a creative mastermind. On the other hand I would say that he could have shorten a few songs by shortening a few peoples' rap parts in some of his songs, and instead make another track or two. Sometimes a song more than five minutes can get boring and repetitive. Expand
  58. Jul 9, 2011
    10
    This album is very different to all of his other albums, in fact I would actually go on to say that it is far ahead of its time. This is by far, the best album I have ever listened to. The creativity and the topics that Kanye West brings on this album is just breathtaking. I can't wait for Kanye and Jay Z's next album Watch the Throne!!
  59. Aug 23, 2011
    10
    Everyone of these people that have given it a poor review mustn't even like hip hop. F**K off! You obviously have a completely different taste in music. If you don't like Kanye/hip hop, why the **** would you review this?!
  60. Aug 23, 2011
    10
    One of my favourite albums of all time, Kanye West will never cease to rid us of his creative genius. Like his previous albums he's used samples brilliantly and tastefully on almost every track on the album, but does it in a way that it's not blatantly apparent to the listener but still pays homage to the original. I have yet to find a single low point on the album as each song is uniqueOne of my favourite albums of all time, Kanye West will never cease to rid us of his creative genius. Like his previous albums he's used samples brilliantly and tastefully on almost every track on the album, but does it in a way that it's not blatantly apparent to the listener but still pays homage to the original. I have yet to find a single low point on the album as each song is unique in it's own way. Not a song to be skipped on this album purely due to the fact that West has mastered each track to it's peak of perfection. My personal favourites are 'Dark Fantasy' due to it's ostentatious yet elegant nature and to how well it sets the general tone of the album, 'Power' due to how efficaciously it lives up to it's title, 'All of the Lights' because of how well it was put together, 'Monster' for making me feel guilty yet humoured and amazed when listening to it, 'Runaway' for showing us how effective simplicity is (with a few drops of genius) and 'Lost in the World' because not everyone can turn a slow and calming Indie sample into an upbeat and hard hitting piece that ends an opus with a BANG. That being said, every song on the album is worth multiple listens. Kanye has exceedingly fulfilled his primary objective; out-doing himself Expand
  61. Sep 25, 2011
    10
    Man makes record bigger than himself- the prophecy is fulfilled. Stankonia, Illmatic, and The Blueprint welcome the record into their elite tight-knit circle. Instant classic.
  62. Oct 15, 2011
    9
    This album makes my relize that Yeezy will never make a classics like Late Registration or College Dropout but pretty dam good albums like graduation was. This album is more like a peice of art so it's hard to pick out weak and strong tracks. It's a solid listen but some of the tracks just don't glisten like that others. Hip hop has changed so it's only naturally that the biggest starsThis album makes my relize that Yeezy will never make a classics like Late Registration or College Dropout but pretty dam good albums like graduation was. This album is more like a peice of art so it's hard to pick out weak and strong tracks. It's a solid listen but some of the tracks just don't glisten like that others. Hip hop has changed so it's only naturally that the biggest stars will too. Not a bad album...a solid one but i just wish Kanye could get back into his old stlye but that will probably never happen. While this album was being recorded, Kanye came up with Good Fridays where he would realese new records Every friday and he did untill a month beofre his album was to be realsed and then he released Christmas in Harlem before the album dropped. Some of the tracks from Friday (Chain Heavy, Don't Stop (The seconed Child rebel soldier (Lupe, Pharell and Kanye) song), Christmas In Harlem, Lord Lord Lord) SHOULD HAVE BEEN ON THE ALBUM. The Joy, another great Friday track was realesd as a bonus track many months after November 22nd. But MBDTF is still a strong album some of my top picks are (Devil in a new dress, Power, Monster, See Me Now, and Gorgeus). So go pick this up if you havn't heard it, it's very inspiring and shows a new Kanye West Expand
  63. Oct 19, 2013
    10
    I'd put this in the top 10 albums of all time and for sure the best rap album ever. Kanye always bring something fresh and this time he decided to make the perfect album
  64. Nov 10, 2011
    10
    Easily the best album of 2010, definitely in my top 5 best albums of the decade and over time has become one of my favorite albums of all time. You have to listen to it to understand.
  65. Dec 3, 2011
    10
    The best album of the past decade. Mr. West always comes through with music that will make you think intricately about what runs through his Beautiful, Dark, and Twisted fantasy.
  66. Feb 24, 2012
    10
    I never thought one of my favorite hip-hop artists would be able to top his first two albums. This album shocked me in accomplishing that feat in only 12 actual tracks. The thematic elements illustrate the intricacies of fame and all that comes with it. West is at the zenith of creativity in his productivity, however the anthemic 'All of the Lights' is challenged by RZA's 'Dark Fantasy'I never thought one of my favorite hip-hop artists would be able to top his first two albums. This album shocked me in accomplishing that feat in only 12 actual tracks. The thematic elements illustrate the intricacies of fame and all that comes with it. West is at the zenith of creativity in his productivity, however the anthemic 'All of the Lights' is challenged by RZA's 'Dark Fantasy' for beat of the album. It's a moody, bombastic, visceral, gritty, polished package laced with West's trademark confidence and emotion. It's truly unfortunate this album was snubbed for an Album of the Year nomination. Expand
  67. Jun 2, 2012
    10
    My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is a great album with well written and produced songs. It is truely a masterpiece. There isn't a bad son on the track at all. It's also nice how each song has a very nice and Lon length to it.
  68. Jul 21, 2012
    10
    AMAZING !!! BRILLIANT !!! Before this album had no opinion about Kanye but after hearing My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy I was completely amazed !!!!!
    If you don't like hip-hop you have to hear this album because I started to love Kanye !
  69. Mar 26, 2014
    0
    All hype and no substance.

    That basically sums up what I think of this album and of the artist. Kanye West is a rapper who can't rap (can't even enunciate properly), a songwriter who doesn't write songs ("sampling" and using a stable of credited writers), a producer who uses auto tune to fix his garbage.

    You know an album is dreck when Pitchfork likes it.
  70. Sep 25, 2012
    10
    One of the greatest hip hop albums of all time. Kanye West is a pure genius and it showed in this beautiful piece of art - yes, it is art, not just music. Life-altering stuff on there.
  71. Nov 21, 2012
    10
    As an artist My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is definitely Kanye West's best work yet. Kanye puts together what he did in his previous 4 albums and creates this master piece.
  72. Feb 26, 2015
    0
    How this man managed to pull the wool over so many peoples' eyes is anyone's guess. From the awkwardly-sampled stolen beats and riffs to the stuttered, a-rhythmic "rapping," this album is a mess. I recognize that rhyming is a bendable concept when it comes to popular music, but words do not rhyme with themselves and repeated phrases do not you Robert Frost make.

    West had trouble getting
    How this man managed to pull the wool over so many peoples' eyes is anyone's guess. From the awkwardly-sampled stolen beats and riffs to the stuttered, a-rhythmic "rapping," this album is a mess. I recognize that rhyming is a bendable concept when it comes to popular music, but words do not rhyme with themselves and repeated phrases do not you Robert Frost make.

    West had trouble getting others to accept his rapping at first, and for good reason. I will admit that I am not a big fan of rap at all, but it has its place; Kanye doesn't seem to know that place. He passes off his jarring, conversational, I'm-trying-to-explain-philosophy-in-my-college-discussion-section-while-drunk voice as music and it just doesn't fly. Rap works when you're doing things with your voice not possible when singing. Kanye simply does things with his voice not pleasant either way.

    I can only hope that this overwhelming delusion the general public and so many reviewers seem to suffer from is a passing fad. I can only hope in 10 years we'll look back on this like many now do on Will Smith and say, "We listened to what?" I can only hope this isn't this generation's legacy.
    Expand
  73. Jan 12, 2014
    10
    May be the greatest collection of songs I've ever listened to. Lyrics and production are incredible. If you don't like this album you're wrong. This album will be something that in 20 or 30 years we will look back on and say that it was one of the best of all time. Kanye is a musical genius.
  74. Nov 3, 2013
    10
    My all-time favorite album. The deterioration of a man (Kanye), but with a hopeful tone. This album is life. If there is ever such a "perfect" album, this is it.
  75. Dec 27, 2013
    10
    First CD I bought with my own money. Classic! Yep... I have no idea why you would want 150 characters to explain this CD. This is a great release from Yeezy. OH YES finally, now I can post this :D Thank you Kanye, please make more stuff like this
  76. TEM
    May 21, 2014
    10
    The best album of all time hands down. This proves that Kanye is a genius. The song Runaway is enough to give this album a 10/10 but, every other track is just pure perfection.
  77. Oct 20, 2014
    0
    This album was really nothing special. More of the same for Kanye, which sucks because I really thought he was one of the more revolutionary artists of our time. Oh well, at least he has some good old stuff.
  78. Dec 10, 2014
    10
    greatest album of all time gcfgfffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff
  79. Mar 18, 2015
    10
    You don't even have to be a hip hop fan to like this album. His ability to mix so many elements into his music is powerful. He even manages to have great guest appearances and substantial and honest lyrics. Kanye West has achieved his greatest work with "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy". It is truly a MASTERPIECE!!!
  80. Jan 13, 2015
    5
    Has a few good songs, but the style is repetetive and gets annoying very quickly.

    This album has a group confirmation-bias cult following, but in reality it's not that great.
    Production was very good, deserving of a 9-10, but the lyrical content and performance of Kanye were Good at best.
  81. Dec 19, 2019
    10
    Fabulous. The best rap/ hip-hop album of de last decade. Kanye mixed everything that doesn't had nothing with hip-hop and turned into it.
  82. Jan 9, 2018
    10
    Simply the best hip-hop album of all time - and easily one of the the bests one across all genres. Once again Mr. West successfully proves his place in the hall of fame of the greatest artists of all time. Though West's lyrics are far from the best we've heard in the rap game, the beautiful melodies and catchy beats across all of the songs stand in for the sometimes bit bland lyrics. NoneSimply the best hip-hop album of all time - and easily one of the the bests one across all genres. Once again Mr. West successfully proves his place in the hall of fame of the greatest artists of all time. Though West's lyrics are far from the best we've heard in the rap game, the beautiful melodies and catchy beats across all of the songs stand in for the sometimes bit bland lyrics. None of the songs actually stand out from the rest; the whole album is pure bliss and genious work of art. Nothing out is of it's place, and the great producing compliments the already 10/10 songs on the album. A true game changer. Easily the greatest album of the 2000's. Expand
  83. Oct 20, 2021
    0
    Boring and monotonous. Album may only appeal to hip-hop fans. Kanye has more varied albums
  84. Sep 26, 2016
    10
    Sometimes i ask to myself if when a singer make music he says himself "Hey! i will make a good album" Because how someone can make a masterpiece like this album?, i can't understand how this album can exist, it's a so original sound, so innovator, so unique, it's for me the best modern hip-hop album, the best hip-hop album of all the time, the best album from 2000 until nowadays, everySometimes i ask to myself if when a singer make music he says himself "Hey! i will make a good album" Because how someone can make a masterpiece like this album?, i can't understand how this album can exist, it's a so original sound, so innovator, so unique, it's for me the best modern hip-hop album, the best hip-hop album of all the time, the best album from 2000 until nowadays, every song is diferent to the previous song. West and the featuring artist drops amazing verses, the instrumental is a clear sub-product og the production of probably hours and hours (Just listen to "POWER") When you listen this album first time probably you will love 2-4 of the 11 songs (I talk of the songs of 2 minutes or more, because the album contains 13 tracks) But tomorrow or another day you will listen the album and the songs will be 5-6, and next 7-8 and when you watch your music folder you have the complete album. Sorry for my inglish, i am from Venezuela. Enjoy the album :) Expand
  85. Jan 26, 2017
    10
    Kanye West has created the Pet Sounds or Sgt. Pepper's of the millennial generation. Every song has something unique to contribute and the deep tracks are arguably as good if not better than the singles.
  86. Feb 27, 2017
    10
    As far as the history of rap music is concerned, Kanye West proved to be one of the greats when this album was released. And there is no doubt that on the day Kanye West dies - MBDTF will be placed on top of numerous top album lists.

    While employing a more maximal aesthetic, Mr College dropout himself released not only his most grandiose effort but his most eerie one as well. From
    As far as the history of rap music is concerned, Kanye West proved to be one of the greats when this album was released. And there is no doubt that on the day Kanye West dies - MBDTF will be placed on top of numerous top album lists.

    While employing a more maximal aesthetic, Mr College dropout himself released not only his most grandiose effort but his most eerie one as well. From impeccable string arrangements to a brute Justin Vernon in the right places - Every track on this album feels almost as absolute as the next.
    Expand
  87. May 2, 2017
    10
    I have never understood Kanye West fans, but I haven't been listening to hip hop devotedly for more than 2 years. It occurred to me that I should try some of his older stuff, and it is now abundantly clear to me why he has fans. This album is artistically impeccable and he has fallen so far from glory. His fans are nostalgic for the real music.
  88. May 29, 2017
    10
    Its no doubt that Kanye created a game changing album. All of the tones included in this album packs different themes and topics. Even to this day, the album still holds strong. A timeless classic.
  89. Sep 30, 2017
    10
    The greatest album of all time. Each song has meaning and its own vibe. Songs like Runaway and Dark Fantasy (the first track) channel a wide variety of feelings of sound, and ultimately this yields a gorgeous example of completionism and perfection. When listening to the production, it is overwhelmingly clean and perfected. This is actually so flame
  90. Jan 22, 2020
    10
    Amazing album, it definitely has a positive impact on my life and is extremely influential
  91. Aug 14, 2019
    10
    Perfect from front to back. Kanye West is the greatest modern composer. From every individual little sample and drum to the features, it’s all put together perfectly. Kanye said it himself, “I know how to make perfect (with MBDTF)”. And he is absolutely right.
  92. Aug 30, 2018
    10
    My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is not only Kanye's greatest album, but one of the most beautifully crafted and meticulously made albums of all time, with no downtime and a constant sense that absolutely everything involving it was planned and refined. From the high, grandiose pianos of Dark Fantasy accompanied by the simple question "Can we get much higher?" to the intense Bon IverMy Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is not only Kanye's greatest album, but one of the most beautifully crafted and meticulously made albums of all time, with no downtime and a constant sense that absolutely everything involving it was planned and refined. From the high, grandiose pianos of Dark Fantasy accompanied by the simple question "Can we get much higher?" to the intense Bon Iver backed finale that is Lost in the World/Who Will Survive In America?, to its running message of the decay and death of the high life of fame and celebrity, absolutely nothing about MBDTF feels like an accident. Kanye hit it out of every park in the world simultaneously. Expand
  93. May 31, 2021
    10
    an MASTERPIECE. thank you for reading......................................
  94. Jun 7, 2019
    10
    This album is Kanye West at his best. From the production of the album to the features that cross genres. This album is it.
  95. Jun 29, 2019
    10
    Best Rap album of all time. Kanye West is at his creative and artistic peak, he’s an **** yet he’s lovable, he’s thoughtless yet thought provoking. It’s truly a one of a kind piece of music.
  96. Jul 25, 2019
    10
    Même en 2019 , je continue à écouter cet album !
    C'est tellement bien travailler, n'en parlons pas de la vidéo de 34min waouh!
  97. Jan 23, 2020
    10
    Way better than anything Cringenem has put out last decade and will always be regarded as one of the best albums to date
Metascore
94

Universal acclaim - based on 45 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 43 out of 45
  2. Negative: 0 out of 45
  1. Uncut
    Sep 19, 2012
    80
    West is far from rap's deftest lyricist but his neurotic grandstanding is compelling and often pretty funny to boot. [Feb 2011, p.84]
  2. Sep 17, 2012
    100
    There is no question that this album is a game changer. It's Kanye West's greatest work.
  3. Mojo
    Apr 20, 2011
    100
    My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is genuinely a great record. [Feb. 2011, p. 108]