My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
by Kanye West
  • Record Label: Def Jam
  • Release Date: Nov 22, 2010
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 3765 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3,245 out of 3765
  2. Mixed: 72 out of 3765
  3. Negative: 448 out of 3765
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  1. TimW001
    Feb 14, 2016
    9
    Truly an absolute classic. This is the definition of Kanye, by far his best album and one of the best albums for an entire genre. If you are looking to start listening to hip-hop or have loved hip-hop for your whole life it is a must listen.
  2. brockcheese
    Jul 22, 2016
    9
    Love this album. It really shows how different Kanye's contemporary work is when compared to his older stuff. His newer raps have a much emphasis on production than lyrical wit.
  3. Yorkshireman
    Jun 25, 2013
    9
    I hadn't really listened to Kanye West's music, I'd heard some of his big hits and quite enjoyed them but his music isn't usually to my taste. I thought I'd give MBDTF a try due to all the praise, which set my expectations quite high, but they were blown away. This album is brilliant. Great lyrics, fantastic music. Devil in a New Dress is my personal favourite from the album, it blew myI hadn't really listened to Kanye West's music, I'd heard some of his big hits and quite enjoyed them but his music isn't usually to my taste. I thought I'd give MBDTF a try due to all the praise, which set my expectations quite high, but they were blown away. This album is brilliant. Great lyrics, fantastic music. Devil in a New Dress is my personal favourite from the album, it blew my mind.

    Overall, one of the best albums I've heard for a while.    … Expand
  4. edg5
    Jul 8, 2013
    9
    Kanye should've have won the Grammy of album and song of year with this album. One of the best Albums is last decade. The composition, production, vocal arrangements are flawless; it has its weak points with like So appalled and Devil in a new dress, but the rest of the songs are amazing. The mixture of classic music with Rock and Hip-Hop makes this album unique. Kanye really outdidKanye should've have won the Grammy of album and song of year with this album. One of the best Albums is last decade. The composition, production, vocal arrangements are flawless; it has its weak points with like So appalled and Devil in a new dress, but the rest of the songs are amazing. The mixture of classic music with Rock and Hip-Hop makes this album unique. Kanye really outdid himself with a production like this. And proved that he's a musical genius.… Expand
  5. CCooombs
    Dec 22, 2015
    9
    This is, without a doubt, Kanye's most complete, defined and breathtaking album to date. Everything on this record has a purpose and reason. A wild array of sounds from so many directions crash into one another and somehow, through sheer genius, come out as near to perfection as possible.

    There are some weaker moments, with some tracks that stand out a little less than others, but    This is, without a doubt, Kanye's most complete, defined and breathtaking album to date. Everything on this record has a purpose and reason. A wild array of sounds from so many directions crash into one another and somehow, through sheer genius, come out as near to perfection as possible.

    There are some weaker moments, with some tracks that stand out a little less than others, but overall this album is a package of extraordinary songs that is both forward-thinking and compelling to listen to. "POWER", "All of the Lights", "Runaway", and "Lost in the World" are particular highlights, with synthetic sounds, orchestras and beats that blend into one another in spectacular style.

    There are moments of honesty, gloating, pain and regret. Throughout its 13 tracks, My Dark Twisted Fantasy is proof of extraordinary talent and ideas. Five years on and this album continues to delight. Whatever you may think of Kanye West, you cannot deny his talent as a producer and navigator of creative thinking.    … Expand
  6. ProudNoob
    Feb 22, 2016
    9
    I love this album to death. Not a big fan of rap or Kanye's personal affairs but I really enjoyed listening to the songs on this track. From its sound to the lyrics, this is easily one of my favorite albums of all time.
  7. Average
    Feb 6, 2014
    9
    This album is definitely one of the best albums of my generation. Great lyrics, production and features on the album. Kanye brings his talent to the table when it came to songs like "Gorgeous", "Runaway", "Hell Of A Life" & "So Appalled". The production is marvelous. It makes me appreciate Kanye's work a lot more. This is one of my favorite albums of all time. This album is a must listen.
  8. BetterOffDead_
    Jun 4, 2014
    9
    When this album came out in 2010 i only heard a few songs from it and they where catchy, so i decided to give this album a listen, and wasn't disappointed. kanye did most of the production on this, it was very well done. kanye flow changes throughout the tracks. I'm really liking the tracks gorgeous,power and runaway all of the lights is catchy too. each track on this has its own uniqueWhen this album came out in 2010 i only heard a few songs from it and they where catchy, so i decided to give this album a listen, and wasn't disappointed. kanye did most of the production on this, it was very well done. kanye flow changes throughout the tracks. I'm really liking the tracks gorgeous,power and runaway all of the lights is catchy too. each track on this has its own unique feel to it like on the track runaway the instrumental is really nice, along with a few verses from Kanye, Pusha T verse was a stand for sure. the track blame game is Kanye telling a story about a relationship which he does well with John Legend signing the chorus fits in with the theme of the song. the guests singers/rappers on this are good they seem to fit in alright, especially on the track so appalled with a group of rappers delivering hard hitting verses. the rest of the track on this are good. definitely check this album out.… Expand
  9. keve16
    Mar 22, 2015
    9
    8.6/10................................................................................................................................................
  10. ihavevocaloid
    Jun 22, 2015
    9
    "Can we get much higher?" Kanye West asks on the opener and title track to My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. The answer is "yes", which can be seen over the course of the entire album. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy was, without a doubt, the high point in West's career. From beginning to end of this album, Kanye West's lyrical (more than ever) and production talent. West uses a variety"Can we get much higher?" Kanye West asks on the opener and title track to My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. The answer is "yes", which can be seen over the course of the entire album. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy was, without a doubt, the high point in West's career. From beginning to end of this album, Kanye West's lyrical (more than ever) and production talent. West uses a variety of production styles on this album - ranging from soul ("Devil in a New Dress") to [not so explicitly] trap ("All of the LIghts"). Kanye is also clever lyrically on My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, making confessions about his personality ("Runaway", "POWER") and talking about his fantasies ("Dark Fantasy"). I love how much West is able to admit how much of a jerk he is (although I thoroughly appreciate him as an artist). And on this album, Kanye West shows a great deal of originality, also: the production and lyrics, although imperfect at times, cannot be matched by any other artist. West just shows how unique he is on this album. This album was undoubtedly one of the best of 2010, and definitely one of the best hip hop albums of all time. Grade: A. Highlights: "All of the Lights", "Monster", "So Appalled", "Devil in a New Dress". Worst song: "Runaway" (It's not that I didn't like this song, it just bored me with its repetitive chord progression, its intense length, and the distorted Auto-Tuned vocals at the end.)… Expand
  11. ORIGINATED
    Apr 29, 2015
    9
    West as often changed nearly everything from his previous record in order to re-invent himself as an artist. It took him some trips to Europe and a bunch of musicians in suits to come up with an impressive achievement. It's hard to confine his music when there are trumpets over French horns over choirs over strings over beats over drums over this and over that. However it never feelsWest as often changed nearly everything from his previous record in order to re-invent himself as an artist. It took him some trips to Europe and a bunch of musicians in suits to come up with an impressive achievement. It's hard to confine his music when there are trumpets over French horns over choirs over strings over beats over drums over this and over that. However it never feels overloaded, and its power resides in its intelligent use of featured artists and some excellent choices regarding the numerous samples from all genres and eras. The album kind of makes a portrait of a lost man, but it does make sense as a whole. Some verses could’ve been under more scrutiny but it ends up being an embarrassment of great stirring tracks that never fall into the need for category. Its baroque influences and deep examination of himself and what surrounds him whether it’s real or imaginary make the record very unique and calling it the best album of 2010 isn't really an overstatement.

    Best track: Runaway
    Exact Score: 9.3    … Expand
  12. SergioV
    Mar 11, 2016
    9
    92/100. Probably my favorite Rap/Hip-Hop album ever.Kanye West brings us an amazing album here with songs that are emotional, radio-friendly, complex, innovative, and meaningful all at the same time. Say what you want about Kanye West, but the man puts out some really amazing music.
  13. AkumaJack
    Jun 8, 2018
    9
    One of the best hip hop albums ever (or at least that i've heard).
    Lot of influences, for example Iron Man or 21st century schizoid man. Killing beats and good lyrics as well.
  14. eli_fjr
    Nov 7, 2019
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Intense but I think I liked it. At this point just listen it so you don't feel left out!!!… Expand
  15. ChrisSoTru
    Feb 26, 2018
    9
    Where do I start?

    This is the album that not only redeemed Kanye during really tough times, but gave him a place as one of the most influential artists of our new millennium, with an incredibly artistic insight. The production, the verses, the collaborations with Jay-Z, Kid Cudi, Pusha T, and Rick Ross has made this such a diabolical rap album. A twisted fantasy that most music    Where do I start?

    This is the album that not only redeemed Kanye during really tough times, but gave him a place as one of the most influential artists of our new millennium, with an incredibly artistic insight. The production, the verses, the collaborations with Jay-Z, Kid Cudi, Pusha T, and Rick Ross has made this such a diabolical rap album. A twisted fantasy that most music listeners would be happy to give a listen to. The great Mike Dean is what also brings this album to life. The crafty, kaleidoscopic sounds that are both holy and unholy make MBDTF a magnum opus to the very end. Emotional tracks like Runaway, Gorgeous. Devil in a New Dress, and Lost in the World takes Kanye out of the "rapper" label and into immortality as THE "orchestrator".

    There is undoubtedly a few missed opportunities and a bit of filler inside this project, but its consistensy and raw emotion far overshadows any flaw that this album may have. Despite the controversy that Kanye has collected as a celebrity, he refuses to let it take him down. He did what he is best at, and that is making soulful music. The verses on "So Appalled" were that of a near perfect chemistry that efficiently fits into the blueprint. The combinations of glorious vocals with steady drums in "Lost in the World" makes a true connection to those who give this album a listen. There is so much, yet too little when talking about this album. A perfect 10 from the very beginning.

    Definitely Kanye's best work, and has lived throughout the decade as a well deserved classic.    … Expand
  16. reitha549
    Feb 7, 2019
    9
    MBDTF is an album where Kanye's reinvention is phenomenal, and the break he took in Hawaii is that of almost miracles. This album captivates hip hop and music for all of its great elements, classical, modern and contemporary. The only issues are slight shortcomings on the last 4 tracks of the album. However the songs from dark fantasy through Runaway there is not a single fault to point out.
  17. Thirteen13
    Mar 3, 2022
    9
    this is a phenomenal album in every aspect, through out time it was become more and more enjoyable to listen to and was instantly a classic when it was released
  18. Xellophone
    Oct 25, 2019
    9
    Probably the best Kanye's album, the one that he worked the hardest on, the best thing about it is, even if you didn't like some song on it (somehow) you will still remember it. Ungodly production.
  19. Malachi14
    Jan 2, 2020
    9
    This album is a classic! From the instrumentals to the verses and even the features themselves, this album will definitely stand the test of time and is, in my opinion, one of the greatest(and most important) albums to ever come out.
  20. Sopranzzz_
    Mar 25, 2020
    9
    No doubt, this is Kanye's best album and overall one of the best of the past decade. The production is just sensational, some of the most creative sounds i have ever heard, always changing, never stale. The lyricism is also fantastic, thoughtful and, most importantly, Kanye doesn't repeat the same argouments over and over again. The features are accurate, i loved Kid Cudi, Pusha andNo doubt, this is Kanye's best album and overall one of the best of the past decade. The production is just sensational, some of the most creative sounds i have ever heard, always changing, never stale. The lyricism is also fantastic, thoughtful and, most importantly, Kanye doesn't repeat the same argouments over and over again. The features are accurate, i loved Kid Cudi, Pusha and everyone who was on Monster (yes, even Nicki Minaj, who i really dislike, but had the second best feat on this song). The songs come together like puzzle pieces, crafted almost in a perfect way by Ye.
    This album is just a musical genius, it raised the bar for every rap album, the amount of effort put into this project is massive.
    A creative masterpiece, which redefined Kanye's music and persona into one of the best, if not the best, rap artist of all time.

    FAVOURITE SONGS: Dark Fantasy, Gorgeous (10/10), All of the Lights, Monster, Devil in a New Dress, Runaway, Blame Game, Power
    LEAST FAVOURITE: Hell of a Life (still a 7/10)    … Expand
  21. Fnn
    Jun 3, 2020
    9
    The high points are so high. Songs like power, devil in a new dress and dark fantasy are some of ye’s best songs. But I can’t look past some of the issues I have with the record. Blame game and hell of a life are good but Nowhere near anything before them in the track list, I also the mix on all of the lights is off, but I can look past it and I still like the song. All in all a career andThe high points are so high. Songs like power, devil in a new dress and dark fantasy are some of ye’s best songs. But I can’t look past some of the issues I have with the record. Blame game and hell of a life are good but Nowhere near anything before them in the track list, I also the mix on all of the lights is off, but I can look past it and I still like the song. All in all a career and genre defining album for Kanye and hip hop in the 2010s… Expand
  22. O_wit
    Jun 29, 2020
    9
    In this 2010 masterpiece, Kanye brings out everything he has in one of the most successful returns to rap ever. Bringing on some of the most talented musicians and producers alive like Jay-Z, Mike Dean, Rihanna, Elton John and many others, he crafts his magnum opus with hit songs like All of the Lights, and deep cuts like the emotional journeys of Runaway and Blame Game. Everything can beIn this 2010 masterpiece, Kanye brings out everything he has in one of the most successful returns to rap ever. Bringing on some of the most talented musicians and producers alive like Jay-Z, Mike Dean, Rihanna, Elton John and many others, he crafts his magnum opus with hit songs like All of the Lights, and deep cuts like the emotional journeys of Runaway and Blame Game. Everything can be seen on this album making it the critically acclaimed album that it has become. In my opinion the main highlights of this album are Power, Dark Fantasy, Devil in a New Dress, and Runaway. The lowlights that I don't personally like to listen to are Lost in the World(Who Will Survive in America) and Hell of a Life. There's much more to say about this album but this is all I'd like to say on it right now… Expand
  23. zachym11
    Oct 13, 2020
    9
    Has some of the best Kanye songs of all time, such as POWER, Devil in a New Dress, Dark Fantasy, and Runaway, but also a few songs bring it down, such as Blame Game and H*ll Of a Life/
  24. weeb122
    Dec 21, 2020
    9
    Amazing album but a tad overrated.

    Favourite Songs: Dark Fantasy, Power, All Of The Lights, Runaway, Blame Game, Lost In The World.

    Least Favourite Songs: Who Will Survive In America.
  25. CriticCrehan
    Jun 12, 2021
    9
    This album is almost incredible. Rick Ross's verse on Devil In A New Dress is the hardest guest verse ever recorded in hip-hop. Nicki Minaj's verse on Monster is 2nd. POWER is one of my favourite hip-hop songs of all time. But for some reason, songs such as Gorgeous and So Appalled don't connect with my soul as much as they seem to for other people. And obviously Blame Game. I wasThis album is almost incredible. Rick Ross's verse on Devil In A New Dress is the hardest guest verse ever recorded in hip-hop. Nicki Minaj's verse on Monster is 2nd. POWER is one of my favourite hip-hop songs of all time. But for some reason, songs such as Gorgeous and So Appalled don't connect with my soul as much as they seem to for other people. And obviously Blame Game. I was practically masturbating at most of the production however (Dark Fantasy, All Of The Lights, Runaway). Kanye really doesn't miss with the production. As much as I hate to admit it, this album is overrated and has a few weak spots but the highs on this album are higher than Trippie Redd on a daily basis. I am never going to decide whether this or Yeezus is better.… Expand
  26. real_myyke
    Aug 21, 2021
    9
    Incredible Production! Incredible features! "Devil in a new dress" has this grandeur to its production and Rick Ross did what needed to be done!
  27. jypresident
    Sep 2, 2021
    9
    One of his best albums. Hard to find albums you don’t have to skip any songs!
  28. trulyunknown
    Mar 28, 2022
    9
    By far Ye's best album. Amazing production as always, an outstanding redemption for Ye when he absolutely needed it. Sadly the last 4 tracks, while being alright, simply aren't nearly as good as the beginning and middle of the album, brings it down from perfect.
  29. CordRafael
    Feb 17, 2022
    9
    kanye genio kanye genio kanye genio kanye genio kanye genio kanye genio kanye genio
  30. lapuissance
    Nov 4, 2022
    9
    This album is amazing, BUT it has been growing tf off of me for the last couple of years. I feel guilty to admit that some tracks just don't appeal to me anymore like Gorgeous and Dark Fantasy. Still, an amazing record, and I hope that my love for this album will come back.
  31. todaywasagooday
    Dec 1, 2022
    9
    absolutely amazing. One of the greatest albums ever produced. The production is amazing and the sounds top quality. Lyrics are not Kanye's best but overall this is his best work.
  32. Blonisco
    Jan 26, 2023
    9
    低谷之下的kanye不屈服沉沦的音乐市场，拿出这张让人惊叹之作证明他的实力，华丽的采样配上各明星优秀的表现（点名表扬麻辣鸡），美中不足之处就是感觉有些曲子过长，
  33. Diego_19
    Jan 31, 2023
    9
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  34. VanZizek
    Mar 6, 2023
    9
    Masterpiece. The pinnacle of Kanye, it's wonderful and everything he is and how he gives it to us is so nice, to a point romantic and at the same time possessive, I don't know how to explain myself but wow.
  35. somaontv
    Jul 18, 2023
    9
    Words can't describe this album whenever i listen too it i fell like it it goes by too fast when i listen too it i just love it favorite track is Blame Game
  36. davidwiley
    Nov 29, 2010
    8
    Don't want to hate on the album, it's pretty good but extremely over hyped. No wonder his ego is so big the way people feed him with these reviews.
  37. Paranoidandroid
    Dec 11, 2010
    8
    I hate Kanye with a passion. The guy is a total jerk. Hes so arrogant and just doesn't seem down to earth at all. But damn it the man makes some great music. There are very few weak tracks on this album. The samples are great, the lyrics are great and the guest appearances are fantastic! One of the best albums to come out in 2010 hands down. I give it a very high 8. Some weak tracksI hate Kanye with a passion. The guy is a total jerk. Hes so arrogant and just doesn't seem down to earth at all. But damn it the man makes some great music. There are very few weak tracks on this album. The samples are great, the lyrics are great and the guest appearances are fantastic! One of the best albums to come out in 2010 hands down. I give it a very high 8. Some weak tracks brought my score down but the tracks i do like, i love! I loved how he even included South Park in one of his lyrics. I thought that was hilarious. Still love that south park episode though… Expand
  38. TheJones
    Dec 25, 2010
    8
    Good album. Weird but good. The reason I marked it down is because he tries to sing every now and again and he sucks, but when he's not singing it's awesome.
  39. Contmuscle
    Nov 22, 2010
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This album is pretty good. I've listened to it a few times and the first few I have really enjoyed it. This is important. But its also important to enjoy every song after a few plays and some of the songs start to ware thin, devil in a new dress and blame game, while others continue to keep my attention, notably monster and hell of a life. Overall solid album and one i was very excited to coming home to for a few days now. By comparison better than Graduation, a large precursor to this album, but not as good as college dropout, an album that differs in style from this greatly.… Expand
  40. Maro
    Nov 22, 2010
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. First, Kanye's Dark Twisted Fantasy is a great hip hop album that will help mainstream rappers restore and revitalize Hip hop's vigor. The track listing is perfectly executed and will most definitely take the listener on a trip into Kanye's mind. The instrumentals prove to be amazing as well as the samples. The lyrics are a little bit above average but great for today's standards. "Gorgeous" feat. KId Cudi and Raekwon and "POWER" are the most lyrical songs while "Dark Fantasy" and "Hell of a Life" are perfectly executed songs. POWER features an amazing sample that supports the great lyrics while Hell of a life features a beat that would make soulja boy sound good (maybe thats a step too far.) The first problem of the album is the length. "Blame Game" feat. John Legend and "Runaway" feat. Pusha T are way too long. For example "Runaway" lasts for 9 min. The song is great but the last three minutes of the song is just Kanye mumbling into the vocoder to the melody of the song. This is an awful waste of time and makes the album much more boring. Then the critics come in claim that this nonsensical mumbling actually means something. No it does not. This problem appears consistently throughout the reviews. Critics are over analyzing simple bars by saying that you need to get underneath the skin of the lyrics in order to feel and understand them. The lyrics might be great for today's mainstream artists but are not very deep when comparing them to the greats. "Gorgeous" is the only song that deserves the feeling of self achievement that Kanye west surely has. Listen to "All of the lights" and you'll realize how mainstream oriented it is and how shallow the lyrics are. Kanye, autotune and chris rock are bad choices to include on this so called magnum opus. You'd be astonished when you compare the ratio of the time kanye is rapping to the time that instruments are just playing, poems are read (like in who will survive in America) or his nonsensical mumbling that makes us think about his Heartbreak disaster from two years ago. Lets face it, the album is over rated. But, Kanye knows what attracts the critics. He provides them with a album that features amazing album covers (there are over 5 i believe), a strange title for a rap album and heavy samples that manipulate critics into believing that he has created a masterpiece. Overall, I congratulate Kanye on his album. Even though it is overrated, you should not miss out on it. It is great for today's standards but it does have many flaws. It could start a chain reaction of albums that will revive hip hop.

    Best Songs:
    Gorgeous
    Power
    Dark Fantasy
    Hell Of A Life

    Worst Songs:
    Runaway (album version)
    Who Will Survive in America
    All of the lights    … Expand
  41. OscarPicks2010
    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.
  42. D-Blak
    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
  43. Wired4Sound
    Dec 1, 2010
    8
    My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is one of Kanye Westâ
  44. nujerz84
    Dec 1, 2010
    8
    One of the best mainstream hip hop albums of the year.. I personally like the fact that he acknowledge his faults but at the same time gives the middle finger to his haters and critics...
  45. mmasonhauser
    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.
  46. Aliciaaxx
    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.
  47. n00ne
    Dec 31, 2010
    8
    I like this album. A whole lot. It's brimming with creativity and humor without ever trying too hard. Or at least it doesn't seem to try too hard from my vantage point. But a 93? Really? The highest rated new release of 2010? REALLY? I rarely use the term "overrated". I don't like the word. But if this album isn't overrated I don't know what is. The two best hooks on the album, in myI like this album. A whole lot. It's brimming with creativity and humor without ever trying too hard. Or at least it doesn't seem to try too hard from my vantage point. But a 93? Really? The highest rated new release of 2010? REALLY? I rarely use the term "overrated". I don't like the word. But if this album isn't overrated I don't know what is. The two best hooks on the album, in my opinion, are lifted from Black Sabbath and King Crimson. And my favorite single musical moment? The opening of "Lost in the World", a Bon Iver sample. I understand that's part of hip hop. But surely original compositions are and should be more respected. On a different note, I didn't know what the fuss about Nicki Minaj was about until I heard "Monster". Jay-Z was great on that track as well.

    Finally, after listening to the album and thinking about it's content I was left with this thought, am I the only one who thinks the person who is overreacting to the "Taylor Swift incident" more than ANYONE is Kanye?    … Expand
  48. seantech
    Jan 5, 2011
    8
    This album was a Kanye getting back to "rapping" I can't remember the last time I heard a Kanye song and thought it was actually a part of hip hop culture. I enjoyed the intensity of this album and the select lines which impressed me a bit. There are still a few songs on the album which are a waste of time and I rally don't see who they appeal to or why they are on there. Those areThis album was a Kanye getting back to "rapping" I can't remember the last time I heard a Kanye song and thought it was actually a part of hip hop culture. I enjoyed the intensity of this album and the select lines which impressed me a bit. There are still a few songs on the album which are a waste of time and I rally don't see who they appeal to or why they are on there. Those are definite skips and mostly the last few songs. But the begining to middle especially the ones with jay z and swiss beats on the track are pretty good listens. I like how he finally told people hey I'm an **** so what, I speak my mind, its a part of rap culture to do so and I think that a lot of his troubles, which many people share, are discussed in his songs. I like that he is using his music as a medium because it really allows him to share how he's feeling and say hey I make good music and that's all that matters. This album is definitely something you can dance to, get stuck in your head, and the thing that I use to love about Kanye is it makes you laugh. He provides a good enough balance that you can feel like the music is hard hitting but not threatening. I think this album if you really listens outlines what a rappers ego trip really stems from, because without the problems that makes him Kanye West, he wouldn't be as famous as he is. So this is him being himself.… Expand
  49. YZJay
    Feb 1, 2011
    8
    The sound of the album is EPIC. I think it would take 3 to 4 years for another artist to top this. The only bad thing would be the lyrics and it being VERY unorthodox,
  50. lovemusic
    May 8, 2011
    8
    too damn hyped. too damn long. too damn personal. too damn great. too damn popular. but i liked it though. most of the songs were good. some songs were corny and overly long. but it wasnt a bad album. i liked the creative mind he has.
  51. d_nasty
    May 13, 2011
    8
    There are a lot of great tracks on here, "Monster", "Devil in a New Dress" and "Lost in the World" are the best tracks. I could see this years from now still being a good listen but it's not perfect. Tracks "Blame Game" and "Power" are incredibly listenable but are definitely the weakest tracks.
  52. j30
    Aug 15, 2011
    8
    Feels a little overrated, a litte overambitous, but overall probably his best work. Kanye is a very talented artist and all his talents shin on this album. It took me a couple of listens before I got hooked.
  53. robguy222
    Sep 4, 2011
    8
    My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy has one of my favorite songs! All of the Lights rocks! (reached #18) I hope he makes songs like All of the Lights again!
  54. Ricko
    Jul 16, 2014
    8
    "Graduation" has more of my favourite Kanye songs, but as an album, this here is probably his finest hour. It has some standout tracks but works best as an album with the collective parts coming together perfectly. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is not only bursting with creativity but with epic tunes and melodies as well. Lyrically, Kanye is on top form and matches the quality of the"Graduation" has more of my favourite Kanye songs, but as an album, this here is probably his finest hour. It has some standout tracks but works best as an album with the collective parts coming together perfectly. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is not only bursting with creativity but with epic tunes and melodies as well. Lyrically, Kanye is on top form and matches the quality of the music. You have to take your hat off to the man when you listen to this - its pure brilliance.… Expand
  55. AmazinKazin
    Oct 27, 2011
    8
    MBDTF is artistically the best rap album in a long time. The story is great, yet very weird. But Kanye can do what Kanye wants. The music, although, is not at Ye's peak ability. I'm waiting for more albums like The College Dropout.
  56. stock22
    Nov 17, 2011
    8
    I'm a huge kanye west fan, but this album does not deserve anything above an 8. Yes it has brilliant beats, fantastic features from the likes of Rick Ross and even the unexpected bon iver. But a classic implies that every single song was perfect, you can't honestly tell me that songs like hell of a life are perfect. You can't give me a reason why "who will survive in america" is good orI'm a huge kanye west fan, but this album does not deserve anything above an 8. Yes it has brilliant beats, fantastic features from the likes of Rick Ross and even the unexpected bon iver. But a classic implies that every single song was perfect, you can't honestly tell me that songs like hell of a life are perfect. You can't give me a reason why "who will survive in america" is good or interesting, or what even the purpose of it is? If you overlook kanye's lyricism, or lack thereof on this particular record then maybe its a 10, but for me its just a very good album that has been overrated.… Expand
  57. dante_finn
    Aug 19, 2014
    8
    Woww. This is really good. He has a lot of different elements,transparent themes. And the subject matter is explored. The music ranges alot which is really awesome. Songs got a funky rythm with some occasionly raunchy (in a bad way rthyms). But all in all Kanye has done a good job.
  58. Basquilly
    May 27, 2015
    8
    The only Kanye album I own, the only hip hop album I own. Kanye's willingness to experiment with his music is what I've always loved about him as an artist, and never has this experimental side of his work been so successful as it is on this album. While occasionally you're left questioning how some of his experiments ever escaped the recording studio, the majority of this album is pure gold.
  59. Nardeen
    Mar 11, 2017
    8
    This is by far Kanye's best album so far I personally don't think this album should be rated higher than good kid m.A.A.d city for so many reasons, however, it's still a fantastic artistic album that gives us a view of Kanye's thoughts.
  60. Atum_
    Jun 8, 2020
    8
    This album is very overrated. People will say this is the greatest record of the 2010s, but it just isn't. TPAB is way better. The beats on this thing is for the most part pretty great, Dark Fantasy is probably my favorite Kanye song of all time, but sprinkled across this thing is corny lines, and by the end, there's a lot of mediocre tracks like Hell of a life and Blame game, and quiteThis album is very overrated. People will say this is the greatest record of the 2010s, but it just isn't. TPAB is way better. The beats on this thing is for the most part pretty great, Dark Fantasy is probably my favorite Kanye song of all time, but sprinkled across this thing is corny lines, and by the end, there's a lot of mediocre tracks like Hell of a life and Blame game, and quite frankly, the second half of Runaway is just annoying, and Kanye's verse on that track isn't that great neither. Great comeback though… Expand
  61. All_ButTrU4
    Nov 29, 2021
    8
    The end result is a body of work that pushes hip-hop in a bold new direction and puts Mr,. West back at the forefront of the culture once again.There is no question that this album is a game changer. It's Kanye West's greatest work.
  62. clem666
    Feb 17, 2021
    8
    Requires some listening to fully be understood but is totally worth it. Your perseverance will be rewarded by the discovery of insane and beautiful lyrics. The samples used all along are awesome. This clearly is a hip-hop/rap album but it also offers moments to get closer to opera-style, impressive electric guitar riffs, a lot of piano, R&B, clapping, pop and beautiful choirs. This is anRequires some listening to fully be understood but is totally worth it. Your perseverance will be rewarded by the discovery of insane and beautiful lyrics. The samples used all along are awesome. This clearly is a hip-hop/rap album but it also offers moments to get closer to opera-style, impressive electric guitar riffs, a lot of piano, R&B, clapping, pop and beautiful choirs. This is an album that lets the silence have its own room in the record. Overall production is terrific. There are a lot of guests (and a lot that are not even credited) but they all surprisingly find their own place and manage to differentiate from each other. Kanye created an unique balance between long tracks (8 out of 13 are longer than 5 minutes) and short ones (2 out of 13 less than 2 minutes long).

    I honestly can't put higher than an 8.5/10 because some passages sound really unharmonic to me even if I listen to this again and again. In conclusion I have nothing more to say that this album is truly powerful, consistent, clever and varied.    … Expand
  63. SovirakchhaiS
    Sep 9, 2019
    8
    I agree that this is the greatest album of the 2010s, but there are better album than this I would listen too tbh. The first time I listen to this, I thought this is one of Kanye west's best album and best hip-hop album of all time, but later on, there are like 3 tracks that i thought it was meh after listening to it a lot, the rest of the tracklist I like.

    Dark Fantasy - 6/10 Gorgeous    I agree that this is the greatest album of the 2010s, but there are better album than this I would listen too tbh. The first time I listen to this, I thought this is one of Kanye west's best album and best hip-hop album of all time, but later on, there are like 3 tracks that i thought it was meh after listening to it a lot, the rest of the tracklist I like.

    Dark Fantasy - 6/10
    Gorgeous - 7/10
    POWER - 10/10
    All Of The Lights (Interlude) - 10/10
    All Of The Lights - 9/10
    Monster - 9/10
    So Appalled - 8/10
    Devil In a New Dress - 9/10
    Runaway - 9/10
    Hell of a Life - 6/10
    Blame Game - 5/10
    Lost in the World - 10/10
    Who Will Survive in America - not count/10
    iTunes Bonus Track
    See Me Now - 9/10

    My Beautiful Dark Fantasy is still one of the best hip-hop/rap albums of 2010s    … Expand
  64. Nikka
    Jan 24, 2020
    8
    This is one of the most well produced album from Kanye. The lyrics are clever and the features worked really well, but the only problem I have with this is the second half of the album, So Appalled is a track that lowers the energy of the album as it comes after a hard track like Monster. Devil in a new dress is a good track and Rick Ross has good flow that goes well with the beat. RunawayThis is one of the most well produced album from Kanye. The lyrics are clever and the features worked really well, but the only problem I have with this is the second half of the album, So Appalled is a track that lowers the energy of the album as it comes after a hard track like Monster. Devil in a new dress is a good track and Rick Ross has good flow that goes well with the beat. Runaway is easily one of his best songs and well produced track. Hell of a life is a song that bored me after multiple listens isn’t good and the only part I enjoyed was the chorus. Blame game is a ok song but the end goes on after a while and gets boring pretty fast. Lost in the World is well produced track and a good use of the features on the track. Overall I feel like this album could have been one of the best Kanye albums but some of these song lowered this album quite a bit.… Expand
  65. Faugustas
    Apr 3, 2021
    8
    Now, I don't think this is a flawless Masterpiece and concider it to be one of Kanye's weaker projects, but it is still an incredible album. Kanye is such an artist, that even his weaker albums are 8/10s. I can completely see why people love it to death.
  66. BeandonBoy
    Mar 7, 2021
    8
    Being the first Kanye album I listened to, it was honestly surprising. I'm not the biggest fan of Hip-Hop, I mainly stay around Rock or Classic Rock music. Saying that, I do believe My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is one of the best albums I have listened to. From production to the experimental sounds used to better the album, it is well rounded. The song 'Runaway' was in my opinion theBeing the first Kanye album I listened to, it was honestly surprising. I'm not the biggest fan of Hip-Hop, I mainly stay around Rock or Classic Rock music. Saying that, I do believe My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is one of the best albums I have listened to. From production to the experimental sounds used to better the album, it is well rounded. The song 'Runaway' was in my opinion the best song of the album. With its unique opening and ending to the track and also protraying its message perfectly. Final score: 7.62/10 or 8/10. A great album.… Expand
  67. Wowisawow
    Apr 16, 2021
    8
    This album starts off incredible in the first half but starts to fall off a bit in the second half. I do believe it's super important to hip hop and showed that Kanye is a staple of the music industry but Hell Of A Life, Lost In The World, Who Will Survive In America, they really feel boring to me personally and I've skipped them when listening to this album. I liked 8/13 of the tracks onThis album starts off incredible in the first half but starts to fall off a bit in the second half. I do believe it's super important to hip hop and showed that Kanye is a staple of the music industry but Hell Of A Life, Lost In The World, Who Will Survive In America, they really feel boring to me personally and I've skipped them when listening to this album. I liked 8/13 of the tracks on here whereas other albums Kanye has released such as The College Dropout, Ye, Graduation, Late Registration, I end up loving the whole album. Still, a very influential album, I can understand the love for it, and also i absolutely loved Dark Fantasy, Devil In A New Dress, Monster, POWER.… Expand
  68. ConceptualBagel
    Jun 24, 2021
    8
    Although it sometimes feels over-reliant on features and finishes somewhat weak, My Beautiful Dark Twisted fantasy is still a fantastic hip-hop album with top-tier production.
  69. miguelcstb
    Oct 28, 2022
    8
    Wow... this has to be one of the best albums I've listened to recently. Every aspect seems to be so well thought-out. When it comes to production, Kanye West is one of the best. The first five songs are so good that I can't really think of a better track run. The songwritting was good too but there were times when I felt like he was just throwing words around.

    But the thing that I loved    Wow... this has to be one of the best albums I've listened to recently. Every aspect seems to be so well thought-out. When it comes to production, Kanye West is one of the best. The first five songs are so good that I can't really think of a better track run. The songwritting was good too but there were times when I felt like he was just throwing words around.

    But the thing that I loved the most aboout this album is the transition from "Lost In The World" to "Who Will Survive In America". I was dancing all the time until the song suddenly stopped, and that's when I realized the album was over. The transition was so smooth... ugh, I loved it.

    Overall, one of the best albums I have listened to.    … Expand
  70. JamesJennings
    May 3, 2022
    8
    While I do agree that this is a great album, it's not Kanye's best. If the second half of this album was as good as the first, I would give it a ten. The second half was substantially weaker than the first to me. Still a fantastic project.
  71. L0stR3negade
    Sep 6, 2011
    7
    Better than Watch The Throne one way and bad in another. Lacking Jay-Z skills but still keeping true to the Kanye format. Good album but could have been better.
  72. MattFitz96
    Feb 27, 2011
    7
    the latest album from kanye west, which sold close to 500,000 in its first week, has gotten mostly positive reviews from most critics. while the production on the album is flawless as is the norm of all of kanyes albums, the lyrics are not quite what many say they are. they are not horrible, but no great either. some of the songs like power and dark fantasy do have amazing lyrics, butthe latest album from kanye west, which sold close to 500,000 in its first week, has gotten mostly positive reviews from most critics. while the production on the album is flawless as is the norm of all of kanyes albums, the lyrics are not quite what many say they are. they are not horrible, but no great either. some of the songs like power and dark fantasy do have amazing lyrics, but others like all of the lights and monster are really just stupid as hell. another problem i had with the album was the that some of the longs were too long, like runaway. runaway dose not have the power to hold my attention for 9 minuets. i enjoyed the album, though i dont think it is a classic, it is certianly one of the best of 2010… Expand
  73. afrhrhcpts
    Mar 14, 2011
    7
    Like all his previous efforts critics and hip hop fans build up Kanye West's ego to convince themselves that he is their messiah. He is not but this album is his best for a few reasons. Nicki Minaj has a few noteworthy cameos and Chris Rock has a funny part. Jay-Z is boring in his two spots. For the most part the guests do not shine like Minaj. Everyone wants to say the albumLike all his previous efforts critics and hip hop fans build up Kanye West's ego to convince themselves that he is their messiah. He is not but this album is his best for a few reasons. Nicki Minaj has a few noteworthy cameos and Chris Rock has a funny part. Jay-Z is boring in his two spots. For the most part the guests do not shine like Minaj. Everyone wants to say the album transcends genre because the songs a little longer than average and it is a sonic marvel. Length does not make it any better and sonically it is mediocre. It seems the piano interlude is impressing everyone despite it not being above average playing. What makes the album noteworthy is Kanye's ability to rap and Minaj's guest parts. Not great but worth one listen.… Expand
  74. Emperor
    Apr 3, 2011
    7
    First of all, i think this album is overrated. Production was excellent but lyrics was filled with flaws. Secondly, there were too many guest. Thirdly, the album was too short, only 11 songs(Excluding the skits). Generally, its a Very Good(Great) album but College dropout is far better than this but easily his second best !!! Best Tracks
    Dark fantasy
    Power So Appalled All of the Lights    First of all, i think this album is overrated. Production was excellent but lyrics was filled with flaws. Secondly, there were too many guest. Thirdly, the album was too short, only 11 songs(Excluding the skits). Generally, its a Very Good(Great) album but College dropout is far better than this but easily his second best !!! Best Tracks
    Dark fantasy
    Power
    So Appalled
    All of the Lights
    Runaway(But too long)
    Devil in new dress
    Rest is *******    … Expand
  75. Peebags
    Jul 28, 2011
    7
    Very well produced album, but definitely not the best album of 2010. The high points were very high, while the low points were...very low. I do have to give credit to Kanye's impressive musical knowledge and very well done sampling.
  76. ChairmanMeow99
    Mar 20, 2012
    7
    I was skeptical about this one, I had never listened to West before. I was pleasantly surprised. While not the greatest thing ever as everyone seems to think, this album shows how West's production talents and some clever rhymes, but the reason it is rated at a 7 is because I find West annoying and he only cares and writes about himself. I listened to his other albums after this one, andI was skeptical about this one, I had never listened to West before. I was pleasantly surprised. While not the greatest thing ever as everyone seems to think, this album shows how West's production talents and some clever rhymes, but the reason it is rated at a 7 is because I find West annoying and he only cares and writes about himself. I listened to his other albums after this one, and him while he was still somewhat humble, he sounds better. I prefer his earlier albums to this one because of West.… Expand
  77. arostislavna
    Oct 30, 2022
    7
    Meh, I haven't really listened to this album all that much. Power is a fantastic track and that's about all I can say for this release.
  78. PlaysVital
    Aug 2, 2023
    7
    mediano para bom, muitas tracks boas porém muitas esquecidas. A produção do Kanye junto com Mike Dean acertou em cheio no álbum, entretanto músicas como gorgeous e dark fantasy deixou a desejar nos vocais. Músicas como Hell of a Life e So Appalled vieram somente para encher linguiça e Monster não acertou nas features. Power, All of The Lights, Devil in a New Dress e Runaway são incríveis,mediano para bom, muitas tracks boas porém muitas esquecidas. A produção do Kanye junto com Mike Dean acertou em cheio no álbum, entretanto músicas como gorgeous e dark fantasy deixou a desejar nos vocais. Músicas como Hell of a Life e So Appalled vieram somente para encher linguiça e Monster não acertou nas features. Power, All of The Lights, Devil in a New Dress e Runaway são incríveis, lindos de se escutar, mas na minha opinião a melhor música é Lost in the World.… Expand
  79. Fantanoskids
    Dec 11, 2021
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. 7.5 for me. Love this record and it´s starts so strong, Dark Fantasy being the best Kanye intro to any album, Gorgeous guitar riff and Kid Cudi´s hooks, POWER being just a classic and Runaway being one of Kanye´s best songs. But most of the second half I don't find it that much appealing to me. I don't like So Appalled and I hate Hell Of A Life. The outro with Bon Iver with Lost In The World and Who Will Survive In America are not that bad in my opinion, actually i enjoyed those songs matching together at the very end. I like this album and it was a pivital point in Kanye´s carrer, for what happened with Taylor Swift and him exiling to Hawaii. I don´t think it's MAGNUM OPUS, like some ppl call it but I can respect that opinion.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best Album of 2010
1
#1 Most Discussed Album of 2010
1
#1 Most Shared Album of 2010

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
94

Universal acclaim - based on 45 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 43 out of 45
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 45
  3. 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. Consequence
    Sep 17, 2012
    100
    There is no question that this album is a game changer. It's Kanye West's greatest work.
    Read full review
  3. Mojo
    Apr 20, 2011
    100
    My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is genuinely a great record. [Feb. 2011, p. 108]
See all critic reviews »