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.
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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 »