Graduation
by
Graduation Image
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 32 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 853 Ratings

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Top Track

Stronger
Work it, make it, do it, makes us Harder, better, faster, stronger N-now th-that that don't kill me Can only make me stronger I need you to hurry... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 32
  3. Negative: 0 out of 32
  1. Stylus Magazine
    91
    Musically, at least, it’s the most accomplished thing he’s ever done.
  2. Hot Press
    90
    West crosses genres with wilful and speedy abandon, taking the listener on an epic quest where the journey is just as enjoyable and unpredictable as the destination.
  3. Prefix Magazine
    85
    West's writing and delivery has improved since "The College Dropout," though they're still marked by both a cleverness and a clumsiness.
  4. Spin
    80
    West's third album is memerizing and alienating, like all the purest forms of pop culture. [Nov 2007, p.114]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. Dot Music
    70
    The album lacks the flab of previous efforts and, where he's been guilty of hiding behind guests before, the contributions are (perhaps inadvisably in retrospect) kept to a minimum. Sadly though, the grandstanding and chest beating take their toll on both Graduation's aesthetic and the listener's patience.
  6. Entertainment Weekly
    67
    West's vocal mediocrity wouldn't be so glaring if the production were more of a diversion. There are no truly tragic compositions on Graduation--though the droning ''Drunk and Hot Girls'' could have been half as irritating at twice the speed--but most of the music just seems uninspired.
  7. Sputnikmusic
    40
    Graduation is consistent, yes, but it's consistently boring.

See all 32 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 139 out of 164
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 164
  3. Negative: 12 out of 164
  1. JubileeW.
    Sep 11, 2007
    10
    Kanye doesnt dissapoint. Once more he has produced and written an amazing album. From the in depth lyrics of Big Brother to the ever Kanye doesnt dissapoint. Once more he has produced and written an amazing album. From the in depth lyrics of Big Brother to the ever imaginative and eye opening Flashing Lights, or to the old skool soul of The Glory. Another masterpiece.… Expand
  2. RashonW.
    Sep 22, 2007
    10
    Not just the greatest rapper of all time but the greatest artist living today. Like Kanye said, if there was a modern day Bible written today Not just the greatest rapper of all time but the greatest artist living today. Like Kanye said, if there was a modern day Bible written today he would be the lead character, the narrator and all the acknowledgements would be reserved for Kanye himself. Can anyone stop this man?… Expand
  4. MichaelD
    May 8, 2011
    10
    By far one of Kanye's best albums. And definetely one of my favourites too.
  5. emilyw
    Sep 17, 2007
    9
    This album is getting majorly slighted just because it's Kanye West and there were serious expectations. If an album of this quality This album is getting majorly slighted just because it's Kanye West and there were serious expectations. If an album of this quality were released by any other rapper, the reviews would be much more positive. For example, this album is much better, both lyrically and musically, than Lupe Fiasco's debut, yet that album has an 82 or 83 on here. Different but just as good as his last two albums.… Expand
  6. Fib3r
    Jul 14, 2017
    8
    With Graduation kanye tried out a more electronic EDM sound and boy did it pay off. Almost every track stands out except for a few in theWith Graduation kanye tried out a more electronic EDM sound and boy did it pay off. Almost every track stands out except for a few in the middle of the album. A great ending to the school themed trilogy, even though its probably the weakest in the trilogy (which almost hurts to say as i still love it so).… Expand
  7. JosephA
    Sep 12, 2007
    8
    Excellent, few other artists have managed to creatively alter their signature sound so successfully as Kanye. Everytrack is a keeper. Only Excellent, few other artists have managed to creatively alter their signature sound so successfully as Kanye. Everytrack is a keeper. Only thing that comes to my attention is the less substantial lyrics this time around. But Kanye's character, charm, and humor are still present leaving him, despite all his self gratification, human @ heart and that counts for alot.… Expand
  8. ChrisW.
    Sep 10, 2007
    0
    If he would only stick to producing... Sorry Kanye, but you can't rap! You're disgracing the Hip-Hop Community with this garbage.

See all 164 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

91
#91 Best Album of 2007
11
#11 Most Discussed Album of 2007
6
#6 Most Shared Album of 2007

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