Graduation
by Kanye West
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 32 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 32
  3. Negative: 0 out of 32
  1. Slant Magazine
    60
    Graduation is worth note in the sense that it offers proof Kanye isn't on the five-year plan (The College Dropout registered in 2004), but I'm sort of looking forward to hearing the next album built around the disillusionment of his first entry-level position.
  2. Tiny Mix Tapes
    60
    Like a good term paper, much of Graduation sounds great in theory but flounders in its execution.
  3. New Musical Express (NME)
    60
    Despite its five or six great tracks, Graduation feels more and more like the work of a follower, not a leader.
  5. Mojo
    60
    The album sounds squashed and claustrophobic, but lacks the sense of play that still characterises his clever, incident-packed rhymes. [Oct 2007, p.106]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. Q Magazine
    60
    Graduation is mercifully skit-free, but it still feels insubstantial to West. [Oct 2007, p.95]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. Drowned In Sound
    40
    At heart, he's still a producer not a rapper (which explains how badly he hits the mic at times, more on that later). He's got that hit-making part down pat... it's just that he can't make good hits anymore.
  8. Sputnikmusic
    40
    Graduation is consistent, yes, but it's consistently boring.

Awards & Rankings

91
#91 Best Album of 2007
8
#8 Most Discussed Album of 2007
6
#6 Most Shared Album of 2007

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 1249 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,109 out of 1249
  2. Mixed: 42 out of 1249
  3. Negative: 98 out of 1249
  1. MichaelD
    May 8, 2011
    10
    By far one of Kanye's best albums. And definetely one of my favourites too.
  2. The3AcademySins
    Nov 8, 2019
    8
    The finale of Kanye's college trilogy is the weakest entry in the series, but it is still a banger. It lacks the cohesion the first two albumsThe finale of Kanye's college trilogy is the weakest entry in the series, but it is still a banger. It lacks the cohesion the first two albums had, but it has some of the best songs Kanye has ever written. Well worth a listen, and doubly rewarding to listen to right after College Dropout and Late Registration.… Full Review »
  3. djdenzel777
    Mar 30, 2017
    8
    Overall a strong album, with a few forgettable tracks. One of Kanye's more radio friendly albums. Definitely not his best worth, but surelyOverall a strong album, with a few forgettable tracks. One of Kanye's more radio friendly albums. Definitely not his best worth, but surely worth a listen.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »