Graduation
by Kanye West
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

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  1. MichaelD
    May 8, 2011
    10
    By far one of Kanye's best albums. And definetely one of my favourites too.
  2. DanA
    Sep 11, 2007
    9
    Graduation seems to be very risky. An electronic sound, almost no guest appearances, and no skits. Kanye should be out of his element. But aside from Drunk and Hot Girls, the album is amazing. As good as it is, it's not better than his first two.
  3. PeterM.
    Sep 13, 2007
    10
    I must say that this is really an upgrade from Kanye West.. Great songs, great flows and most of all.. GREAT effects.. Fx the piano on Homecoming (Ft. Chris Martin of Coldplay).. Kanye has definitely graduated in my eyes, and he has graduated with the highest grade possible! So, I think 50 Cent should just make an end to his career 'cause Kanye beats him big time.. My Top 5 on I must say that this is really an upgrade from Kanye West.. Great songs, great flows and most of all.. GREAT effects.. Fx the piano on Homecoming (Ft. Chris Martin of Coldplay).. Kanye has definitely graduated in my eyes, and he has graduated with the highest grade possible! So, I think 50 Cent should just make an end to his career 'cause Kanye beats him big time.. My Top 5 on Graduation: 1. Homecoming (Ft. Chris Martin) 2. Big Brother 3. Stronger 4. The Glory 5. Everything I Am The intro Good Morning is also great.... I like it all, so people, buy this CD.. You are going to love it!!… Expand
  4. MusicalJ
    Sep 14, 2007
    9
    Next to perfect, some of the people here are just hatin. Kanye's a genius; every track is great, nothing to skip. The production and beats are absolute perfection, listen with headphones and you'll catch some nice suprises and nuance's. The lyrics this time around are less substantial in terms of cultural references than the past two efforts, but they're ALL positve Next to perfect, some of the people here are just hatin. Kanye's a genius; every track is great, nothing to skip. The production and beats are absolute perfection, listen with headphones and you'll catch some nice suprises and nuance's. The lyrics this time around are less substantial in terms of cultural references than the past two efforts, but they're ALL positve (which I think is great) and they still reflect Kanye's character, charm, and sense of humor, and that comes out worth a lot. This record is about the individual, the graduate, and what he percieves himself to have accomplished. It's brilliantly conceptualized and the album works best as a whole from "Good Morning" to the story's beginning "Champion", to kickin' back "The Good Life" through why he did it "The Glory", to the home coming "Homecoming" to family business @ home "Big Brother". However, the indivisdual tracks work really well individually as well and these 2 concepts make for one hell of a classic record.… Expand
  5. JakeS.
    Sep 11, 2007
    10
    Consistent is one thing Kanye's albums have been. He doesn't break the mold with "Graduation". I can't recall many artists who's first 3 records were considered "album of the year" candidates each time one was released. Amazing.
  6. GeraldH.
    Sep 12, 2007
    10
    Kanye is everything hip hop and rap should be all about. He is inventive, creative and breaks new ground. He makes exciting new and interesting material and should be a blueprint for what other rap artists should strive for, as opposed to the ring tone rappers who follow the same tired and over used formulas that went out of style in the late 1990's.
  7. RickyQ
    Sep 14, 2007
    9
    The whole album still feels like classic Kanye yet most of it sounds nothing like his older stuff. Graduation's beats seem to be more electronic and popish rather than what is usually considered rap/hip-hop. Kanye fans might be turned off by this, but I find it to be rather refreshing. I was disappointed at first with this new sound, but after hearing it quite a few times, it really The whole album still feels like classic Kanye yet most of it sounds nothing like his older stuff. Graduation's beats seem to be more electronic and popish rather than what is usually considered rap/hip-hop. Kanye fans might be turned off by this, but I find it to be rather refreshing. I was disappointed at first with this new sound, but after hearing it quite a few times, it really grew on me. It's a shame that the skits got dropped though, as dumb as they were they were still rather funny. There is still one thing that hasn't changed, Kanye is a lyrical genius. For example, the Back to the Future reference in "Good Morning" is a great as is the Adam and Eve line in "Can't Tell Me Nothing". Even when he rhymes the same word three times in a row, it just works. He has always been different from the norm (especially compared to 50 Cent). Few people can do it like Kanye and this album is proof of that. If you just want to get the top titles off of Graduation make sure you download these: "Good Morning" (it is amazing, the first track which really sets the mood of the album), "Stronger" (the best song on the album), "Can't Tell Me Nothing" (this reminds me of "Diamonds from Sierra Leone"), "Flashing Lights" (a very cool beat), "Homecoming" (very catchy song with some great lyrics), and "Big Brother" (a very nice song to end the album). "Champion" and "Everything I Am" are also pretty good. The only two really sore spots on the album are "Barry Bonds" and "Drunk n Hot Girls" (it's a really annoying song). So in the end Graduation is just as good as his previous efforts. Kanye always releases quality and this album is no exception. Is it his best album? It's hard to say if it is, but it comes really close. All of Kanye's albums are so great that it's hard to pick a favourite especially as this one is so different. But it is safe to say that this is my favourite album of the year. Keep up the good work Kanye!… Expand
  8. Justinavery7074
    Feb 22, 2012
    10
    If I were to listen to only five albums for the rest of my life, Kanye West's Graduation would definitely be among the other four. It's just superb. Maybe Barry Bonds isn't as great as the rest, but it's just a small scratch on a maasterfully crafted album. I **** lover this album
  9. Rosco
    Mar 22, 2011
    9
    Kanye's best album by far! A progression from Late Registration that see's Mr West hit new heights. He certainly graduates, top of the class. Stronger remains to date one of his finest songs, but it was the risks he took on the album which made each achievement so much more spectacular, Kanye and Chris Martin shouldn't work, yet it does and in some style! The piano is genius on Homecoming.Kanye's best album by far! A progression from Late Registration that see's Mr West hit new heights. He certainly graduates, top of the class. Stronger remains to date one of his finest songs, but it was the risks he took on the album which made each achievement so much more spectacular, Kanye and Chris Martin shouldn't work, yet it does and in some style! The piano is genius on Homecoming. Good Life, Can't Tell Me Nothing and Flashing Lights are simply magical. Only side note is Drunk and Hot Girls which isn't the high point but when you have an album filled with 12/13 genius tracks you must be doing something right, because this remains one of the best rap albums to date.… Expand
  10. T1A7NAN
    Apr 25, 2011
    10
    This is Kanye's best album. I love My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy but in all honesty, I think that the tracks on this album somehow are more consistent. Flashing Lights is AMAZING! Can't Tell Me Nothing is AMAZING! Ever since it's release date, I have listened to every track non-stop. After listening to one track you just have to listen to every other one on the album. Some may say thatThis is Kanye's best album. I love My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy but in all honesty, I think that the tracks on this album somehow are more consistent. Flashing Lights is AMAZING! Can't Tell Me Nothing is AMAZING! Ever since it's release date, I have listened to every track non-stop. After listening to one track you just have to listen to every other one on the album. Some may say that College Dropout was his best due to him being more "real". Or that MBDTF was his best because it is artistic and has a new sound. Although I probably agree with this to some degree, Graduation just does it for me. BDW i'm 16 and white and Kanye is obviously my favourite rapper.… Expand
  11. marcybabey
    Oct 23, 2011
    10
    filled with happy vibes, this is kanye's best work by far. and easily my most favourite album in the industry. theres just one problem, 'stronger' shouldnt of been released as a single.
  12. Michaelkirkpat
    Dec 3, 2011
    9
    Technically, Kanye's best album. It fails to take the listener new places however, and without "Can't Tell Me Nothing" the album lacks both his soul-beat style and new found intensity. Overall though, pretty phenomenal album.
  13. dfjaljfdal
    Mar 15, 2012
    10
    His best album to date; unlike Watch the Throne or MBDTF, Kanye simply does what he does best, without sounding overly pompous (and thus, annoying). Still, there is enough **** in here to make a very good Kanye album, but also enough realism that you know he is a real person, not just a stuck-up fool.
  14. ben_zo77
    Feb 4, 2014
    9
    Graduation is a more mainstream 808s and Heartbreak. It has a distinct electronic sound that complements the introspective, personal lyrics. Kanye opens up in Graduation in brash and emotional ways. 8.7/10

    Best track: "Can't Tell Me Nothing"
    Other tracks that stand out: "Barry Bonds", "Everything I Am", "The Glory", "Homecoming", and "Big Brother"
  15. glasses1
    Nov 1, 2013
    9
    I have always appreciated this album, since it was very positive with a surprising stay in school type of message. Much less depraved than other rap releases and is never boring with clever rhymes and cool beats. My favorite from Kanye. Add it to your collection
  16. AquaCulina
    May 3, 2014
    9
    This is Kanye's most poppy album. And it might even be his weakest. Which really doesn't say to much, considering his incredibly consistent discography.

    It's also very interesting that this album features 2 of Kanye's best songs ('Can't Tell Me Nothing' & 'Flashing Lights [feat. Dwele]), 2 of his worst songs (Barry Bonds [feat. Lil Wayne] & Drunk And Hot Girls [feat. Mos Def]) and    This is Kanye's most poppy album. And it might even be his weakest. Which really doesn't say to much, considering his incredibly consistent discography.

    It's also very interesting that this album features 2 of Kanye's best songs ('Can't Tell Me Nothing' & 'Flashing Lights [feat. Dwele]), 2 of his worst songs (Barry Bonds [feat. Lil Wayne] & Drunk And Hot Girls [feat. Mos Def]) and probably also his most commercially successful song (Stronger).

    This makes for an album with incredible highs, but two disappointing lows. In the end the album still impresses though, because the Album managed to accomplish, what Kanye had in vision. Mixing his soulful production with electronic synths and heavy bass to create Kanye's "stadium status".    … Expand
  17. comebackkid12
    Dec 8, 2014
    8
    Much faster than his first two records "The College Dropout" and "Late Registration," "Graduation" is a much faster-paced, slimmer version of thumping choruses and witty lines from a man that seemed hell-bent on making this album the prime example of arena music. The journey you embark on throughout these sharp, punchy 51 minutes is an epic and crazy one, while Mr. West has effectivelyMuch faster than his first two records "The College Dropout" and "Late Registration," "Graduation" is a much faster-paced, slimmer version of thumping choruses and witty lines from a man that seemed hell-bent on making this album the prime example of arena music. The journey you embark on throughout these sharp, punchy 51 minutes is an epic and crazy one, while Mr. West has effectively stated that he remains the king of the new hip-hop. Standout tracks for me would have to be the ironically dark "Flashing Lights" and chest-thumping "The Glory."… Expand
  18. 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 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.
  19. 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 surely worth a listen.
  20. marki-t_39
    Aug 17, 2011
    9
    This album brings back so many good memories. It's a feel good, memorable rap album unlike any other. KanYe is definently top of the game, and this proves it. classic.
  21. cookie_14smith
    Nov 9, 2007
    6
    its not that good it hought he should have neva came out wit anything normally i dnt care bout his song but its not as good as it normally is i could be worng and nobody agrees wit me but all i got to say he sho is a whole lot betta den 50 cent cd
  22. AliA
    Oct 1, 2007
    6
    Kanye's "Graduation" is exactly like he mentions on the first track of the album, "And yes, barely pass any and every class" Yes kanye you did just that. His 3rd album's lyrics are the least thought provoking and kanye chooses once again to take the route of "but I'm doing songs with artists who arent in hop hop!" just like he did on his last album but this time the results Kanye's "Graduation" is exactly like he mentions on the first track of the album, "And yes, barely pass any and every class" Yes kanye you did just that. His 3rd album's lyrics are the least thought provoking and kanye chooses once again to take the route of "but I'm doing songs with artists who arent in hop hop!" just like he did on his last album but this time the results are not there. Graduation is by no means a bad album but something that was overhyped. You will listen to this CD for a few days at most and get tired of all the songs, none of the tracks stand out as classics. Here to hoping that kanye's "master degree" or his next album will be in something besides medicore music.… Expand
  23. TristonT.
    Oct 2, 2007
    4
    Kanye West cd is not that great at all i mean the only songs i really like are flashing lights, goodlife and cant tell me nothing, thats it the other songs it just bores me. im really pissed off becuz all these critics are giving it 90's. The best album of the year is Chamillioniare Ultimate Victory. i can actually listen to the whole cd from beginning to end and still be awake. Man Kanye West cd is not that great at all i mean the only songs i really like are flashing lights, goodlife and cant tell me nothing, thats it the other songs it just bores me. im really pissed off becuz all these critics are giving it 90's. The best album of the year is Chamillioniare Ultimate Victory. i can actually listen to the whole cd from beginning to end and still be awake. Man critics are trippin.… Expand
  24. iano
    Oct 5, 2007
    8
    The beats are good, but it lacks real passion theres something a bit plastic bout it, don't get me wrong a good album i just expected more from the saviour of hip hop.
  25. RobertS.
    Sep 12, 2007
    8
    this is probably the worst album he has put out but its still fantastic! got rid of the skits and makes a more free flowing album but not as easily accessible as the other twoi. still highly recommended
  26. SpencerM.
    Sep 11, 2007
    1
    lyrical mediocrity overshadows any skill that kanye has behind the boards, not to mention his ridiculous pretentious content. somebody call puffy and tell him a twin brother has been discovered. peace
  27. TomS.
    Sep 11, 2007
    0
    I think this album deserves a rating of 4, but I gave it a 0 just to counter some of the overhyped 10's he's been getting. As a matter of fact, both 50 and Kanye have put out uninspired albums at the same time, but at least this is the better of the two. The problem here isn't with the lyrics (which are just decent, not remarkable), but with the production. The hip-hop I think this album deserves a rating of 4, but I gave it a 0 just to counter some of the overhyped 10's he's been getting. As a matter of fact, both 50 and Kanye have put out uninspired albums at the same time, but at least this is the better of the two. The problem here isn't with the lyrics (which are just decent, not remarkable), but with the production. The hip-hop community is seriously off if this can even be considered 'innovative'. 50's beats may be boring, but at least all of his songs don't rely too heavily on samples; the way many of the songs on Graduation do. 50 and Kanye have truly exceeded the worst expectations with these latest releases. Neither of these albums even show a fraction of the potential their debut albums did. And they wonder why the music business is going down the drain?… Expand
  28. RichardJ.
    Sep 11, 2007
    4
    This album is not very good is fact number 1 and 50 ' s is in the same field Number 2, It is like Kingdom Come by Jay-Z nice clean production, nice layering in parts but no balls Fact 3 Another factor the songs are monotous, boring and fairly uninteresting, whereas Both College dropout and Late registartion had some great productions on this album i can't tel you one what stands This album is not very good is fact number 1 and 50 ' s is in the same field Number 2, It is like Kingdom Come by Jay-Z nice clean production, nice layering in parts but no balls Fact 3 Another factor the songs are monotous, boring and fairly uninteresting, whereas Both College dropout and Late registartion had some great productions on this album i can't tel you one what stands out as a KAyne classic-sronger is not a classic and makes me wonder how he can get away with one of the most borign porductions he has done Fact 4 This album is lazy, and clearly overhyped, Kayne is better then this , he shpuld have wokred on it more, no british reivews added here and i know why as they would put the score down on this album 2 out of 5 guardian and others to name the score of four is that i believe kayne can do a better album nnd I liek Kaynes music (i don;t hate him so it is horribel for me to slate him) everything i am. i wonder and electricity nights are good jams..… Expand
  29. 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.
  30. chris
    Sep 12, 2007
    8
    Not as good as his first album, but worth the $10.00. good beat and lyrics from the heart. I hope he beats 50. 50 should be ashamed of his new album, pure crap. I want my $$ back
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Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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. The New York Times
    Feb 9, 2011
    70
    Nearly every song on Graduation is memorable for both its hooks and its overall sound.
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  2. AllMusic
    80
    Graduation is neither as bold nor as scattered as "The College Dropout," and it's neither as extroverted nor as sonically rich as "Late Registration." Kanye still makes up for his shortcomings as an MC and lyricist by remaining charmingly clumsy, frequently dealing nonsense through suspect rhyme schemes.
    Read full review
  3. Billboard
    80
    An impressively creative hip-hop album that will hopefully inspire West's peers to try new sonic avenues.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »