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. Fib3r
    Jul 7, 2017
    10
    Everything about this album is perfect and every song is amazing. This may be my favorite album of all time. I have nothing bad to say about it at all.
  2. samwich21
    Jun 9, 2017
    10
    Kanye changed the game with this record. He made Bon Iver cooler. He introduced much of the world to Nicki Minaj. He saved lives with his masterpiece -- and magnum opus -- My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.
  3. Demran221
    May 29, 2017
    10
    Its no doubt that Kanye created a game changing album. All of the tones included in this album packs different themes and topics. Even to this day, the album still holds strong. A timeless classic.
  4. markd315
    May 2, 2017
    10
    I have never understood Kanye West fans, but I haven't been listening to hip hop devotedly for more than 2 years. It occurred to me that I should try some of his older stuff, and it is now abundantly clear to me why he has fans. This album is artistically impeccable and he has fallen so far from glory. His fans are nostalgic for the real music.
  5. bdurmaz
    Apr 26, 2017
    10
    This album shows Kanye at the top. He is as controversial, polarizing but creative as ever. It's been a bumpy ride for him before and after this record, but we must be thankful that we are left with a masterpiece that will define this decade's music. After all, it's Kanye's beautiful dark twisted fantasy.
  6. tommy1607
    Apr 16, 2017
    10
    Undoubtedly Kanye's best work and one of the best hip-hop albums of the past decade. The beats are beautiful across the entire album and the lyrically Kanye is on top of his game. The features all perform excellently particularly Nicki Minaj and Pusha T, this album is perfection.
  7. 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.
  8. TinoTsopo
    Feb 27, 2017
    10
    As far as the history of rap music is concerned, Kanye West proved to be one of the greats when this album was released. And there is no doubt that on the day Kanye West dies - MBDTF will be placed on top of numerous top album lists.

    While employing a more maximal aesthetic, Mr College dropout himself released not only his most grandiose effort but his most eerie one as well. From    As far as the history of rap music is concerned, Kanye West proved to be one of the greats when this album was released. And there is no doubt that on the day Kanye West dies - MBDTF will be placed on top of numerous top album lists.

    While employing a more maximal aesthetic, Mr College dropout himself released not only his most grandiose effort but his most eerie one as well. From impeccable string arrangements to a brute Justin Vernon in the right places - Every track on this album feels almost as absolute as the next.    … Expand
  9. thehypebeast97
    Jan 27, 2017
    10
    Kanye being real to himself and making the most of his troubles to produce a masterpiece. This is an instant classic, his best album ever! The features are on point, the production is flawless and Yeezy here spits some of the realest **** he been through and anybody can easily relate. 10/10 straight up!
  10. kurtatx
    Jan 26, 2017
    10
    Kanye West has created the Pet Sounds or Sgt. Pepper's of the millennial generation. Every song has something unique to contribute and the deep tracks are arguably as good if not better than the singles.
  11. victorcarter
    Nov 29, 2016
    10
    My favorite Kanye album. The first track, Dark Fantasy, is the best opening track I have heard in an album. When I first heard that song, I knew this album was going to be amazing. Hate on Kanye as much as you want, but you cannot deny that this man is a GENIUS when it comes to music.
  12. MisterKronos
    Sep 26, 2016
    10
    Sometimes i ask to myself if when a singer make music he says himself "Hey! i will make a good album" Because how someone can make a masterpiece like this album?, i can't understand how this album can exist, it's a so original sound, so innovator, so unique, it's for me the best modern hip-hop album, the best hip-hop album of all the time, the best album from 2000 until nowadays, everySometimes i ask to myself if when a singer make music he says himself "Hey! i will make a good album" Because how someone can make a masterpiece like this album?, i can't understand how this album can exist, it's a so original sound, so innovator, so unique, it's for me the best modern hip-hop album, the best hip-hop album of all the time, the best album from 2000 until nowadays, every song is diferent to the previous song. West and the featuring artist drops amazing verses, the instrumental is a clear sub-product og the production of probably hours and hours (Just listen to "POWER") When you listen this album first time probably you will love 2-4 of the 11 songs (I talk of the songs of 2 minutes or more, because the album contains 13 tracks) But tomorrow or another day you will listen the album and the songs will be 5-6, and next 7-8 and when you watch your music folder you have the complete album. Sorry for my inglish, i am from Venezuela. Enjoy the album :)… Expand
  13. keanex
    Aug 11, 2016
    10
    MBDTF is just a dynamite album from start to finish. Typical ridiculous raps by Kanye sprinkled in with political points and whatever else is going on in Yeezy's head. Beats are phenomenal, and lots of great samples. **** Yeezy yeezy yeezy, it's yo boy Mark and this is a fire album.
  14. Mesmerize
    Aug 9, 2016
    10
    10.0
    zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
  15. 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.
  16. SumitSumbria
    Jun 29, 2016
    10
    Best Kanye West album till today. No words to describe. It's just perfect. It's like an album which cones after decades.
    Favourite tracks - Lost in yhe World, Dark Fanrasy, All of the Lights, Blame Game, Devil in a New Dress
  17. kainoamh
    May 5, 2016
    10
    The prolific lyrics, the amazing production, and the sick collaborations all come together to create what is probably the best album of the decade so far. Any user who writes a negative review clearly hasn't understood that he's apologizing
  18. AndrewLambert
    Apr 13, 2016
    10
    The greatest hip-hop album of the 21st century, a landmark moment for the entire rap genre and Kanye West's ultimate statement as a music artist. A true classic of the album art form.
  19. 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.
  20. MoneyMaker101
    Mar 8, 2016
    10
    I remember hearing Power and All of the Lights on radio stations couple of years ago and I liked them instantly.Production is absolutely magnificent,lyrics are unbelievable,the bars,the wordplay...astonishing!I wanted to listen to the whole album couple of weeks ago but Im stuck on first three songs because they are too dope.I don't know how will I be able to move on from DarkI remember hearing Power and All of the Lights on radio stations couple of years ago and I liked them instantly.Production is absolutely magnificent,lyrics are unbelievable,the bars,the wordplay...astonishing!I wanted to listen to the whole album couple of weeks ago but Im stuck on first three songs because they are too dope.I don't know how will I be able to move on from Dark Fantasy,Gorgeous and Power but I will try lol.Gorgeous has INCREDIBLE Instrumental.That guitar omg!!!!… Expand
  21. augdawgg
    Feb 24, 2016
    10
    I can't say anything about this album that hasn't been said before.

    This is the culmination of Rap music. It is 2016 and 6 years later every song still feels fresh and current.
    Each song meticulously places, start to finish, this is an album.
  22. 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.
  23. zdot
    Feb 16, 2016
    10
    Greatest album of all time, enough said. Incredible production, amazing features, and a godly flow that is second to none. Cannot begin to explain the effect this album has on listeners, it is a journey for everyone.
  24. 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.
  25. PerilousPanda
    Jan 31, 2016
    10
    Kanye West's 35-minute super-video, Runaway, peaks with a parade. Fireworks flash while red hoods march through a field. At the center of the spectacle is a huge, pale, cartoonish rendering of Michael Jackson's head. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy's gargantuan "All of the Lights" soundtracks the procession, with Kanye pleading, "Something wrong, I hold my head/ MJ gone, our **** dead."Kanye West's 35-minute super-video, Runaway, peaks with a parade. Fireworks flash while red hoods march through a field. At the center of the spectacle is a huge, pale, cartoonish rendering of Michael Jackson's head. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy's gargantuan "All of the Lights" soundtracks the procession, with Kanye pleading, "Something wrong, I hold my head/ MJ gone, our **** dead." The tribute marks another chapter in West's ongoing obsession with the King of Pop.
    West's discography contains innumerable references and allusions to Jackson. His first hit as a producer, Jay-Z's "Izzo (H.O.V.A.)", sampled the Jackson 5's "I Want You Back". For many, his first memorable lines as a rapper came during 2003's "Slow Jamz": "She got a light-skinned friend look like Michael Jackson/ Got a dark-skinned friend look like Michael Jackson." And when West's recent interview with Matt Lauer on the "Today" show went awry, he took to Twitter, writing, "I wish Michael Jackson had twitter!!!!!! Maybe Mike could have explained how the media tried to set him up!!! It's all a **** set up!!!!" Like most everything else, Kanye may exaggerate the kinship, but it's real. And it's never more apparent than on Twisted Fantasy, a blast of surreal pop excess that few artists are capable of creating, or even willing to attempt.

    To be clear, Kanye West is not Michael Jackson. As he told MTV last month, "I do have a goal in this lifetime to be the greatest artist of all time, [but] that's very difficult being that I can't dance or sing." He ended the thought with a laugh, but you get the impression he's not kidding. Unlike Michael, he's not interested in scrubbing away bits of himself-- his blackness, his candidness-- to appease the masses. And while Jackson's own twisted fantasies of paranoia and betrayal eventually consumed him whole, West is still aware of his illusions, though that mindfulness becomes increasingly unmoored with each newspaper-splashing controversy. The balance is tenuous, but right now it's working to his advantage. On Twisted Fantasy, Kanye is crazy enough to truly believe he's the greatest out there. And, about a decade into his career, the hardworking perfectionist has gained the talent on the mic and in the control room to make a startlingly strong case for just that.

    Kanye's last album, 2008's 808s and Heartbreak, was heavy on the Auto-Tune and stark synths, but relatively light on grandiose ideas. It was a necessary detour that expanded his emotional palette; a bloodletting after a harsh breakup and the passing of his mother that manifests itself in Twisted Fantasy's harshest lows. But musically, the new album largely continues where 2007's Graduation left off in its maximalist hip-hop bent, with flashes of The College Dropout's comfort-food sampling and Late Registration's baroque instrumentation weaved in seamlessly. As a result, the record comes off like a culmination and an instant greatest hits, the ultimate realization of his strongest talents and divisive public persona. And since the nerd-superstar rap archetype he popularized has now become commonplace, he leaves it in the dust, taking his style and drama to previously uncharted locales, far away from typical civilization.

    He's got a lot on his mind, too. After exiling himself for months following last year's infamous Taylor Swift stage bomb, the rapper made some of his first comeback appearances at the headquarters of Facebook and Twitter in late July. Videos of West standing on a table in tailored GQ duds while gesticulating through new rhymes (sans musical accompaniment) quickly made the rounds. The Silicon Valley visits seemed like a stunt, but they were prophetic. Forever an over-sharer, Kanye was looking for an outlet for his latest mirror-born musings. He found that platform with Twitter, and proceeded to dictate his own narrative in 140 character hits. Whether showing off exotic purchases, defending himself against the press, or going on stream-of-consciousness rants, Kanye finally had the middleman-free, instant-gratification platform he'd always wanted.

    Juiced on the direct connection, he began releasing weekly songs for free online, the generosity of which would be moot if the songs didn't deliver. But they did, over and over, eventually building up the same type of superstar goodwill Radiohead pulled off with their pay-what-you-want In Rainbows release plan and Lil Wayne's free mixtape barrage leading up to 2008's Tha Carter III. So while Kanye can't sing or dance like Michael, he's making meaningful connections in a fresh, oftentimes (ahem) naked way. "When I used to finish an album I would be so excited for my mom to hear the final - final!" he wrote on November 11. "The final - final is what we used to call the... completed album with all the skits!!! I made songs to please one person... MY MOM!!! I would think... would my my Mom like this song!" - Pitchfork    … Expand
  26. Jumpman
    Jan 11, 2016
    10
    Might be my favorite album of all time, a musical experience like no other. Kanye west is one of the best artists of our century and he justifies that by coming up with a different sound every other year and dominating the music world.
  27. IronGaming_
    Dec 22, 2015
    6
    Um... I guess the production was cool, but what he's rapping about doesn't interest me much. I guess the project was "okay". I don't really see all the hype around this record to be honest.
  28. 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
  29. lisiak
    Dec 19, 2015
    10
    My beautiful dark twisted fantasy is a real classic. Favourite tracks 'so apalled', 'dark fantasy', 'runaway' and 'power', but everything is absolutely perfect. :)
  30. Corvus_Mellori
    Nov 25, 2015
    10
    A phenomenal hip hop masterpiece. Provides a great blend of more accessible pop-rap tracks and introspective, grand, and complex rap compositions that really set the bar for hip hop musicians to come. It is large in scope but still a joy to listen to.
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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 »