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. ck1675
    Nov 1, 2012
    10
    If there was ever a definition of a "modern day classic" this would be it. If you don't own this album then you must buy it now. Kanye West bares his soul in an album so bold it will never get old. I come from a guitar based background but this album is extraordinary.
  2. LetzTalkMoveez
    Oct 21, 2012
    10
    An album this meticulously crafted, this unique, this complex, and this endlessly emotional and thrilling deserves all the praise for generations and generations I'm sure it will get; it's a milestone in hip-hop - bending the genre and making it the personal, soulful thing it always aims to be.
  3. monte94
    Sep 25, 2012
    10
    One of the greatest hip hop albums of all time. Kanye West is a pure genius and it showed in this beautiful piece of art - yes, it is art, not just music. Life-altering stuff on there.
  4. TwistedFantasy
    Aug 4, 2012
    10
    One of the greatest albums of the millenium. Every song is different, yet still great. Kanye's rapping, the guest verses, production... it's all great. I really like the aggressively exciting feeling the album gives off. Lost in the World is the best song I've ever heard.
  5. Leandroartgil
    Jul 21, 2012
    10
    AMAZING !!! BRILLIANT !!! Before this album had no opinion about Kanye but after hearing My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy I was completely amazed !!!!!
    If you don't like hip-hop you have to hear this album because I started to love Kanye !
  6. SeeingSounds
    Jul 18, 2012
    10
    20 years from now, when people look back on hip-hop music, and how it's evolved over the years, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy will be looked at as a game changer. In fact, it very well could be grouped along with albums such as 36 chambers and Illmatic as one of the greatest albums in the history of the genre. With this album, West creates a groundbreaking work that has been previously20 years from now, when people look back on hip-hop music, and how it's evolved over the years, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy will be looked at as a game changer. In fact, it very well could be grouped along with albums such as 36 chambers and Illmatic as one of the greatest albums in the history of the genre. With this album, West creates a groundbreaking work that has been previously unseen in the genre as far as artistry goes. The production is unbelievably different from any other hip hop album made, with the instrumentation having such a "real" sound to it, for lack of a better word. With My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, Kanye expands the definition of hip-hop so broadly that many artists will look to this album as inspiration. The saying "hip hop isn't art" although already invalid; My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is probably the finest work of art the genre has seen.… Expand
  7. smokesouljah420
    Jul 14, 2012
    0
    how anyone can listen 2 this album blows my mind, this is total crap, i mean kanye west is not cool, listen 2 real music, not some loser christian rapper or rappers with kids, i mean these people don't know when to quit, i wish i metsomeone who listens to this crap, holy shot **** kanye is awful, with his cocaine smile, and moody behavior, spoiled brat, u ain't no thug
  8. Blurbtwndalines
    Jun 15, 2012
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The greatest gift music has given the earth is its expression. Some of the most beautiful, haunting music is inspired by the most painful moments of an individual's life, think of "For Emma, Forever Ago" or "Pinkerton". So it's no surprise that Kanye West's most inspired, maniacal, and inglorious music was made during a time when the whole world seemed to hate his guts. Sure President Obama repeatedly called him a "jackass" and Taylor Swift now probably throws darts at a picture of his face, but damn the music that resulted from all the self-loathing and self-pity from his self-enforced exile is impressive. Controversy suits Mr. West well, and amazingly the music featured steals the stop-light from his turbulent life. The opening "Dark Fantasy" boasts a triumphant, angelic chorus and sharp lyrical word play that references everything from "Family Matters" to The Kings of Leon, early fan favorite "POWER" is every bit magnificent and moving as its title suggests, "All of the Lights" is a mainstream ready single that features an elegant piano interlude, but it all builds up to the climax "Runaway". The song is hauntingly disarming. Its blunt, unforgiving, uncomfortable, and beautiful. This is the sound of West's life crystalized, it captures all the noisy chatter of the media and his self-hatred into a song that is real in a way that few songs can hope to achieve. All in all this album is a tour-de-deforce and easily West's best work. It may just make you forget whoever Kanye West is, because this isn't just the work of a man; it's the work of his soul.… Expand
  9. sman3579
    Jun 2, 2012
    10
    My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is a great album with well written and produced songs. It is truely a masterpiece. There isn't a bad son on the track at all. It's also nice how each song has a very nice and Lon length to it.
  10. schyguy96
    May 31, 2012
    10
    In November of 2010, I was awaiting nothing more than Kanye West's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. I'll admit, I was a little bit wary of the results, especially after the disappointment from listening to 808's. However, I found myself indulged in the greatest music I'd ever heard. From the only good thing Nicki Minaj has ever done (the intro of Dark Fantasy), the the powerful closingIn November of 2010, I was awaiting nothing more than Kanye West's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. I'll admit, I was a little bit wary of the results, especially after the disappointment from listening to 808's. However, I found myself indulged in the greatest music I'd ever heard. From the only good thing Nicki Minaj has ever done (the intro of Dark Fantasy), the the powerful closing music under Gil Scott-Heron's Comment No. 1. Interspersed with good, marketable music, in addition to some amazing, less mainstream tracks, I found myself loving it the entire time. My personal favorite moments were Gorgeous, Devil in a New Dress, Runaway, and Lost In The World, all of which were staples in the rest of the album. This album is something completely different from most hip-hop we hear today, and is without a doubt one of the greatest, if not the greatest, albums I have ever listened to.… Expand
  11. TheMasterOfCD
    May 30, 2012
    9
    Explorations of Kanye West on the previous Graduation and 808s & Heartbreak pay on this fifth studio album, his best career. Not only do we find the efficiency of raw hip-hop's first efforts - pressing this flow and clever - but West maintains interest throughout the 69 minutes drive thanks to its ability to play with sounds (electric guitar, brass, piano, violins, electronic loops).Explorations of Kanye West on the previous Graduation and 808s & Heartbreak pay on this fifth studio album, his best career. Not only do we find the efficiency of raw hip-hop's first efforts - pressing this flow and clever - but West maintains interest throughout the 69 minutes drive thanks to its ability to play with sounds (electric guitar, brass, piano, violins, electronic loops). Guests and artists sampled (from King Crimson to Bon Iver, KiD CuDi through and Elton John) give an idea of the wide registry covered. Kanye gives birth and takes advantage of very great songs. Not convinced? Take a look at the movie Runaway, available on the web: 33 minutes of the best moments of the compact.… Expand
  12. AnikM
    Apr 21, 2012
    10
    Kanye West was let loose on this concept-ish album, this is sooo Kanye. Crazy beats, self-centered lyrics, artsy and very technical with the production. This album is one of the greatest in rap history with classics like Runaway and Monster and will continue revolutionizing the rap game 5 years from now. The sole downside of this album is the inclusion of Swiss Beatz, one of the worstKanye West was let loose on this concept-ish album, this is sooo Kanye. Crazy beats, self-centered lyrics, artsy and very technical with the production. This album is one of the greatest in rap history with classics like Runaway and Monster and will continue revolutionizing the rap game 5 years from now. The sole downside of this album is the inclusion of Swiss Beatz, one of the worst performers in rap history, but even his part is limited. All in all, this album is a classic and I'm glad I was a fan when it came out.… Expand
  13. markoreos
    Apr 20, 2012
    10
    'My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy' is Kanyes masterpiece, so unique and wonderfully crafted that it's easy to understand it's critical success.
    This 5th album once again shows Kanyes evolving nature, with the album (like his others) taking on it's own persona, sounding like no other Kanye album to date. It's this evolving style that makes Kanye seem so fresh each new release. Can't wait    'My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy' is Kanyes masterpiece, so unique and wonderfully crafted that it's easy to understand it's critical success.
    This 5th album once again shows Kanyes evolving nature, with the album (like his others) taking on it's own persona, sounding like no other Kanye album to date. It's this evolving style that makes Kanye seem so fresh each new release. Can't wait for his 6th studio album now.    … Expand
  14. RedAFX
    Apr 11, 2012
    9
    A meticulously drawn sketch of perfection, Kanye West proves that he is on the top of the world, bringing in new and old friends all over the music world to aid with his magnum opus, he takes influences from Aphex Twin, Trent Reznor, Dr Dre and shows that he can deconstruct his ego to create something truly beautiful.
    The highlight of the album, Monster, is worth the ticket price alone,    A meticulously drawn sketch of perfection, Kanye West proves that he is on the top of the world, bringing in new and old friends all over the music world to aid with his magnum opus, he takes influences from Aphex Twin, Trent Reznor, Dr Dre and shows that he can deconstruct his ego to create something truly beautiful.
    The highlight of the album, Monster, is worth the ticket price alone, with Jay Z's verse interlocking with West's production to unleash a few seconds of intelligent dance music, created from distorted samples and rap vocals, West has created something which is as advanced as technology and his brain can allow it to be; which places him above the rest.
    I give this album an 9 from a 10 for some unintelligent and unnecessarily vulgar lyrical content.    … Expand
  15. BrandonHamm
    Apr 3, 2012
    10
    I'm not the type to just give out 10's to every album I please, but this is a record that truly deserves it. Kanye went the extra mile to release one of the most compelling hip hop albums of all time, inspiring and ground breaking in every way possible. I'll be listening to this one for years to come.
  16. MovieMachine
    Mar 25, 2012
    10
    Kanye West's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is a style all its own, a new form of hip-hop. Kanye makes intelligent collaborations with brilliant writers, both from and not from the hip-hop world, to create an album that astounds, sparkles, and surprises. The sound is very modern, very alternative, and very compatible to Kanye, making recording a breeze. Kanye is aware that his sound isKanye West's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is a style all its own, a new form of hip-hop. Kanye makes intelligent collaborations with brilliant writers, both from and not from the hip-hop world, to create an album that astounds, sparkles, and surprises. The sound is very modern, very alternative, and very compatible to Kanye, making recording a breeze. Kanye is aware that his sound is noticeably different in this album, but recompenses by bringing his unique, powerful vocal swagger into the mix. The result? A subset of hip-hop, a sound that can be appreciated by all people from all walks of Earth (who also appreciate modern music). And the reason this album deserves a double-digit rating is because, although the sound may not be perfect, it can't be improved on. This album has been revised over and over until the perfect sound has been squeezed out. Overall, this album is by far the strongest album from Kanye, the strongest hip-hop album of the year, and arguably one of the best albums of the year.… Expand
  17. KerimBlue
    Mar 25, 2012
    10
    I remember buying this album and putting into my car's CD player on the way back. The booming sounds of "Dark Fantasy" instantly had me hooked. As I kept listening, I was astonished at how good it was. Kanye sure does know how to make fantastic beats and samples. Not to mention he accompanies them with the perfect tone with the right lyrics. One of the best albums of the decade so far. TheI remember buying this album and putting into my car's CD player on the way back. The booming sounds of "Dark Fantasy" instantly had me hooked. As I kept listening, I was astonished at how good it was. Kanye sure does know how to make fantastic beats and samples. Not to mention he accompanies them with the perfect tone with the right lyrics. One of the best albums of the decade so far. The Grammy's got it wrong, and it should have definitely been at least nominated for Album of the Year.… Expand
  18. ChairmanMeow99
    Mar 20, 2012
    7
    I was skeptical about this one, I had never listened to West before. I was pleasantly surprised. While not the greatest thing ever as everyone seems to think, this album shows how West's production talents and some clever rhymes, but the reason it is rated at a 7 is because I find West annoying and he only cares and writes about himself. I listened to his other albums after this one, andI was skeptical about this one, I had never listened to West before. I was pleasantly surprised. While not the greatest thing ever as everyone seems to think, this album shows how West's production talents and some clever rhymes, but the reason it is rated at a 7 is because I find West annoying and he only cares and writes about himself. I listened to his other albums after this one, and him while he was still somewhat humble, he sounds better. I prefer his earlier albums to this one because of West.… Expand
  19. kidwithopinions
    Mar 8, 2012
    10
    I give it a perfect. It had many flaws but they blended so well. He was capable of creating 10+ different sounding songs, but yet put it together as one. Not to mention almost every song had radio play. Not to say that means anything, but just to say it can be playe in different enviromets.
  20. Smartine7
    Feb 27, 2012
    10
    A staggering work of musical genius. A 75-plus minute jaunt through the inner thoughts and passions of a man ravaged by (much-publicized) tragedy. West does not pander to anyone's taste but his own, and the result is something so grandiose, gaudy and good that it practically demands to be identified as a masterpiece. A magnum opus that lives up to its title as West's "Beautiful DarkA staggering work of musical genius. A 75-plus minute jaunt through the inner thoughts and passions of a man ravaged by (much-publicized) tragedy. West does not pander to anyone's taste but his own, and the result is something so grandiose, gaudy and good that it practically demands to be identified as a masterpiece. A magnum opus that lives up to its title as West's "Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy".… Expand
  21. AKBennett
    Feb 24, 2012
    10
    I never thought one of my favorite hip-hop artists would be able to top his first two albums. This album shocked me in accomplishing that feat in only 12 actual tracks. The thematic elements illustrate the intricacies of fame and all that comes with it. West is at the zenith of creativity in his productivity, however the anthemic 'All of the Lights' is challenged by RZA's 'Dark Fantasy'I never thought one of my favorite hip-hop artists would be able to top his first two albums. This album shocked me in accomplishing that feat in only 12 actual tracks. The thematic elements illustrate the intricacies of fame and all that comes with it. West is at the zenith of creativity in his productivity, however the anthemic 'All of the Lights' is challenged by RZA's 'Dark Fantasy' for beat of the album. It's a moody, bombastic, visceral, gritty, polished package laced with West's trademark confidence and emotion. It's truly unfortunate this album was snubbed for an Album of the Year nomination.… Expand
  22. Justinavery7074
    Feb 22, 2012
    10
    Holy **** And I mean holy **** Every track from Dark Fantasy to Who Will Survive In America is **** genius. Especially the song Runaway. Holy **** **** I think I shat my pants around the 5 minute part and then almost came when the song was over. This album sure is dark, twisted but unbelievably beautiful. LISTEN
  23. CalR
    Feb 20, 2012
    9
    Not over-rated at all and deserving its recognition as one of the best mainstream hip-hop releases of the decade. My Beautiful... is complex, satisfying and overcooked in every possible way but its a natural progression to Kanye's swaggery and boastfulness in lyrical content to what essentially is one of the most epic releases of our generation while expanding the genre boundaries.
  24. Tranquilbez22
    Feb 17, 2012
    10
    My Beautiful Dark twisted Fantasy is the "Achtung Baby" of Kanye West albums. Forget what you already know about Kanye and his mic stealing antics. Kanye is more than just some rapper talking about "Living Young,Wild and Free or talking through a overly used Auto-tune (Though 808's and Heartbreaks was mostly auto-tuned). If rappers are modern day poets then Kanye West is the king of ModernMy Beautiful Dark twisted Fantasy is the "Achtung Baby" of Kanye West albums. Forget what you already know about Kanye and his mic stealing antics. Kanye is more than just some rapper talking about "Living Young,Wild and Free or talking through a overly used Auto-tune (Though 808's and Heartbreaks was mostly auto-tuned). If rappers are modern day poets then Kanye West is the king of Modern day poets!… Expand
  25. nizek
    Feb 13, 2012
    10
    Kanye West as good as ever! Best Album 2010.
    A perfect mix between electro-pop ballad 'Runaway' , dynamic and energetic songs like 'POWER' and 'All of the Lights' and rocking sounds. Lyrics brilliant.
  26. KleineSean
    Feb 11, 2012
    10
    This album totally changed my mind about Kanye West. Before the release of this album, I thought he was just another rapper trying to get fame and money and wasn't a true artist. However, one day I was on YouTube and I saw the Runaway video (the longest one, which features all the songs in the album) on the recommendation bar, and I decided to give it a chance. I was extremely shocked atThis album totally changed my mind about Kanye West. Before the release of this album, I thought he was just another rapper trying to get fame and money and wasn't a true artist. However, one day I was on YouTube and I saw the Runaway video (the longest one, which features all the songs in the album) on the recommendation bar, and I decided to give it a chance. I was extremely shocked at how good he was. After that, I bought MBDTF. This album is truly one the best I've heard. It is perfectly produced, the lyrics are deep and it really reinvents the term Hip-Hop. It's a shame that this album wasn't nominated by the Grammys for Album Of The Year.… Expand
  27. MileHii
    Feb 7, 2012
    10
    Yeezy leaves the country for a year and DEFINITELY comes back with a bang. This album is one of his best since Graduation! He managed to reinvent himself and his music yet again! 10/10
  28. TheGorilla
    Jan 31, 2012
    10
    I love this album. Kanye West once again showed us that he's one of the best musicians in music right now. MBDTF has many highlights: Dark fantasy, Blame game, Lost in the world, Runaway, All of the lights etc. I enjoyed the album. It's Kanye's heart served on a plate.
  29. Lacohfilho
    Jan 28, 2012
    10
    Epic! West was able to incorporate your wounded soul in each one of these songs. Recovery really fancy, after all this pretentious Rapper lived. Unmissable and engaging!
  30. Zegilgamesh
    Jan 6, 2012
    9
    My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy crawls into Kanye's psyche and shows his deepest emotions through beautiful soul, well-executed rap, and most importantly killer production.
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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 »