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. greenTYPEWRITER
    Nov 23, 2010
    9
    Excerpt from http://green--typewriters.blogspot.com/ .........................................................I personally relate the excellence of My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy to the fact that this album could, and probably should, have been awful. There was so much pressure stacked against this album and it is jaw dropping that this is what was produced out of all that hate. KanyeExcerpt from http://green--typewriters.blogspot.com/ .........................................................I personally relate the excellence of My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy to the fact that this album could, and probably should, have been awful. There was so much pressure stacked against this album and it is jaw dropping that this is what was produced out of all that hate. Kanye is the epitomist of pop culture and the most self-righteous voice that it has created in a while. He reinsures this fact by producing his best piece of work that is not confined by traditional pop culture models placed on mainstream music. He wonderfully attacks and withholds the glorified level that he is, in all rights, living on. Kanye contextualizes his life into a lived fantasy and he accepts that this life is obviously not defined as normal. More importantly, he is self-aware enough to view it from an outside source, thus purposely naming it his Fantasy. It is his masterpiece as far as we're concerned. It is beautiful. It is utterly personal.. sometimes tragic.. but refreshingly honest.… Expand
  2. thereal_lenny
    Nov 23, 2010
    10
    Haters gon' hate. I think the ratio of negative to positive user reviews tells the whole story. This album is amazing and it isn't cool that people are attempting to maliciously bring down the average score. Metacritic should review scores of 0 for validity.
  3. wlpowell
    Nov 23, 2010
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Since his debut album, Kanye West has strived to bring the soul and music side back to the forefront of mainstream hip-hop, and with every release Mr. West has claimed that he's going to evolve the music by himself whether the genre likes it or not.The real brilliance of this album comes from how well it truly improves upon his previous work. With every album that has come out his celebrity has encompased his artistry a little more and a little more. The boiling point being 808's where the artist finally had enough and created what could've been career suicide had any other hip-hop artist tried it. With this album the artist and the celebrity have come to a beautiful compromise. The celebrity is more self-consious and critical of himself and the world around him (the "Kanye-isms" are humbled), and the artist is more determined and inspired (The production challenges all pop music to be better than it is in epic fashion). Colledge Dropout USED to be his most honest album. Late Registration USED to be his most well rounded. Graduation USED to be his most celebratorial. 808's USED to be his most vulnerable. They all play like peices to a puzzle now. Fantasy compliments the strength of the previous albums so well, and mixes what he's learned from each album so well, that it could act as a direct follow up to any one of them. The guests and samples he brings in show Kanye's reach knows no boundaries. This album plays like an art showing of a tormented artist and as you walk through the gallery you run into the likes of Bon Iver, Kid Cudi, King Crimson, Nicki Minaj, Elton John, Rick Ross, Chris Rock, Smokey Robinson, Rhianna, and the Backyard Heavies. With this album Kanye has grown beyond just a hip-hop artist he's officially achieved the legend status he's been bragging about for the past 4 albums. Simply put, the music invades your mind. When I finally took the CD out of my laptop, the album had already played through 5 times.… Expand
  4. Ricamus
    Nov 23, 2010
    10
    An instant classic. Kanye has always delivered very solid albums, (excluding 808's and heartbreaks, IMO), but My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy takes genius to the next level. Every track is unique and stays fresh for what seems like thousands of listens. The featured artists are numerous and among the most talented in hip-hop. For a while, it seemed like Kanye's career was in a slowAn instant classic. Kanye has always delivered very solid albums, (excluding 808's and heartbreaks, IMO), but My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy takes genius to the next level. Every track is unique and stays fresh for what seems like thousands of listens. The featured artists are numerous and among the most talented in hip-hop. For a while, it seemed like Kanye's career was in a slow descent, but MBDTF along with his spectacular "G.O.O.D Friday" releases will no doubt rejuvenate and reinstate Yeezy as a king of the music industry. Favorite tracks: "Monster", "Dark Fantasy", "Hell of a life", "Gorgeous", "Blame Game".… Expand
  5. Nygfan22
    Nov 23, 2010
    10
    This album has to be the greatest thing I've ever listened to. Every song contains a different story just waiting to be read. Kanye put a lot of work into this album and it shows. It's pretty sad how some people have been reviewing this album based on their personal feelings about Kanye, or about the Taylor Swift incident. If you actually listen to the album you can see the true geniusThis album has to be the greatest thing I've ever listened to. Every song contains a different story just waiting to be read. Kanye put a lot of work into this album and it shows. It's pretty sad how some people have been reviewing this album based on their personal feelings about Kanye, or about the Taylor Swift incident. If you actually listen to the album you can see the true genius that Mr. West is. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy will be album of the year.… Expand
  6. truecritiq
    Nov 23, 2010
    10
    Few artists could get away with this level of genre-bending, norm-shattering composition and hip-hop artistry. West does it completely, convincing audiences to listen closely to his stories and their deep atmospheres. If you are looking for any other Kanye album to compare, you're mistaken. This is a reborn rapper, and with him comes a new era of Kanye-ness. He's smooth-talking, nasty,Few artists could get away with this level of genre-bending, norm-shattering composition and hip-hop artistry. West does it completely, convincing audiences to listen closely to his stories and their deep atmospheres. If you are looking for any other Kanye album to compare, you're mistaken. This is a reborn rapper, and with him comes a new era of Kanye-ness. He's smooth-talking, nasty, and the flows comes much more naturally on this album. He's stopped thinking so much about his listeners, and the result is raw, good raw. Forget cutesy, this album is mean; the kind of beats that make you grimace they're so hard. True hip hop fans finally get something to chew on here, and while I don't know where it stands in the holy 10 of hip hop classics, I can truly say that it is the best hip hop album of this year and perhaps the past 5. It's ambitious, deliberate, and complete. November 22nd is Kanye Day forever.… Expand
  7. astrongerkanye
    Nov 23, 2010
    10
    My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is an instant classic, for the second i put my headphones on and started to listen to the 1st track on the album, i was assured that this album will be Kanyes best album to date.
    The guy is a genius, a living legend. And he was able to accept the events that happened at the VMAs and the backlash he had after it, and put out one of the best albums OF ALL    My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is an instant classic, for the second i put my headphones on and started to listen to the 1st track on the album, i was assured that this album will be Kanyes best album to date.
    The guy is a genius, a living legend. And he was able to accept the events that happened at the VMAs and the backlash he had after it, and put out one of the best albums OF ALL TIME.....OF ALL TIME!    … Expand
  8. BlakeWolfsSN
    Nov 23, 2010
    10
    His 5th album blends pop and rap even better than his past attempts. These are some of the best verses we've seen from Kanye. The instrumentation is so futuristic it's hard to call this the best album of the year. It feels as universal as any all-time classic.
  9. razorick
    Nov 23, 2010
    10
    His best album!! loving it. Album of the year in my opinion. Truly amazing. I just might listen to hip hop some more. I though i would quit listening to rap music.
  10. tghm1801
    Nov 23, 2010
    0
    Doesn't deserve the 98 score, or it's high user score.
    More of the same, and it is terrible.
    Repetitive, derogatory crap.
    I would say I'm disappointed but it's nothing less than what I expected, which was NOTHING.
    Crap.
  11. Kezza
    Nov 23, 2010
    10
    This is a GREAT album. A sure contender for the album of 2010. People that are hating on the album are basically complaining because of some of the words he says. Lets be serious now, if you are a fan of rap music then this is nothing and if you don't like it then you can go and pick up the clean version and then listen to it and you can appreciate the ammount of effort that he puts intoThis is a GREAT album. A sure contender for the album of 2010. People that are hating on the album are basically complaining because of some of the words he says. Lets be serious now, if you are a fan of rap music then this is nothing and if you don't like it then you can go and pick up the clean version and then listen to it and you can appreciate the ammount of effort that he puts into every song. Add GOOD Fridays and that just adds up to the appreciation of effort.
    I don't care what anybody says because All Of The Lights owns all. It has to be played with the interlude. Its just not the same otherwise!    … Expand
  12. eyeneed
    Nov 23, 2010
    10
    I haven't been a Kanye Fan since his first album; but album has revitalized my interest in him. This album is almost a masterpiece; the only track I somewhat dislike is All the Lights ( I find Rihanna's Voice Annoying....but the track as a whole isn't that bad). 9.5/10 ... so I round up
  13. cobaltglass
    Nov 23, 2010
    10
    The mixing and production are great. It's what he cut his teeth doing. The guest list is star-studded and generally does not disappoint, but all rap guests far outshine Kanye when they're at the mic (save for Jay-Z's lazy verse in "Monster"). Kanye's delivery is generally flat and saps the power of lyrics when he does have his moments (see "Blame Game"). When he doesn't have his lyricalThe mixing and production are great. It's what he cut his teeth doing. The guest list is star-studded and generally does not disappoint, but all rap guests far outshine Kanye when they're at the mic (save for Jay-Z's lazy verse in "Monster"). Kanye's delivery is generally flat and saps the power of lyrics when he does have his moments (see "Blame Game"). When he doesn't have his lyrical moments, he's doing the standard disses, recitation of haute-couture brands and freeze-frames of lady trouble. The samples are great and so are the aforementioned extra hands, but they really can't prop this album up much. I almost feel like people are desperate to make a pop star a new godhead in the wake of Michael Jackson's death. So Kanye has willingly donned that mantle with this album. Even Christgau has said as much before. I think this is part of a disturbing trend; as long as stars demonstrate that they have a modicum of self-awareness we give them free passes in criticism. The fact that the reviews focus so much more on the man than the music demonstrates a willing commitment to this attitude. If anyone else made the exact same album, it would have been as passed-by as N.A.S.A.'s album.… Expand
  14. TeewhyThreeD
    Nov 23, 2010
    10
    I think there's enough reviews out there to cover my thoughts.

    All I'm going to say is this album is just a masterpiece in all sense of the word...

    The album itself is a extension of who he is....its too long....too many guest stars...w/e it is....there is a reason for it...

    Hes always been a over the top guy...it only makes sense songs run long and the guest list is filled.

    Brilliant album.
  15. OvaltineJenkinz
    Nov 23, 2010
    10
    One word: Amazing.
  16. djbg
    Nov 23, 2010
    10
    Whether you love him or hate him, there is no denying that Kanye is a musical genius. If you don't agree, then you have not listened to this album yet, or been keeping up with his G.O.O.D. Fridays' free track releases over the last 3 months. 2010 has been the year of Kanye, and this final album release not only meets all high expectations, but surpasses them. This is quite simply, the bestWhether you love him or hate him, there is no denying that Kanye is a musical genius. If you don't agree, then you have not listened to this album yet, or been keeping up with his G.O.O.D. Fridays' free track releases over the last 3 months. 2010 has been the year of Kanye, and this final album release not only meets all high expectations, but surpasses them. This is quite simply, the best album Kanye has released to this date in his career. And there is no denying the simple fact, that this is clearly the album of the year.… Expand
  17. Perspicacious
    Nov 22, 2010
    9
    I signed up to Metacritic purely to point out the following pattern in the negative reviews of Kanye West's brilliant masterpiece, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.

    At this writing, five of the six "1" and "0" scores that were accompanied by written reviews were written by first time reviewers; they have not entered another review on Metacritic, calling their credibility into question.    I signed up to Metacritic purely to point out the following pattern in the negative reviews of Kanye West's brilliant masterpiece, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.

    At this writing, five of the six "1" and "0" scores that were accompanied by written reviews were written by first time reviewers; they have not entered another review on Metacritic, calling their credibility into question. And the one reviewer who wrote more than one review, "Drag," is a fan of -- surprise, surprise -- Taylor Swift's album, as evidenced by the "9" score given to her album, Speak Now.

    Draw your own conclusions and, for the sincere users among you, enjoy listening to the most inventive, creative and downright entertaining album of the year. I know I did.    … Expand
  18. Camc
    Nov 22, 2010
    9
    I'm gonna let you finish but kanye west just came out with one of the best rap albums of all time. Look I love the fact that their are people on here still dissing Kanye as a Person. (what a joke) Look at Kanye as a musician. The man is a genius, and he just proved his talent AGAIN with this album.
  19. dijavantewow
    Nov 22, 2010
    10
    I'm wondering why those Kanye "fans" rated this album poorly claiming it doesn't live up to their expectations or it's not what they expected. If they were fans, they would have known what to expect with G.O.O.D. Fridays posting almost half the album. Anyway, this is a great album. Fantastically produced, and the lyrics are on par with what he did in his first two albums. Just plain good music.
  20. dallasshaldune
    Nov 22, 2010
    10
    This is an album that deserves the acclaim it is getting through the press. It has some pretty awesome transitions between tracks and some pretty cutting edge stuff for a "mainstream" rap album. I actually think a lot of "mainstream" fans are going to resist this album, and for that, and the risk-taking that Kanye is taking, I give this CD a 10.
  21. nigangelo
    Nov 22, 2010
    10
    I approached the album with a great deal of skepticism, but give it a chance. I did, and what can I say the album itself is full of win both lyrically and melodically.
  22. ScorpionWins
    Nov 22, 2010
    10
    Kanye West's best album. His flow, lyrics, the beats, samples - all top notch. Every song is memorable. This album proves that Kanye's not just a rapper or a producer, but an artist. MBDTF is art. Anyone who calls him untalented, even before this album, but certainly now, is straight up WRONG.
  23. Killuminati
    Nov 22, 2010
    10
    This is probably the best album Kanye West has ever put out. Rather than trying to put out another crappy, Autotune infested album like 808s and Heartbreak, he uses classical instrumental and & covers and creates tracks that turns this album into a superb work of art.
    This album is also one of the most hilarious he's ever done. In some tracks, particularly Runaway, Kanye West starts    This is probably the best album Kanye West has ever put out. Rather than trying to put out another crappy, Autotune infested album like 808s and Heartbreak, he uses classical instrumental and & covers and creates tracks that turns this album into a superb work of art.
    This album is also one of the most hilarious he's ever done. In some tracks, particularly Runaway, Kanye West starts dissing himself, toasting to "douche bags, **** scumbags, and jerk-offs". Even in the Bonus track, See Me Now, he mocks his VMA's interrupting of Taylor Swift, even featuring Beyonce.
    All in all, this is probably the best album of the year.    … Expand
  24. alpha
    Nov 22, 2010
    10
    This has the perfect critic rating , still some people here find a way to give it a 0 ! Try and be a smart hater next time !
    I guess the best way to review this album is by telling you the only way you gonna understand its greatness is by listenning to it no matter what type of music youre accustomed to.It goes beyond any genre or stereotype.Its pure artistry.
    This album is a perfect    This has the perfect critic rating , still some people here find a way to give it a 0 ! Try and be a smart hater next time !
    I guess the best way to review this album is by telling you the only way you gonna understand its greatness is by listenning to it no matter what type of music youre accustomed to.It goes beyond any genre or stereotype.Its pure artistry.
    This album is a perfect combination of his 4 previous LPs :
    -Soul of College dropout
    -Hip-hop and Instrumentalism of Late Registration
    -Futurism of Graduation
    -Melodies of 808's
    Its not rewieable but i still give it a big 10 ! Thank you very much Mr West    … Expand
  25. Migeycab
    Nov 22, 2010
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Kanye has been changing his sound with every album but this time its the biggest and best change to date, Every song is a lot different from the last and with guest spots from Jigga, Kid Cudi and Bon Iver it is truly his best piece of work yet… Expand
  26. stfx
    Nov 22, 2010
    10
    this album has everything, it is honestly just a masterpiece. To say this album sucks because of Kanye's personality is utterly stupid. You're not judging the music, but the person. I call this album a masterpiece because of the collaborations, the deliveries, and also how it was put together. When you listen to this album you just hear how amazing it is, and how much effort it took tothis album has everything, it is honestly just a masterpiece. To say this album sucks because of Kanye's personality is utterly stupid. You're not judging the music, but the person. I call this album a masterpiece because of the collaborations, the deliveries, and also how it was put together. When you listen to this album you just hear how amazing it is, and how much effort it took to put together. Every beat is amazing. Thank god this album came out because I'm tired of hearing the stuff on the radio where it's just the same beat and crap. Kanye is back, and better than ever… Expand
  27. Trunks378
    Nov 22, 2010
    10
    One of the best albums of the year and a modern classic in this decade. Kanye has officially become the king of rap as his hero MJ became the king of pop. Amazing.
  28. QTIP1283
    Nov 22, 2010
    9
    This is an excellent album. I would hesitate to call this Kanye's best album, but I do believe it is the realization of all his talents and many persona's. The album begins and ends brilliantly. Many of the songs on this album were released on his website far before the release and this has in a weird way made me skip the middle portion. "Gorgeous" is one of my favorites and featuresThis is an excellent album. I would hesitate to call this Kanye's best album, but I do believe it is the realization of all his talents and many persona's. The album begins and ends brilliantly. Many of the songs on this album were released on his website far before the release and this has in a weird way made me skip the middle portion. "Gorgeous" is one of my favorites and features Kanye at his rapping best alongside Kid Cudi who has a knack for hooks and working well with West. Who is doing this better right now? Nobody comes close and Kanye knows it.… Expand
  29. BtwnTheHedges91
    Nov 22, 2010
    10
    As a serious Kanye fan, who has all albums and tapes, I can truly say that this album brings out what Kanye does best. Not only do Kanye's lyrics transcend his greatness as an artist, but the beats are unreal. Well worthy of a 10/10.
  30. AndrewUltimate
    Nov 22, 2010
    10
    This may well be one of hip-hop's greatest triumphs. With the gifted Kanye West, who remains one of the most of the 21st century, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy begins with "Dark Fantasy", with a narration & introduction by Nicki Minaj. The album is very creative & diverse, with strings as interludes & powerful speeches. Not to mention the Auto-Tune breakdown in the full-lengthThis may well be one of hip-hop's greatest triumphs. With the gifted Kanye West, who remains one of the most of the 21st century, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy begins with "Dark Fantasy", with a narration & introduction by Nicki Minaj. The album is very creative & diverse, with strings as interludes & powerful speeches. Not to mention the Auto-Tune breakdown in the full-length nine-minute-epic "Runaway". Now that's how you use Auto-Tune. The album goes from old-school rap to soaring ballads with tribal drums & sing-along choruses. This sounds nothing like any other music out today. This is the Graceland of 2010.… Expand
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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 »